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 — […]
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 […]
THE GLOBAL AI SUMMIT ON AFRICA: a continental strategy for artificial intelligence
A Historic Summit for the Continent On April 3rd and 4th, 2025, Kigali hosted the first Global AI Summit on Africa. The event, organized by the Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, has been one of the largest initiatives ever launched in Africa on this front. The […]
EUROPEAN REARMAMENT: A new era of defense?
The Return of European Rearmament The issue of rearmament has returned with force to the European agenda, driven by a mix of geopolitical, industrial, and institutional factors. After WWII and the Cold War, Western Europe rearmed under NATO to counter the Soviet threat. However, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, military spending sharply declined. […]
PROTESTS IN TURKEY: THE DETENTION OF İMAMOĞLU
The detention of Istanbul’s mayor sparks a new wave of protests against Erdoğan’s government, with political and economic repercussions. In recent days, Turkey has witnessed significant protests following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure and the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The demonstrations, which began on March […]