This study examines the WTO provisions for arbitration and their underutilisation when compared with litigation. It specifically assesses Articles 21.3(c), 22.6 and 25 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU). Of these provisions for arbitration, DSU Article 21.3(c) is most often invoked, while Article 25 is seldomly used. The paralysis in the Appellate Body and the proposed Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) have renewed the WTO s attention on Article 25. The study examines this new feature and makes some projections about the WTO s future. It argues that there is a direct relationship between MPIA s success and Article 25's increased usage. There is a concern, however, about whether MPIA s success will disincentivise interest and urgency in resolving the Appellate Body's gridlock. While MPIA Members have signalled their commitment to resolving the issue, it remains to be seen whether this will happen and whether the Appellate Body will become functional once again.

中文翻译：

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仲裁作为 WTO 的替代争端解决机制

本研究探讨了与诉讼相比，WTO 仲裁条款及其未充分利用的情况。它专门评估了争端解决谅解 (DSU) 第 21.3(c)、22.6 和 25 条。在这些仲裁条款中，DSU 第 21.3(c) 条最常被援引，而第 25 条则很少被使用。上诉机构的瘫痪和拟议的多方临时上诉仲裁安排 (MPIA) 重新引起了 WTO 对第 25 条的关注。该研究考察了这一新特征，并对 WTO 的未来做出了一些预测。它认为 MPIA 的成功与第 25 条的使用增加之间存在直接关系。然而，人们担心 MPIA 的成功是否会削弱解决上诉机构僵局的兴趣和紧迫性。