Course Description :

This course introduces students to geo-economics, where economic tools are used for geopolitical goals. It covers the intersection of international business, statecraft, trade policy, and financial warfare.

Students will analyze how countries use trade, investment, sanctions, currency, and technology to pursue national interests beyond traditional military means.

Learning Outcomes :
• Understand the concept of geo-economics and distinguish it from geopolitics.
• Analyze global power shifts through an economic lens.
• Evaluate the impact of state-driven economic strategies on international trade and markets.
• Assess the role of multinational corporations within geo-economic conflicts.
• Develop strategic recommendations for businesses navigating geo-economic risks.

Course Content & Weekly Breakdown :

Week 1
Introduction to Geo-economics
- What is Geo-economics? Definition and Scope
- Geo-economics vs Geopolitics
- The rise of economic statecraft

Week 2
Theories and Historical Foundations
- Mercantilism to Modern Strategic Trade
- Case Study: The British Empire & Economic Hegemony
- Realism vs Liberalism in Economic Policy

Week 3
Power and Global Trade
- Trade Wars and Tariffs as Tools of Power
- WTO & the weakening of multilateral trade governance
- Case Study: US-China Trade War

Week 4
Sanctions and Financial Statecraft
- Types of Sanctions: Comprehensive, Sectoral, Targeted
- The US Dollar Weaponization & SWIFT System
- Case Study: Russia (Crimea 2014, Ukraine 2022)

Week 5
Energy and Commodities in Geo-economics
- Energy Security & Supply Chains
- Resource Nationalism
- Case Study: OPEC+ and Gas Diplomacy in Europe

Week 6
Technology, Data & Cyber-Economics
- Technological Decoupling (US-China Tech War)
- Digital Infrastructure and 5G Politics
- Semiconductors and Strategic Autonomy

Week 7
Belt and Road Initiative & Global Infrastructure Power
- China's Belt & Road Initiative: Economic Expansion or Political Leverage?
- Debt Diplomacy & Soft Power Projections

Week 8
The European Union’s Geo-economic Strategy
- Strategic Autonomy & Economic Sovereignty
- EU Trade and Competition Policy as Power Tools
- Case Study: European Response to US Tech Giants & Chinese Investments

Week 9
Multinational Corporations in a Geo-economic World
- Corporate Diplomacy & Political Risk Management
- ESG & Ethical Dilemmas in Sanctioned Markets
- Scenario Workshop: Business Decisions Under Sanctions

Week 10
The Future of Geo-economics
- Deglobalization vs Selective Globalization
- Climate Policy as a Geo-economic Tool (CBAM, Green Transition)
- Emerging Risks and Opportunities