The Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS) forms a Business Diplomacy Department. Business diplomacy refers to the strategic application of diplomatic principles and practices by businesses, particularly multinational corporations, to navigate complex international environments and build positive relationships with stakeholders. It involves managing relationships with governments, local communities, and other relevant groups to gain legitimacy and mitigate non-commercial risks. In practical terms, essence, business diplomacy equips companies with the skills and mindset to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape, fostering stability, legitimacy, and sustainable growth. 

Key aspects of business diplomacy:

  • Relationship Building:

Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with governments and other stakeholders is crucial for securing a "license to operate" and fostering long-term success in foreign markets. 

  • Risk Management:

Business diplomacy helps companies identify and mitigate risks associated with political instability, regulatory changes, and other non-market factors. 

  • Legitimacy and Reputation:

By engaging in ethical and responsible business practices and building positive relationships, companies can enhance their legitimacy and protect their reputation in the international arena. 

  • Strategic Tool:

Business diplomacy is not just about avoiding problems; it can also be a proactive tool for creating opportunities and gaining a competitive advantage. 

  • Beyond Traditional Diplomacy:

Business diplomacy adapts the principles of state diplomacy to the unique needs and context of the business world, recognizing that companies are increasingly important actors in the international arena. 

  • Stakeholder Focus:

It shifts the focus from solely shareholders to a broader range of stakeholders, including governments, local communities, and non-governmental organizations. 

The Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS) has established a collaborative partnership with INTUS Smart Cities (www.intussmartcities.com) which realizes a great potential in RIEAS as an established Global network of Academic and Geopolitical influencers that can provide great networks to numerous countries and geographic areas, valuable Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Risk Management analysis and fantastic reputation and credibility.

Dimitris Agouridis is in charge of Business Diplomacy ( https://dimitrisagouridis.com/)

Christodoulos Ioannou
(Security Analyst & RIEAS Research Associate)

Copyright: www.rieas.gr

Cyprus and Israel entered a new phase in their relations recently. The development of the Cypriot-Israeli relations is a fact that has been warmly welcomed by the people of the two countries, since their long lasting friendly views on each other. Even though the populations of the two countries shared a sympathetic view of each other, the state relations were never as good and close as they have become recently and this was mainly due to the close relations and military cooperation between Turkey and Israel since the mid 1990’s.

Panos Nastos  
(Εxpert Μilitary Analyst, he received his B.A. in Army War College and M.A. in the National Security School)

Copyright: www.rieas.gr

Introduction

On the chessboard of international power, the control of terrestrial and marine energy routes conveying crude oil and natural gas, from production to consumer areas, play a very influential role. Due to its geographical position, the region of the eastern Mediterranean has always been one of the most important points of the globe, as far as the distribution of raw energy materials is concerned.

Dr. Thomas B. Hunter, DSS
(Former senior intelligence analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in the United States, focusing on terrorist tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). He has published numerous articles on topics relating to civilian and military special operations, counterterrorism, counterproliferation, and hostage rescue. He has also published an introductory book on international targeted killing operations titled “Targeted Killing: Pre-emption, Self-Defense, and the War on Terrorism.")

Copyright: The Journal of Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security Journal IACSP (Vol. 20, No.2, 2014, pp: 18-21) – RIEAS received permission from IACSP Editor to repost the article in RIEAS web site on 28 June 2014)

Introduction

Since the first international recognition of the state of Israel in 1949, that nation has been embroiled in a constant state of conflict, not only in overt wars between itself and its Arab neighbors, but also against numerous terrorist organizations seeking its demise as a nation. Regardless of the political landscape by which one views the conflict, the United Nations has recognized Israel’s right to exist as a country, as well as its right to self-defense. In this latter aspect, the nation has been forced to adapt to virtually all forms of armed conflict in the defense of its borders....  Read more

George X. Protopapas
(RIEAS Media Analyst)

Copyright: Geopolitical Monitor on line (Publication Date on RIEAS web site: 13 July 2014)

The European Union is looking for supply alternatives in order to reduce its energy dependence on Russian gas, particularly after relations between the West and Russia deteriorated following the Ukraine crisis.

One could say that relations between the EU and Russiaare characterized as a paradox: both parties seem reluctant to abandon their energy relationship. To be more precise, the relationship is kind of symbiotic. The EU continues to be the best customer, constantly requesting more energy resources, and making the huge European market indispensable for Russia. Undoubtedly, suppliers and buyers constantly generate pretexts and arguments that ultimately aim to achieve better market placement, terms, and conditions.....  Read more

Aristide D. Caratzas
(A trained historian, an academic publisher and international policy consultant based in Athens, Nicosia and New York)

Copyright: The National Herald based in USA (September 27-October 3, 2014) – Publication Date on RIEAS (www.rieas.gr) on 30 September 2014.

President Nikos Anastasiades, accompanied by his Foreign Minister Yannakis Kasoulides and Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides and an array of officials, made his annual pilgrimage to the United Nations. Unlike previous years however there appears to be movement relating to the Cyprus issue that emanates not only from the usual Washington quarters (that are studiedly oblivious to current realities) but also from forces in the US capital that are disturbed by the transformation of Turkey into a hard-line, autonomous regional player promoting Sunni Islamic expansion (including support for Islamic terrorist groups, explicit enemies of the US, its allies and Israel).... Read more