# Trade, Geopolitics and Industrial Policy

Managing geopolitical tensions and national economic imperatives while maintaining a rules-based trading system.

[Learn more](https://initiatives.weforum.org/trade-and-geopolitics/about)


## The challenge

The case for free trade is under unprecedented pressure. Rising geopolitical tensions combined with supply chain shocks and social and environmental imperatives, have called into question the fundamentals of the global trading system.Trade and investment is increasingly seen as a zero-sum game rather than win-win, leading to growing mistrust, unilateral interventions and abandonment of the rules-based system.


## The opportunity

The Forum stands uniquely positioned to help distinguish the signal from the noise and promote evidence-based decision-making by governments and business leaders.For those countries and companies who are agile enough to maneuver adroitly in these times of increased tension and unpredictability, big gains stand to be won.From the current inflection point there is an opportunity to re-build trust and restore the centrality of cooperation over confrontation.


## Our response

Leveraging its network of partners from business, government and academia, the Forum is fostering evidence-based discussion that seeks to promote trade as an area for geopolitical cooperation rather than confrontation. See our initiatives page to learn more about the work we are doing in this area.


### Convene

Bring together leaders, experts and practitioners from business, government and civil-society to pool knowledge and experience, harnessing insights to foster understanding.


### Leverage

Deliver actionable outcomes to support businesses and policymakers in navigating the challenges and opportunities facing the international rules-based trading system.


### Disseminate

Sharing evidence-based insights to empower business leaders and policymakers, equipping them with the tools to drive positive change and lasting impact.