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Business Diplomacy Today

Business Diplomacy Today

Auteur(s): Dr. Matthias Catón
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 Bringing international relations and geopolitics to the business world. Sponsored and presented by the Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence.Dr. Matthias Catón Développement commercial et entrepreneuriat Entrepreneurship Gestion et leadership Politique Science Sciences politiques Sciences sociales Économie
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  • International Negotiations

    International Negotiations
    Sep 8 2025
    In this episode of “Business Diplomacy Today, Daniel Jones, Professor of Management at the University of Nevada, Reno joins host Matthias Catón, to explore the complexities of negotiation in international and cross-cultural business contexts. The discussion begins by broadening the definition of negotiation, highlighting that it permeates every aspect of daily life and is not limited to transactional haggling. Jones explains that effective negotiation should be viewed as an information-gathering process aimed at maintaining long-term relationships rather than as an adversarial battle. The episode delves into the psychological underpinnings of negotiation, particularly the influence of the “dark triad”—Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism—on negotiation tactics and ethics. Jones notes that while most people act ethically in negotiations, a minority exploit deception and lack empathy, demanding greater vigilance and preparation when dealing with such individuals. The conversation moves to the international stage, using examples like Donald Trump’s negotiation style to illustrate the risks and short-term nature of aggressive, ego-driven tactics. Jones observes that while such styles might bring immediate gains, they often breed resistance and retaliatory behavior, ultimately undermining relationships and sowing nationalistic fervor. Cross-cultural negotiation presents additional challenges, from differing attitudes towards information sharing and trust-building to the impact of individualistic versus collectivistic mindsets. For instance, what may appear deceptive in one culture could be a normative communication style in another. Building rapport and understanding cultural context—such as the importance of informal relationship-building before business discussions in many countries—are vital to successful outcomes. Jones offers practical advice, recommending the use of open-ended questions to encourage dialogue and gather information, and emphasizes the importance of investigating a counterpart’s reputation, especially when “dark triad” personalities are suspected. Recognizing non-answers and red herrings is also crucial for uncovering potential deception. He also underscores the necessity for self-awareness regarding one’s own cultural and demographic background, as these factors influence both perception and effectiveness in negotiations. Trust, relationship-building, and cultural sensitivity are highlighted as increasingly critical skills. In his predictions for the future, Jones expects a gradual homogenization of business negotiation practices towards individualism, a shift in public sentiment away from ego-driven tactics, and a renewed emphasis on personal relationships and trust because of technological and social changes. Ultimately, this episode underscores why understanding negotiation—in all its psychological and cultural complexity—is indispensable in today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving global business environment. About the guest Daniel Jones is a Professor of Management at the University of Nevada, Reno, having received his PhD in personality and social psychology in 2011 from the University of British Columbia. With a background in psychology, Dr. Jones has conducted research on topics ranging from culture, health, law, and stereotypes. In particular, Dr. Jones is a leading researcher in personality psychology, focusing on destructive personalities such as Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism, often referred to as the Dark Triad. He also studies deception and the contextual factors that drive dishonesty. His research has implications for business ethics, workplace climate, and organizational deviance. Dr. Jones is also a speaker and consultant, applying evidence-based solutions for toxic work environments. Executive Briefing – what you should read now Di Stasi, M., Templeton, E., & Quoidbach, J. (2024). Zooming out on bargaining tables: Exploring which conversation dynamics predict negotiation outcomes. Journal of Applied Psychology, 109(7), 1077–1093. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001136 TEDx Talk by Alexandra Carter: “How to ask for more — and get it” (TEDxReno, 2024)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3w5Iw6fYZY
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    37 min
  • Online Voting

    Online Voting
    Aug 8 2024

    In this episode of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón discusses the topic of online voting with Dr. Simone Ehrenberg-Silies, a senior consultant at the Institute for Technology and Innovation at VDI/VDE-IT. The conversation begins with a definition of online voting, differentiating it from traditional and electronic voting. The discussion delves into the reluctance of many countries to adopt online voting because of the risks of cyberattacks and manipulation, highlighting the vulnerability and potential loss of trust in the election process.

    Simone notes that online voting offers some advantages, such as better accessibility, error-free vote counting, and convenience, particularly during situations like the pandemic. The conversation shifts to other applications beyond political elections, such as university elections and party leader selections. Despite the benefits, Simone repeatedly emphasizes the substantial risks, especially without the possibility of a verifiable recount in case of disputes. The discussion covers the technical intricacies of online voting systems, focusing on security, authentication, and the potential future risks posed by quantum computing.

    About the guest Dr. Simone Ehrenberg-Silies

    Dr. Simone Ehrenberg-Silies is a Senior Consultant at the Institute for Technology and Innovation at VDI/VDE-IT. A political scientist, she has been working in foresight and technology assessment for over a decade, mainly for public clients such as the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag and the Deutsche Bundesbank.

    Simone is passionate about working and publishing on topics such as the future of work, the future of payments, social, economic and political transformation, and geopolitical issues at the intersection of technology and innovation.

    Executive Briefing – what you should read now
    • E-Voting – alternative Wahlformen und ihre Absicherung (2023)
    • Nino Haratischvili (2019): The Eighth Life (for Brilka)
      Our Sponsor

      This episode is sponsored and presented by the Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence.
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      29 min
    • The Global Risks Report 2024

      The Global Risks Report 2024
      Jul 23 2024

      In this episode of Business Diplomacy Today, guest Martin Drux from Marsh McLennan delves into lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of businesses preparing for future events like the permafrost virus. Host Matthias Catón discusses technology’s role in risk assessment, citing Google’s use of search data to track flu outbreaks. Drux highlights how AI and technology can enhance risk prediction and data quality, especially in the insurance sector.

      The episode addresses geopolitical risks such as power shifts, tensions in the Middle East, and China’s assertiveness, with Drux advocating for peaceful solutions and innovation. Companies should take Drux’s advice and manage talent shortages, especially in Europe, while also incorporating ESG factors into their strategies.

      The Global Risk Report, a collaboration between the World Economic Forum, Marsh McLennan, and Zurich, serves as a valuable resource that highlights risks like misinformation, climate change, and social unrest. Drux points out the evolution of risk management, noting a shift to new risks like cyber threats and environmental challenges.

      The conversation covers whether non-insurance companies are effective at assessing risks and the importance of diversifying production and markets. Drux emphasises the importance of learning from past mistakes with countries like Russia and China while balancing ethical and political views. He predicts a tumultuous decade filled with both innovations and challenges, stressing human rights and the responsible use of AI.

      The discussion ends on a hopeful note, with Drux underlining humanity’s broader aim of survival. This episode is essential for understanding the ever-evolving landscape of global risks and the need for businesses to adapt proactively. The topic is vital today as companies navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

      About the guest Martin Drux

      Martin Drux is the Multinational Client Service Leader for Europe at MarshMcLennan based in Düsseldorf, Germany. Martin has worked in the insurance industry for 30 years, always in client-facing roles for large multinational clients. Besides various client executive and managerial roles in Germany, Martin has worked a couple of years in the USA (Philadelphia), Asia and the UK (London).

      Martin joined Marsh in 2007 as a senior client executive for German Fortune 1000 companies and has led the Marsh Multinational Practice in Europe since 2013.

      Executive Briefing – what you should read now
      • Global Risks Report 2024
      • Kiss, Bow, Or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway
      Our Sponsor

      This episode is sponsored and presented by the Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence.
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      33 min
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