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Perspectives

Research, insights & commentary on the latest trends & issues.

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Gen Z is Watching, and They're Not Afraid to Act

As Gen Z's economic and cultural influence grows, organizations face increasing scrutiny. Paige Ashey examines what younger consumers expect from brands and why silence, inconsistency and inaction can carry significant reputational risks....

July 9, 2026 / Paige Ashey
power lines

2 Shocks, 1 Lesson: El Niño, the Strait of Hormuz and the New Math of Energy Security

From the Strait of Hormuz to the return of El Niño, converging geopolitical and climate pressures are testing global resilience and reshaping how leaders think about risk, security and economic stability....

capitol building with american flag

America at 250: Strategy in a Period of Transition

The United States' 250th anniversary marks a pivotal moment in a rapidly changing world, challenging organizations to rethink strategy, build resilience and navigate increasing geopolitical and technological complexity....

employees walking

Building Reputation Is About Holding Steady, Even When It's Hard

Drawing on nearly a decade of APCO Pulse Check research, Kelly Stepno explores how public expectations of corporate advocacy have evolved and why consistency, economic commitment and action remain essential to building reputation....

July 7, 2026 / Katie Sprehe
politician giving a speech

The Refining Fire of Politics

Nicholas Whyte reflects on an early electoral defeat and the enduring lessons it offered about democracy, voter perspectives and the practical realities that shape political decision-making and public affairs....

July 1, 2026 / Nicholas Whyte
press conference in front of a courthouse

Corporate Comments on Litigation are Becoming the Rule Not the Exception

As litigation increasingly unfolds in the public eye, organizations must move beyond “no comment” and balance legal considerations with reputation management, stakeholder expectations and strategic communication. ...

July 1, 2026 / Pete Wentz
global chess

Q&A: July is a Big Month for Trade: What’s Coming Next?

U.S. trade policy enters a pivotal stretch as USMCA renegotiations extend into 2027, shifting tariff strategies replace expiring measures, and ongoing regulatory actions and enforcement signal continued complexity for businesses over the summer....

June 25, 2026 / Felicia Pullam, Peter Cuomo
us-india trade illustration

India's Trade Compass: Dependence, Diversification and Diplomacy

India is shifting from trade caution to strategic engagement, driven by geopolitical pressures, supply chain vulnerabilities, and economic ambition—reshaping global partnerships through targeted agreements and a four-pillar approach to diversification, resilience, and growth....

June 25, 2026 / Kartikey Misra
usmca country flags on cargo

Playing the Long Game: Mexico's Opening in the USMCA Revision

USMCA’s July 1 milestone launches a months-long review shaping North American trade. Mexico seeks stability and renewal while leveraging tougher rules and nearshoring trends to attract investment despite U.S. pressure on tariffs and content requirements....

June 25, 2026 / Diego de Leon Segovia
ai chip over city graphic

From Digital Bureaucracy to Invisible Government

After a decade of digitization, Gulf governments are advancing toward agentic AI, shifting from online transactions to autonomous, frictionless service delivery that anticipates needs, reduces bureaucracy, and redefines how public institutions operate....

June 25, 2026 / Yomna Kamel