Cross-border Tax Talks

Geopolitics, Protectionism, and the Future of Global Commerce

Doug McHoney (PwC’s International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by returning guest Craig Stronberg, Senior Director of PwC Intelligence. Craig previously had a near 20-year career in National security affairs before joining PwC. Craig and Doug discuss changes to US global policy and protectionism; the rise of new global powers and alliances; the growing divide between developed and developing countries regarding global tax policy; the debate over globalization’s benefits; and the current trade environment. They also discuss how multinational companies are responding to uncertainty, deploying corporate risk management, scenario planning, and gaining competitive advantages. 

• 0:00 – Introduction & MLB Trade Deadline 
• 3:15 - What do you see as the most consequential geopolitical shifts unfolding right now? 
• 8:30 – How are the global power dynamics are changing and what does that mean for the rules of global commerce?" 
• 10:15 – What changes are we seeing in tariff policy and how is it impacting protectionism in the US? 
• 13:55 – Practically, what does it look like for multinational companies to “derisk”? 
• 18:10 - What regions or countries should global companies be watching more closely, but maybe aren't?  
• 20:05 – What are the implications of the Middle East and Asian nations coming together, while the US, Europe, and even Canada are moving apart? 
• 22:10 – How is the rise of China – economically and technologically - reshaping the business environment?  
• 25:15 – How have the events happening in the US been impacting the global operating environment? 
• 27:10 – How have political shifts we've seen in Europe been impacting the global environment? 
• 32:35 - What does resilience actually mean in the world of this permanent disruption? 
• 37:00 – What are some concrete steps that companies can take to operate in a world full of uncertainty? 
• 40:25 - Looking ahead to 2030, what does Craig think will define competitive advantage in a geopolitically fractured world? 

View full podcast series