The Geoeconomic Playbook of Global Trade - A Geneva Security Debate

In an increasingly interconnected world, the dynamics of global trade are no longer driven solely by economic principles but by strategic geopolitical calculations. The "Geoeconomic Playbook" refers to the growing use of economic tools—such as tariffs, trade agreements, finance, aid and investments—as instruments of geopolitical influence.

During our Geneva Security Debate, we will explore how nations use economic leverage to assert power on the global stage. We will focus on the risks and rewards of such strategies, and the implications for multilateralism, international cooperation, economic stability, and development. Is the geoeconomic approach a necessary evolution of global trade, or does it risk fragmenting the international order, undermining trust, and escalating tensions between major powers? How can nations best navigate this new interplay of economics, geopolitics and strategy.

Speakers

• Mr Ali Ahmadi, Executive-in-Residence, Global Fellowship Initiative, GCSP and Director of Geoeconomics & Sanctions at ReshapeRisk
• Prof Ralph Ossa, Chief Economist and Director Economic Research and Statistics Division, World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Dr Ivan Ureta, Director of Executive Education, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)      

Chair 

• Dr Christina Schori Liang, Head, Counterterrorism and PVE, Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)