DescriptionThere is a common misconception that developing countries come out “behind” in their relationship with the World Trade Organization (WTO). While studies show that litigation between parties in the United States often result in the “haves coming out ahead,” this is not true (yet) in the case of WTO litigation. Based on data from the first decade of cases in the WTO Dispute Settlement system, it appears that countries with lower economic levels tend to win WTO disputes more often than their richer and more experienced counterparties. This study also shows that while developing countries have low participation levels, insofar that their reasons for not participating has to do with a fear of bias toward economic levels, such a reason is unfounded.