Geopolcast

Geopolcast is a thought-provoking podcast that looks at the world's most pressing geopolitical issues, analyses global trends, and brings expert interviews that provide fresh perspectives on the ever-changing landscape of international politics.

Understanding the economic ripple effects of tariffs on trade 05/06/2025

Understanding the economic ripple effects of tariffs on trade In this episode host Sam Wilkin is joined by David Hoile, WTW’s Global Head of Asset Research and Ian Watts, WTW’s Trade Credit Growth Leader to discuss the ever-changing tariff landscape. We understand the effects of tariffs on global trade, which sectors are most at risk and how credit insurance can protect your business. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/36452110

Geopolitical intelligence: The role of AI 02/26/2025

Geopolitical intelligence: The role of AI In this episode of Geopolcast, Elisabeth Braw and Jonathan Kewley talk about the global risks of AI and the possible implications for businesses. They also examine the need for regulated AI and how geopolitical tensions could influence how AI is used. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/35435000

Africa’s strategic opportunities and geopolitical challenges 02/03/2025

Africa’s strategic opportunities and geopolitical challenges In this episode of Geopolcast, Elisabeth Braw and Peter Pham talk about Africa’s strategic, geopolitical and economic importance. The episode explores the increased competition in Africa, including the growing presence of Russia and China. It also examines relationships with Western nations, such as the U.S., which are engaging with key African countries, including Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria. The episode addresses the major challenges that Africa faces, such as civil wars and the threat of large-scale migrations, and the best ways to support Africa through Western aid and investment. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/35126345

The risks of gray zone aggression to the aviation industry 01/08/2025

The risks of gray zone aggression to the aviation industry In this episode of Geopolcast, join host Elisabeth Braw and speakers Jared Seth and Sam Wilkin as they discuss the risks of gray zone aggression on the aviation industry. This episode also explores the impact of gray zone aggression on businesses globally with insights from our latest Political Risk Index. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/34777620

Navigating geopolitical risks for businesses 10/15/2024

Navigating geopolitical risks for businesses In this episode of Geopolcast, join host Elisabeth Braw and expert speakers Sam Wilkin and Arto Räty as they discuss developments in the world of political risk as seen in our latest political risk survey report. This episode also dives into why Western businesses are prime targets for geopolitical risks, explores the diverse challenges companies encounter, and uncovers actionable strategies to mitigate these threats. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/33463612

Navigating geopolitical risks for businesses 10/15/2024

The evolution of modern terrorism threats 09/27/2024

The evolution of modern terrorism threats In this episode join host Elisabeth Braw and Magnus Ranstorp as they discuss how terrorist groups have evolved in the past 25 years and the impacts modern terrorism is having on organizations. As featured in our Terrorism Pools Index 2024 the adoption and exploitation of AI by these groups is only going to get more common. Listen now to hear further insights on the other technological advances being used and how our own defense are utilizing AI for security. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/33230512

Managing the new political risks in oil and gas 06/03/2024

Managing the new political risks in oil and gas In this episode, join host Elisabeth Braw and expert speakers Laura Burns and David Cairns as they who focus on the new political risks facing the oil and gas industry and how industry executives may manage these new risks to the sector, as featured in our latest managing the new political risks in oil and gas report. Our experts also tackle the risk of sabotage of energy installations, attacks on Western-linked merchant vessels, especially oil tankers in the Red Sea, sanctions and the subversion of sanctions. Plus broader risks, like the prospect of a showdown between China and the West. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/31576147

Exploring risks and innovations in sea-based infrastructure 03/19/2024

Exploring risks and innovations in sea-based infrastructure In this episode, join host Elisabeth Braw and expert speakers Michael Buckle and Rear Admiral Anders Grenstad as they delve into the dynamic world beneath the waves, exploring the threats to sea-based infrastructure, the intersection of geopolitics and heightened risks for shipping and transportation. Our experts also tackle pressing questions about improving safety with the use of technology and AI, the impact of damage on owners and insurers, and the crucial relevance of insurance policies. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/30437983

Navigating the impact of geopolitics on maritime trade 01/03/2024

Navigating the impact of geopolitics on maritime trade In this episode of Geopolcast, we discuss how geopolitics has entered the maritime domain and the impacts of this new unpredictability for maritime trade. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/29324168

The effects of geopolitical shifts on supply chains 12/11/2023

The effects of geopolitical shifts on supply chains In this episode of Geopolcast, Elisabeth Braw, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the interplay of supply chains and geopolitics with, Enrico Savio, Managing Director of Leonardo International and, Frederick Gentile, WTW’s Director of Risk Engagement. In the complex world of supply chains, geopolitical shifts are creating disruption, causing ripples across industries. These shifts are affecting the availability, cost, and reliability of essential goods and services worldwide. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/29017713

The dynamics of Geopolitics and China 12/11/2023

The dynamics of Geopolitics and China In this episode of Geopolcast, Elisabeth Braw, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, navigates the complex dynamics between Geopolitics and China with, Orville Schell, the Director of the Center on US & China Relations and, David Hoile, Global Head of Asset Research at WTW. We reflect on the journey China has taken since the 70’s and explore China’s ever-evolving Geopolitical landscape, understanding how worsening relations are impacting Western companies and the operational repercussions this is having organisations. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/29017583

The power and pitfalls of sanctions 10/12/2023

The power and pitfalls of sanctions Sanctions have emerged as an instrument in the toolbox of Western governments. The effectiveness of sanctions, however, remains a subject of debate, with experts trying to gauge their impact on the targeted countries and their repercussions on Western corporations. A standout example illustrating the complex dynamics of sanctions and geopolitics is the ongoing case of Russia. This situation holds exceptional significance due to the unparalleled breadth of sanctions imposed and Russia's status as a prominent global player and a member of the UN Security Council. This case highlights the interplay between geopolitics and sanctions on a global scale. As countries continue to navigate this complex landscape of sanctions, their effectiveness and broader geopolitical implications will remain topics of scrutiny and debate. In this episode of Geopolcast, Elisabeth Braw, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses power and pitfalls of sanctions with Sir Laurie Bristow, veteran diplomat and previous Director of Intelligence and National Security, and Sam Wilkin, WTW’s Director of Political Risk Analytics. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/28296377

The geopolitical implications of climate change 09/27/2023

The geopolitical implications of climate change This summer we saw Europe experience an unprecedented heatwave, the worst heatwave since records began. Added to this, we have seen an increasing number of devastating wildfires, and Beijing has seen its worst flooding in 140 years. Not only is the impact of climate change causing devastation in countries ranging from Ethiopia to Pakistan, but the further implications of climate change will also create secondary challenges including poor harvests and migration flows. The UN predicts 1 billion people will be displaced by climate change by 2050, with 10% of those moving to areas of the world not affected by climate change. The migration of this many people will majorly impact the societies of these regions and create further security issues. In this episode of Geopolcast, Elisabeth Braw, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the implications of climate change with Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, Non-Executive Director of Climate Change and Sustainability at the UK Ministry of Defence, and Helene Galy, the Managing Director of WTW’s Research Network. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/28162037

The rising risk of cyber threats 09/27/2023

The rising risk of cyber threats The more educated citizens and companies have become about Cyber threats, the more advanced the threats have become. Today, the threats have progressed from traditional scam emails to the ever-increasing presence of ransomware attacks, testing the resilience of larger organisations. Ransomware is now a prime example of business development in the criminal world, mostly innovation around gaining money from people. With this, underwriters are increasing the pressure to ensure companies are protecting themselves; not only their defence, but also their resilience and recovery when targeted. In some instances, businesses are able to convert back to offline processing and operations when under threat, however in some industries and sectors that's not possible. This is a continuous problem requiring the upmost diligence, not only affecting businesses but society as a whole. In this episode of Geopolcast, Elisabeth Braw, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the rising risk of cyber threats with Staffan Truve, CTO of Recorded Future, and Tom Srail, WTW’s Executive Vice President for Cyber Risk. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/28161932

The importance of geopolitics in the boardroom 09/27/2023

The importance of geopolitics in the boardroom The past couple of months have seen the Russian operations of two well-known global businesses seized by the Russian government, even though both companies were already trying to exit Russia. Such cases in Russia dramatically highlight the challenges corporate boards are facing. With regards to operations in China, a new survey of German companies operating in China found that 55% plan new investments there, that's down from 72% three years ago. 58% blame poor market conditions, 44% blame geopolitical tensions and 28% blame China's economic policies targeting self-reliance, for example Made in China 2025. WTW's 2023 Political Risk survey showed that Russia and China now top the league of countries where companies suffer the most political risk losses. In this episode of Geopolcast, Elisabeth Braw, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, explores the importance of geopolitics in the boardroom with Lord Jonathan Evans, Director-General of MI5 until 2013, and Stuart Ashworth, who leads WTW's political risk business from the headquarters in London. /episode/index/show/c47582ca-faff-4d93-839f-f69aacd93f51/id/28161767

Geopolcast

TOPICS