Swords into Plowshares: A Pilgrimage for the CSS Alabama

Abstract During the American Civil War, Britain sold ships to Southern Confederacy in breach of neutrality obligations, triggering a dispute with United States carrying threats armed conflict. Some politicians saw as an opportunity annex Canada, then weak assemblage British colonies. Ultimately, arbitration Geneva averted war, opening era long Anglo-American cooperation. The historical consequence this landmark 1872 remains difficult overstate. In addition its diplomatic importance, case introduced significant procedural precedents for international arbitration, including dissenting options, reasoned awards, party-appointed arbitrators, collegial deliberations, and arbitrators’ declarations on their own jurisdiction. saga CSS Alabama, vessel from which took name, provides narrative griping detail arbitral proceedings prove meaningful legal legacy.