Robert Hormats leverages more than 90 trips to China, 40 years of working closely with Chinese authorities beginning during the era of Mao Tse-Tung and Deng Xioapeng, his position as Chairman of the Board of the RAND Center for Asia-Pacific Policy to give audiences an authoritative look at the new economic order in Asia. Hormats examines China’s expanding maritime presence, its New Silk Road Initiative to build closer infrastructure ties in the region, and China’s increasing tendency toward economic nationalism, particularly in the tech sector. Focused on both economic and strategic issues, this presentation provides invaluable insights into the opportunities and strong competitive challenges facing U.S. and Western companies.

The dangers of terrorism are increasing and spreading, fueled by foreign fighters returning from Syria and Iraq and ignited by organizations such as  ISIS that inspire fanatics to commit terrorist acts. Business leaders need to understand how this environment can be politically destabilizing, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable societies. In this informative presentation, Robert Hormats offers an insightful assessment of vulnerabilities in key regions (Europe, China, India, Africa and the Middle East) and evaluates the unique risks faced by American corporations doing business in these areas. He also offers key strategies for partnerships with local intelligence and police, forging stronger relationships with American embassies and consulates and establishing closer connections with employees to avert internal problems.

As the global economy expands, the U.S. will face increasing global competition, as well as increasing global investment, from China and elsewhere. New energy sources and production will also change the face of the U.S. and the global economy. All of these factors will dramatically change the types of skills that American workers will need to compete. Currency volatility will also add new uncertainties for American business and American workers – and for companies and countries on all continents.

Utilizing his experience as Vice Chair of Goldman Sachs (International) and working with a wide range of American and foreign companies and governments around the world, Robert Hormats provides a vision for future success in which businesses —especially small and medium size ones — can identify and take on new global opportunities and better anticipating global risks. Key to this success will be transforming the U.S. education system to ensure that schools at all levels provide students new and relevant skills. Hormats also calls for increased communication and collaboration between employers and educators to ensure that worker skills mirror business needs. And he discusses techniques for companies to anticipate future opportunities and risks and plan ahead by forging strategies to meet them.