Mul­ti­la­te­ra­lism and Supra­na­tio­nal In­sti­tu­tions in a Wor­ld of Strai­ned Re­la­tions

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. 

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. 

Submission link: Please submit your work here: https://forms.gle/WthWXGgrNjQzYXxp7 

Tentative Schedule
Tuesday 8.12.2026 Workshop + Dinner 

Wednesday 9.12.2026 Workshop ends in the afternoon

• The 2026 EIBA Aalborg conference starts on Thursday, 10.12.2026, with pre-conference workshops