“Geopolitics”: What Is It Good For?

“Geopolitics”: What Is It Good For?

In recent years, the term “geopolitics” has become ubiquitous (see Graph below). This has helped spread awareness of important political dynamics. However, for the purposes of professional business risk analysis, the concept suffers from overstretch and confusion, as it is used in many different ways, with different meanings. This note dissects some of these meanings, identifies their assumptions, and highlights potential analytical shortcomings.

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Putting Geo-Political Risk Intelligence to Work

Putting Geo-Political Risk Intelligence to Work

While more and more international firms understand the need to mitigate against geo-political risk, most are still grappling with how to do that. This article indicates how to integrate Geo-Political Risk Intelligence (GRI) into traditional business functions.

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Uzbekistan: Gradual Economic Opening Amid Continuing Challenges

Uzbekistan: Gradual Economic Opening Amid Continuing Challenges

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will be re-elected in an un-competitive popular vote on July 9. Since coming to power in 2016, his economic reforms have tangibly improved conditions for foreign investors. However, the business environment still suffers from clientelism, formal and informal political interference, a weak rule of law and the repression of civil society.

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Dr Carlo Gallo on the "Allthingsrisk" Podcast

Dr Carlo Gallo on the "Allthingsrisk" Podcast

In a long-form podcast conversation with Ben Cattaneo, Dr Carlo Gallo covers the methodology behind political risk analysis and how this relates to decision-making, as well as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As Ben wrote: “When it comes to forecasts about things that involve high degrees of ambiguity, we tend to be seduced by certainty. Geopolitics is one of those areas where forecasts and ratings abound. However, what we should be looking for (along with expertise), is clear, structured thinking relevant to our specific decisions, objectives, or circumstances.”

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