PIIGS from one crisis to another: dependency, endurance and influence

To shed light on the dynamics that are currently redefining the planet’s geopolitical landscape, this tripartite study undertakes to analyse the operation of the BRICS+ and PIIGS groups of countries, their heterogenous make-up and their importance in international relations, while comparing them to devoted multilateral structures. Following an initial consideration of BRICS+, this second part will be dedicated to PIIGS. After recalling the origins of the group, it will explore the economic and political challenges faced by these countries, focusing in particular on the issues linked to the stability and operation of the EU. We will illustrate our point using some of the measures obtained recently by this group from the Institution (for example, the post-COVID European recovery policy).

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EconomyGeopoliticsInfluence
Photo de Markus Winkler sur Unsplash

From BRIC to BRICS+ : how to go from a simple acronym to a partnership capable of overthrowing the world order in 25 years

To shed light on the dynamics that are currently redefining the planet’s geopolitical landscape, this tripartite study undertakes to analyse the operation of the BRICS+ and PIIGS groups of countries, their heterogenous make-up and their importance in international relations, while comparing them to devoted multilateral structures. In this first part, we will look at the origins of BRICS and their evolution to BRICS+, before discussing their goals for 2024. The new dimension of this partnership, in economic, demographic and military terms, will thus be highlighted, in particular thanks to a discussion of the recent measures aiming to strengthen its global influence.

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BRICS flags

[Event] Francophonie and influence, now and tomorrow

History shows that there exists an intricate link between influence, power and language. Today, the number of French speakers worldwide is growing: from 321 million in 2022, the most optimistic forecasts estimate that this figure will reach 600 million by 2050. Nevertheless, the French-speaking world (Francophonie) has recently suffered a series of setbacks on the international stage, such as the sudden end to the teaching of French programmes in Algerian public schools. It is therefore important to ask whether, in the future, in areas as varied as politics, the economy, culture, education and sport, Francophonie will continue to be a vector of influence, especially for France, or whether it now calls for a fresh impetus.

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[Event] What influence do consulting firms have on public policy?

‘Deep state’ or fantasy? Described as a ‘tentacular phenomenon’ by the Sénat investigation committee, the influence of private consultancies on the elaboration of public policy led France's upper house to adopt a bill aimed at increasing supervision over the Government's use of such firms. Fifteen months then passed before the bill was presented to the National Assembly, where the text was largely reworked. The amended version of the bill was sent back to the Sénat for a second reading, raising fears that the discussions will stall and signalling a potential lack of political will to do without consultants in the public sector. Concomitantly, the French government has announced the creation of an internal public consulting agency. Will this be enough to remedy the problems identified by the investigation committee and prevent further risks of abuse highlighted by journalists and essayists?

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Conférence du 28 mars 2024 au Cercle de l'Union Interalliée sur l'influence des cabinets de conseil. Photo de la salle (de dos) et des intervenants. De gauche à droite : Claude Revel (modératrice), Yves Morieux (conseiller principal du BCG), Caroline Michel-Aguirre (journaliste) et Eliane Assassi (sénatrice honoraire).

[Event] Higher education in a globalised world: between standards and influences, what training is needed for future managers?

In a globalised world undergoing major changes, influences in higher education are at the heart of the challenges ahead. They will have a significant impact on shaping the minds of future managers. In this context, higher education is more vital than ever in meeting the challenges of the future (climate change, sovereignty and influence, technological advances, global trade, etc.). Future managers must be well trained if they are to implement appropriate solutions.

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Photos des intervenants.

[EVENT] Law and power. Rules and norms at the heart of influence.

On March 21st, we organised a conference entitled “Law and power. Rules and norms at the heart of influence”. This is the first event in our cycle of meetings “At the heart of influences”. The speakers at the conference were: Frédéric MUNIER, Director of the School of Geopolitics at SKEMA Business School, Noëlle LENOIR, lawyer and former minister of European Affairs, and Claude REVEL, Director of Development at SKEMA PUBLIKA, former interministerial delegate for economic intelligence. The debate was moderated by Stéphane MARCHAND, editor in chief of Pour l'Éco.

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Influence and Counter-Influence in 2023: Forms, Actors, Excesses and Strategies

In this note, Claude Revel, expert in economic intelligence, offers a complete analysis of what influence is, how it is exercised, its actors and forms of intervention. She warns of its excesses and proposes strategies for counter-influence, all supported by concrete examples: sustainable development, legal systems, Chinese standards, etc.

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[Event] Sustainable Finance: Governance and Metrics

The different European regulations are compelling companies and organisations to adapt their governance to achieve the objectives of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The aim of the regulations is much broader, since they seek the implementation of a governance adapted to achieving all CSR objectives, hence the need for accurate and reliable measurement tools.

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Does AI Challenge the Competitive Strategies of the Public and Private Sectors?

by Claude REVEL | Between companies but also between States, harnessing AI has become an economic, political, and even a geopolitical power game. Public and private competitive strategies are challenged by AI at all levels. And yet, to date, the omnipresence of AI does not seem to have been questioned by private and public decision makers. What promises does this instrument hold for the common and individual good? Is its extension to areas that are more sensitive for humans, such as decision making, advisable?

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