Geoeconomics Uncovered: How Power and Politics Shape the Global Economy

May 23, 2025

Jens Hillebrand-Pohl, a legal scholar and geoeconomic strategist, dives into the intricate world where economics meets politics. He discusses how nations wield economic tools like sanctions and trade policies to assert power, often challenging traditional economic norms. The conversation explores contemporary issues, from the impact of the Trump administration’s policies to the rise of mercantilism. Hillebrand-Pohl emphasizes the need for collaboration across professions to navigate this complex landscape and redefines economic understanding in a multi-polar world.

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INSIGHT

What Is Geoeconomics?

Geoeconomics studies the intersection of geography, economics, and geopolitics.
It explains economic policies driven more by power than classical economic logic.

INSIGHT

Core Tools of Geoeconomics

Key geoeconomic tools include sanctions, trade policies, investment restrictions, and financial regulations.
These tools are used for strategic power aims, not just welfare optimization.

INSIGHT

Power Drives Geoeconomic Policies

Geoeconomic policies focus on power maximization, not just welfare or fairness arguments.
Understanding geoeconomics requires analyzing strategic efficacy, not moral judgment.

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In this thought-provoking episode, Adam Dixon sits down with Jens Hillebrand-Pohl to unpack the fascinating world of geoeconomics —where global power struggles, political motivations, and economic strategies collide. Together, they delve into how nations use economic tools like sanctions, investment restrictions, and trade policies to exert influence and advance national interests, often in ways that defy classical economic reasoning.

Hillebrand-Pohl offers a nuanced, historical perspective on economic statecraft and discusses how contemporary challenges — from the Trump administration’s economic manoeuvres to the resurgence of mercantilist practices- signal a transformative era for global affairs. The conversation highlights the essential role of collaboration across law, finance, risk management, and strategic communication in understanding and navigating the complexities of geoeconomics.

Whether you're a policymaker, strategist, investor, or simply curious about how economics and geopolitics intertwine, this episode offers a timely, insightful guide to decoding the invisible forces shaping our world.

Key Takeaways

Geoeconomics bridges the gap between geography and economics to explain policies that often defy traditional economic logic.
Sanctions and investment restrictions are powerful tools of modern economic statecraft.
Power dynamics — not welfare optimization — often drive national economic policies.
Skepticism and critical analysis are crucial when interpreting political actions and economic decisions.
Geoeconomics is still evolving, with practical applications being developed by multidisciplinary teams of legal, financial, risk, and strategic communication professionals.
The world is witnessing a return to mercantilism and increasingly seeing the state act as an instrument for business interests.

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Adam Dixon

Jens Hillebrand-Pohl

https://www.geoeconomics.fi/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/helsinki-geoeconomics/posts/?feedView=all https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-hillebrand-pohl/