Government Relations

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How to Build a Defensible Public Policy Position

The guide emphasizes that a defensible public policy position must withstand scrutiny, supported by evidence and comprehensive stakeholder engagement. It outlines a nine-step process, integrating case studies across various regions, that highlights importance of problem definition, evidence-based foundations, legal and ethical considerations, and effective communication. Continuous adaptation is essential for lasting impact.

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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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Mastering Policy Engagement in Complex Regulatory Environments

This article advocates for transforming policy engagement into a proactive strategy that influences regulatory outcomes. It outlines eleven best practices, including stakeholder mapping, cross-functional coordination, and evidence-based advocacy. Companies that implement these strategies can shift from vulnerability to establishing a competitive advantage, effectively shaping the regulatory landscape.

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Public Affairs Belongs in the Boardroom: Why It Is a Strategic Leadership Function, Not a Support Role

Public affairs is now a crucial strategic function for companies, influencing external forces that impact value, such as policy, regulation, and reputational trust. Firms that proactively engage in public affairs avoid significant costs and crises. Elevating this function to the boardroom enhances decision-making and provides a competitive edge in a fast-paced business environment.

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Influence : The Real Iran-US Conflict Isn’t the One You’re Watching

This article explores the long-standing rivalry between the United States and Iran, emphasizing the crucial competition for narrative control in shaping perceptions among international audiences. It highlights how both nations utilize strategic communications to influence legitimacy, morphing diplomatic discourse and propaganda to sway third-party governments and global public opinion amidst evolving information landscapes.

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Lobbying in the Fishbowl: How Leaders Build Trustworthy Influence

In the evolving landscape of corporate lobbying, transparency and alignment between public commitments and private advocacy are crucial for maintaining credibility and effective governance. Organizations must elevate lobbying to board-level discussions, rigorously audit their advocacy practices, and embrace ethical principles to build trust and withstand scrutiny in an increasingly transparent environment.

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NATO’s Strategic Expansion in Eastern Europe: Deterrence, Risk, and the Remaking of European Security

NATO’s enlargement into Central and Eastern Europe has fundamentally redefined the continent’s security landscape, post-Cold War. While offering protection to former Soviet-dominated states, it heightened tensions with Russia, amplifying perceptions of encirclement. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscores NATO’s pivotal role and the necessity for credible deterrence and commitment among member states.

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How to Build Institutional Fluency Across Government, Regulators, and Legislatures

Abstract Most senior leaders can describe their industry in precise detail. Fewer can explain how the agency that regulates it actually makes decisions — or why a proposed rule that looked manageable in draft form became operationally disruptive once finalized. That gap between sector expertise and institutional intelligence is the problem this article addresses. Institutional

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Professional boardroom scene showcasing diverse executives collaborating on regulatory risk governance, with a digital dashboard displaying compliance metrics, emphasizing strategic oversight, accountability, and teamwork.

Regulatory Risk Management: A Practical Guide to Governance, Compliance Metrics, and Board Oversight

Regulatory risk governance is essential for organizations to manage compliance and oversee risks effectively. It fosters accountability, improves decision-making, and enhances credibility with stakeholders, including regulators and investors. Strong governance practices protect against reputational damage while enabling organizations to adapt to an evolving regulatory landscape and maintain long-term value.

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