The new dimension of geopolitical influence / Political due diligence
In total, national elections were held in 64 countries around the world in 2024 — from Russia to Iran, India, South Africa, Taiwan and France, to name but a few. Paradoxically, these changes tend to contribute to growing uncertainty and promote tensions rather than cooperation. In Taiwan, the election victory of Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, whom China regards as a separatist, is exacerbating the strategic alignment of the two countries and relations between the US and China. In France, the rise of Marine Le Pen’s right-wing nationalist party Rassemblement National and the left-wing alliance Nouveau Front Populaire cast doubt on Macron’s position. Right-wing parties such as the AfD, the French RN and the FPÖ in Austria also benefited from the elections to the European Parliament. Even if the democratic center of the Parliament largely holds its ground and the right-wing pressure does not necessarily have to be interpreted as an indicator of the future direction of the EU, the EU and its citizens should prepare themselves for drastic changes.
In this respect, one speaks of the “Weaponization of Everything”. This term describes the politicization of business and technology as tools for geopolitical or strategic purposes. The supposedly “apolitical entrepreneur” no longer exists.
The area of hybrid warfare with anti-information campaigns and cyberattacks on companies, particularly in the area of critical infrastructure, and the debate about tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers also remain decisive for companies and investors. Whether desired or not, entrepreneurs cannot escape this trend and must become more “geopolitical” in their mindset.
Companies and investors are not powerless in the face of this development. There is considerable room for maneuver. Even with comparatively small investments to strengthen a company’s resilience and ability to react quickly, companies can gain market share and overtake competitors. Conversely, for investors this means that even more thoroughpolitical due diligencepays off.
About Dr. Timo Blenk
Dr. Timo Blenk is a proven expert in geopolitics and security policy. Timo Blenk has been CEO and Partner of the Agora Strategy Group since 2018. Agora Strategy has developed into the leading German management consultancy for geopolitics — with around 300 experts worldwide. For Agora Strategy, it is crucial to translate geopolitical challenges measurably, concretely and with a clear focus into the strategic actions of companies and to implement them together with the client. — https://www.agora-strategy.com