Building Geopolitical Muscle 2026

–Watch tower: Typically located within risk or compliance, its mandate is largely defensive, monitoring geopolitics as part of broader enterprise risks. It provides early warning and situational awareness but limited strategic influence, leaving it to the board and C-suite to trickle down implications into the business lines. –Influence network: Operating on trust and in close proximity to the CEO – almost as a diplomatic attaché – this model focuses on influence rather than structure. It is almost fully dedicated to geopolitics but relies heavily on inputs from other functions. –Command cell(s): Primarily reactive by design, it can address both crisis management and opportunity capture. Wide variations were observed, from ad hoc war rooms to institutionalized task forces with direct reporting to the C-suite. These teams can mobilize between 10 and 40 people temporarily, combining full-time and part-time contributors from across the organization. –Nerve centre: Led by a senior executive who also serves as adviser to the CEO, the team prepares analysis, briefings and recommendations for leadership and key committees. All resources are fully dedicated to geopolitics, and the team’s scale varies with exposure and internal demand. The archetypes are not rigid categories; many firms blend features of two models or evolve over time as priorities change. Some 50% of companies surveyed self-identified with two archetypes, their operating model varying depending on the issue at stake. Distribution of archetypes across surveyed firms based on self-identification FIGURE 7 Influence network Command cell(s) Nerve centre Watch tower43% 29% 21%57% Note: Live survey conducted with several interviewed companies (N=14); 50% of companies identified with two archetypes, hence total does not equal 100%. Multiple choices allowed per respondent. Small sample size of 14 companies. Source: Executive interviews – World Economic Forum, IMD Business School, BCG analysis Best practices Description Direct access to CEORegardless of archetype, proximity to decision-making ensures influence. Dedicated capacity Core team includes at least a few fully focused geopolitical professionals. Project management modeDedicated project management ensures regular delivery and follow-through, especially cross-functionally. Building Geopolitical Muscle: How Companies Turn Insights into Strategic Advantage 18