The Geopolitics of Business
The Middle East Conflict, Risk and Resilience: Lord Sedwill
Published: 10 April 2026 at 06:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
Hosted by Sam Gyimah
In this episode of The Geopolitics of Business, Lord Sedwill — former Cabinet Secretary, National Security Adviser, and now Chair Rothschild & Co Saudi Arabia, examines how conflict in the Gulf is reshaping capital flows, supply chains, defence priorities and long-term business resilience.
Drawing on experience at the highest levels of UK government and global finance, Lord Sedwill explains why geopolitics only becomes truly relevant to business when it hits geoeconomics. He argues that the current Gulf conflict is different from many previous geopolitical shocks because it directly affects confidence, trade routes, energy prices and inflation.
The conversation explores why Gulf states are accelerating diversification away from oil, how sovereign wealth funds are shifting from exporters to importers of capital, and where reconstruction, AI infrastructure and defence innovation may create major investment opportunities. Lord Sedwill also sets out why boards need to move beyond abstract risk registers towards war gaming, contingency planning and genuine supply-chain visibility.
For business leaders, the core message is clear: resilience is no longer the opposite of returns. It is the foundation of long-term value creation.
Host: Sam Gyimah, Founder and CEO of SG& Capital Partners
Producers: Clare Williamson and Duncan Williamson for TGOB Media Ltd in partnership with SG& Capital Partners Ltd
Music composed by: Sophie Sirota
For listener questions or business enquiries please email [email protected], and to contact SG& Capital Partners please email [email protected]
You can find a summary of the key points in this episode in The Geopolitics of Business Newsletter
Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered or relied upon as financial, investment, legal or tax advice. While we seek to ensure the information shared is accurate and up to date at the time of release, no warranties or representations are made regarding its accuracy or completeness and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. The opinions and views expressed in this podcast are solely the participant’s own personal opinions and do not reflect the opinions of SG&.
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