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)
-
Lupina-Wegener, Anna; Ullrich, Johannes; van Dick, Rolf,
2021.
The role of identity leadership in European acquisitions in China.
In:
21st EURAM Annual Conference, Montréal, Canada (online), 16-18 June 2021.
-
Głowacki, Krzysztof; Hartwell, Christopher Andrew; Karunska, Kateryna; Kurczewski, Jacek; Botsch, Elisabeth; Göhring, Tom; Priesmeyer-Tkocz, Weronika,
2021.
The Law and Development Review.
14(2), pp. 359-400.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1515/ldr-2021-0043
-
Lee, Philipp; Kendzia, Michael J.,
2021.
The sharing-exchange continuum inside of the sharing economy.
American Journal of Industrial and Business Management.
11(6), pp. 692-704.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.4236/ajibm.2021.116045
-
Pedrazzi, Camilla; Duma, Fabio; Gadgil, Maya,
2021.
In:
Mosca, Fabrizio; Casalegno, Cecilia; Gallo, Rosalia, eds.,
Developing Successful Global Strategies for Marketing Luxury Brands.
Hershey:
IGI Global.
pp. 230-260.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-5882-9.ch013
-
Meylan, Grégoire; Thiombiano, Boundia Alexandre; Le, Quang Bao,
2021.
Towards assessing the resource criticality of agricultural livelihood systems.
Ecological Indicators.
124(107385).
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107385
-
Keller, Florian; Zoller-Rydzek, Benedikt,
2021.
Trade and attitude towards the EU : what really matters?[paper].
In:
ECPR Joint Sessions of Workshops and Research Sessions, online, 17-28 May 2021.
-
Hartwell, Christopher; Otrachshenko, Vladimir; Popova, Olga,
2021.
Waxing power, waning pollution : the effect of COVID-19 on Russian environmental policymaking.
Ecological Economics.
184(107003).
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.107003
-
Liang, Shuang; Lupina-Wegener, Anna; Ullrich, Johannes; van Dick, Rolf,
2021.
Journal of Change Management.
22(1), pp. 59-78.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/14697017.2021.1951812
-
Ursprung, Dominique; Ziltener, Patrick,
2020.
Die neuen Mega-Regionals in Asien-Pazifik setzen die Schweiz unter Handlungsdruck.
Ökonomenstimme.
-
Syrigos, Evangelos,
2020.
Digital transformation and corporate governance.
In:
Strategic Management Society 40th Annual Conference, Extension Program “Business Model Transformation and Competition in the Age of Artificial Intelligence", online, 2 November 2020.