Suhaizad Saifuddin

ASEAN's active participation as a third party in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) preserves its economic interests while strengthening regional cohesion and cooperation. However, challenges such as limited resources, diverse national interests, and lack of legal competence remain. This paper examines the benefit and challenges of ASEAN’s participation as third parties in the WTO through qualitative document analysis and critical case studies. It underscores the need for third-party involvement in enhancing WTO DSM, boosting transparency, and contemplating broader global trade effects. The study proposes capacity-building efforts, improved intra-ASEAN cooperation, and partnerships with other WTO members and international organizations. As ASEAN's economic integration and global trade, activity grows, so will its role in the WTO DSM, underlining the importance of strategic and collaborative engagement in international trade law and policy.