Geopolitics and Business

What the Trump–Xi summit really delivered for business (and what it didn’t)

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?

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

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"

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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.