Geopolitics
Geopolitics is not an abstract risk; it is a direct boardroom issue. Many (Dutch) CEOs consider geopolitical uncertainty to be a top threat to their organization, and rightly so. Trade conflicts, sanctions, regional instability, and new power blocs affect supply chains, access to markets, and even the reputation of companies. Even companies that operate primarily within the Netherlands are experiencing the pressure of price volatility, delivery delays, and changing regulations. Geopolitics therefore requires structural anchoring in strategy and governance.
This means not only anticipating risks such as export restrictions or exchange rate fluctuations, but also identifying new market opportunities and partnerships. It is crucial that executives look not only at the immediate operational consequences, but also at structural trends. The shift of economic power to Asia, the growth of technological sovereignty, and the changing role of international institutions have long-term impacts. Companies that recognize these patterns and translate them into strategic choices increase their resilience and competitive position.This requires a combination of long-term vision and short-cycle management, with plans regularly being reassessed based on the latest geopolitical developments. Changing geopolitics also offers opportunities. When trade routes shift, new regional markets emerge. And when governments pursue strategic autonomy, this can lead to subsidies and incentive programs for local production or technology development.
Managers should not only seek to manage geopolitics, but also use it as a source of innovation and growth. Strategic flexibility is becoming a core competency.
Ron Keller: ‘The geopolitical reset will take decades’
Former top diplomat Ron Keller has enormous geopolitical and financial-economic expertise. He sees a way out of the crisis the European continent is facing by making Europe more decisive, secure, and prosperous. That will not happen quickly, nor without a struggle. Keller has a message for entrepreneurs and investors: ‘The geopolitical reset will take decades. Pay the necessary attention to the risks and focus on building resilience.’
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Geopolitical tensions, disrupted supply chains, energy prices doubling overnight: strategic shocks are no longer the exception. They are the norm. But they are foreseeable — and those who recognize such shocks in good time can turn it into a competitive advantage, writes Kearney partner Rudolph Lohmeyer.
The defense sector is, more than ever, in need of innovative strength and will therefore need to join forces with industry and investors in the coming years. A major shift is needed to capitalize on opportunities and possibilities, says former Commander of the Armed Forces Dick Berlijn. ‘Defense will have to articulate much more clearly what is needed. Industry must communicate what technology it is working on and how that technology can provide a solution for the required capabilities. Investors will need to come on board.’
Strategic shock resilience: Anticipate earlier, perform better
Geopolitical tensions, disrupted supply chains, energy prices doubling overnight: strategic shocks are no longer the exception. They are the norm. But they are foreseeable — and those who recognize such shocks in good time can turn it into a competitive advantage, writes Kearney partner Rudolph Lohmeyer.
Dick Berlijn on the triangle of industry, investors, and defense
The defense sector is, more than ever, in need of innovative strength and will therefore need to join forces with industry and investors in the coming years. A major shift is needed to capitalize on opportunities and possibilities, says former Commander of the Armed Forces Dick Berlijn. ‘Defense will have to articulate much more clearly what is needed. Industry must communicate what technology it is working on and how that technology can provide a solution for the required capabilities. Investors will need to come on board.’
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Europe is still being carried along by an American agenda that is not its own, with the result that European companies are losing market share, missing opportunities, and being surprised by Chinese competitors they had underestimated. From Philips' loss of its MRI dominance to ASML's thwarted export restrictions: Europe is paying the price for a lack of an own vision. It is time for a change of course, write sinologist Valérie Hoeks and Sanne van der Lugt of the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs.
The recent NATO summit in The Hague was a resounding success. Unity within the organization was preserved, largely because NATO chief Mark Rutte handled US President Donald Trump with kid gloves. This is good news for Dutch defense companies that export to the United States, although possible new trade barriers remain a risk. The question, therefore, is who can negotiate with Trump on behalf of Europe to prevent a costly trade war.
The Ministry of Defense is facing an unprecedented scale-up. How is the organisation doing it, what are the challenges they face and what is the role of the business community? Sjoerd van der Smissen of Deloitte says: ‘The business community needs to take on its role.’ He is in conversation with Secretary General of Defense Maarten Schurink. ‘Businesses can be of help to both society and Defense.’
Europe must chart its own course on China
Europe is still being carried along by an American agenda that is not its own, with the result that European companies are losing market share, missing opportunities, and being surprised by Chinese competitors they had underestimated. From Philips' loss of its MRI dominance to ASML's thwarted export restrictions: Europe is paying the price for a lack of an own vision. It is time for a change of course, write sinologist Valérie Hoeks and Sanne van der Lugt of the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs.
Urgently wanted: a European Trump whisperer
The recent NATO summit in The Hague was a resounding success. Unity within the organization was preserved, largely because NATO chief Mark Rutte handled US President Donald Trump with kid gloves. This is good news for Dutch defense companies that export to the United States, although possible new trade barriers remain a risk. The question, therefore, is who can negotiate with Trump on behalf of Europe to prevent a costly trade war.
Collaboration between defense and industry: ‘Innovate and scale up’
The Ministry of Defense is facing an unprecedented scale-up. How is the organisation doing it, what are the challenges they face and what is the role of the business community? Sjoerd van der Smissen of Deloitte says: ‘The business community needs to take on its role.’ He is in conversation with Secretary General of Defense Maarten Schurink. ‘Businesses can be of help to both society and Defense.’
Resilience as a public-private matter
Political developments on a global scale are happening rapidly, and not all in a favorable direction. To adapt is essential, but outdated thinking on feasibility and efficiency hinders bolstering our resilience. Rob Bauer, former chairman of the NATO Military Committee and currently an Edge Fellow at Deloitte, emphasizes, together with Deloitte partner Kim Vrielink, that the current security crisis requires enormous effort from both government and the business community. ‘Societal resilience does not depend solely on military strength.’
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Donald Trump's second term has begun with a barrage of rhetoric about import tariffs and trade barriers. What the actual changes to the United States' trade policy will be, is less clear. Marc ter Haar, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, discusses how Dutch companies that export to the US can best deal with the uncertainty.
Until the end of the twentieth century, ever-increasing globalization seemed inevitable. But the tide has turned. In recent years, the United States took an increasingly protectionist stance. That line will continue in the coming years with Donald Trump. How can Dutch companies prepare themselves for it?
Trading with the US remains possible despite turbulent times
Donald Trump's second term has begun with a barrage of rhetoric about import tariffs and trade barriers. What the actual changes to the United States' trade policy will be, is less clear. Marc ter Haar, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, discusses how Dutch companies that export to the US can best deal with the uncertainty.
Netherlands Be Prepared: Trump’s choice is America First
Until the end of the twentieth century, ever-increasing globalization seemed inevitable. But the tide has turned. In recent years, the United States took an increasingly protectionist stance. That line will continue in the coming years with Donald Trump. How can Dutch companies prepare themselves for it?
Sustainability as a Compass in an Unstable World
