Geoeconomics

The topic area “geoeconomics” examines how policies related to trade, technology, finance, and energy can be used as tools to achieve strategic goals. If Europe is to remain a key international player, the continent must help define the rules of the new global order. DGAP experts assess what Germany can do to better position Europe in this increasingly competitive landscape.

Research in this topic area is carried out by various teams at DGAP. You can find more information about our research centers here: https://dgap.org/en/research-institute

Recent publications

Qatar, Ras Laffan Industrial City, built above the world's largest natural gas field

Lessons learned from the Middle East

Ensuring resilience for Europe’s energy infrastructure

Europe is underestimating a strategic shift in modern warfare: the intentional targeting of critical infrastructure. Russia has targeted Ukrainian civilian and critical infrastructure for years, but such energy systems have become central in the Iran War. Energy infrastructure is a particular focus: Strikes on gas and oil facilities illustrate how quickly economies can be destabilized by disrupting power grids, industrial production, and civilian supply. The resilience of critical infrastructure must move to the center of Germany’s and Europe’s defense and security agenda.

Nina Locher

Loyle Campbell

The Taiwanese company CTi Cable, manufacturer of cables and interconnection systems, ceremonially launched its first European production center

National Mesh Network an Option

Valentin Weber

Taiwan relies on subsea cables, satellites and fiber optic cables to remain connected. However, in times of conflict, none of these would be enough to ensure that the government can communicate with its citizens, or that citizens could communicate with each other. A mesh network, on the other hand, ensures sovereignty and autonomy. We therefore propose that the government initiate a discussion about constructing the world’s first national mesh network in Taiwan.

Photo of press briefing on draft Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) in Beijing on March 7, 2026.

Tech-Prioritäten in Chinas Fünfjahresplan

Europa muss sich auf den Wettbewerb in Biomanufacturing vorbereiten

Michael Laha

A pile of old car batteries stacked on top of each other

Why “Black Mass” Is Critical

Germany and Europe Must Reduce Reliance on China for Battery Recycling

Yuka Kobayashi

Germany and Europe need to invest heavily into developing and building up their own capacities for recycling and reusing the materials contained in batteries.

US LNG Unloaded At Revithoussa Terminal Near Athens

European Energy Security Amid Blackmail, Dependency, and Dominance

Loyle Campbell

Europe’s energy security is being redrawn by shifting global power plays. In the face of a new wave of dependency risks, Germany must work with Europe to increase energy resilience while ensuring energy sovereignty and industrial competitiveness.

Container on a train with Mercosur and EU flag

The Alliance of Middle Powers as a Check on the New Power-Based Trading System

Claudia Schmucker

The EU must become a more assertive global trade actor. The way forward is through bilateral and plurilateral coalitions with middle powers.

„Go East“: Für eine engere Allianz zwischen der EU und der Transpazifischen Partnerschaft

Claudia Schmucker

Klemens Kober

Im aktuellen geoökonomischen Umfeld braucht die EU neue Allianzen. Hier bieten sich die zwölf Staaten der Transpazifischen Partnerschaft als verlässliche Partner an. Der engere Dialog sollte 2026 neben multilateralen Initiativen auch auf bilateraler Ebene in den Bereichen digitaler Handel und Lieferkettenresilienz Fortschritte bringen. Die Zeichen stehen gut, um als Koalition den regelbasierten Handel auszubauen und somit Auswirkungen der machtbasierten Handelspolitik von China und den USA abzumildern.