Introduction to Key Association Groups in Global Geopolitics

In an era defined by geopolitical competition and strategic interdependencies, key association groups shape global power dynamics across economics, security, energy, and sustainability. Economic and trade blocs such as the G7, G20, BRICS, and the WTO influence global markets, trade policies, and financial stability, while also driving regulatory frameworks and international economic governance. Political and security alliances, including NATO, the Quad, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), dictate defence strategies, military cooperation, and regional stability. Energy policy and finance institutions, like the IEA, OPEC+, and the World Bank, control energy flows and investment priorities, while ESG-focused entities and energy transition groups—such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)—steer sustainability efforts and decarbonisation pathways. Meanwhile, critical minerals groups, including the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the Lithium Triangle, determine access to key resources vital for technology, defence, and supply chain resilience. These organisations shape the global balance of power, influencing trade flows, security frameworks, and the race for economic and technological supremacy in an increasingly contested world.