Geoeconomics

Geoeconomics

Under this moniker we have grouped the issues associated with the at times uneasy interplay between national economic interests and wider geopolitical considerations. The EU’s unhealthy dependence on Russian energy is a case in point, as well as the highly controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which took a war to get cancelled. By examining economic tools and resources, such as trade, investment, sanctions, and technological developments, Geoeconomics sheds light on how states leverage their economic strength to shape global dynamics and achieve geopolitical objectives—and how this can clash with the common EU interests.

Related articles

Geoeconomics and Foreign Economic Policy – Quo Vadis EU?

Andreas Baur

Rising protectionism and geoeconomic tensions pose a major challenge, especially for the EU. In many cases, however, the key to strengthening economic security lies in deepening international trade relations, not in protecting domestic production. This policy brief presents four propositions on the future direction of the EU’s foreign economic policy.

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Zeitenwende in German-Chinese Trade Relations?

Evidence from German Firms

Andreas Baur and Lisandra Flach

The Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022 marked not only a turning point (Zeitenwende) for German security policy but also for German foreign economic policy. From a European standpoint, the war served as a painful reminder of how economic dependencies can be used as political leverage, bringing the geopolitical dimension of trade relations and economic interdependencies into public focus. In particular, economic ties with the People’s Republic of China are increasingly being scrutinized. The ifo Institute conducted a representative survey with German firms in February 2024 to assess changes in their reliance on Chinese inputs since the outbreak of the war and firms’ plans regarding their supply relationships with China.

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A New Trump Era and Its Consequences

A New Trump Era and Its Consequences

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Expert Opinion
After the Super Tuesday primaries on March 5 at the latest, it will be a certainty: Donald Trump will be the Republican candidate for the US presidential election. What then? An election victory for the unpredictable politician in November would have far-reaching consequences for Europe and the rest of the world. Not only in terms of foreign and security policy, but also for international trade and climate policy.
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Monitoring the Impact of Sanctions on the Russian Economy

Quarterly Report Vol. 2

Vasily Astrov, Lisa Scheckenhofer, Camille Semelet, Feodora Teti

In 2023, Russia experienced a 3.5% economic growth, but forecasts for 2024 indicate a slowdown to 1.5% due to tightened monetary policies and the expected global economic slowdown. Despite large military spending and Western energy sanctions eroding budget revenues, fiscal deficits have been generally kept under control. Intensified scrutiny of third-country firms violating energy sanctions widened discounts on Russian oil prices in late 2023. Generally, Russian import patterns remained relatively stable. In particular, EU exports of economically critical and common high priority goods to Russia in November 2023 represent just 2% of its prewar levels, underscoring the effectiveness of sanctions in halting direct exports. Besides China and Hong Kong, Türkiye and CIS countries became vital suppliers, meeting Russia's demand for economically critical goods and high-priority items.

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