What global politics, trade and regulation mean for companies and the executives who run them.
Geopolitics
I was at an event last night led by some of the people behind the UK government's Strategic Defence Review. If you haven't read it yet, I urge you to do so. If you’re a CEO, you’re no longer outside the blast radius. You're in it. The review redefines what war - and therefore operational
Geopolitics
For those of you who never make it to page 19 of the newspaper, the Labour government launched its industrial strategy this week. This represents a long-overdue reset as a ten-year plan to focus government support on eight high-growth, high-productivity sectors: advanced manufacturing,
Geopolitics
Ford has been forced to shut down production at its Louisville factory, with CEO Jim Farley calling it a “day-to-day struggle” to get hold of the right parts. This is not a one-off event. Farley cited global sourcing challenges and rare-earth shortages tied to geopolitical tensions as root
Geopolitics
America is facing a hard truth - it no longer leads in mining. China controls more than 70 percent of the world’s rare earth mineral production and the US imports nearly three-quarters of its supply from there. In response, President Trump’s March 2025 executive order aims to reshore
Geopolitics
The global trade stage is now Global Squid Games. 'Red light to green light' as to who is friend or foe to the US - or how to grow a business - is flickering faster than a disco strobe. One day, we know there is a problem. The next it has disappeared. CEOs must play this game of musical
Geopolitics
The UK’s decision to cut aid spending is diverting £6 billion annually to defence, while the US has frozen all foreign development aid for 90 days, effectively halting USAID projects worldwide. You might think this is needed, but these moves have implications for global business stability.
Geopolitics
First of all, I would like to make one thing clear: I never explain anything. After extending their time on the naughty step for those throwing atrocious petrol bombs around the house, the children have calmed down this week, which has allowed us to tidy up. Roland Rat and his filthy
Geopolitics
What have I been hearing? The election dominates conversations but with malaise. Whichever MP flavour you favour, no politician is going into the next term without being tarnished by the behaviour of the last bunch. Trust is at an all-time low. And when I say ‘bunch’, most of the Blue team
Geopolitics
I’ve been collecting opinions from readers of The Executive Summary on the election. It appears confidence from city folk in political leadership and business-friendly policy has never been so low. What do you think? — “Brexit has ruined the City. The Tories have done themselves no favours
Geopolitics
There is a belief that shifting to renewable energy and transitioning from physical to digital work methods will diminish the adverse impact of human activities on the environment. In his book “Material World: The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization,” journalist Ed Conway from
Geopolitics
And how to cut costs from useless tech apps Hi guys I’m late with the Executive Summary because I’ve been out meeting people at events. So here’s what I learned this week: 1 – Is war coming? I went to the Cavalry and Guards Club for a Firstlight Trust charity event hosted by Dorinda
