The fundamental aims of this website are twofold. I first hope to conduct an ongoing exploration into the major geopolitical challenges facing the global community in a world shaped by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Secondly—and more importantly—my intention is to carefully, systematically, and thoughtfully consider the range of elegant, unconventional, and constructive strategies for preventing and resolving conflict. Key to both of these objectives is a relentless refinement in thinking.

Decision-making, especially in the context of geopolitics, seems to be informed less by real thinking and more by rapid reactions to complex scenarios. Judgments are made with haste and, once reached, remain steadfast even in light of new evidence to suggest both a different perspective and approach are needed. Being resolute and steady at the helm are seen as virtues among leaders, while being adaptive to rapidly, sometimes dramatically shifting circumstances is largely underrated.

By way of illustration, the tall oak is admired for its strength and stature until, unable to sufficiently bend in the face of fierce winds from an angry storm, it is broken and forgotten. When the sun returns, the tallest remaining oak quickly becomes the much respected pinnacle of strength despite the fact that its strength is, during turbulent times, its vital weakness. In contrast, the bamboo tree that grows in the shadows garners little respect; it is seen as weak in comparison to the larger and seemingly more formidable oak. Yet it thrives even during the greatest of storms when its ability to bend in the face of even the harshest winds enables it to survive unbroken. It alleged weakness is, during turbulent times, it critical strength.

In this new era—where change occurs at unprecedented speed—our thinking must reflect more of the bamboo tree and less of the oak. We would be well served by embracing thinking as a multidimensional process, one that involves interactive cognitive, emotional, and spiritual components. Similarly, there are an array of approaches to thinking that must operate synergistically. Primary among these are strategic thinking, critical thinking, and creative thinking. Tapping into this elegant triumvirate is the key to effectively addressing — and ultimately resolving — the most vexing problems before us.

There are storms ahead.