Geopolitical rivalry and technological change have necessitated a new focus on risks that cut across economics, politics and security. States have long used instruments of international commerce for geopolitical or security objectives, and though this phenomenon is not new, it is of growing urgency for regional policymakers. This thesis is about managing these crosscutting risks, with an emphasis on the role of international institutions and the experiences of Asia Pacific economies. Results will be presented on the link between countries’ political relations and trade, and how this link changes under different international and domestic institutional settings.