The International Risk Podcast

Hosted by Dominic Bowen

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Episodes

411

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

Welcome to The International Risk Podcast — the premier destination for high-level insights into global risk dynamics. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, an accomplished senior advisor, each episode delivers expert analysis and actionable intelligence on today’s most pressing international risks. From geopolitical tensions and economic upheavals to cybersecurity threats and environmental challenges, we bring clarity to the complex risks shaping our world. Tailored for CEOs, Board Members, senior managers, and risk professionals, our weekly episodes are essential listening for those making strategic decisions in volatile environments. With distinguished guests from diverse sectors and geographies — including renowned industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders — we provide a multidimensional perspective, equipping you with insights to stay ahead of emerging threats and capitalize on new opportunities. Our host, Dominic Bowen, is a senior business leader, and Partner at 2Secure where he is Head of Strategic Advisory and leads a team of senior management consultants and advisors. Join us for engaging, thought-provoking conversations that go beyond the headlines. Stay informed, stay ahead, and transform the way you perceive and manage international risks. The International Risk Podcast is not just a podcast; it’s is crucial listening for today's leaders.

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November 2, 2026Episode 41130 min

Episode 411: The Cockroach Movement: Can India’s Youth Challenge Modi?

In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Vinay Lal about the youth-led protests sweeping India and what they mean for the future of the world’s largest democracy. The discussion examines how the “Cockroach Janta Party”, a movement that began as an online joke, has grown into a serious challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The conversation explores: -The controversy over the removal of 130 million names from India’s voter lists -What is happening in India, and how an insult from India’s Chief Justice sparked a youth movement -The two waves of protest: from leaked exam papers to the fairness of India’s elections -How protesters are drawing on Gandhi and nonviolence Vinay Lal is Professor of History and Asian American Studies at UCLA. He writes widely on Indian history and politics, nationalism, colonialism, human rights, and the history of Gandhi and nonviolence. He is the author or editor of around 20 books, including Political Hinduism and The History of History: Politics and Scholarship in Modern India, and is a regular public commentator on Indian affairs. The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers to explore the forces transforming our world — from geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and one of Europe’s leading experts on international risk and crisis management. He advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across Europe on how to prepare for uncertainty, navigate crises, and build strategic resilience in an increasingly volatile world. Subscribe for new episodes every week Tell us what you liked in the comments below Share this episode with colleagues in risk, policy, and security #Geopolitics #India #Modi #Democracy #Protests #GenZ #Elections #SouthAsia #PoliticalRisk #InternationalRisk #Strategy #HumanRights Tell us what you liked!

October 30, 202637 min

Episode 410: Sovereign Debt And The Geopolitics of Finance

Global markets are sending some extraordinary signals right now with guaranteed borrowing costs surging. Bond yields at their highest levels that we haven't seen in decades and geopolitical tensions that honestly are starting to reshape some capital flows. But what does this mean for the world? What does it mean for the markets, for the world's safest bonds and for global risk as this is going on? In this episode Dominic sits down with Ka Lok (Steve) Wong, a macroeconomist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The conversation starts at borrowing costs and its implications for the international economy, and spans into oil prices, market confidence, and potential economic shocks on our horizons. But the conversation isn't purely economic. The discussion goes further. Delving into topics such as the African Premium, a possible AI bubble, and whether the middle class is necessity, Ka Lok's expansive knowledge on emerging economies makes for an enlightening listen. With this in mind: When does the AI investment boom stop creating value and start destroying capital? And what is the bond market actually warning us about? Ka Lok Wong's Research is provided below: Emerging Economies borrowing patterns at the higher expected US interest rates - https://doi.org/10.1093/oxrep/grag025 African Domestic Market Development - https://cepr.org/publications/dp20747 Africa's Domestic Debt: Balancing Resilience and Vulnerability (in BIS Editorial preparation, no public link yet) with Michael Chui, Leonardo Gambacorta, Ugo Panizza, and Niccolò Rescia ; for the risk shifting in African sovereign borrowing Tell us what you liked!

October 21, 2026Episode 40933 min

Episode 409: Inside Damascus: Is Syria Ready for Reconstruction?

Almost two years after the fall of the Assad regime, where is Syria heading? In this episode of the International Risk Podcast, producer and researcher Andrea Crafoord-Wiklund flips the script and interviews regular host Dominic Bowen, who joins from Damascus after a week of meetings with Syrian government ministries. Dominic shares what he is seeing on the ground, from the professionalization of the police to rebuilt roads, and explains why the gap between a quick revolution and a long rebuilding process is the biggest misperception abroad. In this episode: - Why Syria is still a high-risk environment despite looking calm and inviting - President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s leadership and the role of the transitional parliament - Israeli incursions, regional rivalries and who has gained or lost influence - Whether conditions are ready for large-scale refugee returns - The reality of reconstruction, with an estimated $216 billion needed - What investors and businesses should know about risk and opportunity - Why Syria matters for European security, migration policy and counterterrorism Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:35 Perception versus reality on the ground 02:29 Security situation today 04:18 Ahmed al-Sharaa as interim president 07:18 Inclusion and elections 09:38 Western warming and sanctions relief 12:14 Israel’s role in Syria 14:17 Turkey, Russia, Iran, the Gulf and the US 18:20 How ordinary Syrians are coping 21:03 Refugee returns 23:41 Reconstruction and investment opportunities 26:20 Why Syria matters globally 27:57 Lessons on risk and leadership 31:34 Syria’s future over the next five to ten years The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage. #Syria #Damascus #InternationalRisk #Geopolitics #MiddleEast #SyriaReconstruction #RiskManagement #ForeignPolicy #InternationalRelations #InternationalRiskPodcast Subscribe for expert conversations on geopolitics, security, economics, conflict, resilience and global affairs. Tell us what you liked! Tell us what you liked!

October 16, 2026Episode 40838 min

408: Marquita Bradshaw

What is at stake in the upcoming US Midterms? In this episode, Dominic Bowen sits down with Marquita Bradshaw , the Democratic nominee for the US Senate Elections on November 3rd. The conversation spans what challenges working people within the USA are currently facing, what change is necessary for Americans, and the dynamics within the political system today. It is clear there is a loss of faith. Marquita talks about her experiences engaging with voters, hearing their stories, and how this currently drives her priorities along her campaign trail. With rocketing fuel prices, concerned business owners, and a minimum wage that is flailing in the wake of climbing inflation, Marquita outlines how current injustices within the economy and prioritised status for certain interest groups is not serving the ordinary American. The discussion delves into how environmental justice applies to the political dynamics we are seeing today in America, and how domestic policy is crucial to fix in order to regain a stable USA internationally. Recounting her history as an environmental activist, her source of inspiration to fight for change, and the importance of community, Marquita’s focus is unapathetic and hopeful for shifting the tide in Congress. Is it possible? Share your views in the comments. The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage. Subscribe for expert conversations on geopolitics, security, economics, conflict, resilience and global affairs. Tell us what you liked!

October 14, 2026Episode 40733 min

Episode 407: The Rise of the AfD and What It Means for Germany

In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Sophie Schmalenberger about the AfD’s historic result in the Saxony-Anhalt state election and what it means for Germany’s political future. The discussion examines what is driving the party’s rise, particularly in eastern Germany, and whether Germany’s postwar “firewall” against the far right can still hold. It also explores how the AfD uses history and emotion to build support, and what a stronger AfD could mean for Germany’s role in the EU. The conversation explores: -What the AfD is, where it came from, and what it stands for -What the Saxony-Anhalt result means, and how Germany got here -How memory and emotion have shaped the AfD’s appeal -Whether the “firewall” against cooperating with the far right is still working Dr. Sophie Schmalenberger is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Her research focuses on the German New Right, particularly the communication and mobilization strategies of the AfD, and how the party uses memory politics and emotion to build support. She holds a PhD from Aarhus University, where her dissertation examined how the AfD constructs identity and memory. The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers to explore the forces transforming our world — from geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and one of Europe’s leading experts on international risk and crisis management. He advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across Europe on how to prepare for uncertainty, navigate crises, and build strategic resilience in an increasingly volatile world. Further reading: Dr. Sophie Schmalenberger’s open access book chapter, which looks at the far right’s strategic reinterpretation of the German past: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783111588551-022/html Subscribe for new episodes every week Tell us what you liked in the comments below Share this episode with colleagues in risk, policy, and security #Geopolitics #Germany #AfD #FarRight #Europe #Democracy #Russia #Ukraine #PoliticalRisk #InternationalRisk #Strategy #Extremism Tell us what you liked!

October 12, 202634 min

Episode 406: The World Is Normalising the Taliban with Shaharzad Akbar

More than five years after the Taliban returned to power, millions of Afghan women and girls remain shut out of education, work and public life, while governments around the world are quietly normalising relations with Kabul. In this episode of the International Risk Podcast, host Dominic Bowen speaks with Shaharzad Akbar, former chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and founder of Rawadari, an organisation documenting Taliban abuses and pursuing accountability from exile. Shaharzad shares her journey from a childhood of displacement and refugee life in Pakistan to Smith College and Oxford, and back to Kabul. She explains what daily life looks like for women and girls inside Afghanistan today, how they are finding creative ways to keep learning and working despite the risks, and why the world’s growing willingness to engage with the Taliban is so dangerous. In this episode: Shaharzad’s story: growing up displaced, and her parents’ commitment to education Life for Afghan women and girls today: the mental health crisis, forced early marriage and secret classrooms How women are working around Taliban restrictions, and the risks they face Why geopolitical interests are overtaking human rights, including Russia’s recognition of the Taliban Her experience as a delegate in the Doha talks and the Taliban’s PR strategy The economic and social cost of an entire generation of girls shut out of education Understanding the Taliban’s worldview and why they fear educated women Access to healthcare and justice for women, including domestic violence How the Taliban’s legal and enforcement machinery has developed into what Shaharzad calls a gender apartheid system Whether the Taliban’s impunity is emboldening other countries and extremist groups What business leaders, governments and listeners can actually do to help The international risks that concern Shaharzad most: misinformation, climate change and the erosion of solidarity The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage. Subscribe for expert conversations on geopolitics, security, economics, conflict, resilience and global affairs. Tell us what you liked!

October 7, 2026Episode 40528 min

Episode 405: US Midterm Elections with Alex Tarascio

What happens when voters hear promises about cheaper living — but see their government focused elsewhere? Dominic Bowen puts that question to international pollster Alex Tarascio of Cygnal in episode #405 of The International Risk Podcast . Their conversation examines voter frustration, the US #midterm #elections and the gap between political headlines and the choices people make at the ballot box. They explore shifts in the Republican coalition, the politics of the cost of living and Iran, what interest in socialism tells us about younger voters, and why strong support does not always translate into turnout. Dominic also asks how leaders should judge polling evidence and why data centres have become a source of local political tension. What matters more in an election: convincing people to switch sides, or getting your supporters to turn out? Share your view in the comments. The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage. Subscribe for expert conversations on geopolitics, security, economics, conflict, resilience and global affairs. Tell us what you liked!

October 5, 2026Episode 40432 min

Episode 404: Sweden's Stalemate: Why a Winning Bloc Still Can't Form a Government

Sweden's voters handed the centre-left opposition a win by just three seats, 176 to 173, and yet no one can form a government. The Sweden Democrats lost ground at the ballot box, but they may still hold the key to what happens next. With investors, NATO allies and Ukraine supporters watching closely, this is a stress test for one of Europe's steadiest democracies. Host Dominic Bowen is joined by Anders Sannerstedt, a political scientist at Lund University who studies the Sweden Democrats, local elections and Swedish party politics. Together they unpack why winning an election doesn't guarantee governing, and what happens if the parties can't break the deadlock. In this episode: - Why the opposition is four parties that aren't natural partners, from the Left Party to the Centre Party - How the Sweden Democrats evolved from their white supremacist roots into a right-wing populist party, and why they lost ground this time - The economy, healthcare and gang violence as the issues that shaped the vote - The urban-rural divide and why the Sweden Democrats do well in small towns and the south - What would change under a left versus a right government, particularly on climate policy - Why foreign and defence policy, including NATO and support for Ukraine, is unlikely to shift - Anders's biggest international risk concerns: Russia and climate change The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage. Subscribe for expert conversations on geopolitics, security, economics, conflict, resilience and global affairs. Tell us what you liked!

October 2, 2026Episode 40327 min

Episode 403: Can You Trust AI, With Herbert Roitblat

Before you let ChatGPT or Claude influence your next business decision, ask yourself: are you trusting the evidence or how convincing the answer sounds? Dominic Bowen joins AI researcher Herbert Roitblat, author of Algorithms Are Not Enough, to examine what business leaders should demand from artificial intelligence, and where human judgment remains essential. Drawing on his experience as a senior management consultant, Dominic explains why telling a client “I’m not confident yet” can be more valuable than delivering a polished answer. Together, they explore how to challenge AI outputs, identify useful applications and measure whether the technology is actually improving your business. In this conversation: • Why confident AI answers still need scrutiny • What leaders should automate—and where people add value • How to distinguish AI adoption from meaningful business improvement • Why critical thinking and systems thinking matter • How to stay professionally valuable as AI changes work • The privacy and infrastructure risks behind the technology What would you never delegate to AI and why? Tell us in the comments. CHAPTERS 00:00 AI strategy and the leadership challenge 01:08 Are we overestimating AI? 02:15 Dominic challenges the token-guesser argument 03:52 What should an AI-first business automate? 05:54 Where human judgment adds value 08:18 Building a business around better information 10:43 Trust, evidence and reliable outputs 12:37 Confidence is not critical thinking 15:01 Knowledge work and defending your value 18:48 Designing useful AI workflows 20:10 What separates AI value from wasted spending? 22:45 Learning and systems thinking 24:53 Privacy, infrastructure and international risk 27:00 Closing reflections Listen to and follow The International Risk Podcast The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage. Subscribe for expert conversations on geopolitics, security, economics, conflict, resilience and global affairs. #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Geopolitics #AI Tell us what you liked!

September 28, 2026Episode 40229 min

Episode 402: Inside the Fight for Africa's Minerals

In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Sarah Logan about the global race to secure Africa's critical minerals. The discussion examines how China, the US, and Europe are positioning themselves in this race, and whether African countries can move beyond simply hosting the competition. It also explores why refining is the real choke point in this race, and why China's head start there now gives it a durable structural advantage. The conversation explores: -What critical minerals are, where they're found, and why demand is only accelerating -Why China is so far ahead, and why refining remains the West's biggest challenge -Whether African and European manufacturing ambitions can align -Whether this rivalry actually benefits African countries Sarah Logan is a lawyer and economist with over 15 years of experience in mining and energy policy across Africa. She is a Visiting Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and author of the African Extracts Substack. TListen to and follow The International Risk Podcast The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage. Subscribe for new episodes every week Tell us what you liked in the comments below Share this episode with colleagues in risk, policy, and security #Geopolitics #CriticalMinerals #Africa #China #UnitedStates #Europe #Mining #Cobalt #Lithium #PoliticalRisk #InternationalRisk #Strategy #EconomicSecurity Tell us what you liked!