In the Agora Strategy geopolitics podcast "The Future of Power", Dr. Timo Blenk (CEO) invites decision-makers from diplomacy, business, politics and the military to discuss current geopolitical developments on a monthly basis. The core of this project is to provide information about the influences of these developments and to create a sound basis for decision-making. This month's guest is General (ret.) Christian Badia, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation at NATO's Allied Command Transformation (ACT) in Norfolk and the highest-ranking German officer in the Alliance! In the 42nd episode of our podcast, Dr. Blenk and General (ret.) Badia analyze the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and discuss the military and economic consequences for NATO Europe, the failure of FCAS, and the future of European defense. You can also find our podcast with subtitles on Youtube. This month's highlights Flashpoint Hormuz: global consequences and the axis of autocrats FCAS & European defense: building capabilities together and Ukraine as a role model Zeitenwende: space, cyber and precision strikes In-house announcements All other episodes of the podcast “Agora Strategy” website “Agora Strategy” on LinkedIn Current projects, publications & events of the Agora Strategy team Agora Strategy Institute Executive Mitgliedschaft Agora Strategy Report: Vietnam’s Vulnerabilities: How Energy Dependence and Supply Chain Disruptions Squeeze Business Agora Strategy Report: Logistics and the port industry in the geopolitical crossfire Agora Strategy Report: The coming EU-China trade war? Europe’s response to Chinese overcapacities

Foto: Dr. Rainer Esser (credits: Vera Tammen) Press Release: June 24, 2026, Time: 09:00. Dr. Rainer Esser Elected New Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Agora Strategy Munich, June 23, 2026 – Dr. Rainer Esser was elected Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Agora Strategy by the Annual General Meeting in June. Dr. Esser served as CEO of the ZEIT Publishing Group for many years and is one of Germany’s most prominent media executives. He has been serving on Agora Strategy’s Supervisory Board since June 2025, contributing his decades of experience at the intersection of media, business, and society to the company’s strategic development. Dr. Rainer Esser takes over the role of Chairman from Prof. Dr. Kurt Lauk, who has led the Supervisory Board since 2018 as the successor to former Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger. The Agora Strategy Group thanks Prof. Dr. Kurt Lauk for his many years of dedicated service. With his professional competence and wide-ranging expertise in politics and business, he has provided important impetus for the company’s development over the past eight years. “As a co-founder of Agora Strategy, I am deeply gratified that the company has established itself so successfully in the geostrategy market. Since its founding, I have been pleased to serve on Agora Strategy’s Supervisory Board. I am convinced that, under Dr. Rainer Esser’s leadership, the company will continue to grow in the future. Geostrategic conflicts are likely to increase, and Agora Strategy can provide its clients with important guidance in this increasingly complex environment,” said Prof. Dr. Kurt Lauk. The change in the chairmanship of the Supervisory Board marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Agora Strategy Group. Dr. Timo Blenk, CEO and Senior Partner of the Agora Strategy Group: “Having Dr. Rainer Esser—such an experienced entrepreneur and media executive—at our side as the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board is a huge success for Agora Strategy! I look forward to working with him; his strategic foresight will be of great help to us. At the same time, on behalf of the entire company, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Prof. Dr. Lauk for the many years of trusting collaboration. His incredible dedication, experience, and leadership have shaped Agora Strategy.” Dr. Rainer Esser: “I am very pleased by the trust placed in me and look forward to my new role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board. In recent years, Agora Strategy has established itself as a leading voice on geopolitical strategic issues. In a time of profound global change, it is precisely this combination of geopolitical understanding, economic analysis, and strategic orientation that is needed.” About Agora Strategy: Your Global Compass – Turning Geopolitical Complexity Into Strategic Advantage Agora Strategy is Germany’s leading geopolitical strategy consultancy and was founded in 2015 as a spin-off of the Munich Security Conference by, among others, former Ambassador Prof. Dr. h.c. Wolfgang Ischinger. Agora Strategy specializes in geopolitical risk analysis, strategic policy consulting, and international crisis management. With a global network of over 350 experts from the fields of diplomacy, security, business, and academia, and offices in Berlin, Paris, and Brussels, Agora Strategy has been supporting companies in addressing global challenges for over 10 years, translating geopolitical dynamics into concrete, actionable, and measurable recommendations. In 2025, Agora Strategy was recognized as a “Hidden Champion 2026/27” by the market research institute WGMB as a leading strategy consultancy for geopolitics, clearly distinguishing itself from established consulting firms. Press Contacts: Agora Strategy Group AG Fabian Vetter, Partner vetter@agora-strategy.com

The coming EU-China trade war? Europe’s response to Chinese overcapacities Against the backdrop of the intensifying debate around a potential “China Shock 2.0”, European policymakers are increasingly grappling with the implications of Chinese industrial overcapacities for Europe’s competitiveness, industrial base, and economic security. As discussions gain momentum in Brussels and among EU member states on possible safeguard measures, new tariffs, and diversification requirements, the briefing analyzes the strategic choices facing Europe and the potential consequences for businesses exposed to both the Chinese and European markets. The briefing further examines how a shift in the EU’s China policy could affect sectors ranging from automotive and machinery to chemicals, aerospace, and semiconductors, and what companies should monitor as the debate evolves in the coming months. Executive Summary The China Shock 2.0 presents Europe, and Germany, with a stark choice: accept industrial erosion and dependence by absorbing Chinese overcapacities over the next years or face immediate damage from a potentially tough trade war. The EU could impose safeguard measures, propose new tariffs or a diversification instrument to restrict trade with China, but it is unclear whether it can raise protections to sufficient levels. While China has an interest in a negotiated solution given the importance of the EU market for its exports, it may already have determined (or come to do so) that a strategy of threats, intimidation, and retaliation can minimize EU restrictions. Download the full report:

Agora Strategy offers regional expertise and analyses on geopolitical risks and developments worldwide. The company is supported by its global network of more than 300 Senior Advisors and Fellows. Global Network Our 350 + senior advisors and fellows drawn from the fields of politics, diplomacy, security and defense, business and academia, are regionally and locally-connected across the world. Operating successfully in foreign markets requires a profound understanding of political, economic and social conditions. Selected Agora Experts Filter elements by name Alle Südasien Sub-Saharan Africa Asia-Pacific East Asia Russia and Central Asia Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye Eastern Europe and Western Balkans Central- and South America North America Western Europe Filter elements by name Alle strategic foresight geopolitics civil society law US-China, EU-China, China-Russia relations cybersecurity EU-policy aerospace geoeconomics emerging technologies migration supply chains fiscal policy foreign trade energy maritime security defense policy and military diplomacy intelligence conflict resolution and prevention climate global development Good Governance terrorism foreign- and security policy digitalization transatlantic relations multilateralism Expertise Regions Reset filter Filter by Alexander Gabuev [Expertisen] China, Russia, Central Asia more Info Ambika Vishwanath [Expertisen] India, Multilateralism, Water Security more Info Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook [Expertisen] USA, Transatlantic Relations more Info Damjan Krnjević Mišković [Expertisen] Caucasus, Silk Road Region more Info Daphne Alvarez [Expertisen] Latin America, Colombia, Geoeconomics more Info Denys Pashchenko [Expertisen] Ukraine, Europe, Russia/CIS, Trade more Info Dominik P. Jankowski [Expertisen] Defence, NATO, Transatlantic Relations, Poland more Info Dr. Albrecht Conze [Expertisen] Energy, Trade, Finance more Info Dr. Antje Nötzold [Expertisen] Astropolitics, energy policy, science communication more Info Dr. Aykan Erdemir [Expertisen] Türkiye, EU-Türkiye relations, sanctions more Info Dr. Cameron Munter [Expertisen] USA, Pakistan, Balkan, Conflict Resolution more Info Dr. Ceyhun Emre Dogru [Expertisen] Turkey, strategy, corporate affairs, politics more Info Dr. Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby [Expertisen] Philippines, China, Taiwan more Info Dr. Constantinos Adamides [Expertisen] Cyprus, Conflict Resolution, Energy Security more Info Dr. Cornelius Adebahr [Expertisen] EU, Transatlantic Relations, Foreign and security policy Iran more Info Dr. David Jalilvand [Expertisen] Geoeconomics, climate policy, energy policy, Middle East more Info Dr. Dina Habjouqa [Expertisen] Jordan, EU, democratization and development more Info Dr. Gerhard Conrad [Expertisen] Middle East, Intelligence services more Info Dr. Harald Braun [Expertisen] Western Europe, USA, Corporate Government Affairs more Info Dr. Irene Giner Reichl [Expertisen] China, Brazil, International Development, Sustainable Energy more Info Dr. Jagannath Panda [Expertisen] China, India, Indo-Pacific more Info Dr. Jeremias Kettner [Expertisen] Middle East, Qatar, GCC countries more Info Dr. Marko Savkovic [Expertisen] Serbia, Balkans, Civil-Military Relations more Info Dr. Nahla Yassine-Hamdan [Expertisen] Middle East, Regional Security, Conflict Mediation more Info Dr. Olaf Schulz [Expertisen] Digital infrastructure, resilience, and sovereignty, risk communication, trade policy, China/Europe more Info Dr. Oliver Stuenkel [Expertisen] Latin America, Economic Development more Info Dr. Peter Ammon [Expertisen] Western Europe, USA, Multilateralism more Info Dr. Tim Oliver [Expertisen] UK, Brexit, EU Politics more Info Dr. Tobias Burgers [Expertisen] Cyber conflicts, technology governance, geopolitics, economics, East Asia, Southeast Asia more Info Dr. Wahid H. Tabatabai [Expertisen] International Relations, Geopolitics, Energy Policy, Iran and US–Iran Relations more Info Dr. Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy [Expertisen] China, Taiwan, EU more Info Dragisa Mijacic [Expertisen] Serbia, Economic Developments more Info Edward Kahuthia Murimi [Expertisen] International human rights law, governance in the African context more Info Eka Tkeshelashvili [Expertisen] Ukraine, Georgia, Law, Security more Info General (ret.) Hans-Lothar Domröse [Expertisen] NATO, European Security and Defense Policy more Info Ghaida Zoabi [Expertisen] Israel, Finance more Info Giorgos Verdi [Expertisen] EU Policy, International Relations, New Technologies more Info Hanna Murat [Expertisen] EU, Western Europe more Info Heinz-Dieter Meier [Expertisen] Aerospace, Public Safety more Info Igor Millosevic [Expertisen] Montenegro, Western Balkans, Sustainability & Development more Info Iulian Groza [Expertisen] Moldova, European Integration more Info Jasmine El-Gamal [Expertisen] MENA Region, U.S. Foreign Policy more Info Jonathan Hackenbroich [Expertisen] Foreign Trade, geoeconomics, EU-policy more Info Jovan Ratkovic [Expertisen] Western Balkans, Serbia more Info Juan Ignacio Carranza [Expertisen] Argentina, Multilateralism, Transatlantic Relations more Info Konstantinos Foutzopoulos [Expertisen] Greece, South Eastern Europe, Digitalization, International Development more Info Maia Mazurkiewicz [Expertisen] Poland, EU, Cybersecurity, Rule of Law more Info Marc Polymeropoulos [Expertisen] USA, Middle East, Russia, Intelligence more Info Mariel von Schumann [Expertisen] Industrial Relations, ESG, Investor Relations more Info Mathieu Boulegue [Expertisen] Russia, NATO, Ukraine, China, Arctic more Info Mohamed Elfayoumy [Expertisen] Egypt, Middle East, Diplomacy more Info Nasser bin Nasser [Expertisen] Middle East, Jordan, Regional Security more Info Nikolaus Graf Lambsdorff [Expertisen] Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Trade Policy more Info Oana Popescu-Zamfir [Expertisen] Europe, Eastern Europe more Info Omezzine Khelifa [Expertisen] Tunisia, political activism more Info Ottilia Anna Maunganidze [Expertisen] Sub-Saharan Africa, Human Rights, International Law more Info Peter Lefkin [Expertisen] Financial services, insurance, international investment. more Info Peter Tempel [Expertisen] Spain, Mexico, Europe, Diplomacy more Info Pierre Lellouche [Expertisen] France, EU, Foreign Trade more Info Pradnya Bivalkar [Expertisen] Southeast Asia, Foreign Policy more Info Prof. Dr. Andreas Steininger [Expertisen] Development in Eastern Europe, Digitization more Info Prof. Dr. László Vasa [Expertisen] Central Asia more Info Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ischinger [Expertisen] Transatlantic Relations, Multilateralism, Diplomacy more Info Ricardo Borges de Castro [Expertisen] EU-policy, transatlantic relations, geopolitics more Info Rihards Gederts [Expertisen] Baltic States, economic policy, transatlantic relations more Info Rolf Nikel [Expertisen] Poland, Russia, Disarmament and Arms Control more Info Salomon Sacal Kalach [Expertisen] Mexico more Info Sergejs Potapkins [Expertisen] Latvia, Foreign Affairs more Info Shi Ming [Expertisen] Foreign Policy, EU-China Relationship more Info Sietse Goffard [Expertisen] China, USA, Transportation Industry more Info Sophie Pornschlegel [Expertisen] Franco-German relations, Green Deal, Clean Industrial Deal more Info Styopa Safaryan [Expertisen] Western Balkans, Caucasus, Conflict Resolution more Info Temur Umarov [Expertisen] China-Russia, Central Asia more Info Viking Bohman [Expertisen] China, Economic security, Foreign Policy more Info William Yang [Expertisen] Taiwan, Indo-pacific, economic policy, security policy more Info Yuka Koshino [Expertisen] Japan, Indo-Pacific, Foreign- and Security Policy more Info Home / Global Network /

Agora Institute membership provides you with incisive and informed analysis of global developments relevant to your business. This is an unparalleled benefits package designed to keep you well informed and at the forefront of geopolitical and geo-economic developments important to your business. Agora Strategy Institute Membership Optimize your business strategy with best-in-class insights In today's international business environment, a deep understanding of the geopolitics and geo-economics shaping our world is essential. Firms face an increasing number of geopolitical risks, making it crucial for their leaders to have the intelligence needed to make informed decisions, protect their companies, and identify opportunities early on. With the Executive Membership of the Agora Strategy Institute, you can embrace this challenge , as it provides concise and well-founded analysis of global developments relevant for your business. The Agora Institute Membership offers an unparalleled suite of benefits designed to keep you well-informed and at the forefront of geopolitical and geo-economic developments impacting your business. Exclusive Access: Our in-house think tank, the Agora Strategy Institute, monitors geopolitical challenges and conducts comprehensive scenario planning. We analyze country risks for investment decisions and international business development. We assess the consequences of market-moving political developments and policy changes for industries and companies and deliver concrete, actionable recommendations for our clients. Monthly Briefing Calls: Stay ahead of the curve with exclusive calls featuring discussions with Agora experts on the most relevant geopolitical and geo-economic topics each month. Quarterly Geopolitical Calendar: Receive a curated calendar highlighting key developments to watch, empowering you to anticipate and navigate critical shifts in the global landscape. Bespoke Agora Executive Briefings: Access on-demand executive briefings, custom-tailored to address your specific business challenges and opportunities. Agora Event Invitations: Participate in our exclusive Business and Diplomacy Breakfasts and Lunches as well as other Agora Events, where knowledge and networking combine for truly insightful experiences. Agora Strategy Institute Membership Please sign up to receive your offer for Executive Membership of the Agora Strategy Institute: First name* Last name* E-Mail* Company Name* Message Send If you have any questions, please contact: institute@agora-strategy.com Home / Agora Strategy Institute / Executive Membership /

Agora Strategy draws from a network of global experts to provide companies, governments, and international organizations with risk analysis and political advisory. Services We offer companies tailored geopolitical risk analysis, strategic political advisory and international crisis management. Agora Strategy advises governments and international organizations on the most pressing and complex geopolitical issues. Geopolitical risk analysis Our in-house think tank, the Agora Strategy Institute, monitors geopolitical challenges and conducts comprehensive scenario planning. We analyze country risks for investment decisions and international business development. We assess the consequences of market-moving political developments and policy changes for industries and companies and deliver concrete, actionable recommendations for our clients. Sample Project Geopolitical strategy consulting We support our clients in positioning themselves in the political environment and bringing their expertise into the political debate in a fact-based and transparent manner. We promote the enhanced perception of our clients’ legitimate interests with a commitment to integrity. We are specialized in: Political positioning Market entry strategies Public Sector Business Development Sample Project Government consulting We have a comprehensive understanding of the impact of geopolitical risks and advise governments and government organizations on geopolitical issues and foreign policy strategies. With our global network, we support association procedures, promote political, economic and cultural cooperation between countries and with the EU and support the formation of strategic partnerships, including for economic investments. Sample Project International Crisis Management We help our clients assess geopolitical risks and crises and the short, medium, and long-term impact on their business. We conduct scenario planning, develop corresponding crisis management strategies and support the formation of strategic alliances. When a geopolitical crisis has an immediate impact on a business, we help our clients on an ad-hoc basis with concrete, actionable recommendations and offer worldwide on-site support with experts from our global network. Sample Project Do you have any questions or concerns? We look forward to hearing from you! Contact us Home / Services /