Dispute Settlement at the WTO

Abstract

This issue of Trade Hot Topics examines the current state of WTO dispute settlement with a focus on repercussions for Commonwealth countries. It begins by outlining the dispute settlement profile of Commonwealth states, then turns briefly to the history of the Appellate Body. It discusses the technicalities of one proposed option to temporarily fill the void left by the Appellate Body's absence, assessing its merits and explaining what it might portend for participating and non-participating members. It concludes with recommendations for the consideration of Commonwealth states as they seek to define and promote their dispute settlement interests in the current WTO environment.