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Perspectives and Dangers in Times of Global Unrest

The world is currently facing huge unrest: unions like the EU are rattled, state structures are changing at a frightfully fast pace from democratic to autocratic as well as recent military muscle flexing in North Korea. How does the refugee crisis, terrorism, dissatisfaction of citizens and increasing nationalism affect political structures and how do we deal with this effectively?

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Prime Minister of Denmark (2001 – 2009) and General Secretary of NATO (2009 – 2014) is a distinguished international statesman who offers solutions to the current global challenges and identifies opportunities for successful cooperation across borders and industries. In his tenure as Sectary General of NATO he transformed it into a fitter, faster and more flexible organisation. Drawing from his three decades at the centre of European and global affairs, he shares new perspectives from which to consider our increasingly complex world.

Rasmussen fiercely defends freedom and the importance of America’s global leadership and offers a detailed analysis of current geopolitical events including the Iranian nuclear deal, the invasion of Ukraine, the Arab Spring and the turmoil in the Middle East. Rasmussen also examines the potential of President Donald Trump to successfully stabilise US politics and restore the US as a reliable leader on the world stage. He warns against American isolationism and explains the geopolitical risks and opportunities for the Trump administration.

The changes in the geopolitical structures are immense and also challenge financial investors who have to carefully weigh up the risks (against the returns). Rasmussen analyses this new and increasingly growing complexity with a strong focus on multinational enterprises, trade, security and stability, economic growth, innovation and governance.

He describes the impact of the Trump administration and Brexit on future financial institutions. The British vote to leave the European Union has led to an uncertain future of the relationship between the UK and the EU – and the United States.  Rasmussen shares his perspectives on political, societal and public trends that led to the outcome of the British referendum. He also explores the risks and opportunities for companies on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen examines the emerging populism and explains why this is often based on a core of truth. Rather than to ostracise populists, his advice is to work with them. According to Rasmussen the key elements to a successful negotiation are: 1. To Listen Actively: Listen to their side and make them aware you are listening 2. Empathy: Get an understanding of where they are coming from and how they feel. 3. Create Winners: all parties in a negotiation must be seen as winners.