International business research has emphasised the importance of geopolitical relationships in the strategic decision-making of multinational enterprises (MNEs). However, it is difficult to determine exactly how MNEs respond to geopolitical factors, as the evidence is scattered across different levels of analysis and disciplinary perspectives.

Dr. Thomas C. Lawton presented a study which synthesises country- and firm-level evidence to provide an integrative theoretical framework based on policy opportunities and the logic of real options.

Based on a sample of 81 articles from journals in the fields of strategy, international business and management, it clarifies the main elements that make up home country geopolitical constructs and how these relate to strategic decision-making.

Dr. Thomas C. Lawton is an award-winning strategic management author, educator, and advisor. He is Vice Dean for Internationalization and External Engagement, Head of the Department of Management and Marketing, Professor of Strategy and International Business, Academic Director of the UCC-Irish Management Institute and Director of the Global Competitiveness Institute at University College Cork, Ireland.

Dr. Lawton’s research focuses on business model innovation during corporate turnaround and international expansion, and strategies for stakeholder engagement and political risk management when entering and embedding in foreign markets.