’Understand the geopolitical forces shaping your organisation and act accordingly’

Blom and Naoum Néhmé wrote 'Impact of Geopolitics' for Stichting Management Studies (affiliated with VNO-NCW). The book emerged from extensive research conducted in partnership with experts from the Clingendael Institute, a collaboration that proved strategically vital. Naoum Néhmé: 'In spring 2023, Stichting Management Studies invited academic institutions, think tanks and consultancies to submit proposals for research into geopolitics and business. Remko and I realised our business expertise alone wasn't enough. We needed stronger theoretical foundations. We found exactly what we needed in Rem Korteweg and Maaike Okano-Heijmans at the Clingendael Institute.' 

The transmission channels model in practice 

Blom and Naoum Néhmé developed two models that help companies understand where they stand on the geopolitical spectrum. Blom: 'We introduce the transmission channels model, which shows companies and their managers exactly where they sit within the geopolitical landscape and how they're affected. Every company faces a different route and outcome. We then provide an assessment framework that shows how to adapt different aspects of your business to handle geopolitical change. Think about setting up a dedicated team to monitor developments and use their insights to shape your strategy.' 

The urgency is real 

The Dutch edition of 'Impact of Geopolitics' went into its second print run quickly. The English translation launched recently. The message is clear: businesses recognise the urgency. Naoum Néhmé and Blom see this in lecture bookings and client conversations. Blom points to PwC's recent CEO Survey, where almost two-thirds of 93 Dutch CEOs said they'll intensify cybersecurity in response to global tensions. 'That outcome signals real concern. It reflects the reality of the Netherlands as a small, open economy. To grow and expand, Dutch companies must do business across borders quickly, exposing them faster to geopolitical shifts.' 

Blom identifies a defining trend on the geopolitical stage. 'Look at how the United States now treats its allies. The US remains dominant, but its ability to impose its will long-term is fading. We're witnessing the end of an era. The US must now share power with China.' 

Economic scale drives power 

'The data tells the story', Naoum Néhmé agrees. 'China has overtaken the US in manufacturing. Economic scale is a major power factor. A large economy becomes an attractive market for foreign companies and you gain greater export capabilities. US unpredictability is already driving international business toward other markets: Asia, Vietnam, India. This shift can't be reversed. Yet the US still dominates two critical areas. First, the dollar remains the global currency for transactions and central bank reserves. Second, defence. No country matches US military technology.' 

'Turn uncertainty into opportunity’ 

Blom: 'Every Dutch company should ask what geopolitics means for their organisation. Which geopolitical forces affect us? How can we respond, directly or indirectly? That's the challenge we pose to our readers.' The book provides practical examples from diverse companies. The authors illustrate the transmission channels model using a fictitious SME construction firm. They show how the Port of Rotterdam handles sanctions. Even sectors like cultural institutions, partly dependent on government subsidies, feel geopolitical impact. How do the authors view this? 

Naoum Néhmé: 'Cultural institutions feel geopolitics directly and indirectly. Government budgets shift toward defence, shrinking subsidy streams. This demands income diversification, creating real uncertainty across the cultural and educational sectors. But that uncertainty brings opportunity. Seek new sector partnerships. Western cultural institutions already have alliances. Use them, as businesses do. Look beyond borders. Find partners in Asia or Africa.' 'Cultural institutions can play broader societal roles. Become shelters or information centres during crises. Never underestimate stakeholder dialogue – we emphasise this throughout the book. Keep conversations with government active and ongoing, so you can anticipate policy shifts', Blom adds. 

‘See opportunity, not just threat’ 

Geopolitics creates opportunity. Naoum Néhmé and Blom make this explicit throughout the book. Blom: 'Geopolitics is often framed as risk or threat. But when you understand your options, possibilities emerge. Export companies can position themselves as alternatives when competitors face sanctions. With resources and flexibility, you can explore new markets or develop entirely different products.' 

Building resilience through geopolitics 

The geopolitical storm continues. Dutch business is responding. 'Impact of Geopolitics' drives awareness and action, helping companies understand their role in this shifting landscape. Naoum Néhmé and Blom are considering a follow-up. Blom: 'We could revisit the companies we featured, interviewing them about what's changed and what actions they've taken. 

Globalisation isn't ending. The balance of power is shifting. Countries are reorganising and forming new alliances. Companies must do the same.' 'Our book shows how companies can build resilience in both primary and supporting processes. I'm curious to see which actions companies will take to create that resilience', Naoum Néhmé concludes.