---
title: "Negative (Reverse) Consensus Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "Negative consensus is a decision rule where proposals pass unless all members reject them. It's key in WTO's dispute resolution process."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/negative-consensus"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Negative consensus is a decision rule under which a proposal is adopted automatically unless every member, including its proponent, agrees by consensus to reject it.
- How does negative consensus differ from positive consensus?
- Which DSU articles embody negative consensus?
- Why was negative consensus introduced in the WTO in 1995?
- How does the Appellate Body crisis affect negative consensus?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Negative consensus is a decision rule under which a proposal is adopted automatically unless every member, including its proponent, agrees by consensus to reject it.

Go beyond the definition

## Research negative (reverse) consensus like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Timeline

1. 1 January 1995

   The mechanism's most consequential application is in the World Trade Organization's Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU), annexed to the Marrakesh Agreemen…

2. 11 December 2019

   The WTO Appellate Body ceased to function on after the United States blocked the appointment of new members, leaving fewer than the three required to hear a…

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about negative (reverse) consensus

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on negative (reverse) consensus](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20negative%20\(reverse\)%20consensus%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 2019 the United States blocked Appellate Body appointments, exploiting DSU Article 16.4 to "appeal into the void," thereby frustrating the negative-consensus adoption of panel reports it had lost.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

[International Courts Tribunals Beyond The Icj Icc](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/exam-global-institutions-international-courts-tribunals-beyond-the-icj-icc)[Wto The Trade Regime](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/exam-global-institutions-wto-the-trade-regime)[International Trade Law The Wto Dispute System](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/exam-international-law-international-trade-law-the-wto-dispute-system)

Courses

[Exam Global Institutions](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/exam-global-institutions)[Exam International Law](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/exam-international-law)

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take negative (reverse) consensus beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.