Geopolitical Risks and Global Business
"When markets fragment and alliances shift, business as usual becomes business at risk."
Dr. Siyana Gurova, Research Associate & Lecturer ZHAW School of Management and Law
Political tensions, trade conflicts, and shifting alliances are fundamentally reshaping the environment for global business. Understanding geopolitical risks is now essential not only for developing strategies but for rethinking entire business models. At the Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness, we analyze how major geopolitical developments impact companies’ operations, supply chains, and market positions. We support businesses in adapting to a more fragmented and uncertain global economy.
Focus Areas
Our current research and consulting activities focus on the following areas of expertise:
- Geopolitical risks in a fragmented economy (Innosuisse-funded project)
- Swiss Managers Survey
- ZHAW International Business Podium: A series of events that addresses political and economic developments and engages with experts and scholars to discuss current issues.
Revival of the strongman – really?
15.04.2025
In an era of growing geopolitical uncertainty, traditional toughness is no longer enough. Successful leadership in global business now demands situational strength, soft power, and strategic flexibility. This article analyzes why classic ideals of masculinity are losing relevance amid geopolitical risks—and which leadership skills matter today: (link to the article in german)(PDF 80,2 KB)
Switzerland is not a G-20 member - and yet it is involved
24.10.2024
Switzerland is not an official G-20 member – yet it remains actively involved in shaping global economic policy. Dominique Ursprung and Mira Braun detail this unique role in Die Volkswirtschaft: (link to the article in german)
Trans Pacific Partnership CPTPP
21.09.2023
Momentum around the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is growing, with six countries seeking membership—while Switzerland remains on the sidelines. Dominique Ursprung explains why CPTPP is becoming increasingly important for Switzerland in Die Volkswirtschaft: Waiting Line at the Trans-Pacific Free Trade Zone. (Article in German)
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2025.
Culture comparative research as a possible approach to transdisciplinary thinking.
In:
Schüz, Mathias, ed.,
Transdisciplinary thinking and acting.
Cham:
Springer.
pp. 205-223.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70680-6_11
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Corina, Margherita; Hartwell, Christopher; Carballo, Alfonso,
2025.
Journal of International Business Studies.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-024-00769-5
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Filatotchev, Igor; Lanzolla, Gianvito; Syrigos, Evangelos,
2025.
Journal of Management.
51(2), pp. 875-912.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/01492063231200819
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Neumüller, Kathrin; Björck, Albena,
2024.
Wie Purpose Mitarbeitende motiviert und bindet.
Penso : HR, Sozialversicherungen, Personalvorsorge.
Available from: https://www.penso.ch/rubriken/hr/wie-purpose-mitarbeitende-motiviert-und-bindet/
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2024.
The decline of economic and political freedom after Covid‐19 : a new authoritarian dawn?.
Politics and Governance.
12(9320).
Available from: https://doi.org/10.17645/pag.9320
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Hartwell, Christopher A.; Hubschmid-Vierheilig, Elena,
2024.
Do markets pay attention to political disinformation?.
Finance Research Letters.
70(106366).
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2024.106366
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Ursprung, Dominique; Braun, Mira,
2024.
Die Schweiz ist nicht G-20-Mitglied – und doch ist sie dabei.
Die Volkswirtschaft.
Available from: https://dievolkswirtschaft.ch/de/2024/10/die-schweiz-ist-nicht-g-20-mitglied-und-doch-ist-sie-dabei/
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Cattaneo, Giacomo; Carugati, Andrea; Frederiksen, Lars; Hacklin, Fredrik,
2024.
The long tail of conflicts in innovation projects : conflicts and their impact on strategic renewal.
Project Management Journal.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/87569728241285139
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Bläse, Richard; Filser, Matthias; Weise, Jana; Björck, Albena; Puumalainen, Kaisu,
2024.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management.
32(1), pp. 679-697.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2939
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Björck, Albena; Bläse, Richard; Bastida, Paulina,
2024.
Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management.
32(3), pp. e12614.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12614