The flags of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe countries near headquarters of OSCE in Vienna, Austria

Kiel Initiative

Geopolitics and Economics

The international order is undergoing fundamental changes. Geopolitical tensions have increased, with the Russia-Ukraine war and the escalating China-US competition being just the most visible signs. These developments raise questions on the interlinkages of economics and politics that are not well understood. 

  • How do geopolitical risks affect the global economy, in particular international trade and finance?
  • How does the international balance of power interrelate with economic trends?
  • And how are economic tools used to achieve geopolitical goals?

The Kiel Initiative in Geopolitics and Economics (KIGE) will foster the production and dissemination of knowledge on these questions. We will build a global network of researchers and policymakers working at the intersection of economics and geopolitics. Among its key activities, the initiative will host conferences, workshops, and online talks. The aim is to provide a common platform to productively interact - regardless of background and methods used. We are interested in both empirical and theoretical projects and ideas, and we will cover a variety of fields related to geopolitics, including macroeconomics, international trade, finance, political economy, economic history, and international relations.

Our Partners

> Kiel-CEPR Conference 2024 on Geoeconomics (Videos, Photos & Program)

> Kiel-CEPR Conference 2023 on Geoeconomics (Videos, Photos & Program)

> Kiel-CEPR Conference 2022 (Videos, Photos & Program)

The initiative will cover a broad range of topics, including the following:

  • International Trade and Geopolitics
    • Economic dependence and interdependence
    • The geopolitics of global value chains
    • Globalization and decoupling
    • Trade wars
  • International Finance and Geopolitics
    • Effects on capital flows, foreign investments and asset prices
    • The geopolitics of global reserve currencies and safe assets
    • The strategic allocation of financial aid
  • Economic Aspects of Conflict and Cooperation
    • The economics of wars
    • Sanctions
    • Globalisation and conflict
    • Alignments and alliance formation
  • National Security
    • Defense expenditures and arms trade
    • Technological sovereignty and competition
    • Energy and food security
    • Securing raw materials and critical inputs

Ukraine Support Tracker

The commitments of other countries to support Ukraine. A database of military, financial and humanitarian Aid.

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