Christian Winkler
Welcome!
I am a PhD candidate in Political Science and Economics at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) in Geneva and currently a Visiting Fellow at Princeton University. I am also part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funded interdisciplinary research project on “Packaged Trade Agreements” at the Centre for Trade and Economic Integration (CTEI). I hold a MA in International Political Economy from King’s College London and a BA in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Konstanz.
My research focuses on the political economy behind social, environmental, and security concerns in trade policymaking. I am particularly interested in how actors leverage non-trade issues to influence the design of different trade instruments, including free trade agreements, non-tariff measures (NTMs) and supply chain legislation. Prior to pursuing my PhD, I worked for the European Central Bank, the German Ministry for Economic Affairs, and private consultancies.
Beyond my PhD research, I am also interested in political theory and philosophy, especially, the relationship between capitalism and democracy, justice, and the history of economic ideas.
My Research
Making Trade Agreements Work in the Service of Society
Trade agreements typically increase aggregate welfare. However, they also generate negative social and environmental spill-overs. In this SNF research project, my colleagues and I explore how trade agreements could become politically realistic and socially effective vehicles to address these spill-overs more directly. Learn more here!
Tailored Protectionism
In this research project, I am investigating the political economy dynamics behind non-tariff measures (NTMs). As NTMs increase production and compliance costs, one would expect firms to oppose NTMs. However, little is known about firm' preferences and lobbying behavior with respect to NTMs. Which firms lobby on NTMs? Which type of NTMs do firms support? How do firms shape NTMs to their advantage?
Global Value Chain Resilience
Global value chains (GVCs) are a key pillar of the trade environment today. While the rise of GVCs has long been associated with productivity- and welfare-boosting effects, recent events have exposed the vulnerability of globalised production networks. How can we make GVCs more resilient? What role can free trade agreements play in strengthening GVC resiliance?
Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or just want to connect: