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The Research Network on Trade Politics in North America and Europe (TRADEPOL) supports three research groups (RGs). They examine distinct aspects of the societal politicization and geo-politicization of trade relations. The RGs organize collaborative research activities, resulting in international research workshops and publications.

Research Group 1: Multilevel actors and arenas

In a politicized context, trade policy is no longer negotiated in relative isolation by public sector experts and economic stakeholders. Parliaments, parties, civil society associations, and subnational administrations take an increasing interest in trade, and interact with central governments in a multilevel setting. At the same time, some aspects of politicization—such as the increased use of tariffs as short-term geo-political pressure tools—have strengthened the discretionary powers of executives and sidelined other political actors. RG1 examines how these dynamics have influenced power dynamics between different kinds of actors in trade governance. This RG is coordinated by TRADEPOL team members at Wilfrid Laurier University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Guadalajara.

Research Group 2: Thematic agendas and issue linkages

Politicization makes it easier in public debates to form connections between trade and other policy objectives, such as labour rights, climate action, security and defence, migration and labour mobility, Indigenous rights, or race and gender equity. Politicization may thus expand the trade agenda. But it can also have the opposite effect and restrict debates to a single frame that dominates public discourse, such as security or economic growth, and thus marginalize more values-based perspectives. RG2 examines the connections between trade and other policy objectives, and how these change over time. This RG is coordinated by TRADEPOL team members at American University, the University of Bristol, and Université Laval.

Research Group 3: International conflict and cooperation

Politicization has shifted attention in international trade relations from comprehensive multilateral or bilateral agreements—which prove difficult to conclude and ratify—to short-term deals or unilateral measures. These may raise questions about respect for international law. Some have deepened rifts between trade actors, including between the Global North and South. But this constellation also creates openings for new alliances, such as collaboration between Canada and Mexico in the review of the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). RG3 maps such patterns of international conflict and cooperation in a more politicized global trade environment. This RG is coordinated by TRADEPOL team members at the University of Antwerp, University of Maastricht, and University of Salzburg.