KPMG’s Global populism and Australian business – shifts and implications report provides business leaders with a clear understanding of how populism is influencing global markets and institutions, and what strategic actions they can take to stay resilient and competitive.
The report offers strategic guidance for business leaders navigating political volatility and global disruption.
Download the report to read more.
Strategic insights into rising populism and its impacts on Australian business
The report outlines several strategic insights for businesses navigating the rise of populism.
First, it recommends reinforcing Australia’s domestic strengths by building trust in institutions, fostering inclusive workplaces, and leveraging governance stability as a competitive advantage.
Second, businesses should actively manage political risk in overseas markets by monitoring populist shifts, enhancing risk assessments, and maintaining operational flexibility.
Finally, companies are encouraged to diversify supply chains and talent pipelines while engaging globally through multilateral forums and standard-setting initiatives to help shape the rules that underpin trade, climate, and technology frameworks.
What is populism and how does it affect global business?
Populism is a political approach where leaders position themselves as anti-establishment, claiming to represent 'the people' against an elite or external 'other'. Populism is neither left nor right, but ideologically flexible, focusing less on specific policies and more on protecting national sovereignty and cultural identity. Populism can drive protectionism, disrupt trade, and weaken international cooperation, creating uncertainty for businesses around the world. These dynamics can affect many aspects of global business, including investment confidence, supply chains, and the stability of global markets.
What are the key challenges to Australian businesses posed by rising populism?
Rising populism around the world could threaten the stability and predictability that underpin trade and investment. Populist policies overseas can disrupt Australia's export markets, supply chains, and the migration flows that Australia relies on for talent and growth. Populist approaches to the international system could also weaken multilateral institutions and global standards, making it harder for Australian companies to operate in a rules-based world.
Without proactive strategies, these shifts could erode some Australian businesses' competitive advantage and expose them to greater geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty.
Key implications
The report outlines 10 key implications of rising populism for Australian businesses:
Business resilience in a landscape of rising populism
Populism is not a temporary trend – it reflects deeper economic, cultural, and technological shifts that will continue to shape global politics and economics for years to come. For business leaders, understanding these forces is essential to managing risk, protecting operations, and identifying new opportunities.
Whether you’re a CEO, chief strategy officer or board director, this report offers actionable insights to help you navigate uncertainty and build resilience in a more divided and unpredictable world.
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