A wave of landmark elections across Japan, Thailand, and Bangladesh is reshaping the political map of Asia—and creating new signals for investors, multinationals, and supply-chain decision-makers. In this episode, we break down what the results mean for regional security, economic strategy, and the business operating environment over the next 12–24 months.

We start in Japan, where Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi's LDP delivers a sweeping lower-house win, strengthening policy stability while enabling more ambitious moves on defense spending, industrial policy, and potential constitutional change. The discussion explores how Tokyo's deeper alignment with the US on security could influence corporate risk planning, advanced manufacturing, and strategic technology investment.

Next, we turn to Thailand, where Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party emerges as the dominant force and is positioned to lead a coalition government. We examine the implications for border tensions with Cambodia, the role of the military and establishment politics, and how continued cost-of-living measures, debt relief, regulatory simplification, and public-private partnerships could reshape opportunities for SMEs, retailers, and large infrastructure players.

Finally, in Bangladesh, a decisive BNP win and a reform agenda centered on deregulation and digitization raise questions about implementation capacity, investor confidence, and the direction of foreign policy. We close with what this could mean for key sectors including garments, energy, and pharmaceuticals, and how political dynamics with the opposition may affect the pace of reform.

Listen now to learn how these geopolitical developments could impact your business.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Geopolitical Risk Brief: February 2026
• Age of Agility: Key Themes Shaping APAC in 2026
• Click here to subscribe to our Geopolitical and Economic Risk Monthly newsletter.

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Japan's political outlook
• 2026: The age of agility

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Jeffery McElroy, Aiman Othman, Smrithi Premjeet
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode of The Decisive, Ken Wattret, Vice President of Global Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, assesses the global macroeconomic landscape, highlighting that the world economy is proving more resilient than markets might suggest, even as volatility remains elevated.

Ken unpacks how geopolitical flashpoints and trade-policy uncertainty are rippling through financial and commodity markets—often with sharper price action than real-economy fallout so far—while underscoring that further disruptions, higher tariffs, or supply shocks could still dent global growth.

The latest Purchasing Managers' Index data, which indicate continued expansion across manufacturing and services—supporting a constructive baseline for 2026—while highlighting key downside risks: asset-price corrections, rising sovereign yields, escalating trade frictions, and softening labor-market conditions that could undermine growth if volatility intensifies.

Listen now for a thought-provoking discussion of the factors at play in the global economic outlook.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Top 10 Economic Insights 2026
• Global Economic Outlook: February 2026
• The Age of Agility: Key Themes for 2026

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• Global Executive Summary: Choppy markets, resilient economies
• Policy rate prospects
• Inflation indications

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Ken Wattret
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun

In this episode, taken from a Feb. 4 client webinar, host Kristen Hallam, along with experts John Raines, Jack Kennedy, and Jeffery McElroy, dive into the complexities of geopolitical volatility around the globe.

As tensions rise over Iran's nuclear ambitions and the U.S. military strategy, the discussion explores potential pathways to escalation and their global implications. Discover how military and diplomatic maneuvers could impact critical sectors like energy and infrastructure, with disruptions potentially affecting global oil prices and economic stability.

The conversation also extends to Latin America and the strategic interests of mainland China, examining how shifts in U.S. policy influence regional security and economic partnerships.

Join us for an insightful analysis of the geopolitical landscape, offering valuable perspectives for businesses and policymakers navigating these turbulent times. Subscribe now to stay informed with The Decisive—your source for empowering decision-making in an uncertain world.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Age of Agility: Key Themes Shaping the MENA Region in 2026
• Age of Agility: Key Themes Shaping Latin America in 2026
• Age of Agility: Key Themes Shaping APAC in 2026
• Click here to subscribe to our Geopolitical and Economic Risk Monthly newsletter.

For S&P Global subscribers (login required):

• MENA regional conflict
• Japan's political outlook
• 2026: The age of agility

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: John Raines, Jack A. Kennedy, Jeffery McElroy
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun