The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established in 1995 as the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and aims to supervise and liberalize international trade according to agreed upon rules. The WTO works to ensure global trade flows smoothly and predictably through creating a multilateral system of rules that its member nations have ratified domestically. While there are no set definitions, members self-identify as developed or developing countries and can use provisions available to developing countries if not challenged by other members.