The workshop takes place in the context of the current rise of economic nationalism and unilateralism in trade, which signals an erosion of trust in international trade and the rules that govern it. Trust in the international economic law regime is crucial for stakeholders (such as states, traders and civil society) to be willing to accept the risks inherent in international economic relations and engage collaboratively in the field of trade. This trust is under pressure, as is evident from Brexit and the Trump administrations’ unilateral trade policies. The erosion of trust creates challenges for law making, law reform, and the implementation and enforcement of law governing international economic relations.