IB and Geopolitics workshop
'Multilateralism and Supranational Institutions in a World of Strained Relations' held at Copenhagen business School, preceeding the 2026 EIBA conference in Aalborg.
Practical information
Porcelænshaven 24
2000 Frederiksberg
WU Vienna, Institute for International Business - Team Puck and VALPOP
In a time marked by intensifying geopolitical tensions, shifting power balances, and the fragmentation of global governance, the role of multilateralism and supranational institutions is being fundamentally redefined. These changes raise urgent questions about how internationally active firms navigate, shape, and are constrained by evolving institutional architectures and geopolitical challenges. This workshop invites researchers who explore the intersection of IB and geopolitics, with a particular focus on multilateral frameworks and supranational governance in a world of strained relations. Join us in Copenhagen if you study or are interested in contemporary challenges of multilateralism and global diplomacy (i.e., the shifting role of international organizations such as the WTO and UNCTAD), the fragmentation of trade and investment treaties, and the interdependence of supranational/national institutions and firm strategy, global value chains, trade, and FDI decisions amid rising nationalism and regulatory challenges. Present and get feedback on your theoretical, empirical, and policy-oriented research, and join us to learn more and engage with academics, practitioners, and policy experts from leading international organizations.
Organizing team is CBS: Kristin Brandl (kb.egb@cbs.dk), Der-Ting Huang (dh.egb@cbs.dk), Vera Kunczer (vk.egb@cbs.dk), Thomas Lindner (tl.egb@cbs.dk). WU Vienna: Jakob Müllner (jakob.muellner@wu.ac.at)
Tentative Schedule
Tuesday 8.12.2026 Workshop + Dinner
Wednesday 9.12.2026 Workshop ends in the afternoon
Workshop format
The program will combine academic, practitioner, and policy perspectives and will include:
- Practitioner/Policy Panel: Representatives from leading IGOs (e.g., UNCTAD, EUIPO, and UNIDO) and policy representatives (e.g., lobbying groups) will share their insights on geopolitical challenges in global business.
- Theme Panel: Leading academics will discuss current research and challenges at the intersection of IB and geopolitics (e.g., Sinziana Dorobantu - NYU, Srividya Jandhyala - ESSEC, and Jonathan Doh – Villanova University)
- Editor Panel: Editors of leading IB and strategy journals will join and share their insights on publishing at the intersection of IB and geopolitics (e.g., editors from JIBS, JIBP, IBR, and GSJ)
- VALPOP Workshop: Presentation of novel data on political networks and the role of populism for global business. Followed by working paper presentations.
- In-person and hybrid Paper Sessions: Interactive sessions where participants present and receive feedback on their work.
- Curiosity Lab: A session where we collectively identify and develop research ideas to progress the field of IB and geopolitics with the help of academics and policymakers.
Tentative program
Day 1 – Tuesday, December 8, 2026
| Time | Session |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration and Coffee |
| 09:00 – 09:15 | Welcome Remarks and Workshop Introduction |
| 09:15 – 10:30 | Expert Panel: International Business Research on Multilateralism and Supranational Institutions under Geopolitical Tensions |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break |
| 10:45 – 12:15 | Paper Session I |
| 12:15 – 13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | VALPOP Panel |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | Curiosity Lab: Developing Future Research Agendas in IB and Geopolitics |
| 15:30 – 15:45 | Coffee Break |
| 15:45 – 17:00 | Paper Session II |
| 17:00 – 18:15 | Expert Panel: Geopolitics and Multilateralism - A World of Strained Relations |
| 19:00 – 22:00 | Workshop Dinner at Norrlyst in the Tower https://norrlyst.dk/taarnet/selskaber/ |
Day 2 – Wednesday, December 9, 2026
| Time | Session |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Coffee and Networking |
| 09:00 – 10:15 | Expert Panel: Publishing Research on IB and Geopolitics |
| 10:15 – 10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 10:30 – 12:00 | Paper Session III |
| 12:00 – 13:15 | Lunch |
| 13:15 – 14:30 | VALPOP Working Paper Session |
| 14:30 – 14:45 | Coffee Break |
| 14:45 – 16:00 | Paper Session IV |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Concluding Remarks and Future Research Directions |
| 16:30 | Workshop Close |
Submission of papers
We welcome both theoretical and empirical papers. Participants may submit one of the following:
Research Ideas: Maximum of 4 pages (up to 1,000 words). Three pages for the proposal, plus one page for references, diagrams, charts, or tables. The 1,000-word limit includes all content.
Full Papers: Working papers of up to 10,000 words (including references and appendices). Papers must include an abstract of no more than 200 words at the beginning. Use 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced. All tables, figures, and appendices should be placed after the references.
Submission Deadline: October 15, 2026
Submissions and Registration
Registration deadline is November 8, 2026 (link coming shortly).
If you make a paper submission remember to also register.
You can participate without submitting a paper, but you should still register your attendance.
