Geopolcast

In this episode of Geopolcast, host Jen Daffron is joined by Elisabeth Braw, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Sam Wilkin, Director of Political Risk Analytics, to discuss the key findings from the Willis Research Network's latest report on gray-zone aggression. They explore the rising threat of gray-zone aggression and why companies have become primary targets in modern geopolitical conflict. Whether you're a risk manager, insurance professional, corporate security leader, or board member, this episode offers essential insights into understanding, preparing for, and mitigating these rapidly evolving threats to business operations.

In this episode of Geopolcast, our host Pete Bransden is joined by Tom Clementi, CEO of Pool Re, the U.K.'s government backed terrorism reinsurer.  This episode focuses on the role of public-private partnerships in terrorism risk management. Whether you're a broker, underwriter, risk manager, or policymaker, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of insurance, security, and public policy.

In this episode of Geopolcast, we examine the evolution of political violence insurance in Ukraine, a country that has seen a surge in demand due to ongoing conflicts since 2014. The annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbas have led to a critical need for war risk insurance, but the supply has decreased, making premiums unaffordable for many local entities. We discuss the challenges and potential solutions, including the role of detailed government data and the varying risk perceptions across different regions. Join us as guests Vyacheslav Andriyko and Karan Chandan share insights on the international market's response to these risks, the potential for public-private partnerships, and the importance of a nuanced approach to underwriting in Ukraine.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Geopolcast, we discuss how geopolitics has entered the maritime domain and the impacts of this new unpredictability for maritime trade.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.[1] 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.