As we look ahead to July, host Sewar Quran is joined by Global Counsel colleagues to unpack three major developments shaping international policy and geopolitics: the BRICS Summit in Brazil, the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, and the US tariff overhaul ahead of the critical July 9th deadline.

First, Sewar is joined by Alexander Smotrov, Director, to preview the BRICS Summit taking place in Rio de Janeiro on July 6–7. They explore how the expanded bloc is navigating internal divisions, geopolitical tensions, and growing expectations for Global-South leadership, as well as Brazil’s role in shaping a unified BRICS agenda. Learn more about our work in Europe and Eurasia.

Next, Russell Lamb, Senior Associate, joins Sewar to discuss the AI for Good Global Summit, which will be held in Geneva from July 8–11. They reflect on the summit’s evolution into a major platform for AI governance, public engagement, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about our work on tech, media and telecoms.

Finally, Helen Kennett, Director, speaks with Sewar about the sweeping US trade policy changes ahead of the July 9th deadline for tariff negotiations. They unpack the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, EU-US tensions, and Section 232 investigations, unpacking how businesses and investors should prepare for shifting rules, retaliatory measures, and evolving national security concerns in trade. Learn more about our work on US politics and policy.

If you, your business or your investment is impacted by any of the topics discussed in this episode, get in touch with the Global Counsel team.

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As we look ahead to June, host Sewar Quran is joined by Global Counsel colleagues to unpack three major developments shaping global politics: the G7 and NATO Summits, President Trump’s Gulf tour, and the UK-EU joint summit.

First, Sewar is joined by Denzil Davidson, Director, to preview the G7 and NATO Summits. They discuss the growing influence of President Trump on transatlantic alliances, challenges surrounding Ukraine and defence spending, and why Canada’s hosting is symbolically significant. Learn more about our work in Europe and Eurasia.

Next, Ahmed Helal, MENA Director, joins Sewar to break down President Trump’s Gulf tour and its far-reaching implications. They explore the landmark economic agreements on defence, aviation and AI chips that came out of Trump's visit. They also dive into how these agreements, along with shifting regional dynamics around Syria and Iran, are shaping the future of GCC-US policy. Learn more about our work in MENA.

Finally, Lilah Howson-Smith, Practice Director, speaks with Sewar about the latest UK-EU summit and what it means for energy cooperation. They also explore emerging frameworks for emissions trading, electricity market integration, and how both sides are recalibrating their climate ambitions in light of net zero targets. Learn more about our work on climate, energy and net zero.

If you, your business or your investment is impacted by any of the topics discussed in this episode, get in touch with the Global Counsel team.

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As we look ahead to May, host Sewar Quran is joined by Global Counsel colleagues from across the globe to unpack Romania and Poland’s presidential elections, the Qatar Economic Forum, and the 2025 ASEAN summit.

First, Sewar is joined by Anikó Zsebik, Associate Director, to discuss the upcoming presidential elections in Romania and Poland. They explore the significance of these contests against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and the war in Ukraine. Anikó outlines key candidates, public sentiment, and how the results could reshape foreign investment and regional influence. Learn more about our work in Europe and Eurasia.

Next, Sewar speaks with Ahmed Helal, MENA Director, to discuss the Qatar Economic Forum and the region’s growing influence in global financial and energy markets. They discuss how Gulf states are navigating US tariffs, regional economic shifts, and President Trump’s visit, as well as the forum’s broader themes around transformation and security cooperation. Learn more about our work in MENA.

To finish the episode, Andrew Yeo, Asia Director, joins Sewar to unpack the upcoming ASEAN Summit under Malaysia’s leadership. They examine Malaysia’s three core priorities: economic resilience, geopolitical balance, and internal reform, and discuss how ASEAN is approaching digital transformation, trade integration, and the complex dynamics of US-China relations. Learn more about our work in Asia.

If you, your business or your investment is affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, get in touch with the Global Counsel team.

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