How geoeconomics could affect the sustainable development of global trade & supply chains

How geoeconomics could affect the sustainable development of global trade & supply chains

We first began this discussion at F&L at Nike (Oct 2025) and continued in depth in April 2026 in Ghent.  With and for F&L members, I have compiled a report under the guidance of Associate Professor Stavros Karamperidis at Plymouth University in the UK.

Focus

Looking at geoeconomics’ prominent role in global affairs today and of its wide use by some countries, we largely agreed that it can be an effective means of achieving geostrategic goals.  We considered geoeconomics as weapons or instruments of warfare, and for energy weaponisation (statistics presented).  Many found it interesting to note both the sheer range of geoeconomics tools and their rankings; understanding that tariffs is not number 1.  We discussed  that ‘the world is entering a new geoeconomic era—one increasingly characterised as a zero-sum game’ and found – perhaps unsurprisingly – wide agreement from senior leaders.

Some of the discussion points in April 2026

• Diverse geoeconomic tools, beyond tariffs, impact global trade & supply chains amid the green transition and energy-related instability
• Prepared, resilient responses to geoeconomic risks can turn threats into opportunities and competitive advantage
• Certain countries, such as China, turn geoeconomics into power, by securing minerals, leading green tech, and reshaping global energy dominance.

Report

Please ask if you would like a copy of my report.

Paschalis Evangelidis
Plymouth University
April 2026