Subnational Populism and Foreign Policy: Mechanisms and Impacts

SUNPOP investigates how subnational* populism shapes foreign policy pressures and
affects multinational firms’ strategic decisions. SUNPOP identifies the localized
political narratives and institutional factors that amplify or weaken populist pressure.
The project examines how these pressures emerge, how they vary across subnational
contexts, and how firms respond, for example, by adjusting their investments,
operations, or public engagement. The findings provide a novel perspective on populist
driven foreign policy and practical guidance for policymakers and corporate leaders
facing the growing complexity of global trade, regulation, and public sentiment.