Business Diplomacy Today – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón discusses the topic of online voting with Dr. Simone Ehrenberg-Silies, a senior consultant at the Institute for Technology and Innovation at VDI/VDE-IT. The conversation begins with a definition of online voting, differentiating it from traditional and electronic voting. The discussion delves into the reluctance of many countries to adopt online voting because of the risks of cyberattacks and manipulation, highlighting the vulnerability and potential loss of trust in the election process.

Simone notes that online voting offers some advantages, such as better accessibility, error-free vote counting, and convenience, particularly during situations like the pandemic. The conversation shifts to other applications beyond political elections, such as university elections and party leader selections. Despite the benefits, Simone repeatedly emphasizes the substantial risks, especially without the possibility of a verifiable recount in case of disputes. The discussion covers the technical intricacies of online voting systems, focusing on security, authentication, and the potential future risks posed by quantum computing.

Dr. Simone Ehrenberg-Silies is a Senior Consultant at the Institute for Technology and Innovation at VDI/VDE-IT. A political scientist, she has been working in foresight and technology assessment for over a decade, mainly for public clients such as the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag and the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Simone is passionate about working and publishing on topics such as the future of work, the future of payments, social, economic and political transformation, and geopolitical issues at the intersection of technology and innovation.

• E-Voting – alternative Wahlformen und ihre Absicherung (2023)
• Nino Haratischvili (2019): The Eighth Life (for Brilka)

This episode is sponsored and presented by the Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence.

In this episode of Business Diplomacy Today, guest Martin Drux from Marsh McLennan delves into lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of businesses preparing for future events like the permafrost virus. Host Matthias Catón discusses technology’s role in risk assessment, citing Google’s use of search data to track flu outbreaks. Drux highlights how AI and technology can enhance risk prediction and data quality, especially in the insurance sector.

The episode addresses geopolitical risks such as power shifts, tensions in the Middle East, and China’s assertiveness, with Drux advocating for peaceful solutions and innovation. Companies should take Drux’s advice and manage talent shortages, especially in Europe, while also incorporating ESG factors into their strategies.

The Global Risk Report, a collaboration between the World Economic Forum, Marsh McLennan, and Zurich, serves as a valuable resource that highlights risks like misinformation, climate change, and social unrest. Drux points out the evolution of risk management, noting a shift to new risks like cyber threats and environmental challenges.

The conversation covers whether non-insurance companies are effective at assessing risks and the importance of diversifying production and markets. Drux emphasises the importance of learning from past mistakes with countries like Russia and China while balancing ethical and political views. He predicts a tumultuous decade filled with both innovations and challenges, stressing human rights and the responsible use of AI.

The discussion ends on a hopeful note, with Drux underlining humanity’s broader aim of survival. This episode is essential for understanding the ever-evolving landscape of global risks and the need for businesses to adapt proactively. The topic is vital today as companies navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

Martin Drux is the Multinational Client Service Leader for Europe at MarshMcLennan based in Düsseldorf, Germany. Martin has worked in the insurance industry for 30 years, always in client-facing roles for large multinational clients. Besides various client executive and managerial roles in Germany, Martin has worked a couple of years in the USA (Philadelphia), Asia and the UK (London).

Martin joined Marsh in 2007 as a senior client executive for German Fortune 1000 companies and has led the Marsh Multinational Practice in Europe since 2013.

• Global Risks Report 2024
• Kiss, Bow, Or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway

This episode is sponsored and presented by the Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence.

In Episode 22 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Prof. Harold James, Professor of History and International Affairs at Princeton University. Drawing inspiration from Harold’s recent publication Seven Crashes: The Economic Crises That Shaped Globalisation (2023), Matthias and Harold discuss seven major turning points in the history of globalisation.

Their conversation explores the requirement for preparation and flexibility in responding to global crises, such as geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Also discussed is the impact of political systems on crisis response and how this differs in autocratic and democratic systems.

With globalisation being synonymous to interconnectedness, Harold and Matthias examine the influence of communication and technological advances during times of rapid change. Harold contextualises these theories through historical events and the importance of having a historical understanding to prepare for the interaction between a globalised world that experiences conflict and uncertainty.

Discussing topics of historical events, innovation and global trade, this episode is a must listen for policymakers and business leaders to gain insights on how to be resilient and prepared for changes on a global level.  

Harold James, the Claude and Lore Kelly Professor in European Studies at Princeton University, is Professor of History and International Affairs. His books include a study of the interwar depress in Germany, The German Slump (1986); International Monetary Cooperation Since Bretton Woods (1996) and The End of Globalisation (2001). He was also co-author of a history of Deutsche Bank (1995), which won the Financial Times Global Business Book Award in 1996.

His most recent publication is Seven Crashes (2023). He is the official historian of the International Monetary Fund. In 2004 he was awarded the Helmut Schmidt Prize for Economic History, and in 2005 the Ludwig Erhard Prize for writing about economics. He writes a monthly column for Project Syndicate.   

• James, H. (2023) Seven Crashes: The Economic Crises That Shaped Globalisation
  
• Döpfner, M. (2023) Trade Trap – How to Stop Doing Business with Dictators
  
• Farrell, H. and Newman, A. (2023) Underground Empire – How America Weaponized the World Economy
  

Episode 21 of Business Diplomacy Today covers the emerging significance of middle powers. Host Matthias Catón is joined by Michael Mazarr, Senior Political Scientist at the RAND Corporation. Matthias and Michael discuss how middle powers are rising and their impact on global trade and business environment.

Beginning with definitions of middle powers, Michael explains the concept of different power scales, and the domestic and global roles great, middle, and small powers play. Understanding different factors as ingredients of influence, such as size, geography and economic power, Matthias and Michael discuss the shift into a multipolar reality where middle powers have a growing significance.

Tied with these complexities, their conversation examines the implications of changes in the global power order on businesses and decision-making processes in contexts of investments and geopolitical shifts. Furthermore, the space that businesses provide for communication, such as cyber- and information security, is discussed.

Matthias and Michael specify these theories in the cases of India’s growth, US-China relations, and developments within the Middle East; with Michael further advising business to continuously invest in developing their geostrategies and ability to operate internationally.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a vital resource for understanding the changing dynamics of global business and diplomacy; as well as the imperative need for businesses to understand and adapt to global shifts to remain competitive and influential on an international scale.

Michael Mazarr is a Senior Political Scientist at the RAND Corporation. Prior to coming to RAND, he served as Professor and Associate Dean at the U.S. National War College in Washington, D.C.

He has served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, President and CEO of the Henry L. Stimson Center, Senior Vice President for strategic planning at the Electronic Industries Alliance, Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Senior Fellow and Editor of The Washington Quarterly at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

• Zakaria, Fareed (2011) The Post-American World: And the Rise of the Rest
  
• Bremer, Ian (2013) Every Nation for Itself: Winners and Losers in a G-Zero World
  

In Episode 20 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Ashoka Mody, Charles and Marie Robertson Visiting Professor in International Economic Policy at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University and author of “India is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today”. Matthias and Ashoka delve into how the world’s largest democracy faces obstacles in achieving fair and equal development, with a specific focus on how its history has shaped its present.

With a detailed exploration into India’s history since 1947, Matthias and Ashoka look at theories of “path dependence” and how India’s previous leaders and historical events have shaped its politics and development today. From unaddressed economic challenges, to a lack of public goods and the breakdown of accountability, Ashoka provides an intriguing argument to the hindrances of India’s development.

Matthias and Ashoka converse on three pressing themes: India’s economy, its growing inequality, and democracy and accountability. Ashoka debates the need to provide quality goods for the general population; and further suggests a potential solution of decentralising power – identifying Kerala as a role model.

Bringing the topic to a global and business context, Matthias questions if India’s problems are not uncommon for emerging economies and the responsibility of businesses to address these challenges. As a growing destination for investment and India’s role on the global stage, this episode is a must listen for those interested in market access and entry to India.

Ashoka Mody is Charles and Marie Robertson Visiting Professor in International Economic Policy at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He is author of EuroTragedy: A Drama in Nine Acts. Previously, Professor Mody was Deputy Director in the International Monetary Fund’s Research and European Departments. He has worked at the World Bank, AT&T’s Bell Laboratories, and the Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum. He has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and is a non-resident fellow at the Center for Financial Studies, Frankfurt. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from Boston University.

Ashoka Mody has published a book, “India is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today” (Stanford University Press, 2023). He brings his Indian heart to this provocative new account of how India moved relentlessly from its hope-filled founding in 1947 to the dramatic economic and democratic breakdowns of today.

• Mody, Ashoka (2023) India is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today
  
• Iyer, Kavitha (2021) Landscapes of Loss: The Story of an Indian Drought
  
• Independent Digital Media Outlets – The Wire (https://thewire.in/), Scroll (https://scroll.in/), Article 14 (https://article-14.com/)

In Episode 19 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Vera Axyonova, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie REWIRE Fellow at the University of Vienna and Principal Investigator of the project ‘Expert Knowledge in Times of Crisis – Uncovering Interaction Effects between Think Tanks, Media, and Politics’. Vera shares her expertise on the influence that experts and think-tanks can have on policy- and decision-making, specifically in hybrid and non-democratic regimes.

Beginning with definitions of think-tanks and their influence on policy, Vera and Matthias delve into how these organizations and experts operate in different political environments. Vera specifically contextualizes these ideas with Russia and the reporting of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change through her research on the topic; and demonstrates that, in some cases, think-tanks actively transmit certain policy ideas provided by the state.

Matthias and Vera further discuss the various factors which can influence information published by think-tanks; such as local regulations in the case of transnational think-tanks, the influence of donors and funders and the establishment of international expert networks to transfer policy solutions and options.

With the fast spread of news and information and the importance of distinguishing between ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’, this episode is a must listen for those interested in analyzing how we receive knowledge and the influence this knowledge holds. For business leaders and senior executives, Matthias and Vera recognize the role corporate think-tanks can inform market access and entry.

Vera Axyonova is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie REWIRE Fellow at the University of Vienna and Principal Investigator of the project ‘Expert Knowledge in Times of Crisis – Uncovering Interaction Effects between Think Tanks, Media, and Politics’.

In this project, she examines how knowledge about crises is produced and communicated by expert professionals in political settings beyond consolidated liberal democracies, how political and societal actors use this knowledge, and how much influence it has on policymaking.

Before joining the University of Vienna, Vera had various roles in research, science management, and policy consulting. She was the Managing Director of “Academics in Solidarity” at Freie Universität Berlin and worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Assistant Professor at Justus Liebig University Giessen. Vera was also a Hurford Next Generation Fellow with the Carnegie Endowment’s Euro-Atlantic Security Initiative and is the founding co-chair of the ECPR Research Network on Statehood, Sovereignty, and Conflict.

• Abelson, D.E. (ed.) (2021) Handbook on Think Tanks in Public Policy
  https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/handbook-on-think-tanks-in-public-policy-9781789901832.html
  
• Pielke, R.A. (2007) The Honest Broker: Making Sense of Science in Policy and Politics
  https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511818110

Jan Kratzer, Chaired Professor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management and Founder/Academic Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) at Technische Universität Berlin, joins Matthias Catón in this episode. Jan shares his expertise on challenges for entrepreneurs in low-income countries, comparing them to high-income countries.

As their discussion explores the concept of entrepreneurship in fragile states, Matthias and Jan discuss theoretical definitions of fragile states and entrepreneurship. Jan explains how the latter has contrasting definitions globally; for example, micro-entrepreneurship is very common in African and Asian states, but the social-political-economic nexus in fragile states hinders the sustainability of an entrepreneurial business model.   

Despite the obstacles faced in fragile environments, such as low-tech industries, a lack of entrepreneurial support systems and legal regulations, Jan recognises the significance these young entrepreneurs have in growing economies through informal and smaller-scale entrepreneurship.  

Jan and Matthias further discuss the need for tailored educational programmes to train young entrepreneurs, the importance of reducing protectionist measures and how matured markets must give away their power to allow others to emerge and grow.  

As an increase in geopolitical risk calls for rethinking business strategies to maintain resilience, this episode is a must listen to gain a deeper insight into stimulating growth in fragile environments. 

Jan Kratzer is Chaired Professor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management and Founder/Academic Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. At the Faculty for Business and Economy at Technische Universität Berlin he holds the function as Vice Dean for Internationalization and he is a member of the Academic Senate of Technische Universität Berlin. Prof. Dr. Jan Kratzer established and leads the (dual degree) master program MSc “Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability” (“IMES”).  

In 2003 Jan Kratzer and others created the startup “NetScan” (Applied Network Analytics) and in 2006 Jan Kratzer and others created the startup “Improof” (Project Management). 

As Chaired Professor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management/Academic Director CfE he has attracted around 20 million € third party funding from 2010 to 2023, He is in the editorial board of “Creativity and Innovation Management” (CIM), “Journal of Product Innovation Management” (J-PIM), “Sustainability” and “Highlights of Sustainability”. His research is mainly on factors that drive sustainable entrepreneurial and innovation activities towards success and resulted in ca. 100 scientific publications. At all Prof. Dr. Jan Kratzer has supervised more than 80 PhD’s as first supervisor. 

• Lerner, D. A., Alkærsig, L., Fitza, M. A., Lomberg, C., & Johnson, S. K. (2021). Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained: Parasite Infection is Associated with Entrepreneurial Initiation, Engagement, and Performance. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 45(1), 118–144. https://doi.org/10.1177/1042258719890992 

In episode 17 of Business Diplomacy Today, Matthias Catón is joined by Ludivine Wouters, Managing Partner of Latitude Five, an investment and advisory firm operating in emerging markets. Ludivine shares her expertise in the metals and mining industry, specifically concerning the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRM Act).

Matthias and Ludivine explore the EU’s approach to critical materials and the attempt to stimulate private sector action through strategic partnerships and market-driven initiatives.

Their conversation contextualizes these theories globally, calling at the US approach of incentivizing electric vehicle and battery production, the Chinese transactional approach, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund, and Japan’s value chain investments. Ludivine and Matthias further navigate the complexities of the EU’s CRM Act in relation to the need to increase investment in critical materials, the importance of responsible sourcing, and the recognition that “minerals at any cost” is no longer an acceptable thought.

As we become more and more conscious of our supply chains and responsible sourcing, this episode is a must-listen to gain valuable insights into the critical raw materials landscape and its impact on businesses.

Ludivine Wouters is managing partner of Latitude Five, an investment and advisory firm operating in emerging markets.

Ludivine assists natural resources companies and investors in emerging markets as a strategy, governance, and policy adviser specializing in transaction management, regulatory affairs, government relations, and permitting. She also works on technical assistance programs for countries, focusing on mining and minerals policy, governance, and taxation. She also assists donor agencies in defining, assessing, and implementing critical minerals and responsible sourcing priorities, policies, and initiatives.

Ludivine has experience in political risk insurance within Lloyd’s Insurance syndicate and significant legal experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets with leading international firms in Paris; she also worked for an emerging markets investment bank in London, focusing on metals and mining clients, particularly African juniors.

Ludivine holds a Master in Business Law from Université Panthéon Assas (Paris II) and a JD in Law from Université Panthéon Sorbonne (Paris I) and is called to the bar in Paris. In 2013, she was nominated by her peers to be one of 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.

Ludivine is a Visiting Fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

• State of Play is an independent research group focused on strategy and innovation in the global mining industry. Their biennial Mining Industry Survey has participants from around the globe and explores external drivers, strategic positioning, and organizational architecture.
• Press release on 16 March 2023 for the Critical Raw Materials Act
• European Parliament Legislative Observatory page for the Critical Raw Materials Act

In this episode, host Matthias Catón and Wilfried Aulbur, Senior Partner of Roland Berger, explore the navigation and development of business strategies in a volatile and ever-changing world.

Through topics of geopolitical relations, climate change, and technological innovation, Matthias and Wilfried discuss the importance of agility to transform business strategy and respond to uncertainties. Drawing on his in-country experience, Wilfried provides a detailed account of India’s potential and growth and how the country’s responsiveness can be a model to follow globally. As we reexamine the geopolitical order, Wilfried and Matthias discuss the trends in internal business relations and the importance of staying innovative to drive resilient growth.

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur is a Senior Partner of Roland Berger. He is responsible for the firm’s global Commercial Vehicle, Construction, and Agricultural business and leads the US Aerospace and Defense practice. Wilfried is based in Chicago and works across Automotive, Industrials, and Private Equity.

Previously, he was the Managing Partner of Roland Berger in India, the head of Roland Berger’s Asia Automotive practice, and the Chairman of Roland Berger Middle East and Africa and served on the firm’s global supervisory board.

Wilfried’s work includes growth strategies, M&A and due diligence, operational performance improvements, and technology strategies. Wilfried has served on numerous industry associations and panels, is a regular speaker at key industry events, and publishes extensively, including a recent book on doing business in India titled “Riding the Tiger”.

Before his work with Roland Berger, Aulbur was the Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India and was responsible for the passenger cars, trucks, and buses. He previously held various positions with Daimler in Europe, the US, and India. Wilfried holds a Ph.D. in Physics with a focus on Computational Material Science.

• Aulbur, Wilfried and Amit Kapoor (2016): Riding the Tiger: How to Execute Business Strategy in India
• McGrath, Rita (2019) Seeing Around Corners: How to Spot Inflection Points in Business Before They Happen
• Frankl, Viktor E. (2006) Man’s Search for Meaning

This episode of Business Diplomacy Today explores the topic of water security. Host Matthias Catón is joined by Susanne Schmeier, Head of the Water Governance Department and Associate Professor of Water Law and Diplomacy at IHE Delft.

They discuss the global water crisis and its implications for meeting the 2030 Agenda, pollution issues, overuse, and potential conflicts. Susanne identifies the necessity to reduce our water footprint and highlights the relationship between businesses, foreign investors, and states in achieving this and holding each other accountable for water consumption. As our most valuable resource and global significance, Matthias and Susanne contextualize these arguments from Latin America to East Asia, exploring examples of collaboration and conflict within different regions.

Dr. Susanne Schmeier is an Associate Professor of Water Law and Diplomacy and the Head of the Water Governance Department at IHE Delft in the Netherlands.

Her research focuses on conflict and cooperation over shared natural resources and the environment, particularly in water, and the legal and institutional mechanisms at local, national, and international levels to mitigate conflict and build long-term cooperation. She also applies this research to conflict resolution and mediation efforts in various regions worldwide.

Before joining IHE Delft, she worked for the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the World Bank, the Mekong River Commission (MRC), and other international and regional organizations.

• Global Commission on the Economics of Water – Turning the Tide: A Call to Collective Action
• Water Peace and Security Partnership