faz.net
German Businesses Ill-Prepared for New Geopolitical Order"
German and European businesses face significant challenges adapting to the new bipolar world order dominated by US-China competition, necessitating strategic choices regarding technology dependence and supply chain resilience; authors Ansgar Baums and Thomas Ramge highlight this in their new book.
- What are the primary challenges faced by German companies in adapting to the new geopolitical order defined by US-China competition and technological control, and what immediate consequences are apparent?
- Germany and European companies lack preparedness for the new geopolitical landscape, characterized by US-China competition and technological control. This unpreparedness stems from organizational principles optimized for a unipolar world, not a multipolar one with significant implications for supply chains and technological dependence.
- How do the concepts of 'One-Stack' and 'Two-Stack' companies impact strategic decision-making for global firms navigating the emerging geopolitical landscape, and what are the consequences of strategic ambivalence?
- The authors identify three key geopolitical vectors impacting businesses: events (geopolitical crises affecting supply chains), regulation (geotech statecraft), and a splitting digital world. This necessitates a strategic choice for companies—'One-Stack' or 'Two-Stack'—with implications for resource allocation and risk management.
- What are the long-term implications of the splitting digital world and the increasing application of 'geotech statecraft' for German businesses, and what proactive measures can be taken to mitigate potential risks and enhance resilience?
- German businesses must undertake a comprehensive review, building 'geopolitical muscle' across all departments and focusing on hardware supply chains. Transparency regarding geopolitical risks and informed decisions about resilience investments are crucial, advocating for conscious choices rather than ignoring inherent vulnerabilities.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing consistently emphasizes the challenges and risks faced by German companies in navigating the new geopolitical order. While acknowledging that businesses are active participants, the narrative primarily focuses on the difficulties they face rather than the opportunities. The headline, 'Eight Theses on How German Companies Can Master the New World Order,' immediately establishes a sense of challenge and struggle. This emphasis on challenges may unintentionally discourage readers from viewing the situation with more optimism and an open mind towards solutions or innovation.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and informative, but certain phrases could be viewed as slightly alarmist. For example, phrases like "Immer droht Schiffbruch" (shipwreck always threatens) and "dramatischen Einfluss auf Lieferketten" (dramatic impact on supply chains) might create unnecessary anxiety. More neutral alternatives could be used, focusing on challenges without hyperbole.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the geopolitical challenges faced by German businesses, potentially omitting the perspectives of other stakeholders, such as smaller businesses, consumers, or international competitors. The impact of these policies on developing nations or less technologically advanced countries is not discussed. Further, while the article mentions the potential for companies to lobby for their interests, it does not explore the ethical considerations of such actions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between "One-Stack" and "Two-Stack" companies, implying that these are the only two viable strategic options for businesses in the changing geopolitical landscape. It doesn't explore the possibility of hybrid models or other nuanced strategies. This simplification could lead readers to believe there are only two clear-cut choices, neglecting potential middle grounds.
Gender Bias
The article features two male authors and does not include any female voices or perspectives. While this doesn't automatically indicate bias, the lack of gender diversity in the source is notable and could limit the scope and perspective of the analysis. The article should strive to include more diverse viewpoints in future editions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how geopolitical competition between the US and China, particularly concerning technology control ('Tech Containment'), negatively impacts global supply chains and the ability of businesses to access critical technologies. This directly affects industrial development and innovation, hindering progress toward sustainable infrastructure.