Contributions and publications on the subject Influence

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).

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.

The future of sport: what national and international policies ?

Sport is proving to be a political tool. Firstly, with its different models of governance at national and international levels. Secondly, as a means of exerting influence, a means of development, of social sustainability and of promoting values. Part two of our report focuses on these political aspects.

[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.

[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?

Qatar, Saudi Arabia: Sport Is Also a Means to Accumulate Power and Build Control

Opinion piece by Simon Chadwick States have long played a role in sport, sometimes in promoting participation and at other times in helping governments to achieve political ends. This role is often perceived as being positive, for instance in the way it is intended to address public health challenges. Though states’ engagement with sport can be for malign reasons, indeed there are many examples of sport being deployed for propaganda purposes. Such is the potential for states to exert their influence over and through sport that, for example, football’s governing body FIFA explicitly prohibits states from intervening in national associations.

Paris 2024: A Unique Geoeconomic Opportunity for France

Opinion by Jean-Baptiste Guégan | The Paris 2024 Games are about more than mere sporting excitement. They carry with them major economic stakes for more actors than the host city alone. An ideal opportunity to recall the growing importance of the geoeconomy of sport.

Human Dignity and Neurorights in the Digital Age

by Edgar Gastón Jacobs and Marina de Castro Firmo Some time ago, the expectation of mind invasion or manipulation of people by technological devices was only seen in movies and science fiction books. Examples included erasing people's memories in Men in Black, modifying the behavior of criminals in Clockwork Orange, and arresting people who are about to commit a crime in Minority Report, all of which entertained and invited people to reflect on the future. Today, the massive flow of data and advances in science, particularly in neurotechnologies and artificial intelligence, have made these concepts an emerging field that requires further study and regulation by the legal community. Advanced technologies, such as brain-machine interfaces, wearable and implantable devices, and advanced algorithms, have made neurolaw an increasingly important field.

[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.

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.