What’s Going On Around the World: a conversation at BBS on the major issues of global geopolitics
19 March 2025In a historical moment marked by profound political and economic transformations, understanding global geopolitical dynamics is essential for navigating the future. To explore these challenges, BBS hosted the Leadership Workshop “What’s Going On Around the World. Global Challenges: A Dialogue on Geopolitics.”
The event featured a discussion between Mauricio Macri, former President of Argentina, entrepreneur, and President of Boca Juniors, and Romano Prodi, former President of the European Commission and former Italian Prime Minister.
The discussion was moderated by Max Bergami, Dean and CEO of Bologna Business School, who welcomed the speakers by highlighting their connection with the School: Mauricio Macri is a faculty member of the Global MBA, while Romano Prodi serves as President of the Advisory Board of Bologna Business School.
A world in transformation: between crises and opportunities
During the talk, the speakers analyzed the current global scenario, characterized by political and economic uncertainties, technological advancements, and shifts in international relations. Mauricio Macri pointed out how technology has revolutionized the speed of information, altering the relationship between citizens and politics and contributing to the rise of new leadership models. He highlighted the risks of social fragmentation and populism, warning about the economic consequences of politically unsustainable decisions in the long term.
Romano Prodi provided a complementary perspective, examining the challenges of democracy in the age of globalization. He emphasized the growing influence of autocracies and the difficulties Europe faces in responding with a unified and cohesive policy. According to Prodi, the need to strengthen the European Union and overcome decision-making paralysis is more urgent than ever.
The European challenge: unity or fragmentation?
One of the central themes of the debate was Europe’s role in the new global balance. Prodi highlighted the risk of internal division, driven by protectionist policies and the weakening of common governance. The former President of the European Commission reaffirmed the need to overcome unanimity in decision-making and strengthen cooperation between France, Germany, and Poland to set a new political direction for the EU.
On the other hand, Macri reflected on lessons learned from Latin America, a continent where the political pendulum has often swung between extremes, generating instability. He warned against the dangers of excessive personalization of political leadership and the absence of solid institutional structures.
Conclusions: the role of leadership in the future of geopolitics
The BBS Leadership Talk provided a space for reflection and discussion on critical contemporary issues. The insights shared by Macri and Prodi offered participants a broad and well-structured vision of global challenges, from geopolitical tensions to economic transformations, including the impact of technology and information on politics.
In an era of increasing complexity, the ability to read the signals of change and anticipate future developments becomes a fundamental element for leaders and decision-makers. Events like this confirm Bologna Business School‘s commitment to fostering dialogue and education on crucial topics for global management.
