Development of the concept of economic security in international economic relations: Key schools and approaches

Abstract

Subject. The fundamental transformations of the global economic landscape caused by the political crisis and the aggravation of geopolitical contradictions necessitate the development of new conceptual approaches to the essence of economic security. Objectives. Systematization of the main scientific schools and conceptual approaches to understanding economic security in the context of international economic relations at the present stage (2022–2025). Methods. The methodological base includes historical-genetic, comparative and system-structural methods, as well as content analysis. Results. It is shown that in 2022–2025 there was a conceptual shift: economic security was finally recognized at the level of the leading powers as a component of national security, and not just an element of economic policy. Three key schools have been identified: neoliberal (emphasis on supply chain sustainability and institutions), neorealist (sovereignty, control over critical resources and technologies), and human-centered (social sustainability, trust in institutions). A multilevel synthetic approach combining macro, meso and micro levels of economic security is becoming the most in demand. Conclusions. In the context of the "new cold war" and the fragmentation of the global economy, an effective economic security strategy requires the coordination of national, regional and global instruments to protect economic interests.