Editorial
The world of global trade and geopolitics is rapidly evolving, and it’s crucial that we keep pace. Traditional global trade patterns are shifting, with regional powerhouses like ASEAN, North America, and the EU taking center stage.
Against this backdrop, we delve deeper into geopolitical trends shaping our world. ASEAN is poised to become a manufacturing stronghold, while trade dynamics between the US, Canada, and Mexico are set to surge thanks to the USMCA Free Trade Agreement. Meanwhile, India and Russia are making strategic moves, shaping alliances and asserting influence in their respective regions.
Amidst these changes, it’s vital to remain vigilant. Initiatives like the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act highlight the need to address supply chain vulnerabilities, while businesses grapple with the trade-offs of geopolitical proximity and diversification.
US-India ties are strengthening, signaling a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. But we must tread carefully, as China along with Pakistan are definitely adjusting their strategic calculi.
So, dear readers, as we embark on this journey through the labyrinth of geopolitics, let’s keep the dialogue alive, share our thoughts, and strive for a world where cooperation triumphs over conflict. After all, the stakes are high, and the challenges are daunting, but together, we can chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow.
Laurent THOMAS
Chairman Consulting Quest
This week’s must read
In this edition of This Week in Consulting, geopolitics is rapidly evolving and we delve into the ever-shifting currents of global trade, geopolitical dynamics, and investment trends.
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Jared Cohen, President of Global Affairs at Goldman Sachs, and Sam Morgan, Global Head of Fixed Income Currencies and Commodities Sales, analyze the economic repercussions of heightened geopolitical instability on markets and the global economy.
This week’s media
In this BCG video, their Global Trade Model, leveraging historical data and AI with 500 million points, forecasts a 2.8% annual increase in global goods trade until 2032, slightly trailing the 3.1% GDP growth.
Thought Leadership
In this ING Think article, concerns arise over raw material shortages as countries aim to secure supplies. China’s dominance in EV battery supply chains raises challenges amid geopolitical tensions. Initiatives like the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and the US Inflation Reduction Act address supply chain vulnerabilities, emphasizing the geopolitical impact on the energy transition.
This article by EY reflects on the past year’s geopolitical events and outlines key themes for 2024. It highlights multipolarity, de-risking, AI geopolitics, ocean importance, and the global elections supercycle. Executives are urged to integrate geopolitical considerations, enhance supply chain resilience, and adapt sustainability strategies.
This article by Atlantic Council underscores India’s heightened geopolitical role, particularly in defense partnerships with the West. It cautions against overlooking potential repercussions for China and Pakistan, urging a nuanced approach and long-term engagement with regional stakeholders to prevent destabilization.
In this McKinsey article, global trade patterns are transforming, driven by shifts in geopolitical dynamics and investment trends. Businesses face trade-offs between reducing geopolitical distance, increasing trade concentration, or diversifying trade relationships, requiring strategic positioning, scenario planning, and collaboration to navigate uncertainties ahead.
This week’s consulting news selection
Accenture has agreed to acquire GemSeek, a leading customer experience analytics provider helping global businesses understand customers through insights, analytics and AI-powered predictive models.|
Huron agrees to acquire GG+A, a leading philanthropic management consulting firm that helps education institutions and healthcare, arts and other nonprofit organizations build and accelerate the philanthropic programs that support their mission.|
Alpha FMC, a leading global consultancy to the asset management, wealth management and insurance industries, has hired Ross Scott as a Director in its UK wealth management and private banking (wealth) team.|
Codestone Group, makes a big move to bolster its business technology, artificial intelligence advisory and managed services strength by acquiring extended capabilities from Cloud Business.|
Laurent is the Chairman and Co-founder of Consulting Quest. Focused on greater value creation, and being thoroughly familiar with Consulting, Laurent has sourced and sold millions of dollars worth of Consulting over the course of his career. Prior to joining Consulting Quest, Laurent was Executive Vice President Oil and Gas at Solvay and Senior Partner Transformation at Oliver Wyman.
