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Now that Donald J. With Trump and the J6 Prison Choir kicking off Miley Cyrus' new song, "Justice For All," and the world waiting to see if the former president is arrested, it seems like a good time to think about how business leaders are navigating the strange new world of politics. ( Be on the lookout for insider hoaxes that are already circulating ) .
Balancing political preferences and career priorities is an easier task when everyone agrees on common principles such as freedom of choice and the rule of law. But what happens when the party promoting all these tax breaks and pro-business policies also falls into populist rhetoric and anti-democratic actions?
A mixed bag in Modi's India
This is what we are now seeing from leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose Bharatiya Janata Party has been called "the world's most important foreign policy party" by academic Walter Russell Mead. Modi's aggressive pursuit of economic and structural reforms was accompanied by rhetoric and policies that damaged Long India's reputation as a secular and pluralistic society, particularly its Muslim and Christian minorities.
So when I talk to business leaders about India, a country I love and have visited many times in my career, they often express concern about the rise of Hindu nationalism rather than curiosity about the structural improvements they would like to see in the young country. : and this diversity. should be interesting. 1.4 billion people. Fraud allegations against billionaire Gautam Adani have soured his close relationship with Modi, although shareholder William Pesek believes he could eventually help the country's reform process.
Israel is fighting Netanyahu
Look to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to see what can happen when a national leader accused of corruption takes office. The four-time national leader formed a right-wing coalition government while still facing allegations of fraud and breach of trust. This was one of his first steps. reform the country's legal system, essentially stripping the Supreme Court of its real powers. The proposal was so bold and undemocratic that even the nation's air force pilots joined mass protests. (Netanyahu appears to have softened his strongman tactics under anger and pressure from allies.)
I recently spoke with Amit Benadov, CEO and co-founder of Gong.io, who believes the law will harm Israel's democracy and economic future. He compared it to two wolves and a sheep deciding what to eat for dinner. ( Hint: the sheep lose ) "I really thought it would tear the country apart, out of politics," Bendoff said. Politics, like we have to be on the West Coast. This is a game changer, a change in the constitution.
He added: "Every innovation, scientific or technical, comes from doubt, questioning and questioning authority." "When you have an environment that supports authority and loyalty and 'do as I say,' that's where you lose innovation." Click here to learn more about his views on Israel, artificial intelligence and the future of innovation in our Forbes Talks interview.
Latest news about "Maximum Xi" and "Rogue Russia".
In terms of direct geopolitical risks, Russia and China continue to be the biggest external threats facing American companies. Despite the human tragedy and upheaval caused by the war in Ukraine, there are signs of growing alliances and hostility toward America. When China intervened to broker a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, it was no surprise that American companies rushed to establish their supply chains in other parts of the world.
I can't think of a better person to understand what's going on on this front than Jan Bremer, a well-known political scientist and head of the Eurasia Group. Click through the interview above for his thoughts.
America's Missing Link
Perhaps the most difficult challenge for American companies, large and small, is navigating the polarized political climate at home. The tone of a centrist leader like New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu doesn't evoke as much emotion as an angry, gruff look. (Here's an interview with Sununu about the political situation and his interest in running for the GOP.) Also, in an era of loyalty politics, throwing arrows both ways might make him think you didn't. team
So what's a business leader to do? Some have taken positions on key issues, such as supporting abortion coverage for workers or pledging to hire refugees, even matching them with military veterans.
Others prefer to double down on their beliefs and even seek out like-minded employees and customers who share the same views. (Red Balloon CEO Andrew Krabochit has created a site where Trump supporters can find jobs, though he insists his approach is for people on both sides of the political spectrum.)
Is this the solution to the rise of extremism and political anger? Hopefully not. Need can be a difficulty to discover and fear is a father that can prevent it. Let's keep the conversation going and have a great week!