Straight Talk | Lost in Translation

I'm sharing a recording from the Straight Talk podcast I did back on February 20th—a compelling conversation led by students with experts on Indo-Pacific affairs. Despite the dust devil of geopolitical events since then, the conversation remains timely and provides an accessible overview of today's geopolitical environment and its historical and geographical complexities.

In this episode, "Lost in Translation," I discussed the evolving nature of global power dynamics. For example, the Indo-Pacific is no longer a simple bipolar structure; as smaller nation-states are stepping up to shape policy and new global commercial players emerge, the US is navigating a new environment.

America's influence in crucial regions like the Taiwan Strait is increasingly contested. To respond, America employs strategic alliances like AUKUS to expand cultural soft-power influences like the NBA.

My goal in this pod is to provide an understanding so business leaders and communications pros can maintain sway in this pivotal region.

Listen on Spotify here.

-Marc

Trump to the #GlobalGreatLakes: Drop Dead

"The trouble with tariffs, to be succinct, is that they raise prices, slow economic growth, cut profits, increase unemployment, worsen inequality, diminish productivity, and increase global tensions. Other than that, they’re fine." -- David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist @ JP Morgan Asset Management

In today's interconnected global economy, the promise of protection through isolation is more a mirage than salvation. Sure, a policy of protectionism is good politics, but it is poor economics.

President Trump's push toward aggressive tariff policies signals troubling times ahead for those living and working in the Global Great Lakes region—where economic prosperity depends on seamless cross-border collaboration.

The economic ecosystem spanning the US-Canadian border isn't just about trade statistics; it's about real communities whose livelihoods depend on manufacturing supply chains that crisscross international boundaries. Our region has flourished precisely because of the symbiotic relationship between manufacturing, agriculture, and global trade.

History has repeatedly shown that trade partners rarely absorb tariffs passively. Nations defending their economic sovereignty respond with countermeasures, creating a cascade effect that amplifies economic downsides far beyond feel-good talk and political talking points that Trump administration staffers spout to friendly media outlets.

Trump's economic policies threaten the Global Great Lakes region.

These policies aren't abstract. These policies translate directly to:

- Higher costs for manufacturers who rely on imported components

- Restricted market access for agricultural exports

- Disrupted supply chains that took decades to optimize

- Diminished competitiveness in global markets

Because of Trump's tariffs, businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers now face increased friction and economic hardship instead of the promised protection. The policies that Trump administration staffers claim will revitalize manufacturing will now stifle growth and undermine the financial security of those living and working in this interconnected region.

The Global Great Lakes economy wasn't built on isolation but on collaboration. The region's strength comes from leveraging comparative advantages across borders, not erecting barriers between partners.

Business and civic leaders must advocate for commonsense trade policies recognizing regional economic realities.

The future of communities in the Global Great Lakes depends not on divisive economic nationalism but on recommitting to the cooperative approach that made our region an economic powerhouse in the first place.

Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.

-Marc

The new media to politics pipeline

Here are five insights on the "Fox News to White House" pipeline:

1. The traditional separation between media and government is rapidly dissolving, creating new power realities where influence is increasingly communications-driven.

2. Media experience is now a top qualification for governance, especially in Trump 2.0, suggesting that communication skills now outweigh traditional policy expertise.

3. This communications-driven trend represents a fundamental shift in how political capital is built and deployed in American governance.

4. Donald Trump appointing media figures creates an environment where talking points become unified across government and media channels.

5. For businesses, this signals a need to reassess government relations strategies, where communications become the essential way to shape and influence policy.

The recent appointment of podcaster and media personality Dan Bongino as deputy FBI director marks a significant milestone in this communications-driven governance trend. Bongino is Fox News's 20th appointment to the Trump administration.

The Bongino appointment transcends simple political patronage. We are witnessing the emergence of a new governance philosophy where media communication skills are valued far above traditional policy expertise or institutional knowledge.

These Trump 2.0 appointments demand strategic recalibration for business leaders. When media personalities become decision-makers, the dynamics of regulatory influence fundamentally change.

The implications for government relations reach beyond policy concerns. This new Trump 2.0 model represents a structural evolution in how democratic governance functions in a media-saturated environment. The conventional paths to influence—through industry expertise, academic credentials, or bureaucratic experience—are being overrun by direct communications and media know-how.

Forward-thinking leaders should understand how this trend will reshape public affairs, regulatory frameworks, and crisis management.

Executives must ask: Are we prepared for a governance environment where media influence and governmental authority are increasingly intertwined?

Those business leaders who understand this new communications-policymaker dynamic will hold a competitive advantage in navigating Trump 2.0.

Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.

-Marc