Abstract: The dynamics of global trade have changed significantly in the last few years and geopolitical risk has emerged as one of the most important forces shaping the future of global trade. Rising strategic rivalry, trade wars, sanctions, regional conflicts, and growing concerns over economic security are changing how countries and firms are managing trade across borders. Rather than operating in a predictable environment guided mainly by comparative advantage and efficiency, global trade is increasingly influenced by political alignment, supply chain resilience, and the need to reduce dependence on vulnerable partners.
This seminar will delve upon the reshaping of trade patterns, trade policy, and global value chains in times of geopolitical risk. It will discuss the shift from globalization toward fragmentation, diversification, and selective decoupling, with particular attention to sectors such as semiconductors, energy, critical minerals, and advanced technologies. The seminar will also explore how multinational firms are responding through strategies such as reshoring, friend-shoring, and supplier diversification, while governments are combining industrial policy with trade restrictions to safeguard national interests. By linking geopolitical developments with trade outcomes, the seminar aims to provide a better understanding of how the global trading system may evolve in an era of uncertainty, volatility and strategic competition.

About the lecturer: Dr. Niti Bhasin is Professor at the Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, India and has a teaching and research experience of more than 25 years. She is the Coordinator of International Relations and also heads the Ph. D. programme of the Department. A University topper (Gold medalist) in the M. Com. Examination (2000) of University of Delhi, she has authored books in the areas of foreign direct investment (FDI) and ease of doing business. Her areas of specialization include international trade policy, multinational enterprises, sustainable development and foreign direct investment. She has been a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of European Global Studies, University of Basel, Switzerland.

Prof. Bhasin was conferred the ‘Excellence Award for Teachers in Service’ in March 2023 by the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi in recognition of outstanding contribution to research and academic activities. She has contributed research papers in journals of repute including Journal of Business Research, Multinational Business Review, and Journal of International Trade and Economic Development. She is the co-recipient of ‘Best Business Academic of the Year Award’ (2011) awarded by the Indian Commerce Association.
In addition, she has been engaged in consultancy assignments with policy think tanks including Centre for Regional Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India; and with organizations like French Institute in India, Embassy of France; and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Indian Academy of Management (INDAM) and Executive Board Member of AIB South Asia Chapter. Prof. Bhasin is also the founding Editor of FOCUS: Journal of International Business, a double-blind peer-reviewed journal that has been in regular publication since the last 12 years.