Bite-Sized Business Law

The 6th Domain of Warfare: The Role of the Private Sector in Geopolitical Conflict

Aug 13, 2024

William Jannace is an Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School focusing on national security, while Josh Lipsky serves as the Senior Director at the Atlantic Council. They delve into the profound connection between business and warfare. Recent conflicts highlight corporate responsibilities in national security. They discuss how the private sector must adapt to geopolitical tensions, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the significance of elections on global conflict. The duo also examines the evolving role of digital currencies and the future of the U.S. dollar amid geopolitical shifts.

41:14

Episode guests

Josh Lipsky

William Jannace

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast emphasizes that businesses must embrace corporate national security responsibility, integrating stakeholder concerns into their operational strategies during geopolitical conflicts.

The discussion highlights the necessity for the U.S. to enhance its financial infrastructure to maintain the dollar's global dominance amidst emerging alternative financial systems by rival nations.

Deep dives

The Evolution of National Security and Corporate Responsibility

The podcast explores the evolving role of the private sector in modern geopolitical conflicts, emphasizing the importance of integrating corporate responsibility into national security frameworks. It argues that corporations must transition beyond a sole focus on shareholder value to include stakeholders and broader societal concerns, particularly in times of conflict. This shift is exemplified by the need for businesses to consider their impact in a landscape defined by hybrid warfare and economic manipulation. The concept of corporate national security responsibility is proposed as a critical element for companies to navigate today's complexities while still supporting economic prosperity.

Intro

2min

The Pathways of Legal Careers

5min

Corporate Responsibility in Geopolitics

11min

Geopolitics and Geoeconomics in 2024

4min

Corporate Influence and Currency Challenges

14min

The Corporate Role in Global Peace and Economic Statecraft

5min

As much as the past three decades have relaxed us into thinking otherwise, recent outbreaks of conflict have proven once again how war is inextricably intertwined with our economy and the business world. So, what is the role of the private sector in geopolitical crises, and how should we modernize our businesses to meet the challenges of the 21st century? William Jannace is an Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy; Josh Lipsky is the Senior Director of the GeoEconomics Center at Atlantic Council, and today, the pair leans on their adept experiences in law to help explain why business and war cannot be separated. We discuss the role of business in modern geopolitical tensions, how recent conflicts have woken us from our dream state, how war brings a corporation’s geopolitical shortcomings to the forefront, and why elections play a huge role in how conflict is handled globally. We also unpack the power of government-private sector collaborations, the modern threat of digital security, where cryptocurrency fits in, and the role of the U.S. dollar in today’s geopolitical climate.

Key Points From This Episode:

William Jannace and Josh Lipsky detail their journeys in studying and practicing law.
The role of business in modern geopolitical conflicts and tensions.
How the Russia-Ukraine conflict reminds us of corporate responsibility in national security.
The way conflict forces businesses to address their internal geopolitical shortcomings.
Understanding how elections affect the way political leaders handle conflict, globally.
How governments and their private sectors can band together against election interference.
The way non-State actors influence political campaigns and shape foreign policies.
Ascertaining the role of the U.S. dollar in today’s geopolitical climate.
Crime as a service: how cybercriminals influence global instability, and the role of crypto.
The next steps for corporations that want to use their power responsibly for global peace.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

William Jannace on LinkedIn

The Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy

Josh Lipsky on LinkedIn

Atlantic Council

U.S. Army War College

Global Financial Markets Institute

Metropolitan College

New York Stock Exchange

FINRA

The World Bank

IMF