The Return of Hard Power: Is Partnership-Driven Business Coming to an End?

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Rafał Dados

The Return of Hard Power: Is Partnership-Driven Business Coming to an End?

Not long ago, business models were built on values like collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. However, geopolitical and economic shifts indicate a return to a more hard-nosed reality, where efficiency and strategic advantage take precedence. In such a world, will businesses continue investing in partnership-building, or will they revert to aggressive, profit-first negotiations?

DEI and ESG Under Pressure from Hard Politics

For years, corporations embraced DEI and ESG initiatives, but now, many are questioning their financial viability. Businesses increasingly argue that strict ESG regulations pose challenges to competitiveness.

This shift is also evident at the national level—many governments that previously championed energy transition are now expanding their oil and coal production. This underscores the growing dominance of economic pragmatism over previous environmental commitments, emphasizing the importance of control over strategic resources. In a world where securing an advantage is paramount, real access to resources is proving to be more valuable than idealistic pledges.

Politics and Business: From Long-Term Partnerships to Pragmatic Calculations

History shows that in times of geopolitical tension and competition, pragmatism and power take center stage. If international relations are increasingly built on pressure and hard bargaining, businesses may also shift toward a more transactional approach to partnerships.

Does this mean the end of trust-based, long-term business relationships? Some analysts believe this trend is temporary. Others argue that in an economy where short-term advantage is king, sentimentality is being left behind.

Ozempic and Health Policy – A Business Parallel?

A seemingly unrelated topic—health and nutrition—also provides interesting insights. JFK Kennedy recently criticized the growing reliance on Ozempic as a weight-loss solution, labeling it a "shortcut" for individuals who should prioritize lifestyle changes. He further pointed out that for an average American, a gym membership and healthy groceries are more cost-effective than a single dose of the drug.

Isn’t this parallel to the business world? Investing in relationships and long-term partnerships is costly but yields sustainable results. Conversely, short-term, aggressive negotiations may deliver quick wins, but do they come at the expense of long-term trust and reputation?

What’s Next? The Future of Business Strategy

Does the return to hard power politics truly mark the end of partnership-based negotiations? It’s possible that we are entering a new era of transactional relationships, where short-term competitive advantage dictates decision-making. This may mean less emphasis on soft skills and long-term investments in relationships, and a stronger focus on efficiency and negotiation flexibility.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that business relationships will lose all significance. Companies that find ways to blend pragmatic efficiency with long-term value creation may emerge stronger than ever.

What are your thoughts? Does the shift in global politics spell the end of partnership-driven business? Let’s discuss!

Rafał Dados

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