The firm as a geoeconomic actor

Abstract

Cutting-edge research on geoeconomics has under-explored one core constituent – the firm. Presenting two empirical ‘snapshots’ from different historical-geographical conjunctures, this essay spotlights the continuities that underpin firms’ function as geoeconomic actors. The first conjuncture is the expansion of British geoeconomic influence through the East India Company. The US government’s ongoing attempt to curtail attempts by China-based firms to develop high performance semiconductor chips comprises the second conjuncture. While each snapshot is distinct, the logics from the first conjuncture can be utilised for understanding how firms’ operating logics impact on state-driven geoeconomic strategies during the second conjuncture. These snapshots collectively demonstrate how the evolution of transnational economic integration has been underpinned by proactive firm attempts at expanding foreign operations. The effects of these attempts on states’ geoeconomic objectives will subsequently trigger positive or negative interventions by state actors. A new ‘critical geoeconomics’ agenda must therefore consider how firms constitute and/or constrain geoeconomic influence.