The volume consists of two parts. Part 1 discusses economic friction in the Asia-Pacific region from three aspects: macroeconomic and microeconomic friction, and that between the state and the market mechanism. Included in the discussion are the recent financial crisis and the economic friction it entailed, the trend of regional integration and its impact on internal and external trade and foreign direct investment, as well as specific types of trade friction and their causes. A case study of the automobile industry is presented. Agricultural trade is also analysed in the context of economic development and the frictions between the state and the market mechanism.

In Part 2, four types of legal frameworks for dispute resolution are examined. Firstly, the APEC scheme is contrasted with the EU's experience of flexibility and contestability. Then the system of insurance in maritime law is illustrated with particular reference to the handling of dangerous materials such as nuclear or chemical substances. Thirdly, friction in legal procedures in the telecommunications industry is studied as a concrete example of dispute resolution. Finally, the arbitration mechanism is discussed as a scheme to resolve international commercial disputes.