Frank Farnel

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Lessons from the JCPOA: Coalition Failures and Solutions

Coalitions often fail not due to flawed strategies but because they are viewed as a destination rather than an ongoing practice. Understanding the architecture of coalitions, as demonstrated through the JCPOA and Iran’s resilient alliances, reveals essential principles for durable cooperation. Effective coalitions require depth over breadth, individual commitment, and strategic coherence through long-term planning and adaptive human architecture.

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Mastering International Business Diplomacy for Growth

International business diplomacy involves managing relationships with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to facilitate global expansion. It leverages diplomatic skills to reduce risks associated with market entry, and the DIPLOM framework provides a structured approach to integrate these strategies into business operations. Companies that excel in diplomacy benefit from smoother market entry and long-term operational licenses.

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Russia-Ukraine War Update: Stalled Offensives and Fuel Crisis by July 2026

By July 2026, the Russia-Ukraine war has shifted to a stalemate marked by limited territorial gains for Russia, a severe fuel crisis from Ukrainian strikes, and expanding geopolitical implications. Russia’s offensive stutters, and a Ukrainian deep-strike campaign severely hampers Russian logistics, exacerbating operational challenges and casualties.

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US-Iran Islamabad MoU: A Fragile Road to Peace

The June 17, 2026 Islamabad MoU between the US and Iran aimed to ease long-standing tensions through a 60-day framework for a comprehensive deal, addressing military operations, sanctions, and nuclear commitments. However, subsequent missile tests, asset disputes, and internal regime divisions reveal a precarious situation with heightened risks of renewed conflict.

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Trust: The Key Asset in Public Affairs

This article emphasizes trust as a crucial asset in public affairs, asserting that it underpins the effectiveness of budgets, access, data, and messaging. It highlights the erosion of trust in developed economies and shifts towards more relatable, proximate voices. Trust must be actively managed and measured as a strategic priority to achieve meaningful outcomes in advocacy efforts.

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Understanding the EU AI Act: Key Steps for Businesses

The EU AI Act mandates compliance for organizations using AI, particularly in HR practices, by August 2026. It imposes significant penalties for violations, emphasizes transparent governance, and encourages proactive participation in regulatory processes. Companies should view compliance as a competitive advantage, fostering trust and accountability while shaping future standards.

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Building Credible Coalitions: A C-Suite Mandate

This article emphasizes the importance of coalition building in corporate public affairs, arguing that individual advocacy fails due to credibility issues. Successful policy influence relies on diverse third-party validators for credibility and legitimacy. Companies should treat coalition building as a strategic capability, focusing on mapping credibility gaps and ensuring narrative discipline to enhance effectiveness.

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Take Charge of Your Career: Strategies for Success

Many talented professionals mistakenly believe their hard work will lead to recognition, but they often remain overlooked. To advance in their careers, individuals must actively manage their growth, advocate for themselves, and build relationships. Taking ownership of one’s career is essential for leading to opportunities and achieving desired outcomes.

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The Impact of Iran’s Erosion on Middle East Stability

The Middle East is undergoing a significant strategic transformation as the bipolar order between Iran and the U.S.-aligned bloc disintegrates. Key events like the 2026 Iran war and the reimposition of UN sanctions have weakened Iran’s proxy network, prompting Gulf states to adopt a hedging strategy and pursue conditional partnerships, fostering a fluid, multipolar environment marked by uncertainty and adaptive policymaking.

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