Bram Verelst works at the Institute for Security Studies as Senior Researcher on Conflict Prevention, Management and Peacebuilding in the Great Lakes Region. Before joining the ISS, Bram worked as a research fellow at the Department of Conflict and Development Studies, Ghent University, Belgium and as a political analyst for the Belgian Ministry of Defence,…
!!! Please note that this episode was recorded before M23 captured Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DRC. This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen sits down with Bram Verelst to examine the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resurgence of the M23 rebellion. As the group captures key…
Author: Camila Mateos Betancourt Intellectual property (IP) plays a crucial role in our daily lives, often without us realizing it. From the design of a milk carton to the song streaming through your headphones and the medicine you take, IP represents the creations of the mind that have been brought to life. Protected by patents,…
Mariana Gonzalez is a partner and patent attorney at Basham, Ringe y Correa, with over 16 years of expertise in patent prosecution, IP transactions, and litigation, particularly within the pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology sectors. Her dual qualifications as a chemist and a lawyer, along with a master’s in top management and certification as a…
This week, Dominic Bowen welcomes Mariana González to The International Risk Podcast for an engaging discussion on the fascinating world of intellectual property (IP). Together, they explore what IP is and why it matters, Mexico’s approach to IP under the USMCA framework, the implications of a new Trump administration, the role of innovation in fostering equal access,…
Author: Camila Mateos Betancourt Last week with Joshua Meltzer, we discussed the intricate dynamics of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in our podcast, exploring the relevance for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and the importance of a unified, aligned trade approach toward China. While the USMCA fosters a shared framework for trade, each country faces…
This midweek, Dominic Bowen welcomes Juan Carlos Machorro to The International Risk Podcast to dive into the complexities of the USMCA. Together, they discuss the origins of the agreement, the critical elements of the 2026 Joint Review, the implications of Mexico’s judicial reforms, Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, and the urgent need to strengthen Mexico-Canada trade…
Juan Carlos is the leader of Santamarina y Steta’s transactional and financial practice area, with 30 years of experience advising various national and international organizations on the development and implementation of investment and financing projects in Mexico. His areas of expertise include Mergers and Acquisitions, Project Finance and Infrastructure. His talent, practical and business acumen, and…
This weekend, Dominic Bowen welcomes Dr. Joshua Meltzer to The International Risk Podcast for an in-depth exploration of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and its evolving role in North American trade. Together, they discuss the significance of the USMCA in maintaining economic competitiveness, the implications of Trump’s tariff threats, and the opportunities and challenges posed…
Author: Camila Mateos Betancourt In an era of rapid political change, the North American region faces significant international risk, demanding strong leadership and sound governance. Mexico has elected Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president (explore Mexico’s internal risks in Episode 178), Donald Trump has returned to power in the United States (learn more about…
