Geopolitical & Security Advisory
Strategic advice and operational support for organisations working in complex environments.
We advise governments, institutions, businesses, and charities operating in high-risk political and economic contexts. We help organisations understand exposure, reduce uncertainty, and make decisions with clearer insight.
Alistair Wood, LVO, MBE, FRGS
Over three decades of experience in intelligence, security, diplomatic initiatives, and institutional leadership.
High-risk national environments
Advising senior intelligence and security positions in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, and the Central African Republic. Our work has focused on illicit trade, organised crime, and institutional accountability. Perspective and judgement are grounded in the field, tested in extreme environements.
Scaling complex international programmes
Alistair Wood recently led the expansion of a UK ophthalmic charity delivering surgery in Nepal’s remote high altitudes. Durable partnerships were established with local hospitals and international donors. Those programmes now operate sustainably with local clinical capacity.
Outcomes backed by networks and oversight
An approach that connects geopolitical analysis to practical action. Specialist teams are assembled only when required. The focus remains on clear advice and reduced risk.
Services
Geopolitical
Advisory
Outcomes backed by networks and oversight
Institutional
Development
Leadership
– Building oversight frameworks
– Intelligence unit leadership
– Communications strategy
Philanthropic and Donor Audits
– Exposure mapping
– Border and trade risk
– Illicit trade assessments
Political and
Strategic
Risk Analysis
– Exposure mapping
– Border and trade risk
– Illicit trade assessments
Projects
Nepal
Expanding Ophthalmic Care in Nepal’s High Altitudes
Transforming a UK-based charity into the leading provider of high-altitude ophthalmic surgery in Nepal focused on three main areas: building local partnerships, scaling the ‘Seeing at the Top of the World’ programme, and securing international funding. These efforts brought essential eye care to remote communities and positioned the charity for long-term growth.
C.A.R.
Advising on Security in the Central African Republic
Advising the President of the Central African Republic from 2018 to 2020 focused on three main areas: managing unregulated immigration, countering organised crime networks trading in diamonds and arms, and mapping the illicit wildlife trade. These efforts helped strengthen national security and improve regional stability.
Sierra Leone
Strengthening Governance in Sierra Leone
Leading the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Intelligence and Internal Affairs Department in Sierra Leone focused on three key areas: building a diverse and capable team, tackling high-profile cases of corruption and illicit trade, and establishing governance frameworks to ensure lasting integrity. These efforts helped to strengthen accountability and support sustainable governance in a challenging post-conflict environment.
Countries in which we have delivered institutional programmes, operational projects, or diplomatic initiatives
Afghanistan
Australia
Bangladesh
Bosnia
Hercegovina
Botswana
C.A.R.
Croatia
Ethiopia
Hungary
Lithuania
Nepal
New Zealand
Nigeria
North Macedonia
Malawi
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
South Africa
Sierra Leone
Turkey
Tonga
UK
West Bank
Zambia
Thoughts
Spheres of Influence: Power, Strategy and the Shifting Global Order
The Asia Scotland Institute recently hosted a timely discussion exploring how the US, China, and Europe are repositioning themselves within an increasingly unstable global order. Drawing on insights from the Brookings Institute, the webinar unpacked the Trump Administration’s strategic outlook, the shifting balance of power in Asia, and the growing tensions between geopolitical ambition and economic reality in China.
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A Troubled World – Navigating the Prevailing Currents
A week of discussions in London brought together perspectives on geopolitical instability, business resilience, and the rapidly shifting global order. From the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East to conversations around leadership and continuity in uncertain times, the events highlighted the growing need for stronger alliances, adaptability, and long-term strategic thinking.
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CWEIC – The trade and investment forum for the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS 26) at Mansion House brought together leaders from across the Commonwealth to explore the future of trade, investment, and strategic partnership in an increasingly uncertain world. Against a backdrop of geopolitical change, the event highlighted the growing importance of resilience, trusted alliances, and the enormous economic potential emerging across Commonwealth nations, particularly in rapidly developing regions such as Africa.
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