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Introduction
In a world defined by interconnected economies, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and competitive markets, understanding how business, international relations, and political economy intersect is no longer optional—it’s essential. Business, International Relations, and Political Economy course, offered by the Geneve Institute of Business Management, provides a structured and in-depth exploration of the strategic forces shaping global commerce and political decision-making. This course offers a unique lens into the symbiotic relationship between private enterprise, state actors, and international frameworks, enabling participants to interpret global shifts and respond with clarity and foresight.
Target Group
- Professionals engaged in international business or trade negotiations
- Government personnel and policy advisors in economic or diplomatic sectors
- Researchers and postgraduate students specializing in political economy or global affairs
- Corporate strategists, investment managers, and risk analysts
Objectives
- To explore how political institutions and policies shape business environments globally
- To examine international economic structures, agreements, and global power dynamics
- To evaluate business strategies in response to shifting geopolitical conditions
- To strengthen analytical capacity in understanding global economic and political trends
Course Outline
- Understanding Political Economy
- Definitions and historical context of political economy
- The interdependence of political systems and markets
- Evolution from classical to modern political economy thought
- Power structures in shaping global economic behavior
- The Role of Business in Global Politics
- Businesses as non-state actors on the world stage
- Influence of corporations on domestic and foreign policy
- Public-private sector interactions in policy development
- Corporate lobbying and strategic influence
- Sovereignty and Economic Policy
- National control over economic decisions
- The impact of state interventions on business environments
- Protectionism vs. open markets in national strategies
- State capitalism and hybrid economic models
- Government-Business Relations
- Regulatory environments and market entry conditions
- Strategic partnerships between states and firms
- Influence of domestic politics on economic policy
- The role of state-owned enterprises in the global market
- Institutional Frameworks for Trade
- Overview of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Regional trade agreements and their legal implications
- Trade arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms
- Standards, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers
- Business Strategy in Trade Policy
- Navigating rules of origin and market access regulations
- Responding to trade wars and economic sanctions
- Supply chain diversification and export strategy
- Leveraging trade agreements for competitive advantage
- Economic Tools in Foreign Policy
- Trade sanctions and embargoes as strategic instruments
- Economic aid and development funding as leverage
- Conditionality in economic diplomacy
- Export controls and security-driven trade policy
- Business and Geopolitical Tensions
- Impact of armed conflict on trade and investment
- Political instability and business continuity planning
- Navigating sensitive industries in volatile regions
- Role of multinationals in post-conflict reconstruction
- Global Presence of Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
- Strategic motives behind international expansion
- Legal and tax considerations in global operations
- Cross-border compliance and ethical obligations
- Role of MNCs in shaping labor and environmental norms
- Interaction with International Organizations
- MNC engagement with UN bodies and Bretton Woods institutions
- Influence in global standard-setting bodies
- Corporate input in trade and economic policy forums
- Public-private collaboration in international development
- Identifying Political Risk
- Types of political risk: expropriation, unrest, instability
- Government turnover and regulatory volatility
- Judicial risk and legal system inconsistency
- Political interference in private sector operations
- Mitigation Strategies
- Insurance tools and political risk hedging
- Structuring joint ventures to minimize exposure
- Engaging local stakeholders to build political goodwill
- Scenario planning and adaptive market strategies
- The Politics of Development Aid
- Motivations behind donor country policies
- Conditionality and influence in aid distribution
- Bilateral vs. multilateral aid frameworks
- Development finance institutions and their roles
- Foreign Investment and State Development Goals
- Alignment of foreign investment with national interests
- Resource management and foreign investor accountability
- Infrastructure projects and long-term sovereignty concerns
- Balancing development with debt sustainability
- Energy Politics and Global Influence
- Geopolitics of oil, gas, and renewable energy
- Nationalization of resources and investor implications
- Energy transit routes and strategic chokepoints
- Global energy alliances and competition
- Climate Policy and Economic Transformation
- Carbon regulation and its impact on industry
- Transition to green economy: risks and opportunities
- International climate agreements and compliance challenges
- Balancing environmental goals with economic growth
- Regional Trade Blocs and Political Objectives
- The EU, ASEAN, MERCOSUR, and others: structure and purpose
- Economic convergence and regional stability goals
- Impact on external partners and global trade flows
- Policy harmonization and sovereignty trade-offs
- Business Strategies in Integrated Markets
- Accessing regional value chains and common markets
- Navigating bloc-specific regulatory requirements
- Leveraging economies of scale through regional presence
- Monitoring bloc-level policy shifts and market signals
- Institutions of Global Finance
- Role of the IMF, World Bank, and BIS
- Global financial regulation and stability mechanisms
- Debt relief, conditionality, and reform agendas
- Influence of financial institutions on domestic policy
- The Shifting Balance of Economic Power
- Rise of emerging economies and alternative institutions
- Competing financial centers and currency politics
- Power shifts from West to East: implications for business
- Realignment of global governance structures
