Geopolitics and Business

Epizode

• Europe’s economic security turn: Why the EU is tightening FDI screening 08.07.2026 13min

  The EU has revised its FDI screening regulation, an economic security move that will reshape how many investments arereviewed across Europe. In this episode, Theresa Terzer sits down with Sarah Isabey (Geolytics) to explain what changed, what stays national, and how companies can prepare before the rules apply in January 2028.Further analysis: Geolytics.Hub: https://sinolytics.de/geolytics/geolytics-hub.htmlDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
• Who Controls AI? Inside Washington’s chip strategy 12.06.2026 19min

  In this episode, we step back from the headlines to offer a clear, big‑picture walkthrough of why AI chips matter geopolitically, how U.S. export controls are evolving, and what this means for global companies trying to build and operate across borders.In this episode of Geopolitics and Business Briefing, host Theresa Terzer is joined by Kevin Allison, President and Founder of Minerva Technology Futures (Washington, DC). Kevin explains the broader arc of U.S.–China technology competition and uses recent US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) signaling (including guidance tied to the so‑called “AI diffusion” framework) as an entry point to discuss where policy is heading.What you’ll take away:Why advanced AI chips became a focal point in U.S.–China competitionThe shift from controlling where compute goes to controlling who owns/controls/accesses itWhy export controls are a blunt tool, and how they can reshape innovation and supply chainsHow China’s policy toolkit has expanded (and why risk is increasingly two‑way)Practical implications for boards, executives, procurement, compliance, and government affairsRelevant for any sector running global operations that depend on AI infrastructure—cloud and data centers, electronics, automotive, industrial automation, and beyond.Learn more about Geolytics and Geolytics.HubMinerva Technology FuturesFeedback & topic suggestions: podcast@geo-lytics.com
• What the Trump–Xi summit really delivered for business (and what it didn’t) 19.05.2026 23min

  How much substance was really behind the highly choreographed Trump–Xi summit in Beijing? In this episode of the Geopolitics and Business Briefing, host Theresa Terzer is joined by Leonhard Xu to unpack what was announced, what remains unresolved, and what it all means for companies exposed to US–China tensions.   The discussion walks through the symbolism of the state visit, the five key trade items that actually made it into the readouts, Beijing’s new framing of “constructive strategic stability,” and the looming export control deadlines that could once again shake global supply chains.   Whether you sit in corporate strategy, risk, government affairs, or supply-chain leadership, this briefing gives you a clear, structured view of where US–China economic relations stand after the summit — and which red‑letter dates you should already have in your calendar.
• From Orbán to Magyar: Will Hungary stay China’s EV gateway to the EU? 30.04.2026 13min

  Hungary’s election has ended Viktor Orbán’s 16‑year rule and opened the door to a more EU‑aligned course under Péter Magyar. That shift matters not only for Brussels, but also for Beijing. This episode Shaun Ho unpacks how a “team player” Hungary could affect China’s EV and battery footprint in Europe, why Chinese EV OEMs like BYD and battery suppliers such as CATL bet so heavily on Hungary, and how tighter compliance and higher operating costs could ripple through Europe’s EV supply chains and its automakers.
• The hidden ripple effects: Why the war in Iran goes beyond oil and impacts every industry 27.03.2026 15min

  In this episode, Bastian Dürr, geopolitical analyst and supply chain expert, discusses how the war in Iran and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz could affect global markets and industrial supply chains. We look at how escalating tensions could drive energy and fuel prices, and how disruptions in the region may translate into shortages and price spikes for key industrial inputs such as sulfur, helium, and ammonia — with knock-on effects for mining, fertilizers, and industrial production. Rather than focusing on headlines, the episode explores what these developments could mean in practical terms: cost pressure, procurement risk, and uncertainty for businesses exposed to global commodity flows. A relevant listen for anyone monitoring geopolitical risk and its implications for energy markets and industrial resilience.
• China’s 15th Five-Year Plan: Resilience in a "World in Disorder" 26.03.2026 30min

  This episode of the Geopolitics and Business Briefing, produced in collaboration with the Geoeconomic Competition podcast, provides a deep dive into China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. Host Francesca Ghiretti and Sinolytics Managing Partner Dr. Jost Wübbeke analyze the strategic shifts from the previous plan, highlighting a new, intense focus on national security, resilience, and technological self-sufficiency in response to perceived global disorder.   The discussion explores critical economic headwinds facing Beijing, such as deflation, the property crisis, and the challenges of boosting domestic consumption. A major highlight of the conversation is China's technological ambition, specifically the "AI everywhere" approach and the pursuit of breakthroughs in semiconductors, nuclear fusion, and embodied AI to break dependency on Western supply chains.   This briefing provides decision-makers with a critical analysis of whether China can successfully realize its vision of becoming a comprehensive global superpower by 2030, despite facing massive internal structural crises and persistent economic headwinds.
• China’s 15th Five-Year Plan: Localize or Lose? 19.03.2026 53min

  Join us as we break down the essentials of the new Five-Year Plan, clarify what these plans are (and what they are not), and discuss the real-world implications for foreign business executives. Our episode analyzes key themes, such as the transition from investment-driven to consumption-driven growth, the evolving role of government action plans, and the impact of shifting policy keywords. We also address common questions from the international community—like whether these ambitious plans will translate into real action—and provide context for the strategic goals behind China’s move toward localization.Whether you’re a policy watcher, a business leader, or simply curious about China’s next chapter, tune in for expert insights and lively discussion on how to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the world’s second-largest economy.
• From blacklists to watchlists: China’s new sanctions architecture 27.02.2026 8min

  In this episode of Geopolitics & Business Briefing, Theresa Terzer speaks with Geolytics Consultant Leonhard Xu about Beijing’s newly introduced export control watch list, a significant addition to China’s evolving sanctions architecture. Together, they unpack what distinguishes this new tier from existing blacklists, why Japanese companies were the first to be included, and how the move reflects a more flexible, layered approach to export controls rather than a straightforward escalation. This episode offers a practical understanding of how China’s regulatory landscape is shifting, and what it means for companies operating in or relying on China-related supply chains.  
• Competing in a fragmented tech world – with Tiffany Wong 18.12.2025 45min

  In this episode of Geopolitics and Business, Thomas Ramge and Björn Conrad talk with Tiffany Wong, Director of Geopolitical Strategy at HP, about how tech companies navigate an era of fragmentation and geopolitical uncertainty. From U.S.–China tech rivalry and semiconductor policy to the rise of industrial strategies and local content rules, Tiffany explains why scenario planning, breaking down silos, and corporate diplomacy are now critical for resilience. Tune in to learn how these shifts could reshape innovation and global competition.  
• India’s strategic dance: Guarding sovereignty, growing ties – with Manash K. Neog 11.11.2025 41min

  India is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape shaped by rising U.S.-China tensions. In this episode, host Thomas Ramge and co-host Björn Conrad speak with Manash K. Neog, Managing Director of Chase Advisors APAC, about India’s multipolar strategy, economic diplomacy, and emerging business opportunities. Learn how companies can adapt to shifting global dynamics and why India is becoming central to corporate strategy.
• AI, cybersecurity & the global tech divide – with Nicholas Butts 20.10.2025 38min

  In this episode of Geopolitics and Business, hosts Thomas Ramge and Björn Conrad speak with Nicholas Butts, Director of Cybersecurity and AI Policy at Microsoft and co-author of Tech Cold War. Together, they explore the global fragmentation of AI regulation, the rising threat of state-sponsored cyberattacks, and the strategic implications for businesses operating across borders. From the EU’s AI Act to China’s tech diplomacy, this conversation offers deep insights into how companies can navigate the evolving landscape of digital sovereignty and security.
• Scenario planning, tariffs, and building geopolitical muscle – with Luisa Kinzius 09.09.2025 41min

  How can companies stay agile when geopolitics upends markets overnight? In this episode of Geopolitics and Business, Thomas Ramge and Björn Conrad sit down with Luisa Kinzius, Managing Partner at Sinolytics, to unpack three pressing questions:   How scenario planning helps firms navigate geopolitical turbulence What tariffs really mean for prices, margins, and customers Where and how organizations should build geopolitical knowledge   From “geopolitical brains and muscles” to the nitty-gritty of tariff clauses, the conversation offers a hands-on guide for executives who want to turn uncertainty into preparedness.  
• Rewriting the rules: How U.S. trade policy shapes global business– with Emily Benson 21.07.2025 45min

  In this episode of Geopolitics and Business, hosts Thomas Ramge and Björn Conrad are joined by Emily Benson, Head of Strategy at Minerva Technology Futures, to unpack the far-reaching consequences of U.S. trade policy during the Trump administration. Together, they explore the strategic use of tariffs, the ripple effects on international trade relations, and the challenges this poses for global businesses. From the volatility of tariff decisions to the broader geopolitical dynamics shaping corporate strategies, this conversation offers timely insights for leaders navigating uncertainty. What does a politically motivated trade agenda mean for global commerce—and how can companies adapt? Tune in to understand how geopolitics is no longer just background noise, but a core driver of business decisions.
• From tariffs to tech stacks: Mapping the new geopolitical business order – with Ansgar Baums 23.06.2025 47min

  In the debut episode of Geopolitics and Business, hosts Dr. Thomas Ramge and Björn Conrad lay out the mission behind the podcast: decoding how political power and corporate strategy are increasingly inseparable. Joining them is Ansgar Baums, tech policy expert and seasoned observer of global business-government dynamics. Together, they unpack how export controls, sanctions, and fragmented tech stacks are reshaping the rules of international commerce. This is a no-fluff, high-insight conversation at the intersection of strategy and statecraft—your front-row seat to the new era of geopolitical business.
• At the crossroads – Why geopolitics now shapes global business 11.06.2025 2min

  In this kickoff episode, hosts Dr. Thomas Ramge and Björn Conrad lay out the mission behind Geopolitics and Business: making sense of a world where politics and corporate strategy are inseparable. From tech export controls to sanctions, from raw materials to data flows—this podcast decodes how power plays shape global business realities. Join us on this analytical journey with sharp insights and global voices.