Amid inflation, an energy crisis, volatile stock markets and increasing scrutiny of big technology firms, there is concern over how tensions between global powers such as the US and Russia might spill over into conflict.
The major crisis is around Ukraine, but there are other pain points, including North Korea's ballistic missile programme, the war in Yemen, ISIS's enduring threat and the continuing talks over Iran's nuclear programme.
Higher oil and gas prices are a symbol of these worries.
What should decision makers and senior executives do to mitigate the rising risk profile?
Co-hosts Mustafa Alrawi and Kelsey Warner talk to The National's UK-based business commentator Chris Blackhurst about how industry and commerce could be affected by the higher levels of uncertainty.
In this episode
Are we living in a very uncertain time? (1m 23s)
Has geopolitics taken precedence over the energy transition? (10m 59s)
The consequences of Brexit (14m 06s)
Actions business leaders should take (17m 08s)
Read more
Oil continues to trade higher as geopolitical tensions grow
Global trade exceeds pre-Covid levels in January despite Omicron and supply chain woes
Debt spirals and fine cuisine do not mix in the crunch over The Wolseley
PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
1 Man City 26 20 3 3 63 17 63
2 Liverpool 25 17 6 2 64 20 57
3 Chelsea 25 14 8 3 49 18 50
4 Man Utd 26 13 7 6 44 34 46
----------------------------------------
5 West Ham 26 12 6 8 45 34 42
----------------------------------------
6 Arsenal 23 13 3 7 36 26 42
7 Wolves 24 12 4 8 23 18 40
8 Tottenham 23 12 4 8 31 31 39
What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory