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International Affairs

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How to Build a Defensible Public Policy Position

Leave a Comment / Business Diplomacy, Government Relations, Influence, international business diplomacy /

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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Defense Spending: Strategy, Cost, and Opportunity Costs

Leave a Comment / Defense, International Affairs /

This article analyzes defense spending as a complex economic decision, highlighting the difficulty of measuring its effectiveness since it aims to prevent disasters rather than generate returns. It advocates for optimized military budgets aligned with clear strategies, while emphasizing opportunity costs, procurement inefficiencies, and the importance of balancing security needs with economic realities.

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Earth showing interconnected cybersecurity shield icons across continents

Geopolitical Risk Management: Strategies for Businesses

Leave a Comment / Business Diplomacy, international business diplomacy, International Trade & Finance /

Geopolitical risk has shifted to the forefront of international business strategy, impacting sourcing, production, and market decisions. Companies are increasingly adopting management strategies such as risk assessment and diversification to build resilience against disruptions from tariffs, sanctions, and political tensions. This ongoing challenge requires continuous adaptation and strategic foresight.

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Digital globe showing interconnected shipping routes, major ports, and a disruption alert near Singapore

Navigating Political Risk in Market Entry

Leave a Comment / Business Diplomacy, international business diplomacy, International Trade & Finance /

The article argues that political variables have become central to commercial modeling, as globalization shifts towards geopolitical fragmentation. This change affects trade dynamics, necessitating new frameworks for assessing political risk before market entry. Firms must adapt strategies to navigate complexities like sanctions, regional instability, and shifting alliances to ensure resilient operations.

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Drone flying over industrial storage tanks under a colorful sunset sky

The Shift from Deterrence to Defense: Lessons Learned

Leave a Comment / Defense, International Affairs /

This essay analyzes the selective failure of nuclear deterrence observed in the conflicts of 2025 and 2026, highlighting cases in Ukraine, Israel, South Asia, and Iran. It advocates for a shift from deterrence by threat to deterrence by denial, emphasizing resilience and defense while warning against the impulse for nuclear proliferation among anxious allies.

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Lessons from the JCPOA: Coalition Failures and Solutions

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

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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Drones flying over refinery with large flames and smoke from explosion at night

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

Leave a Comment / Defense, Defense, Europe, International Affairs, Moldova, russia, russia, ukraine, Ukraine conflict /

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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Digital map displaying missile launch sites and targets across Middle Eastern countries with trajectories shown

US-Iran Islamabad MoU: A Fragile Road to Peace

Leave a Comment / Defense, hamas, International Affairs, iran, Iran, Israel, lebanon, Muslim Brotherhood, Terrorism, terrorism, Turkey, United States /

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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Stone arch bridge over a calm river with green trees and cloudy sky at sunset

Trust: The Key Asset in Public Affairs

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

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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