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Frank Farnel

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Elevating Public Affairs: A C-Suite Imperative

Leave a Comment / international business diplomacy, Public Affairs & Communication /

The article emphasizes that public affairs should be a central aspect of corporate strategy due to its significant impact on financial performance. With over 80% of business leaders anticipating substantial effects from policy changes, it urges executives to elevate public affairs to the C-suite and integrate it into strategic processes to mitigate risks from geopolitical and regulatory shifts.

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Mastering Timing: A Blueprint for Policy Success

Leave a Comment / Business Diplomacy, international business diplomacy, iran, Public Affairs & Communication /

This essay contends that timing, rather than merit, is crucial in statecraft and policy advocacy. Using Iran’s nuclear diplomacy as a case study, it identifies five domains where timing influences outcomes: policy windows, stakeholder engagement, electoral calendars, negotiation tempo, and the perishability of intelligence. Understanding and managing timing can provide a significant advantage in shaping decisions.

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Cityscape with giant chess pieces serving as buildings, bridges, and transportation infrastructure over a river

Unlocking Market Access Through Public Affairs Strategy

Leave a Comment / Business Diplomacy, international business diplomacy, Public Affairs & Communication /

A proactive public affairs strategy is essential for shaping government policy and securing market access. It is no longer merely reactive but a board-level capability that influences business performance across sectors. Understanding the link between policy and market dynamics enables organizations to anticipate change, build credibility, and foster growth in politically complex environments.

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Circular infographic showing four policymaking stages: agenda setting, formulation, implementation, evaluation

From Agenda to Implementation: A Policy Framework

Leave a Comment / Influence, international business diplomacy, Public Affairs & Communication /

This article argues that policymaking operates as a structured, cyclical system with four interdependent stages: agenda setting, consultation, negotiation, and implementation. Emphasizing case studies from international diplomacy and corporate regulation, it demonstrates that effective policymaking requires understanding this framework to navigate the complexities of power dynamics and design durable agreements.

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Closing the Gap: Strategic Communications in Public Affairs

Leave a Comment / international business diplomacy, management, Public Affairs & Communication /

This article explores the challenges of strategic communications in public affairs and why evidence-based policies often fail to gain legislative traction. It identifies four key barriers: information overload, misaligned message delivery, neglected relationships, and complex evidence accessibility. Case studies exemplify successful and failed strategies, leading to a framework for effective policy communications.

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Strategic Risks of the South China Sea for Global Trade

Leave a Comment / china, Defense, Influence, International Affairs, International Trade & Finance /

The South China Sea is a critical area for global trade, with a third of maritime commerce passing through it, creating significant business risks. CEOs must address this persistent geopolitical tension, as disruptions can severely impact supply chains and enterprise value. Organizations should invest in resilience and prepare for potential crises to mitigate these risks effectively.

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LAWS: Analyzing AI-Driven Autonomous Weapons in Modern Warfare

Leave a Comment / Artificial Intelligence, Defense, International Affairs /

Lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) are actively deployed in conflicts, presenting significant governance challenges. This article analyzes their technology, legal implications, and international governance efforts. It highlights the need for a binding treaty to ensure ethical accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law to address gaps in existing frameworks and prevent misuse.

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Integrating Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for Better Governance

Leave a Comment / international business diplomacy, Public Affairs & Communication /

This paper argues that organizations should integrate legislative and regulatory affairs, treating them as interconnected phases of governance. The separation creates risks such as loss of legislative intent and inconsistent positioning. Proposed integration strategies include unified planning, structural alignment, shared intelligence, knowledge continuity, and coherent external messaging for improved policy outcomes.

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How Ethical Leadership Builds Workplace Integrity

Leave a Comment / manage hr, management /

Ethical leadership is defined by actions taken under pressure and accountability, essential for fostering workplace integrity. It emphasizes courage in confronting misconduct, commitment to core values, and solidarity with vulnerable employees. Effective ethical practices not only improve organizational trust but also create healthier work cultures, preventing toxicity and psychological harm.

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Map of West Africa at night showing country borders illuminated with glowing fiery lines

JNIM Transformation: Threat to Global Security in the Sahel

Leave a Comment / G7, international business diplomacy, Muslim Brotherhood, SkyNewsArabia, terrorism, Terrorism /

The security architecture of the Sahel is undergoing a fundamental transformation. In 2024, West Africa accounted for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths globally. Central to this destabilization is the rapid expansion of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). As I recently discussed in an interview with Sky News Arabia, the group is transitioning from

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