Republic of Argentina v. Weltover

Citation

504 U.S. 607 (1992)

Facts

Stub — to be completed.

Issue

Stub — to be completed.

Holding

Stub — to be completed.

Rule

Argentina’s issuance of bonds to reschedule private debt obligations constituted “commercial activity” under the FSIA; a foreign state engages in commercial activity when it acts as a private player in the market rather than using the powers peculiar to sovereigns.

Significance

Key case defining “commercial activity” under FSIA § 1603(d); the relevant inquiry is the nature of the act (commercial vs. governmental), not its purpose; contracts to borrow money are inherently commercial.

Courses