The Future of Global Trade: Strategies for a Changing World

Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025

Course Description

As the world enters a new era of economic fragmentation—driven by intensifying geopolitical rivalries and national security concerns—global interdependence is being fundamentally reshaped. This intensive three-day program equips leaders, decision-makers, and analysts with the tools to understand and navigate this transformation.

Participants will explore the escalating U.S.–China competition, the rise of industrial policy, and the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, while learning how to balance competitiveness, security, and collaboration in an era of economic uncertainty. Through a mix of lectures, case studies, and interactive exercises, participants will develop actionable insights and strategies for managing risks and seizing opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving global economy.

Learning Outcomes

Grasp the dynamics of economic decoupling and weaponized interdependence.
Analyze the resurgence of industrial policy and its impact on competitiveness.
Assess supply chain risks in critical industries (semiconductors, EVs, renewable energy).
Formulate strategies for leadership and resilience in a fragmented global economy.

Visit the New Executive Education Programs page for additional information.

This course does not convey academic credit and is not included on a JHU Academic Transcript. This course is intended for personal and professional skills enrichment. Any certificate earned for the successful completion of this course is intended for proof of completion only.

Location, Date and Time

Format: In-Person
Location: Hopkins Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC
Date: Tuesday, November 11 – Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)

Enrollment closes Friday, November 7th at 11:55 PM.

Program Schedule

DAY 1 | Understanding the Shifting Global Economy

Session 1 (9:00 – 10:30 am) Global Trade Transformation: New Competitive Dynamics
Session 2 (10:30 am – 12:00 pm) U.S.–China Strategic Competition
Lunch Break (12:00 – 1:00 pm)
Session 3 (1:00 – 2:30 pm) When Trade Becomes Warfare: Understanding Economic Decoupling
Session 4 (2:30 – 4:00 pm) Navigating Trade Disruption
Welcome Reception (4:00 – 5:00 pm)

DAY 2 | How Governments Use Trade as a Weapon

Session 5 (9:00 – 10:30 am) Turning Trade Dependencies Into Leverage: The New Rules of the Game
Session 6 (10:30 am – 12:00 pm) Industrial Policy Returns
Lunch Break (12:00 – 1:00 pm)
Session 7 (1:00 – 2:30 pm) Regional Trading Blocs: Navigating the New Economic Geography
Session 8 (2:30 – 4:00 pm) Tech Competition and National Security: Chips, AI, and Critical Industries
Guest Speaker/Panel Discussion (4:00 – 5:00 pm)

DAY 3 | Leading in a Fragmented Global Order

Session 9 (9:00 – 10:30 am) Europe's Strategic Response: How the EU is Competing with the US and China
Session 10 (10:30 am – 12:00 pm) Emerging Markets: New Opportunities in a Multipolar World?
Lunch Break (12:00 – 1:00 pm)
Session 11 (1:00 – 2:30 pm) Scenario Planning Exercise: Building Resilient Strategies
Session 12 (2:30 – 4:00 pm) Program Wrap-Up
Program Completion & Certificates (4:00 – 4:30 pm)

Visit the Executive Education Programs page for additional program and course details.

Course Policies

JHU ALUMNI ENROLLMENT

JHU Alumni are eligible for a 50% registration discount for SAIS executive education courses. If you are a JHU alum, please contact ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu* prior to enrollment for verification and to receive your unique promo code. NOTE: Non-SAIS alumni may be waitlisted if a course exceeds the registration cap.

Upon receipt, you will return to the course registration page to enter your promo code and complete the registration process.

Please do not use your JHU Alumni email to register for courses (this email account will not work with the registration platform). We recommend you register using a non-JHU email such as Gmail or Outlook.

LEARNING PREREQUISITES

None

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Hardware: laptop computer; webcam; microphone and speakers or headset. Software: current web browser; Canvas; Zoom web conferencing; Microsoft Office or similar; Email; course specific software

COURSE LIFECYCLE

After registering you will receive an email confirming your registration. You will be given access to a Canvas course that includes complete course information. You will have access to the Canvas course for the duration of the course.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

In the event a participant can no longer attend a program, a withdrawal request must be emailed to ExecEdSAIS@jhu.edu*. A full refund will be provided if the request is submitted at least 21 days prior to the program start. Withdrawal requests submitted outside of this deadline will not be eligible for a refund and are therefore obligated to pay the full program tuition.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY

Program dates, fees, and faculty may be subject to change. If a course must be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, SAIS Executive Education will refund the full program tuition. However, SAIS is not liable for travel, accommodation, or any other expenses incurred by the participant. Changes to the program or schedule will be communicated via email, and alternative program dates will be provided once available.

ACCESSIBILITY

JHU SAIS is committed to providing all participants with the opportunity to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors. This includes providing disability related accommodations and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and our goal of delivering accessible, inclusive experiences. If you require accommodations to complete this course, please reach out to EDT@jhu.edu*.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Direct all technical support requests to the SAIS Educational Design and Technology office email: EDT@jhu.edu*. We will respond to requests within 24-48 hours. Requests received on weekends, overnights and holidays will be responded to on the next business day.

ACCREDITATION

JHU is not approved by Middle States for direct assessment credentials for academic credit. This course results in a certificate of completion. It will not show on any JHU transcripts and does not count toward an academic record.

*Do not share any personal identifiable information (PII) such as social security number or grades in any messages to EDT@jhu.edu or ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu.  

Full course description