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The Ebola Epidemic and Force Majeure : Expecting the Unexpected
Author(s) -
Polkinghorne Michael,
Rosenberg Charles B.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
alternatives to the high cost of litigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1549-4381
pISSN - 1549-4373
DOI - 10.1002/alt.21557
Subject(s) - force majeure , obligation , liability , business , politics , law , political science
Earlier this year, Luxembourg manufacturer ArcelorMittal announced that it was suspending an iron ore expansion project in Liberia due to the deadly Ebola epidemic in West Africa. The company had claimed force majeure , a common clause in international contracts that frees both parties from liability or obligation when an event beyond the control of the parties prevents performance. Force majeure clauses thus serve as a precaution against the risks posed by certain economic, political, and natural disaster events.