- International tensions are reaching boiling point on multiple global fronts at the same time. There is a realistic possibility that this will bring popular unrest, sanctions, acts of aggression or even international conflict.
- Brinkmanship in international relations raises the risk of miscommunication, misunderstandings, bluffs or posturing leading to unintended serious escalations.
- These international tensions have been further raised during the pandemic, and this will grow as vaccine inequality becomes more visible, and as there are inequalities in economic recovery.
- National politics in many countries is creating an unstable and unpredictable environment for citizens and businesses.
- Nationalism is on the rise in some countries, and having a raised media profile in further countries, impacting what had been a trend to smoother international work and trade.
- Trade conflicts are likely to arise. This could mean some industries get caught up in sanctions imposed by way of tariff or non-tariff barriers. This may not affect agencies directly, but will affect them via the impact on clients, or through price effects passed on from suppliers.
