The global economy has entered a new, more volatile era, defined by compounding disruptions in technology, climate resilience, and global trade. In response, the Milken Institute launched the Geo-Economics Initiative in 2024 to help business and policy leaders identify risks and design cross-cutting solutions.

Unintended Consequences: Trade and Supply Chain Leaders Respond to Recent Turmoil is the first report in a new series exploring how companies are navigating an evolving trade policy landscape. Drawing on interviews with leaders across business, government, academia, and civil society, it highlights how today's geoeconomic pressures—such as artificial intelligence regulation, climate demands, and fractured supply chains—are influencing long-term priorities like:

• sustainability and climate resilience
• traceability of forced labor in supply chains
• workforce development and business investment