The European Commission launched a voluntary pilot for a political ad repository aimed at enhancing transparency in political advertising. While it promises to collect data on sponsorship and targeting, its limited scope raises concerns about comprehensiveness. Major platforms like Meta and Google have withdrawn from EU political ads, complicating the regulatory landscape.
The Empty Drawers in Europe’s Political Ad Archive Read More »
ENGLISH I’m delighted to announce the publication of my latest book, The French Rite Through History: Texts, Symbols, and Transmission, published by Cépaduès. The title is translated here for English-speaking readers; the book is published in French. From its eighteenth-century roots to its contemporary expressions, the French Rite has a history shaped by change. In
Lindt & Sprüngli has reinstated former CEO Dieter Weisskopf as interim chief following poor performance in Europe. While his familiarity offers immediate authority and speed, it raises questions about adapting to new market realities. Effective governance is critical to balance restoration and renewal, ensuring the organization evolves for future success.
A Familiar Hand on a Different Machine Read More »
The article discusses “sovereign escalation,” where corporate lobbying influences foreign policy. Recent cases, including U.S. threats over satellite spectrum and environmental regulations, illustrate how private interests are redefined as national concerns, affecting diplomatic relations. The key issue is ensuring transparency in these public-private handoffs to maintain accountability.
Sovereign Escalation: When Corporate Lobbying Becomes Foreign Policy Read More »
By Frank Farnel | Responsible Public Affairs I was pleased to be interviewed by Sky News Arabia about Washington’s approach to Ukraine, its relationship with Moscow, and the possibility of linking U.S. support for Kyiv to Russian assistance to Iran. Below is the complete English translation of the passages reporting my comments in the Arabic
Ukraine, Iran, and the Price of a Deal: My Interview with Sky News Arabia Read More »
New indictments in Germany and New York reflect ongoing antisemitic violence, undermining claims of a decline in antisemitism. German prosecutors charged seven Hamas members over a planned attack on Jews, while New York reported increased hate crimes. Across various countries, recorded incidents reveal complexities that challenge simplified narratives about declining trends in antisemitism.
The Antisemitism Observatory: The Evidence Has Moved From Counts to Courts Read More »
Since October 10, significant geopolitical and economic developments occurred, including U.S. sanctions divergence with Europe regarding Russia, a landmark $1.2 billion penalty levied against Bank of America for compliance failures, and China proposing export controls on AI technologies. Tensions in the Middle East escalate with Iranian threats affecting shipping and security risks for financial institutions.
Global Public Affairs & Government Relations Weekly Brief Read More »
BT Group’s acquisition of TalkTalk on October 5, 2026, aimed to stabilize a distressed telecommunications business serving 2.5 million customers. The transaction has significant financial implications, with an estimated £400 million impact in the coming year. Leadership must focus on three areas: continuity, truth, and gradual integration to ensure success and mitigate risks.
The Morning After the Rescue Deal Read More »
BT’s acquisition of TalkTalk and PlatformX, announced on October 5, 2026, underscores the challenges of distressed acquisitions. Effective leadership must prioritize continuity, truth, and integration, each operating on different timelines. Success hinges on maintaining service stability, revealing operational realities, and carefully managing integration without destabilizing critical functions.
You Bought the Crisis: Leadership After a Distressed Acquisition Read More »
China and North Korea will open the long-awaited New Yalu River Bridge on October 15, 2026, after a twelve-year delay due to political and diplomatic obstacles. This crossing enhances North Korea’s connectivity with China and Russia, potentially impacting trade while remaining subject to existing UN sanctions and regulatory controls.
Why China Is Opening a New Bridge to North Korea Now Read More »