Cluster E: Economic

Historically, global economic interdependence has been presented as a stabilising force that raises the cost of conflicts by establishing shared material interests. This assumption has come under increasing pressure as trade, finance, and supply chains are more openly used as strategic instruments, through sanctions, export controls and the creation of economic dependencies. Institutions such as the World Trade Organisation and the World Bank were designed to manage economic relations on the basis of mutual benefit; however their authority is increasingly contested as states become dependent on conditional agreements. Committees within this cluster should examine whether multilateral economic governance can continue to function as a stabilising mechanism under periods of competition, or whether it is being shaped into a forum where competition occurs. Delegates should consider how economic interdependence might be reconciled with the pursuit of strategic advantage.