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19 September 20251 minute read

Navigating global uncertainty: Insights from Lord Cameron and Alison Maxwell

Bridging geopolitics and the boardroom

Businesses today are navigating a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, where global events and political decisions directly impact strategy, supply chains, and growth. World leaders’ decisions have a direct and immediate impact on how companies operate, expand internationally, and secure supply chains.

DLA Piper is dedicated to helping businesses bridge the gap between geopolitics and the boardroom, providing holistic, forward-thinking solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

David Cameron, DLA Piper Consultant and former UK Prime Minister, and Alison Maxwell, US Chair of DLA Piper’s Tax practice, recently sat down to discuss why understanding global dynamics is essential for business success. They explored ways DLA Piper helps businesses navigate shifting tariffs, trade wars, and evolving regulations.

Highlights from the conversation

Maxwell outlined ways DLA Piper advises clients on global structure and supply chain, meeting a growing demand for a deeper understanding of what drives potential tariffs and the triggers behind issues in specific countries. She emphasized the importance of providing clients with a comprehensive view of the factors influencing their global business models.

Lord Cameron added that it is not enough to simply inform clients of international developments – instead, it is crucial for them to understand the underlying causes. By gaining insight into what fuels these changes, he noted, businesses will be better equipped to anticipate future trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Lord Cameron emphasized that understanding broader geopolitical concerns is increasingly important for businesses – and active engagement with these issues is essential. He noted the key role DLA Piper plays in helping clients navigate these complexities.

Maxwell added that it is necessary to consider all aspects of geopolitics, including factors such as tariffs and trade wars. She emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to identifying the most effective structure and supply chain solutions for clients.

Lord Cameron explained that, as the US introduces new tariffs, other countries are likely to follow, creating a less stable global trading environment. He emphasized the need for companies to proactively consider how they will respond if affected by these tariffs.

Maxwell described ways DLA Piper helps clients shift from reacting to planning through modeling different geopolitical scenarios and building flexible supply chains, allowing them to quickly adapt to changing conditions.

Lord Cameron will be speaking at various client events across the US in the coming weeks. For more information about attending these events, please contact your DLA Piper relationship partner.

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