Franco-German “sovereign AI” initiative: Europe’s bid for digital autonomy
France and Germany have announced a new strategic partnership with Mistral AI and SAP SE to build what they frame as a sovereign AI infrastructure for public administration. As shown in the chart below, the US and China account for roughly two-thirds of newly funded AI start-ups worldwide. This joint initiative, revealed on 18 November, […]
India’s multi-alignment and the growing partnership with Italy
In the last article, we have commented on whether multilateralism can survive the current Age of Multipolarity. Now, we examine multi-alignment in Indian foreign policy. India’s global weight is rising. It is today the third-largest economy in the world, according to the IMF and the World Bank. The largest economies in the world, according to […]
Can multilateralism survive the current Age of Multipolarity?
The return of power politics In a recent article for Il Sole 24 Ore, Professor Andrea Colli argues that the decline of multilateralism is not necessarily irreversible. He recalls that cooperation among states, based on shared rules and institutions, has always depended on leadership. A hegemon — capable of enforcing norms and guaranteeing stability — […]
Europe’s chip race: inside the Dutch Nexperia takeover
On September 30, the Dutch government invoked its rarely used Goods Availability Act to take control of Nexperia, a semiconductor company owned by China’s Wingtech Technology. Officials cited acute governance concerns and risks to Europe’s technological security. What is Nexperia? Nexperia is a leading Dutch semiconductor manufacturer based in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, producing essential chips […]
Geopolitical risk analysis in an uncertain world: the case of CogniTrends
Nowadays, it is difficult to think of a major company that does not operate outside of its home country. In developed economies, business internationalisation has become the norm. Goldman Sachs estimates that 28% of S&P 500 revenues come from foreign markets. For firms, globalisation offers clear advantages: larger markets, cheaper inputs, access to talent, and […]
Technology, Geopolitics, and Business: Professor Andrea Colli’s Insights
During the last Family Business Forum 2025, Professor Andrea Colli of Bocconi University delved into the multifaceted nature of contemporary globalization, emphasizing the intricate interplay between technology, geopolitics, and business. By doing so, he offered valuable perspectives for policymakers, business leaders, and scholars aiming to navigate the complexities of the modern global landscape. Technological Advancements and […]
THE 2025 PAPAL CONCLAVE: Geopolitics and Key Candidates for Pope Francis’ Succession
The death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, marked the beginning of a transition period within the Catholic Church. This transition will culminate with the Papal Conclave set to commence on the next May 7. The vacant papacy not only raises questions about the future of the Church but also carries significant global political […]
THE RISE OF SOVEREIGN UNCERTAINTY
Uncertainty is the sovereign that has ruled since the beginning of the year, elevated to power by the U.S. president and further strengthened following the Liberation Day of April 2. This uncertainty severely prejudices any business daring to make forecasts about the future; therefore, it severely prejudices investments. In such a scenario, companies are acting […]
CHINA-EU AUTOMOTIVE TRADE WAR: Retaliation Reshapes Europe’s Automotive Sector
As part of the China-EU automotive trade war, Beijing has frozen investments in European countries supporting tariffs. Automakers like Stellantis are forced to reassess production strategies and navigate the growing uncertainties of an escalating trade conflict. The EU’s Tariff Decision and Industry Reactions In late 2024, the European Union imposed tariffs of up to 45% […]
INDIA SUSPENDS THE INDUS WATERS TREATY
Tensions have been rising between India and Pakistan ever since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The situation keeps escalating with India accusing Pakistan of violating the ceasefire over the Line of Control, the border that de facto separates the two countries in the Kashmir region. Now, the Indian government has decided to […]