Navigating US–China Rivalry by Famke Krumbmüller -Tricontinental Dialogue Keynote | ESSEC Conference

Navigating US–China Rivalry by Famke Krumbmüller -Tricontinental Dialogue Keynote | ESSEC Conference

by Famke Krumbmüller

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Geopolitics & Defence JPSInternational relationsJPSLGeopolitics
🎙 Famke Krumbmüller 👥 90K 📅 October 23, 2025 ⏱ 11 min 👁 110 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-13
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

geopolitical risksupply chaingeostrategyinvestment decisionsboard engagement

Summary

In this keynote at ESSEC’s Tricontinental Dialogue, Famke Krumbmüller, Partner at EY Parthenon, discusses how businesses can practically manage geopolitical risk in the context of US-China rivalry. She begins with an anecdote about Chinese wine to illustrate local substitution. She highlights that 77% of global executives were surprised by more than half of the political risks impacting them, indicating poor preparedness. The impacts are widespread, affecting supply chains, reputation, compliance, finance, and data. While companies are starting to act, only 46% take proactive geostrategic actions, up from 40% in 2021. She outlines five key actions for businesses: adapt supply chains to geopolitical realities, integrate political risk into investment decisions, prepare for the unexpected through scanning and scenario analysis, engage the board on geostrategy, and establish clear internal governance for geostrategy. She concludes that while uncertainty is high, businesses can anticipate and manage geopolitical risks with proper methodology, and there is a growing need for professionals who bridge geopolitics and business.

160 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk provides valuable insights from a practitioner’s perspective, backed by survey data from over 1,000 executives. The argumentation is coherent and structured, moving from the problem (surprise at political risks) to concrete actions. However, the data is presented without detailed methodology, and the recommendations, while sensible, are not novel. The speaker’s credibility is high, but the argumentation relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and general observations.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The speaker references EY surveys and interviews, but no specific sources are cited in the video or description. The title accurately reflects the content, though the talk is more general than specifically focused on US-China rivalry. The description provides links to ESSEC’s website and knowledge portal, which may contain related resources, but these are not directly cited in the talk.

141 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on how businesses can navigate US-China rivalry and geopolitical risk, though the talk is more general than specifically focused on US-China.

Quality & Reliability

7/10

The speaker is a partner at EY Parthenon with 15 years of experience in geopolitical risk management, and the talk is based on survey data from over 1,000 global executives. However, the specific methodology and full data are not disclosed, and the talk is largely anecdotal and prescriptive.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

  • ESSEC Knowledge — Mentioned in the video description as a resource for related content.
  • ESSEC Business School — Mentioned in the video description as the institution hosting the conference.
  • ESSEC LinkedIn — Mentioned in the video description for connecting with the school.
  • ESSEC YouTube Channel — Mentioned in the video description for subscribing to updates.

Concurring Sources

  • EY Geostrategy Survey — Referenced in the talk as the source of the data on executives' responses.

Contribution & Novelties

The talk offers a practical framework for businesses to manage geopolitical risk, emphasizing the need for proactive geostrategy. It highlights a skills gap in the market, which is a valuable insight for students and professionals. The data from EY surveys provides a current snapshot of corporate behavior.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Geopolitics — Provides foundational concepts of geopolitics.
  • Supply chain risk management — Relevant to the discussion on adapting supply chains.
  • Scenario analysis — A tool mentioned for preparing for the unexpected.
  • EY Parthenon — The consulting firm where the speaker works, offering related insights.

96 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity and quality, with moderate technical level and reliability. This indicates a well-informed talk with practical insights, but not highly technical or deeply rigorous in methodology.

Reliability 7/10

💬 No comments were provided for analysis.