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Decoupling in international business: Evidence, drivers, impact, and implications for IB research

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  • Witt, Michael A.
  • Lewin, Arie Y.
  • Li, Peter Ping
  • Gaur, Ajai

Abstract

We argue that decoupling, defined as the process of weakening interdependence between two nations or blocs of nations, has been ongoing between China and the United States and is likely to accelerate, with major implications for IB and MNE strategies and management. We present data that the world has experienced deglobalization and China-US decoupling and discuss the dynamics underlying decoupling and their implications for IB. We propose an initial framework of variations in decoupling by industry characteristics, and we outline novel and important questions for IB research growing out of our analysis. We conclude with a brief exposition of possible alternative scenarios.

Suggested Citation

  • Witt, Michael A. & Lewin, Arie Y. & Li, Peter Ping & Gaur, Ajai, 2023. "Decoupling in international business: Evidence, drivers, impact, and implications for IB research," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 58(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:58:y:2023:i:1:s1090951622000906
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2022.101399
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    8. Henry Wai-chung, 2023. "From Regional to Global and Back Again? A Future Agenda for Regional Evolution and (De)Globalized Production Networks in Regional Studies," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2312, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised May 2023.
    9. Gao, Hongzhi & Ren, Monica & Shih, Tsui-Yii, 2023. "Co-evolutions in global decoupling: Learning from the global semiconductor industry," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(6).
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