AIB Journals Podcast

This podcast tackles the fiery debate over trade wars to answer the ultimate question of who pays the bill when massive tariffs hit. We bust political myths by showing how supply chain choke points and irreplaceable foreign factories force ordinary consumers to foot the bill through higher store prices. Learn the essential tactics smart executives use to lobby for urgent tariff waivers and protect shoppers from skyrocketing costs.

Citation: Ramasamy, B., & Yeung, M. (2026). Who Bears the Burden of Trade Tariffs? An Analysis of Importer-Exporter Bargaining Power. AIB Insights. https://doi.org/10.46697/001c.164667.

Digital technology promises small businesses an easier path into global markets, but is there a hidden cost? In this podcast, we explore evidence from more than 20,000 firms showing that digital tools can boost exports while at the same time reducing how much companies learn from their foreign partners. It is a great example of how technology can help businesses grow faster while quietly taking something valuable away.

Citation: Gomes, E., Lehman, D.W. & Vendrell-Herrero, F. (2026). The dual effects of digitalization on SMEs: export gains and learning losses. Journal of International Business Studies. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-026-00879-2

Can foreign aid do more than support development and pull businesses into new markets? This podcast looks at how grants, loans, equity investments, and other forms of aid influence where multinational firms invest, how many projects they launch, and how many jobs they create. The big surprise is that aid structured more like investment can be especially powerful in attracting private companies.

Citation: Mahamed, S., Zilja, F. (2026). Foreign aid modalities and MNEs’ investments. Journal of International Business Policy. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-026-00256-8

In this podcast, we unpack China's unprecedented demographic shockwave as its massive workforce shrinks by millions of people each year. Hear how top global brands are turning this crisis into an opportunity by deploying cutting-edge technologies and catering to a booming multitrillion-dollar senior market. Join us to find out how businesses are radically transforming the workplace to keep older adults thriving while moving factory lines to younger Asian neighbors.

Citation: Chand, M. (2026). China’s Demographic Transition: Insights for MNEs Dealing with Aging Workforces. AIB Insights. https://doi.org/10.46697/001c.163601.

Think all populist governments are bad for international business? Think again. In this episode, we unpack how populist regimes influence where multinational corporations invest, and why not all populist governments pose the same threat to foreign investment.

We break down:

• The Risk Spectrum: Why risk levels vary drastically across different populist regimes.
• Regime Choices: How a regime’s business orientation and immigration stance shift corporate calculus.
• Country Alignment: Why the relationship between a company’s home country and host government can make or break an investment deal.

Citation: Jandhyala, S., Kunczer, V. & Lindner, T. (2026). Populism, regime characteristics, and MNC location choice. Journal of International Business Studies. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-026-00878-3

When companies from emerging economies expand overseas, we usually expect their home country to benefit too. This podcast takes us to Mexico, where the evidence reveals a surprising downside: investment in richer countries can reduce the demand for higher-skilled workers back home, at least in the short run. It is a fascinating story about how going global can create winners abroad while producing unexpected consequences at home.

Citation: Ibarra-Olivo, J.E. (2026). Outward FDI effects in emerging economies: the curious case of skill downgrading at home in Mexican regions. Journal of International Business Policy. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-026-00249-7

As artificial intelligence shifts from basic operations to delivering autonomous strategic recommendations, corporate boardrooms are entering a new era of algorithmic governance. However, a critical governance gap remains, as many companies deploy these advanced tools without clear ethical or legal frameworks. These risks can be addressed by a comprehensive four-pillar framework and a four-stage operational process designed to help board members effectively oversee AI and make reliable data-driven decisions.

Citation: Anwar, Ch. M. (2026). The Algorithmic Boardroom: AI-Driven Governance and Strategic Decision Making. AIB Insights. https://doi.org/10.46697/001c.157710.

This podcast explores how global corporations manage disruptions from sudden geopolitical conflicts and international sanctions. Using the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war as a real-world case study, we unpack how and why some multinational companies completely pull out of Russia, while others freeze or continue operations. Get ready to discover how companies navigate the threat of "cross-border stigma" and reconfigure their core business capabilities to survive geopolitical disruptions.

Citation: Sawant, R.J., Ameyaw, AK., Treviño, L.J. & Li, Y. (2026). Multinational enterprises’ strategic responses to geopolitical tensions and sanctions. Journal of International Business Studies. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-026-00891-6