Deal-Making under Trump 2.0: Hegemonic Transactionalism and the World Trade Order: APSA Virtual Research Workshop
APSA 2026 Virtual Research Meeting
April 15 – April 16, 2026 (EST) | Apply to Research Group Workshop
Application Deadline: February 25, 2026
Workshop Organizers: Min Shu (Waseda University); Min Ye (Boston University); Takashi Terada (Waseda University)
This Research Group examines international trade negotiations during the second Trump presidency through the lens of “hegemonic transactionalism,” a theoretical framework that explores how the United States leverages its hegemonic position in negotiating trade agreements. The workshop will focus on understanding the global responses to Trump 2.0 trade diplomacy and assessing its implications for the international trade order. Participants will engage with comparative case studies analyzing U.S. trade negotiations with major deficit-generating economies, including Japan, China, India, Indonesia, and the European Union, while also exploring broader theoretical and empirical perspectives on geopolitical and geoeconomic competition.
During the Workshop
Workshop sessions will combine theoretical discussions, country and regional case study presentations, a data-focused analytical session, and collaborative roundtable discussions examining the future of the global trade order. The Research Group will include a mix of core organizers, invited scholars serving as paper presenters and discussants, and selected external applicants. External participants may contribute as paper presenters, data analysts, discussants, or roundtable participants. Applicants with expertise in international political economy, international negotiation, trade policy, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Early-career scholars and advanced graduate students with research interests related to international trade and negotiation are especially welcome.
The workshop aims to generate multiple collaborative research outputs, including contributions to an ongoing multi-year research grant, development of a special journal issue in the Review of International Political Economy, and preparation of an edited volume on transactional trade diplomacy. The Research Group is designed to foster long-term scholarly collaboration while advancing research on international trade governance and the evolving global economic order.
How to Apply
The submission system is open for workshop participant applications! The application deadline is Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
Research Group Workshops are the central feature of the APSA Virtual Research Meeting, designed to bring scholars together over two days of collaborative engagement, interactive discussion, and joint research development. Each Research Group will meet for eight 90-minute sessions across both days, with participants expected to engage throughout the full workshop series.
Due to limited capacity and overlapping schedules, participants may only apply to one Research Group. To apply, candidates must submit a Statement of Interest tailored to their selected workshop by the deadline and are encouraged to review the workshop descriptions carefully before applying.
The American Political Science Association’s 2026 Virtual Research Meeting, held on April 15 & 16, 2026, is an annual two-day online event provides a forum for scholars worldwide interested in sharing their research, receiving in-depth feedback, and creating partnerships and networks for future collaboration. Stay tuned for registration! Visit the website to learn more.
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