World Perspectives

Worst of 2021

There is easy agreement that COVID-19 was the worst thing about 2020, and it hopefully goes away soon. But many of the other topics we discussed and analyzed throughout 2020 are likely to mature in the year ahead.  China, China, China It will remain the 800-pound gorilla in the room. Not only because of its economic weight but because it forces the neoliberal democracies to question their own orthodoxies. Partner or strategic rival? Is the future going to be capitalism, state-led development, or some combination of the two? Does emphasizing moral values only matter against poorer countries (e.g. tying trade to Brazil’s management of rainforests but holding China harmless for its human rights abuses)? Will it be managed trade or...

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Summary of Futures

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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