Shifting Geopolitical Sands: Bangladesh in Global Trade

The international trading environment, constituted by a complex architecture of rules and policies shaped by major economic powers and multilateral institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), is undergoing significant transformation. This paper begins by analysing the evolving discourse on globalisation within the United States, with particular emphasis on how these domestic shifts reverberate through global trade dynamics. The analysis then extends to the broader international economic context, examining the influence of geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and strategic realignments on the global trading system. Special attention is devoted to the resurgence of protectionist policies in the United States and their potential ramifications for smaller developing economies, such as Bangladesh. While the precise outcomes for these economies remain inherently uncertain, the paper considers a range of policy responses aimed at mitigating prospective adverse effects. The concluding section moves beyond a recapitulation of findings to offer reflective insights on the wider implications of these structural shifts for the global economic order.