The origins of International Business
While studying at the Copenhagen Business School, a classmate of mine asked the prof “What do I need to know in order to prepare me to be successful in international business?”
His response: “Geography”
His rationale:
International business is influenced primarily by international laws and politics.
International laws are influenced by domestic laws and governing systems.
These laws are influenced by social norms, culture, and value systems. (I’d argue technology fits here too.)
Culture is influenced by history. (eg. Current Canadian values very related to Europe’s values based on Canada originally being a colony of Europe)
History is influenced by where cities and travel pathways were. (ie. the creation of nations, wars over land/resources)
And, finally, where cities were created was influenced by the physical geography of the land.
Therefore, to be successful in international business, start with learning about international geography.
Do you agree?
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I agree! I was, and still am, interested in the ways in which geography affects so many different systems: biological, cultural, economical. Patterns of physical and human geography continue to be major determinants, relevant even with the bustling trends of globalization and world flattening.