By all accounts and analyses, the upcoming elections in the US will be one of the most consequential in generations, with profound implications not only for domestic policy but with the potential to reshape America’s role in the world order.

Alternative dispute resolution involves resolving conflicts with the assistance of a neutral third party, offering a flexible alternative to traditional court systems. While its formal use is expanding in state-organised courts, informal methods of dispute resolution have long been common in various settings, from market operators to criminal actors. In many situations, extra-legal arrangements based on trust become vital when formal legal routes are impractical or unavailable.