Challenging arbitration: how can its history inform its current (e-)practice?

The paper firstly details the history of arbitration, with a focus on the Italian context – which represent a case study, also in the light of the increasing relevance of the Milan Chamber of Arbitration in the international playing field. Then, the attention of the reader is drawn to arbitration vis-à-vis information technology. The growing significance of the internet moved dispute resolution methods towards ODR: online arbitration, which incorporates modern IT in order to support and maintain the entire process online with less sophisticated procedures. The article concludes with some comments on the new challenges on this issue, showcasing that, all in all, arbitration is “just” getting started, and is now increasingly looking forward to the best interest of e-commerce stakeholders.