With the ongoing US-China tensions and economic response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, trade has taken a ‘geopolitical turn’. Trade policy is increasingly linked to geopolitical risks, but is also used as a tool to advance broader foreign policy objectives, such as protecting national security interests, tackling climate change and promoting human rights.
In light of this shifting geopolitical landscape, major trading blocks are adapting their approach to trade. The EU, for example, is pursuing ‘open strategic autonomy’, and taking steps to counter the use of economic coercion by third countries. This event will address the following questions:
- What challenges does the intersection of geopolitics and trade present?
- How does the ‘geopoliticization’ of trade affect the agenda and priorities of major trading blocs, in particular the approach to China, free trade agreements with key partners, and the rules-based system of international trade ahead of the 12th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference?
- Will the new geopolitical and strategic context help to rebuild domestic support for trade?
The discussion is part of the Chatham House Global Trade Policy Forum. We would like to take this opportunity to thank founding partner AIG and supporting partners Clifford Chance LLP, Diageo plc and UPS for their generous support of the forum.
