Daily Junction.mobi portalThe WTO has 164 member countries representing 98% of world trade, with rules covering tariffs, subsidies, intellectual property, and services. The WTO's dispute settlement system has resolved over 600 trade disputes since 1995, acting as the world's trade court. Decisions require consensus of all members, making reform difficult — the Doha Round launched in 2001 has still not concluded. The US blocked appointments to the WTO's appellate body from 2017-2020, effectively paralysing the dispute system. Critics say the WTO favours rich countries and corporations over developing countries and workers, while supporters say it prevents trade wars and promotes prosperity. The WTO faces major challenges including US-China tensions, the Appellate Body crisis, digital trade, climate change, and the rise of regional trade agreements. The WTO is imperfect, slow, and often toothless, but it remains the only global forum for setting trade rules and settling disputes. In an age of rising protectionism and trade tensions, the WTO's role is more important than ever — even if its power is limited.