Business Diplomacy

A Business Executive’s Guide to an Uncertain World

Zhang Xiaotong author Shaun Riordan author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Publishing:11th Jun '26

£37.99

This title is due to be published on 11th June, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

Business Diplomacy cover

Riordan and Zhang share the skills, techniques, and mindsets used by diplomats and foreign ministries, and adapt them to the needs of executives and MNCs.

Their guide employs real-life case studies in understanding the international business environment, and:

  • Examines the shift to multipolarity and the rise of Permacrisis and Policrisis
  • Highlights the long-term approach of diplomatic strategy and how it may be applied to business
  • Provides a framework for companies to understand geopolitical risks
  • Offers techniques to build resilience via network building and coalitions

Engaging with topics such as cybersecurity, the re-shoring/friend-shoring phenomenon, and the evolution of technology companies as geopolitical actors, the authors demonstrate how the diplomat’s perspective offers insights to companies looking to navigate the increasingly complex geopolitical environments of international trade.

With an emphasis on practical guidance, this book would interest business executives and strategy planners, as well as diplomats and government officials.

"Riordan and Zhang have provided a brief, pointed, but above all, useful guide to the diplomatic skills business professionals will need if they are to succeed and prosper in an increasingly uncertain and transforming world."

Paul Sharp, Professor of Political Science, University of Minnesota Duluth, USA

“This volume addresses an area that has been insufficiently covered in the recent boom of contributions on geopolitics and geoeconomics. It argues that companies should develop corporate diplomacy capabilities as a means of responding to risk and uncertainty in what is becoming a less rules-based international economic order.”

Stephen Woolcock, PhD, Senior Associate, London School of Economics Trade Hub, UK

ISBN: 9781032625065

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 453g

164 pages