Global Perspective,
Regional Depth
Master the geopolitics, economies, cultures, and policies of regions vital to Canadian and North American business interests.
The M.S. in Global Engagement Management combines advanced business curriculum with rigorous regional studies, preparing graduates to navigate the dynamic new world order characterized by shifting alliances, trade disruptions, and evolving geopolitical landscapes.
Our regional studies component draws on the latest policy frameworks, including Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and comprehensive analyses of Latin America's growing ties with Asia-Pacific economies.
Why Regional Studies Matter
- Strategic Context: Understand the geopolitical forces shaping business environments across key markets
- Trade Architecture: Navigate complex trade agreements from CPTPP to CUSMA to CETA
- Cultural Intelligence: Develop the cross-cultural competencies essential for international leadership
- Risk Assessment: Identify and manage geopolitical risks that impact business operations
- Market Entry: Evaluate market opportunities and entry strategies informed by regional expertise
Regional Focus Areas
Deep expertise in the regions most critical to Canadian international business success
Indo-Pacific
13 key markets
The Indo-Pacific region spans from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific islands, representing the world's most dynamic economic zone. This region is critical to Canada's trade diversification strategy and features rapidly growing economies, evolving geopolitical dynamics, and immense opportunities for business engagement.
Key Markets
Key Themes
- Free and Open Indo-Pacific frameworks
- CPTPP and regional trade integration
- Maritime security and freedom of navigation
- Quality infrastructure development
- Digital economy and e-commerce
Trade Agreements
The Americas
10 key markets
The Americas represent Canada's most proximate trading partners and a region of growing strategic importance. From CUSMA integration with the United States and Mexico to emerging partnerships across Latin America, understanding this hemisphere is essential for Canadian business leaders navigating continental and hemispheric trade dynamics.
Key Markets
Key Themes
- CUSMA/USMCA trade integration
- Latin America's pivot to Asia
- Nearshoring and supply chain reconfiguration
- Critical minerals and energy transition
- Democratic governance and rule of law
Trade Agreements
European Union
10 key markets
The European Union represents one of Canada's most important trading and investment partners. CETA provides preferential access to a market of 450 million consumers, while the EU's own Indo-Pacific strategy creates opportunities for Canadian businesses to partner with European firms in third markets.
Key Markets
Key Themes
- CETA implementation and opportunities
- EU regulatory frameworks (AI Act, GDPR)
- Green Deal and sustainability standards
- EU Indo-Pacific Strategy coordination
- Digital single market integration
Trade Agreements
Cross-Cutting Competencies
Skills and knowledge that apply across all regional contexts
Trade Policy & Market Access
Navigate complex trade agreements, tariffs, and market access requirements across global markets. Understand how CPTPP, CUSMA, CETA, and bilateral agreements shape business opportunities.
Geopolitical Risk Management
Assess and manage risks arising from shifting alliances, trade disruptions, sanctions regimes, and regional tensions that impact international business operations.
Supply Chain Resilience
Develop strategies for supply chain diversification, nearshoring decisions, and building resilient networks in an era of increasing economic security concerns.
Cross-Cultural Leadership
Build competencies for leading diverse teams across cultural contexts, understanding regional business practices, and navigating intercultural negotiations.
Sustainable Development
Align business strategies with sustainability frameworks, ESG requirements, and green transition policies that increasingly shape market access and investment flows.
Grounded in Policy
Our curriculum incorporates the latest government strategies and international frameworks
Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy
Understanding Canada's comprehensive approach to deepening engagement with the Indo-Pacific region, including trade diversification and security cooperation.
Global Affairs CanadaFree and Open Indo-Pacific
Examining the shared vision for regional stability based on rule of law, freedom of navigation, and economic prosperity through connectivity.
Quad Partners & AlliesEU Indo-Pacific Strategy
Analyzing the European Union's seven priority areas for engagement, including green transition, trade, and security partnerships.
European CouncilBC Trade Diversification
Leveraging British Columbia's position as Canada's Pacific gateway for trade and investment opportunities across Asia-Pacific markets.
Province of British ColumbiaCPTPP Framework
Mastering the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership's high-standard trade rules and market access provisions.
11 Member EconomiesLatin America-Asia Nexus
Exploring the growing economic ties between Latin America and Asia-Pacific, creating new opportunities and challenges for Canadian businesses.
Pacific Alliance & ASEANApplied Regional Learning
Put regional expertise into practice through immersive experiences
International Study Tours
Optional study tours to key markets provide firsthand exposure to business environments, cultural contexts, and networking opportunities with local partners.
Guest Speakers & Practitioners
Learn from diplomats, trade commissioners, business executives, and policy experts with deep regional expertise and current market insights.
Regional Case Studies
Analyze real-world business challenges and opportunities in target markets through case studies developed with industry and government partners.
Capstone Projects
Apply regional knowledge to consulting engagements, market entry analyses, or policy research projects with real clients and stakeholders.
Explore Our Curriculum
See how regional studies integrate with our core business courses and capstone options.
Questions? Contact Dr. Lou Villalba at lvillalb@capilanou.ca