The Two Faces of Severability: A Study in International Contracting

Abstract

This article represents a unique attempt in academic literature to develop an all-comprehensive framework of severability in international contracts. After defining severability as a mechanism due to which a specific contract provision is insulated from the remainder of the contract, this article examines both the transactional and procedural variations of this notion. It prescribes a set of tools for maximizing the utility of transactional severability, on the one hand, and a set of rules for reinforcing the integrity of international adjudication through procedural severability, on the other. At the same time, this article critically analyses the downsides of these variations, proposing possible corrections to their application in international contracting. severability doctrine, severability clauses, international contracting, dispute resolution, contract negotiation, international business, business transactions