The maritime shipping industry has been the backbone of global trade for centuries, with technological and infrastructural advancements steadily reducing costs and shipping times. However, geopolitical tensions and missile attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have forced modern shipping giants such as Maersk to take a step back in time, and adopt logistical strategies […]
The recent terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel have raised concerns globally about terrorist financing and money laundering. Given the subsequent conflict, regulators will undoubtedly look more closely at the financing of Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the region, such as Hezbollah. Hamas is a designated terrorist foreign terrorist organization by […]
Europe is once again experiencing intense, active military conflict on its doorstep. Accordingly, many European countries, motivated by Russia’s ongoing violent campaign to seize Ukraine, are now forced to re-examine their defense plans, capabilities, and, importantly, defense budgets. For some EU countries, this is the first time they have had to seriously consider military […]
China is Cropping Up on US Soil American lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have increasingly expressed concerns about foreign investment in the US agriculture industry, including purchasing farmland. Although the increasing criticism may seem like an overreaction because foreign investors own just 3.1 percent of all US farmland (as of 2021), significant strategic factors must be […]
Albemarle corporation, agreed to a $2.8 million payment in penalties and disgorgement to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to settle Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations related to bribery in Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. According to the DOJ, Albemarle conspired to pay bribes to government officials in these countries […]
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Poland has played an increasingly important role in mitigating tensions along NATO and the EU’s easternmost flank. Although Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have jointly made-up Europe’s eastern front as NATO allies and members of the EU for nearly 20 years, the strategic importance of their location has come […]
Iran in the context of the Middle East’s geopolitical situation has long provided both political risks and business opportunities. The oil and gas sector, service and agriculture sectors, and a “noticeable state presence in manufacturing and finance services” dominate Iran’s economy. Aiming to move Iran away from a heavily oil-dependent economy, Iranian authorities have […]
Geopolitical threats affect businesses, organizations, governments, and even individuals around the world. As a business owner, these threats can affect your profits, your reputation, and even your ability to do business in certain countries. If you fail to identify and understand the geopolitical threats that affect your business, you’re likely to end up losing […]
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, it has been faced with an unprecedented number of sanctions--over 10,000--as the United States, the European Union, and other Western countries have sought to undercut Russian wartime revenue and hinder its ability to fund its military efforts. Although many expert reports suggest that the sanctions have […]
In the nearly year and a half since Russia first invaded Ukraine, much has shifted in the European bloc as it responds and adapts to the conflict occurring in its own backyard. Russia’s apparent commitment to continuing the war has prompted many members of the bloc to ask themselves what could come next, and […]