INTERNATIONAL TRADE BETWEEN INTEGRATION AND ISOLATION: INNOVATION AND UNCERTAINTY IN A FRAGMENTING GLOBAL ECONOMY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17914066Keywords:
International trade; Regional trade agreements; Trade conflicts; Economic uncertainty; Innovation; Sanctions; Geopolitical fragmentation; Technology transfer; Integration and isolation; Central AsiaAbstract
This article examines how international trade is simultaneously shaped by integration and fragmentation,
analysing the dual impact of regional trade agreements and rising geopolitical conflicts. The study explores how RTAs,
FTAs, and modern partnership frameworks expand market access and facilitate technology transfer, while sanctions, tariff
disputes, and export restrictions generate new layers of uncertainty. The topic is relevant amid weakening multilateral
institutions and growing global economic volatility. The methodology is based on comparative case analysis, review of
international reports, and synthesis of global trade practices. Findings show that both cooperation and economic pressure
can stimulate innovation either through cross-border collaboration or forced domestic technological development. The
author concludes that resilience and adaptive policy frameworks are becoming essential for countries navigating today's
uncertain trade environment. The novelty lies in linking integration processes and geopolitical pressures to innovation
outcomes, highlighting implications for developing regions such as Central Asia
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