Globally Aware: What Half of Global Adults Voting in 2024 Means for You

Turn global events into strategic advantages.

In 2024, over 40 per cent of the world’s population will experience national or regional elections. So what?

This isn’t just another year; it’s a pivotal moment for global politics. Over 70 countries, home to approximately 4.2 billion people, representing about half of global adults, including seven of the ten most populous nations, are set to participate in upcoming elections. This is big.

If the world matters to your business, or if your voice needs to carry weight in the circles you influence, understanding the nuances of these elections is not just important - it’s essential. The world is interconnected. What happens in these elections can, and most likely will, affect your plans, your market, your competitors, and your commercial success.

Looking towards the US. The election is set for November, a period that often sets the tone for global economic and political trends.

The world of elections in 2024 extends well beyond the US.

Starting with India, the world’s largest democracy. Their elections before June could redefine regional dynamics. And it’s not just about the biggest economies. Elections in countries like Bangladesh, Taiwan, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Mexico matter too. Each one will send ripples across the globe.

But it’s not all about free and fair elections. In places like Russia and Iran, where the democratic process is questionable, elections still matter. They give us clues about future policies and stability.

What does this mean for you?

If you have the ambition to be the best in your field or for sustained global success, it means you need to pay attention. It means that global awareness is more than reading headlines. It’s about understanding how these elections could change the landscape in which you or your competitors operate, where your market lives, or where the next breakthrough technology stems from. Your business decisions, your communication, your strategy - they all need to factor in global shifts.

This is not about politics. It’s about smart, strategic planning. It’s about recognising that local events can have global impacts in today’s economy. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve in 2024, these elections are not just news; they’re a business imperative.

So What? Take a Personal Audit

As we consider the global landscape of elections and their impacts, it’s worth taking a moment for a personal audit. Look at your inbox or mobile phone. How many of your top 20 contacts are from countries that could influence your business or industry?

This isn’t just an exercise in networking; it’s about recognising potential blindspots and risks. Are there regions or countries underrepresented in your circle? What competitive edge are you not gaining by sticking with what and who you know?

Understanding the political and economic shifts in these nations could be crucial for your business. Missing out on these connections might mean overlooking emerging markets, policy changes, or even shifts in global supply chains that could affect your operations.

This informal audit is a simple yet effective way to gauge your global awareness and its alignment with your strategic goals. It’s about ensuring that your network reflects the diverse and interconnected world we operate in, thereby mitigating risks and leveraging opportunities that these global elections might bring.

If the world matters to you and your business, don’t be globally absent. That may mean working differently than peers who are content with their localised or limited worldview.

Adapting to the Realities of an Interconnected World

Stay alert, broaden your understanding of global dynamics, appreciate the implications, and be prepared to adapt as necessary. This is the reality of our interconnected world. By navigating it with foresight and acumen you can turn these global events into strategic advantages.

When you know the world around you, you can navigate towards your ambitious goals faster, easier, and more impactfully.

Further Reading:

• The Economist on ‘2024 is the Biggest Election Year in History’

• Financial Times on ‘The world goes to the ballot box’

• Global Shift | Active Global Leadership, with details on the value of a diverse network (see below)