The power to settle international disputes with binding authority distinguishes the World Trade Organization from most other intergovernmental institutions. The Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes gives the WTO unprecedented power to resolve trade-related conflicts between nations and assign penalties and compensation to the parties involved. A Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) that consists of the WTO's General Council administers dispute settlement. The DSB has the authority to "establish panels, adopt panel and Appellate Body reports, maintain ...