Special Report - 2024 Meridian Summit: Shaping Geopolitical Futures
SHAPING GEOPOLITICAL FUTURES
Meridian is a nonprofit center for diplomacy based on a historic campus in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to empower a new generation of leaders—climate scientists, cybersecurity experts, executives, athletes, artists, mayors, and governors—to advance diplomacy and build a shared global future. As global challenges grow more complex, governments need new partners. By bringing fresh perspectives and skills to diplomacy, we forge lasting alliances and spark collaboration on emerging issues. Through our education, exchange, convening, and cultural programs, we connect leaders to the networks and insights needed to navigate a fast-changing world. Since 1960, we’ve partnered with hundreds of thousands of international and U.S. leaders, including over 180 heads of state.
ABOUT THE 2024 MERIDIAN SUMMIT
Shifting global dynamics are influencing markets, investment opportunities, and regulatory climates. Through unparalleled connections to decision-makers from the government, diplomatic community, and the private sector, the Meridian Summit empowers leaders to forge relationships, exchange ideas, and gain competitive advantages to drive their organizations ahead.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Meridian International Center (Meridian) and the production of this report would not be possible without our Meridian Summit production team and authors. Special thanks to the report contributors: Sienna Girgenti, Matthew Stefanski, Maryna Kapovska, Vishva Bhatt, Steven Greenwald, Ariana Becemberg, Ariel Sheinberg, Riley Nelson, Melanie Collins Diaz, Rodrigo Moreschi, Nicole Mularz, and Anastasios Chryssikopoulos. Photo credits to Oscar Dapp and Maria Kodola.
The views described in this report are those of the Summit only. They are neither representative of the positions of the Meridian International Center nor those providing funding for the Summit. Meridian takes no institutional positions on policy issues and is committed to nonpartisan convening and exchanges. In addition, the suggested recommendations are the views of individual participants and do not necessarily represent a consensus of the attending members or their home institutions.
THANK YOU TO OUR
2024 MERIDIAN SUMMIT PARTNERS
INTRODUCTION
BY THE HONORABLE STUART W. HOLLIDAY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER
Inwhat has been one of the most consequential election years on record, the international landscape is marked by the challenges that define our present-day world. From ongoing conflicts to rising political polarization and the growing influence of extremism, we find ourselves navigating a fragile moment in global political history. For many, elections remain a beacon of hope for change. However, for others, especially those in non-democratic regimes, the promise of representation feels distant. At Meridian, we recognize that impactful action must extend beyond elections and the elected.
At Meridian’s 13th Annual Summit, we will convene a diverse group of global leaders, representing the multifaceted nature of this new era in diplomacy. As international problems grow in scale and complexity, it is imperative for diplomatic leaders to engage with the right partners and experts who can offer guidance through these turbulent times. Now more than ever, the challenges before us demand unified, collective action.
At Meridian, we are committed to fostering this necessary cooperation. This year’s Summit is bringing together trailblazers from across the globe, each contributing a unique perspective on the issues at hand. The leaders we gather are positioned at the crossroads of business and geopolitics, bringing fresh insights to the discussions with their distinctive approaches to diplomacy.
The Summit is a microcosm of Meridian’s strategy to build stable, prosperous, and inclusive geopolitical futures.
It’s a representation of the new era of statecraft that Meridian is committed to strengthening: Open Diplomacy.
The diplomatic practices necessary for dealing with modern-day questions have surpassed historical convention. The engagement of emerging leaders from different sectors, those who have not traditionally held diplomatic roles, is now key to cultivating a more collaborative geopolitical scheme.
Global dynamics shape markets, influence investment opportunities, and affect regulatory environments. By broadening the conversation to include leaders who operate outside the traditional diplomatic sphere, Meridian ensures that a wide range of voices contribute to shaping the future of international relations. In doing so, we are broadening diplomatic discussions, ensuring that decisions reflect the realities and needs of those directly impacted.
Meridian has carefully selected a series of pertinent themes for this year’s summit. The selections represent a wide-reaching, expert-informed take on the issues that matter in the world today. While not exhaustive, the program sessions are intended to ignite conversation that inspires action. Politically, our panelists will delve into the persistent conflicts plaguing volatile states and explore strategies to foster geopolitical resilience. Economically, they’ll examine cross-border investments and consider the state of the global financial systems. Geopolitics is a vast and intricate field, influenced by countless factors including culture, climate, and demography. Our assembled experts reflect this complexity, offering a comprehensive view of the forces shaping our world.
Meridian’s vision is built to last. By continuing to expand our reach and deepen our engagement, we aim to equip leaders across the globe with the tools and knowledge necessary to address the challenges ahead. Our work doesn’t stop at the Summit. Throughout the coming year, we will continue building bridges across cultures and borders, leveraging our partnerships to transform global obstacles into opportunities for collaboration and progress. Together, we can shape a future where diplomacy drives meaningful, lasting change.
THE STATE OF GEOPOLITICS
The next U.S. administration will face pivotal choices as it navigates intensified international competition, safeguarding strategic interests while adapting to rapid geopolitical shifts. In an urgent and thought-provoking conversation, Jane Harman, Chair of the U.S. Commission on the National Defense Strategy and Fred Hochberg, Meridian International Center Board Chair examined the escalating geopolitical tensions that the United States must navigate. As global powers like China and Russia assert their influence, and Iran inches closer to nuclear capability, the U.S. faces the dual challenge of managing external threats while contending with domestic polarization and waning public engagement in foreign policy. Shifting global power structures and emerging thread necessitate a swift recalibration of U.S. strategy to safeguard national and international security.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. faces significant challenges in managing the strategic rivalry with China, particularly as tensions rise over territorial claims in the South China Sea, Taiwan, and the influence of BRICS nations. “How many of the American people can find Taiwan on a map?” Harman asked, a question that pointed to the troubling disconnection between American citizens and crucial global issues. Despite the widespread unawareness, Harman warned that China’s ambitions to annex Taiwan could destabilize the region and embolden other authoritarian powers. As Beijing’s strategic objectives grow clearer, the U.S. must prepare for scenarios in which regional security dynamics—particularly around Taiwan—may evolve rapidly, compelling a unified, vigilant response to uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific. Harman draws a stark parallel between Russia’s actions and the potential for China to act similarly in Taiwan. Allowing these aggressions to go unchecked would undermine the global order and invite further territorial expansion by rogue nations. The situation is further complicated by the technological interdependence the U.S. shares with Taiwan, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, making the island’s security not only a matter of geopolitical strategy but of economic survival.
The looming nuclear threat posed by Iran, which is approaching nuclear breakout capacity, holds grave implications, particularly for the Middle East where countries like Saudi Arabia could trigger an arms race by acquiring nuclear weapons of their own. This scenario, Harman noted, would destabilize the region even further and could have catastrophic consequences for global security. As the conversation turned to the broader
geopolitical landscape, Harman also emphasized the impact of climate change and migration, both of which are contributing to instability in Europe and beyond. Political and climate refugees are flooding borders, seeking refuge from conditions exacerbated by conflict, while the political will to address these issues is increasingly absent. In addressing these complex challenges, Harman made a compelling case that the U.S. needs to reclaim its leadership role and put its values of democracy, freedom, and human rights back at the forefront of its foreign policy.
Domestically, there’s growing urgency to address polarization that impedes effective U.S. leadership globally, leaving allies exposed and limiting robust responses to international crises. Congressional gridlock was a major reason Harman left Congress in 2011, citing, “solving problems for the country is no longer the business model of Congress. It is blaming the other side for not solving problems, and that’s appalling.” The Russian invasion of Ukraine and politicization of aid is a prime example. This freeze has left the U.S. vulnerable in supporting its alliances abroad and standing as a steady bulwark in the face of authoritarianism, while new axis between China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran is poised to take advantage.
Next Steps
The U.S. must adopt an all-encompassing approach to these threats, extending beyond traditional governmentto-government diplomacy to fields like science, technology, and the arts. “We need a whole of world approach to the threats against the United States” Harman underscored. This “open diplomacy” approach broadens influence through collaboration across diverse fields—from laboratories and boardrooms to cultural platforms and even space exploration. This evolving diplomatic scope aims to rally unified national values, engaging individuals globally to bolster resilience amid global uncertainties.
Whether it is China, Russia, The Middle East, U.S. polarization, or other destabilizing forces, the U.S. faces an onslaught of global challenges that will define the next century. The next administration faces a century-defining challenge, needing not only readiness but a renewed commitment to diplomatic engagement and domestic unity to navigate an unprecedented global landscape. The call to action is clear: while the challenges ahead are immense, the time to act is now, and it will take a collective effort from leaders and citizens alike to prevent a future that will leave the next generation with even greater problems to solve.
Collaborative Investment for Growth: Navigating a New Global Landscape
In a world reshaped by crises—from the global pandemic to geopolitical tensions—countries are increasingly prioritizing strategic investments to promote resilience and sustainable growth. Complex challenges, such as climate change, economic uncertainty, and supply chain vulnerabilities, demand a collaborative approach that transcends national borders. Governments and private sectors are finding new ways to align their efforts, fostering innovation that not only addresses immediate issues but also paves the way for a sustainable future.
In a two-part session moderated by Eric Gertler, Executive Chairman and CEO of U.S. News & World Report, speakers explored whether geopolitical and geoeconomic transformations are facilitating collaborative practices or disrupting the status quo. With insights from leaders across government and industry, the discussions highlighted the vital role of collaboration in driving innovation and achieving shared goals in an evolving global landscape.
Key Takeaways
In light of vulnerable supply chains and the urgent realities of climate change, governments are increasingly focused on derisking investments as a pathway to resilience. Jose Fernandez, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, highlighted the U.S. commitment of $52 billion through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which has already catalyzed nearly $400 billion in private investments since its passage. Initiatives like this provide crucial early funding that attracts greater long-term investments.
In addition to investments in resilient infrastructure, expanding public-private partnerships will strengthen a more resilient global economy.
Fernandez emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, "the proper role for government is to incentivize, to galvanize, and then to get out of the way.” With limited resources, governments can only lay the groundwork; ultimately, it is the private sector that must take the lead in driving growth and resilience. Ambassador of Iceland to the United States Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “[governments] can try to regulate [their] way out of everything, but nothing happens until you get the private sector on board.”
The conversation highlighted that real progress hinges on fostering trust and collaboration among governments and businesses alike. As Hooman Shahidi, CEO and Founder of EVPassport, noted, “In order for [the private sector] to develop products and innovations, we have to collaborate based on the needs and resources that the government has, and the government needs to give us the leeway to do it.” Tackling global issues such as climate change requires unprecedented cooperation, creating pathways for private enterprises to innovate while aligning profit motives with societal impact.
Though countries are working diligently to strengthen their domestic industries, multilateral cooperation likewise remains essential to maintaining peace and security. There was a clear consensus that while the challenges are daunting— ranging from cyber warfare to climate change to transnational terrorism—they also present opportunities for innovation and growth, provided that countries work together and take proactive steps to address these issues.
Global alliances are increasingly moving from dependence to strategic independence. Many
nations now avoid overreliance on single-country partnerships, particularly as they navigate complex trade landscapes. This shift underscores the necessity of balanced alliances, fostering innovation while mitigating risks associated with economic entanglements. As Ambassador Lui Tuck Yew of Singapore emphasized,
“We are shifting from a paradigm of the past that was premised on fostering interdependence between nations to a new paradigm where you are avoiding overdependence.”
Next Steps
Sustainable growth in one country not only benefits that nation but also has positive ripple effects for its partners and allies. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of collaborative investment among governments, private enterprises, and research institutions to unlock the full potential of this growth. This includes building more adaptable systems, forging stronger international partnerships, and maintaining open channels of communication. Whether through trade agreements, defense cooperation, or environmental initiatives, the focus remains on aligning innovation and purpose to tackle shared global challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, stakeholders can drive forward the innovations needed to create sustainable solutions, ensuring that investments in technology and infrastructure contribute to a resilient, adaptable global future.
Resilience, Innovation and Collaboration in a Dynamic World
BY BRITTANY MASALOSALO CHIEF PUBLIC POLICY OFFICER, HP
HP
HPis proud to serve as the Corporate Chair for the 2024 Meridian Summit and Ball. For over 64 years, Meridian International Center has played an integral role in connecting leaders from around the world—across government, academia, and industry—to address the global challenges we face. Today, countries and corporations alike navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, including economic competition, frequent supply chain disruptions, and conflicts in several regions across the world.
As a former National Security Affairs staffer for two U.S. Vice Presidents and now as a member of HP’s executive team, I fully understand the considerations corporations must balance to drive sustainable growth while navigating the challenges of international tensions. At HP, we continuously evaluate how today’s global challenges affect our business, from the impact of geopolitics on our operations to our ability to provide our customers around the world with access to our innovative products.
In line with the themes of this year’s Summit, we are committed to securing our company and our customers in a world that seems increasingly insecure. As we navigated a complex business environment over the last few years, we recognized the need to expand our network of suppliers for components critical to our core product lines, including personal systems and printers. Today, we are taking a more comprehensive, global approach to improving our supply chain resilience by collaborating with new firms and geographies while strengthening our relationships with established suppliers.
We are also focused on providing our customers with “secure by design” products, extending across our hardware, software, and services offerings. We will continue to invest in leading-edge security for our products, offering our customers resilience against the threats of today and tomorrow.
Beyond securing our business, we continue in our relentless pursuit of innovation, a core tenet of
the “HP Way.” Earlier this year we introduced a new line of AI PCs, and we continue to enhance our powerful workstations, making AI accessible for small- and medium-sized businesses as well as entrepreneurs. We equip AI creators with compute power and software to enable new innovations and to move processes and workflows from the core to the edge. As we move forward with developing the cutting-edge technology solutions our customers need, we will continue to collaborate with key government stakeholders around the world to set the conditions for our continued growth.
Today, companies increasingly find themselves at the table of international diplomacy, working together alongside governments to drive technological change and improve the lives of billions around the world.
At HP, we are using our seat at this table to advocate for policies that facilitate trade, increase digital equity, and promote the responsible use of new technologies. We are collaborating with a broad range of domestic and international partners who share our belief that “one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world.” This includes researching cybersecurity tools in the United Kingdom, advancing 3D printing in Spain and Singapore, and developing new applications for microfluidics in Corvallis, Oregon. We are investing in innovative technologies—and the people behind them—that have the potential to change the trajectory of entire industries.
As the world continues to evolve at a lightning pace, for HP one constant remains—our resolve to address the needs of our customers through innovation, teamwork, and integrity. Again, it is an honor to support the work of Meridian International Center and the 2024 Meridian Summit and Ball, and I look forward to discussing with you how we can shape the future of our world to drive growth and innovation, together.
Securing an Insecure World
Global
security dynamics are experiencing a pivotal transformation, marked by the increasing role of non-state actors and private sector entities in shaping international security outcomes. As American economic, military, and technological hegemony faces growing challenges from near-peer rivals, and military conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East absorb attention and resources, the United States must navigate an increasingly complex security landscape in unprecedented ways.
Private companies, particularly in the technology sector, now find themselves at the intersection of commercial interests and national security imperatives. The intensifying technological competition has compelled corporations to develop sophisticated security strategies that align national
interests with business objectives, especially as private sector innovation becomes increasingly central to national security capabilities.
The imperative to maintain technological superiority while rebuilding industrial capacity has become inseparable from national security objectives. Private sector partners have emerged as essential contributors in this effort, helping the United States preserve its technological edge while strengthening its industrial base through innovative public-private partnerships and strategic collaboration.
Key Takeaways
The evolving security landscape reveals three critical dimensions that will define the future of global security and defense. While bilateral partnerships remain important, broader alliances and coalitions
are increasingly necessary to respond to threats that transcend borders. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 22nd U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, asserts that
former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, warned "the Chinese are preparing for war... that's not a subject of debate at this point." This stark assessment points to a critical vulnerability
"America is the leader of the free world... we are a pretty good arbitrator of all of us together, doing something that will strengthen all of us,"
underscoring how traditional alliance structures are evolving beyond military cooperation to encompass technological, economic, and industrial partnerships. This evolution is demonstrated by NATO's expansion to include 40 official partners beyond its 32 allies, reflecting how security frameworks must adapt to address challenges that transcend regional boundaries. Ambassador Hutchison emphasized that economic leverage, when wielded collectively by major economies and allies, could serve as a powerful tool in maintaining a rules-based international order, particularly in influencing China's behavior through a cohesive stance among NATO and Asia-Pacific partners.
The technological arms race, particularly in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology, is a transformative force in shaping the geopolitical landscape. Brittany Masalosalo, Chief Public Policy Officer at HP Inc. asserts that "the tech race is on because it's unequivocal that the [People’s Republic of China] has prioritized technological superiority." This reality—that technological competition has become inseparable from national security—has fundamentally changed how private sector companies operate, forcing them to balance commercial interests with national security imperatives. The challenge extends beyond mere technological development to include supply chain security, research and development priorities, and international technological cooperation that builds economies to withstand future shocks.
The third dimension centers on the urgent need for industrial revitalization. Elbridge Colby,
in America's security infrastructure: the erosion of its industrial and manufacturing capabilities. The disparity in manufacturing capacity—with China's shipbuilding capability exceeding America's by 500 times—represents more than an economic challenge; it poses a fundamental threat to national security and military readiness.
Next Steps
The path to addressing modern security challenges requires concrete action in leveraging non-state actors while strengthening traditional alliances. Key priorities include expanding industrial capacity through strategic ally-shoring initiatives, where burden-sharing, as Ambassador Hutchison noted, means allies must "step up but not be equal with us." This approach should focus on strengthening multilateral institutions, investing in ethical and equitable innovation, and fostering economic resilience through diversified partnerships while reducing dependence on potential adversaries. Success will require implementing targeted industrial policies to rebuild critical manufacturing capabilities, particularly in defense and advanced technology sectors, while fostering innovation through balanced regulation. These efforts must be coordinated through deeper public-private partnerships and international collaboration, ensuring that the United States and its allies can maintain technological superiority and industrial readiness in an increasingly complex security environment.
Rebuilding Ukraine’s Energy Future
BY DTEK GROUP
Two
Two
years into the war, Russian missile barrages have decimated over half of Ukraine’s energy capacity. Businesses like DTEK are working on repairs, yet we are still far below what is needed to power our businesses, military, and homes.
These acts of violence underscore the fatal flaw of our global energy system, as its ripple effects impacted energy supplies and prices throughout the EU and beyond. Energy independence and diversification will continue to grow in importance, as fossil fuels are concentrated in increasingly hostile nations.
But in such destruction lies an opportunity to rebuild.
DTEK is working with the Ministry of Energy, energy firms, and international partners to restore Ukrainian energy this winter and beyond - shifting from traditional coal-fired powerplants to solar and wind farms. Replacing what was destroyed with more modern, efficient systems, and what was carbon-intensive with green energy, will ultimately enhance Ukraine’s climate and national security.
Innovation Diplomacy: the Most Powerful Piston for Change
BY HOOMAN SHAHIDI CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF EVPASSPORT; 2024 MERIDIAN SUMMIT AND BALL GLOBAL INNOVATION CHAIR
Ina world where boundaries are a reminder of our cultural roots, corporate diplomacy is what defines our thinking, empowers our values, and allows innovation to take form. Now more than ever, business is the greatest platform for change.
With today’s global obstacles imposing a modern solution for governance, innovation diplomacy takes shape in delivering impact, from the board rooms to Washington and beyond.
To accelerate impact, innovation diplomacy can build bridges to enable the transparent exchange of knowledge on neutral grounds, develop positive dialogue between otherwise competing stakeholders, and build trust beyond unilateral interests.
This must combine the perspectives of research, industry, and government, in a systematic, forward-facing exchange. The urgency to accelerate innovation is emboldening the connective tissue between public and private partnerships.
As we navigate the dynamic and sometimes perplexing world that is our society, let’s not forget the power of purpose, the derivative of innovation diplomacy.
In the end, our efforts as nations, corporations, and communities is not just about building smarter, better technologies, but it is about using technology to build a more intelligent, kinder, more wonderful world for all of us.
Resilience Redefined:
Corporate Strategies for an Unpredictable World
As political tensions, trade disruptions, and regulatory changes become more unpredictable, corporations find themselves navigating an increasingly complex global environment. Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, joined Goli Sheikholeslami, CEO of POLITICO Media Group, to discuss how companies can redefine resilience and leverage it as a strategic asset. As the private sector navigates geopolitical changes, resilience has evolved from merely withstanding shocks to embracing a broader perspective that transforms uncertainty into opportunity, relying on technology, emerging talent, and global operations as its key pillars.
Top Takeaways
As global dynamics shift—reshaping economies, intensifying geopolitical competition, and
introducing new security challenges—companies now navigate a complex environment where resilience extends beyond traditional crisis response and risk management. This evolving landscape compels organizations to broaden their understanding of resilience beyond conventional frameworks. For Accenture, this means balancing investment in technology with building a skilled workforce. Modern resilience requires businesses to rethink how they engage with global supply chains, emphasizing how critical it has become for the private sector to anticipate changes in political alliances and potential conflicts not only to mitigate risks, but to calculate emerging opportunities. This approach requires companies to examine their operations closely, considering how their supply chains might be affected by sudden disruptions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and the
Ukraine conflict. Accenture’s strategy focuses on technological robustness, global operations, and talent development to drive growth and stability, with measurable outcomes showing that companies excelling in these areas can benefit from aboveaverage growth. For instance, using resilience scoring system, Accenture found that higher scores on these factors predicted growth with 67 percent accuracy over one year and over 80 percent accuracy across three years, with resilient companies showing an average growth rate around 6 percent higher than their peers.
This approach to resilience underscores a fundamental shift towards balance, where investment in cutting-edge technology must be complemented by the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce. Accenture’s strategy includes substantial investments in employee training, equipping staff to effectively navigate technological changes, including the rapid integration of AI and data analytics.
"We all have an interest in AI being used for good and responsibly, and that means we have to trust and come together to learn together."
Sweet remarked, emphasizing
The importance of collaboration and flexibility amidst and unpredictable world. Businesses must see themselves as "talent creators," fostering a culture of continuous learning that extends beyond traditional educational structures. As Sweet noted, “In a world where the skills are constantly changing, we have to invest now to develop the skills of the future,” pointing to the value of proactive talent development. This adaptability is crucial for companies to transform challenges into opportunities and for countries to maintain competitive advantages, as demonstrated by India’s early efforts to integrate AI into education.
Using the U.S. as a case study, Sweet praised the Biden administration’s recent executive order on AI, which was formulated after extensive dialogue with both technology companies and AI users. "I work with every major technology company in the world, and I cannot think of one of them that doesn’t believe there is some regulation necessary for this powerful technology," she remarked. Sweet sees this kind of public-private partnership as a model for responsible AI governance, not just in the U.S., but globally. As different regions, such as the European Union, approach AI regulation from slightly different perspectives, the constant remains the need for transparent cooperation to align these efforts.
Next Steps
Building a strong foundation of technical skills in the workforce across sectors is more critical than ever for businesses to remain resilient in an unpredictable world. Prioritizing continuous education and training will enable companies to create diverse and robust talent pipelines, equipping their workforce with the readiness to adapt to shifting demands and navigate both disruptions and emerging opportunities. Governments and companies must collaborate to create robust AI regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while ensuring safety and accountability. Preparing small and medium sized enterprises to leverage AI is essential but will be achievable only through effective public-private partnerships. By 2025, Sweet envisions businesses and governments working together to make technology a force for good, from breakthroughs in medical research to significant gains in productivity. For businesses, this means proactively engaging with regulators to ensure that the policies being developed are informed by a deep understanding of the technology. For governments, it means investing in the education and training of regulators so they are equipped to manage the challenges and opportunities AI presents.As AI continues to evolve, the imperative for both business leaders and policymakers is clear: work together, learn quickly, and regulate wisely.
2024 Best Countries Rankings
Now
Nowin its ninth year, the 2024 Best Countries analysis evaluates 89 nations across 73 different attributes.
“Amid shifting global dynamics and heightened geopolitical awareness, the 2024 Best Countries rankings provide a comprehensive snapshot of how nations are perceived on the world stage,” says U.S. News Executive Chairman & CEO Eric Gertler. “The report sheds light on a country’s potential for economic, political and cultural success and can serve as a strategic decision-making tool for citizens, business leaders and governments to better evaluate their countries.”
The rankings project is based on how global perceptions define countries in terms of a number of qualitative characteristics – impressions that have the potential to drive trade, travel and investment, and can directly affect national economies.
Ranking the Countries
In consultation with U.S. News & World Report, the study and model used to score and rank countries were developed by global marketing and communications services company WPP and its proprietary BAV brand analytics tool, and by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, specifically professor David Reibstein.
A set of 73 country attributes – terms that can be used to describe a country that are also relevant to the success of a modern nation – were identified. Various attributes and nations were presented in a survey of nearly 17,000 people from across the globe from March 22 to May 23. Participants assessed whether they associated an attribute with a nation.
Attributes were grouped into 10 thematic subrankings that rolled into the Best Countries rankings: Adventure, Agility, Cultural Influence, Entrepreneurship, Heritage, Movers, Open for Business, Power, Quality of Life and Social Purpose. Subranking scores for each country were determined by averaging the scores that country received in each of the attributes comprising that subranking.
The subrankings, their weights in calculating the overall rankings scores and the country attributes factored into each subranking are listed below.
• Quality of Life (13.21%): a good job market, affordable, economically stable, family-friendly, income equality, politically stable, safe, welldeveloped public education system, well-developed public health system.
• Entrepreneurship (12.91%): connected to the rest of the world, educated population, entrepreneurial, innovative, provides easy access to capital, skilled best countries: overall
labor force, technological expertise, transparent business practices, well-developed infrastructure, well-developed digital infrastructure, well-developed legal framework.
• Social Purpose (12.53%): cares about human rights, cares about the environment, gender equality, religious freedom, respects property rights, trustworthy, well-distributed political power, racial equity, cares about animal rights, committed to climate goals, committed to social justice.
• Open for Business (9.65%): cheap manufacturing costs, favorable tax environment, bureaucratic, corrupt, transparent government practices.
• Cultural Influence (9.30%): culturally significant in terms of entertainment, fashionable, happy, has an influential culture, has strong consumer brands, modern, prestigious, trendy.
Choosing the Countries to Rank
We narrowed the world's nations down to a statistically manageable group by comparing the performance of countries in a number of key business, economic and quality-of-life indicators. The 89 countries in the 2024 Best Countries rankings had to meet four benchmark criteria to be included in the study, or be a top 10 country in any of those benchmarks:
• Top 100 countries in terms of gross domestic product in any year from 2018 to 2022, based on World Bank data.
• Top 100 countries in terms of foreign direct investment inflows in any year from 2018 to 2022, based on World Bank data.
• Top 100 countries in terms of international tourism receipts or tourism arrivals in any year from 2018 to 2022, based on World Bank data.
• Top 150 countries in the U.N.'s Human Development Index in any year from 2018 to 2022.
Countries that did not reach all four of these benchmarks, were not otherwise in the top 10 for a single benchmark or did not report these statistics were not included. Two countries are making their first appearance in the Best Countries rankings in 2024: Iceland and Kuwait.
Collectively, the 89 countries in the report account for about 96% of global gross domestic product and represent nearly 80% of the world's population. They span the globe, representing Africa, Asia, Central America, Eurasia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Oceania and South America.
To read the complete report, visit usnews.com/best-countries
The Global Swing States: Volatility & Conflict
Intoday’s geopolitical landscape, heightened tensions between major powers and the rising influence of non-state actors create a complex and volatile environment. In conversation with CNN's Jim Sciutto, Jon Finer, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor for the Biden Administration revealed the U.S. government’s efforts to navigate these turbulent geopolitical waters while ensuring the continued stability of its foreign engagements. With growing global uncertainty, Finer emphasized the importance of strengthening alliances, deterring authoritarian aggression, and building resilience in partner nations.
Key Takeaways
A year on since the terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel, what has been a long-feared wider war in the Middle East is now dangerously closer than ever, if not already here. The conflict has noticeably escalated with Iran’s direct involvement after its second missile attack on Israel in the last six months, and Israel’s intensification of the conflict with Hezbollah following a shift in its focus from Gaza to a ground invasion of Southern Lebanon. Israel has successfully assassinated Yahya Sinwar and Hassan Nasrallah, the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah respectively. Despite this tactical achievement, however, a deescalation in the conflict seems unlikely anytime soon, with the U.S. seeing itself being dragged further into managing the outbreak of a wider war in the region. The attention now falls on how Israel will respond to the rising tension in the region, and the extent to which the U.S. can influence how Israel decides to respond.
Over 2,000 miles away from Gaza is another major site of a pressing geopolitical crisis. Nearly three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and following Ukraine’s advancements in Russia’s Kursk, President Zelensky has begun sharing his five-point victory plan with his American and European allies. The plan includes an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO as well as getting permission to use long-range weapons into Russian territory. The elephant in the room, however, is the result of the U.S. elections on November 5th, whose outcome may significantly impact the course of this war. That being said, the Biden Administration is fully focused on utilizing the time they have left in office “to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible on the battlefield before we hand off… to whoever we hand off to”
While the Middle East and Ukraine are arguably the two geopolitical hotspots that attract a lot of the world’s attention, China’s growing influence and aggression in the East and South China seas remains a key issue of concern for the White House. Addressing the challenge posed by China remains
“one of the fundamental tenets of this Administration’s foreign policy” through “strengthening alliance relationships in the Indo-Pacific and upgrading [U.S.] partnerships with all ASEAN countries,”
particularly Vietnam, which has become a more critical partner as it navigates its own geopolitical challenges. Strengthening these alliances, Finer argued, ensures that the U.S. and its allies remain well-positioned to deter Chinese influence and prevent territorial expansion. "Our approach to all of this starts by strengthening those relationships, improving overall deterrence, and making sure these partners can stand on their own two feet with our support," he said, outlining a strategy built on collaboration and long-term partnerships.
Next Steps
When we look across the globe through all these new crises and wars that have emerged in the last few years it is easy to feel despair at what seems to be an increasingly unstable international world order. And while there clearly remains a lot more work to be done, Finer’s reflections on these global challenges offer clear action items for policymakers and international leaders, underscoring that “the U.S. is in a much stronger position to lead than it was before.” First, the U.S. and its allies must continue to solidify support for Israel and Ukraine, ensuring that both have the means to protect sovereignty. Second, efforts to strengthen alliances, especially in the Indo-Pacific, need to remain a top priority. The U.S. must deepen its engagement with regional powers like the Philippines and Vietnam to create a united front against Chinese expansionism. By building on these pillars of resilience, cooperation, and strategic foresight, the U.S. and its partners can ensure that they are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Innovate to Dominate:
Harnessing Technology for Geopolitical Edge
From
artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and fusion technologies are propelling advancements at lightning speed, and in doing so, influencing power dynamics, economic competitiveness, and humanitarian efforts. to our space, but AI is fundamentally changing it” explained Tanya Accone, UNICEF’s Senior Advisor on Innovation. This shift signals a transformation in how humanitarian and development goals can be achieved, with AI driving both predictive and responsive capacities on a scale never seen before. While the impacts of these advancements are just beginning to be felt, how governments, NGOs, IGOs, and even rouge entities harness these new technologies to respond to extreme weather events, improve agricultural practices or communicate with the public will have deep-seated ramifications for years to come.
Top Takeaways
profiles in leadership
the honorable Enoh T. EBong
DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Q: What do you foresee as the greatest geopolitical challenge in 2025, and how should nations prepare to address it?
A: Advancing global stability and prosperity relies on coordination among like-minded allies and collaboration with emerging economies on the shared priorities that underpin their growth and development. This is particularly vital in geopolitically important regions like the Pacific Islands and when addressing complex challenges like climate change and energy security. Infrastructure development in emerging economies is foundational to these efforts, and developing a diverse ecosystem of partners is critical to success. Each infrastructure project requires its own implementation strategy, including a qualified team of project developers, technical experts, technology providers, government stakeholders, international financial institutions, and project preparation facilities like the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. These partnerships are formed at the critical stage of project preparation. Grant-based assistance and cost sharing among these partners are effective strategies to alleviate project preparation costs and encourage greater up-front risktaking on innovative and nascent technologies. This helps catalyze the development of transformational infrastructure projects. An essential approach to increase the likelihood of project implementation is engaging potential financiers at the earliest stages when these projects are developed, including the on-the-ground institutions that know their local markets best. Financing strategies should also consider novel methods that are mostly used in high-income countries, like sustainable financing and attracting new sources of private capital from institutional investors. As leaders, we must ensure that our teams have the skillsets to build the multidisciplinary and multicultural partnerships that these ecosystems require. Those who foster and thrive in diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments will be best prepared to succeed.
his excellency LUIS ALMAGRO
10TH SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
Q: What strategies do you believe are essential for effective international engagement that fosters stability and prosperity both at home and abroad?
A: Effective international engagement requires vigorous multilateralism and strong inter-regional dialogue and cooperation. Long-term stability and prosperity require a long-term investment in instruments and institutions as well as continuous updating and adaptation. The Western Hemisphere’s century-old InterAmerican System has important lessons for peace. Its plethora of arbitration treaties to address cross-borders issues and boundary disputes, as well as a commitment to non-violent means have contributed to resolving disputes between countries through legal instruments of international law. The Inter-American Democratic Charter (IADC) is a powerful instrument that reflects the region’s commitment to democracy as a fundamental responsibility of governments toward their citizens. During my term as Secretary General, we have applied the IADC 12 times. The application of the IADC has brought political stability to countries facing alteration of the democratic or constitutional order, human rights violations, or discrimination. The OAS Charter also establishes that the Americas must be a region of peace, and we must consolidate it day by day with more rights for more people as this is the basis for real peace. I attribute our tradition to the mediation and peace-building initiatives underpinning the InterAmerican system and the Organization of American States. But the Americas is not a peaceful region despite the absence of inter-state conflicts. The consequences of insecurity, corruption, weak rule of law, and insufficient social development and natural disasters and climate change threaten our stability. Peace in the Americas comes from tackling these very issues at their onset at the multilateral, regional and national levels.
Q&A WITH MERIDIAN’S OPEN DIPLOMACY NETWORK
MERIDIAN CORPORATE LEADER AWARD
2024 RECIPIENT
The Meridian Corporate Leader Award recognizes exceptional business leaders whose vision and management abilities have helped their companies succeed in a global marketplace, increase international collaboration, and make societal impact a corporate priority.
tuan tran
PRESIDENT IMAGING, PRINTING AND SOLUTIONS, HP INC.
“I’ve
been at HP for over 30 years, so I receive this award not as a personal recogonition, but really as a recognition of HP and the work we have done over the years. What happens geopolitically impacts economics. The world getting less globalized means a more challenging environment for us. The private sector needs to step up and be part of the conversation.”
Resilient Power: Ukraine's Energy Sector as a Catalyst for European Security and Investment
Facing the immense challenges posed by the Russian invasion, Ukrainian business leaders are urging international collaboration, especially in the heavily targeted energy sector. Natalya Yemchenko, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Ukraine's largest investment firm, SEM Group, made her first public appearance in the United States in which she highlighted the critical intersection of energy resilience, private investment, and European security in the face of Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine. In a discussion with The Honorable James Glassman, chair of Glassman Enterprises and former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Yemchenko shared critical insights into Ukraine’s energy crisis and the strategic importance of energy security. Through its subsidiary DTEK, the largest private energy company in the country, SEM Group continues to operate and invest heavily in the country’s energy infrastructure, even in the face of relentless attacks. The stakes are high, with systematic Russian attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy grid, threatening both civilian populations and economic activity as winter approaches. Since the start of the war, SEM Group has also contributed over $300 million to the war effort.
Key Takeaways
Yemchenko underscored four key areas in Ukraine’s preparation for the upcoming winter: personal energy resilience, decentralized energy generation, international investment in Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and institutional support for rebuilding after missile strikes. Last winter demonstrated that Ukraine’s energy sector, despite facing over a thousand missile strikes between March and August, managed to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Decentralized energy sources like gas turbines and renewables have been crucial in enhancing resilience. DTEK’s wind power projects, including one built
only 60 kilometers from the front lines, exemplify the innovative spirit driving Ukraine’s energy future. Decentralized systems, Yemchenko stressed, offer enhanced security against missile attacks, “much more secure than traditional power generation.” Another remarkable achievement during the war was Ukraine’s swift integration into the European energy grid in March 2022, just weeks after the full-scale invasion began. This integration has allowed Ukraine to import energy when necessary, while also exporting energy to Europe during periods of relative stability. This bilateral energy relationship underscores Ukraine’s evolving role as both a supplier and a consumer in the European energy market. The conversation also highlighted the need for increased foreign investment in Ukraine’s energy sector, not only to aid in the immediate war effort but also to position Ukraine as a vital player in post-war European energy security.
Next Steps
Ukraine’s energy strategy is not just about survival through the winter but about positioning the country as a leader in energy innovation and security. Yemchenko’s call to action for international partners was clear: “It’s time to try and to test it.” By investing in smaller-scale projects now, foreign investors can gain invaluable experience, build relationships with local partners, and be poised to play a key role in the country’s post-war recovery and energy transition. The integration of renewables and advanced battery storage, often in partnership with international companies like Honeywell, will continue to shape the region’s energy landscape. “We urge our international partners, private investors, to invest in Ukrainian energy infrastructure right now on a small scale, to receive some experience, to understand how it works,” Yemchenko explained, arguing that now is the time for international investors to consider Ukraine.
Navigating National Ambitions in a Global Race for AI Sovereignty
inan era of rapid technological advancement, the interplay between artificial intelligence and geopolitics is redefining global relations. As global competition mounts, nations are striving to establish robust sovereign AI ecosystems that secure their autonomy and enhance economic resilience. Pablo Chavez, Founder & Principal of Tech Policy Solutions and Adjust Senior Fellow at CNAS, defines AI sovereignty as “an industrial policy driven by national governments to put the development, deployment, and control of AI—models, data, and infrastructure—in the hands of domestic players.” In conversation with POLITICO Tech’s Steven Overly, Chavez likened the race for AI
dominance to a modern arms race. This rivalry extends beyond technology into ideological territory, with nations striving to establish their governance models as standards for AI applications, potentially reshaping international relations and the future of technology.
Key Takeaways
Many governments are not only acting as regulators but also as market players. Countries like Taiwan and France are actively developing their own AI systems, motivated by concerns about national security, cultural integrity, and economic competitiveness. Taiwan, for instance, is creating its own large language model to counteract potential Chinese interference in its political discourse. Chavez highlighted the complexity of sovereign AI development, noting that “this time, governments don’t want to miss the opportunity to be active participants” in a technological revolution.
The U.S. Senate has proposed a $32 billion nondefense spending package for AI, which complements the private sector’s substantial investments—U.S. tech companies alone have poured $100 billion into AIrelated infrastructure in the first half of 2024. While these numbers are staggering, Chavez raised the question of whether government subsidies are necessary in an industry where private companies already dominate investment. Indications suggest that government agencies are increasingly adapting to innovations from the private sector rather than leading technological advancements.
Beyond the startup costs associated with AI development, there is the additional challenge of balancing international cooperation with national interests. Chavez notes that collaboration on global AI standards “sounds amazing, but it is extremely, extremely hard.”
Next Steps
As AI becomes more integral to global security and economic power, it is clear that the stakes are high, and nations are racing to secure their place in the future AI landscape. In a call to action, Chavez sees an important role for “U.S. government […] to steer the digital world a little bit away from the concept of sovereignty and moving it more towards the idea of solidarity.” Global collaboration on AI standards and governance will be critical even while tensions between national interests and international cooperation remain a challenge. Developing comprehensive AI policies and international coalitions remains vital to balance safeguarding technological sovereignty and mitigating fragmentation.
Subnational Diplomacy: A Growing Force in U.S. International Relations
As global challenges become more complex, state and local governments in the U.S. are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping foreign policy. In a discussion with Punchbowl News' Andrew Desiderio, Maryland's Deputy Secretary of State Michael Lore highlighted how states like Maryland leverage their local strengths—such as a highly educated workforce, proximity to Washington, D.C., and diverse communities—to build meaningful international partnerships. These relationships go beyond economic ties, helping to advance shared values like democratic governance, technological innovation, and cultural exchange.
Key Takeaways
Subnational diplomacy has transformed significantly since President Eisenhower's 1956 sister cities initiative. States have become increasingly critical diplomatic actors, particularly following major federal policy shifts and the establishment of a dedicated Subnational Diplomacy unit in Secretary Antony Blinken’s State Department. Maryland has long-standing relationships with countries like Estonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, driven not only by state interests but also by shared values and historic ties. As strategic pillars for international relations and security, Lore pointed out, “It's important to push against propaganda... and allow people to engage with people across those [geopolitical] divides.”
Next Steps
Further, the economic impact of foreign relations at the state level cannot be overstated. In Maryland alone, approximately 700 foreign companies support approximately 100,000 private sector jobs – representing 5 percent of the state's private sector employment. Beyond economic trade, these relationships enable the exchange of technological insights, such as Maryland’s collaboration with Estonia on cybersecurity, 5G innovations, and government service delivery.
As states continue to develop their international presence, expanded federal support and resources will be crucial in maximizing both the benefits and effectiveness of subnational diplomacy. The landscape of U.S. international engagement increasingly depends on effective coordination between federal and state diplomatic efforts, and particularly in securing funding and support for state-driven initiatives.
Looking forward, the conversation pointed to the need for a more robust framework that recognizes and strengthens the role of state and local governments in global diplomacy. As Lore aptly put it, "Think globally, act locally," and for that to happen, the federal government must acknowledge the value of these local connections and invest in their potential.
The Global Stakes of Semiconductor Supply Chains
current and future state of the semiconductor supply chain is a critical battleground in global geopolitics. As tensions rise between the U.S. and China over semiconductor technology, both nations have implemented strategic export controls, aiming to safeguard their technological advantages. Against this backdrop, diversifying and securing semiconductor sources emerges as a global priority. Hooman Shahidi, Co-founder and CEO of EVPassport, emphasizes the pressing need for the U.S. and its allies to rethink their approach to semiconductor production and global partnerships, “Securing semiconductor supply chains is not just about economic stability; it’s about maintaining technological leadership and national security in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Key Takeaways
The U.S. has fallen behind in semiconductor production, from manufacturing 37% of global chips in 1990 to just 12% today. Shahidi highlighted that the current semiconductor crisis is more about business innovation than product innovation. "We’re incredibly behind,” he remarked, stressing the need for collaboration, both within the U.S. and with international partners, to spur innovation and rebuild supply chains. Mahnaz Khan, Vice President of Policy for Critical Supply Chains at Silverado Policy Accelerator, noted that the current semiconductor supply chain relies heavily on a limited number of suppliers and regions, which increases the risk of disruptions. As rare earth minerals and semiconductor processing technologies become the next front in the geopolitical struggle, regions like South America and Africa, with abundant resources and emerging tech-savvy
workforces, must be considered potential allies in new strategies for building more resilient supply chains.
Governance and regulatory frameworks are also crucial in creating a more agile, effective supply chain. Shahidi underscored the need for stable governance in countries that could host new semiconductor manufacturing facilities, warning that without stability, private sector investment is unlikely. Addressing these vulnerabilities to better withstand geopolitical pressures and market fluctuations requires a concerted global collaboration across government, academia, and industry. This will be key to overcoming China’s dominance in processing and refining capabilities.
Next Steps
The action items for policymakers and industry leaders are clear. The U.S. must prioritize creating a global ecosystem that reduces dependency on China for critical resources, fostering partnerships in regions like Africa and South America to increase manufacturing capacity and stabilize supply chains. As Shahidi put it, "business is the greatest platform for change," and the private sector must step up to lead this transformation. Backed by strategic government investments and incentives, industry can promote research and development while supporting the growth of the semiconductor supply chain to ensure long-term stability. Only by redefining global semiconductor alliances and focusing on innovation can the U.S. and its allies hope to regain leadership in this pivotal industry.
