Dispute Settlement Mechanism
dis-PYOOT SET-ul-ment MEK-ah-niz-um
/dɪˈspjuːt ˈsɛt.əl.mənt ˈmɛk.ə.nɪ.z(ə)m/Listen
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Syllable breakdown
Dictionary meaning
The WTO's quasi-judicial system for resolving trade disputes between member countries; operates through a Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), panels, and an Appellate Body, and is considered one of the most active international dispute resolution systems in the world.
Examples
- The US and EU used the WTO dispute settlement mechanism to resolve the Airbus-Boeing subsidies dispute.
- Cases under the dispute settlement mechanism typically take 15 months from panel establishment to ruling.
Synonyms: DSM, WTO dispute settlement, DSB, trade dispute resolution
Pronunciation tips
Key stages: consultations → panel → Appellate Body review → implementation. The Appellate Body has been non-functional since 2019 due to the US blocking judge appointments — a major WTO crisis.
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