Geopolitical risks: strategies to protect your company
4 June 2024

Geopolitical risks have a high impact on business, but are mostly beyond our control. These include risks such as political instability, trade conflicts, regulatory changes or even cybersecurity. We would like to take a look at some proven techniques and approaches to protect yourself against them:

  1. Scenario mapping

Scenario mapping is a technique in which various possible geopolitical developments are analyzed and evaluated. This enables companies to prepare for potential risks and take appropriate measures. An interdisciplinary team from different departments should be involved in this process to ensure a comprehensive perspective.

  1. Business playscript

Business playscripts help to understand the motives and actions of key players. Narrative scenarios are used to describe the logic, storylines, decisions and motives of different members of a company’s ecosystem. The technique is often used to identify the dynamics and motivations that lead to geopolitical risks and other risk events so that organizations can mitigate potential threats and take advantage of new opportunities.

  1. Risk transfer

Risk transfer involves the transfer of risks to third parties, such as through insurance. Such insurance covers losses caused by politically motivated violence, government measures, currency exchange restrictions, breach of contract or similar. This is particularly relevant in light of global tensions, cyber attacks and other geopolitical challenges.

  1. Proactive risk management

A proactive and flexible approach to risk management is particularly important. Global developments should be analyzed and strategies adjusted accordingly. This increases resilience to geopolitical risks and enables a faster response to unforeseen events.

Conclusion

Geopolitical risks are unavoidable, but through targeted strategies and proactive risk management, companies can minimize their impact. Scenario mapping, business playscript and the offer valuable approaches to maintaining control over geopolitical risks and strengthening resilience.