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In today's fast-changing world, businesses are realizing they need help understanding global politics. According to a recent Financial Times report, companies worldwide are actively seeking experts in geopolitics to help them make better decisions about where to operate and how to manage their supply chains.

Why Companies Need Political Experts

The Russia-Ukraine war caught many businesses off guard. Now, companies don't want to be surprised again. They're worried about other potential conflicts, like tensions between China and Taiwan, problems in the Middle East, and possible changes in US.

Japanese companies are leading this trend. Big names like Hitachi and Suntory are hiring former diplomats and international relations experts. Some companies have even created a new job title: "Chief Geopolitical Risk Officer."

The Space Connection

While the original article doesn't mention space directly, satellite technology plays a crucial role in modern geopolitical analysis. Here's why:

Early Warning Systems: Satellites can spot military movements and preparations before they make headlines
Supply Chain Monitoring: Space-based tracking helps companies watch their global supply routes
Resource Management: Satellite imagery shows changes in natural resources and industrial activity
Infrastructure Assessment: Space views help evaluate the condition of ports, roads, and facilities in different countries

Who's Getting Help?

It's not just oil and gas companies anymore. All kinds of businesses are seeking geopolitical advice:

Tech companies (especially those dealing with computer chips)
Construction firms
Financial services
Retail companies
Manufacturing businesses

The Price of Knowledge

Getting this kind of expertise isn't cheap. Companies might pay former ambassadors or intelligence officials between $2,000 to $5,000 per hour for their advice. But many see this as a worthwhile investment to protect their business interests.

Looking Ahead

Business leaders are treating geopolitical risks like natural disasters - something they need to plan for, not just react to. As one expert in the article says, this kind of planning is becoming "a routine part of long-term strategic planning."

By combining traditional geopolitical expertise with modern space-based monitoring, companies can better prepare for global challenges. This combination of human wisdom and technological capability helps businesses stay one step ahead in our complex world.

Remember: in today's interconnected world, even local businesses can face big problems from global events. That's why more companies are investing in understanding world politics - and using every tool available, including space technology, to stay informed.

Companies on the hunt for geopolitical advice as tensions rise

https://www.ft.com/content/608a43e2-710c-4918-84d6-e0d75511918e