In this issue, the Journal of the World Studies presents five selected articles focusing on the dispute settlement mechanism under the global trading system and salient issues relating to trade relations at the regional level. Topics related to the global trading system analysed in this edition, include the dispute between the US and China and the implementation of cross-agreement retaliation. Articles covering the regional level of trade discuss: the cumulative rules of origin for closer economic integration by focusing on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) single market perspective; the formation of bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and ASEAN agreements; and also the Indonesian government policy on creative economy in order to cope with the ASEAN Economic Community.