How Birsemore can help
Political risk and decision support
Analysis built around a specific question or decision. This might concern an investment, market entry, an existing operation, a counterparty, a transaction or a changing political or security risk.
The assessment distinguishes evidence from judgement, sets out the most likely path and credible alternatives, identifies the developments that would change the view, and explains the implications for the decision at hand.
Executive briefings and scenario work
Prepared briefings for boards, leadership teams and investment committees on political and security developments in the region.
Scenario work can be used to test an existing strategy against different political outcomes, identify vulnerabilities and indicators to monitor, and clarify decisions that may need to be taken if conditions change.
Country and issue analysis
Commissioned research on political, security and geoeconomic questions in Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Gulf and the wider region.
Work can range from a focused assessment of a single issue to deeper country analysis supporting investment, strategy, due diligence, legal or commercial work.
Retained and crisis advisory
Ongoing advice for organisations with continuing exposure to the region, combining regular analysis with access to a trusted external view when circumstances change.
Birsemore can also support scenario preparation before a crisis and provide rapid political analysis and decision support while one is unfolding.
Experience
Birsemore Advisory was founded by Alex Cocker, following nine years as a British diplomat.
Most recently, Alex was Head of the UK Foreign Office’s Iraq Team, leading UK policy on Iraq and advising ministers and senior officials through a period of exceptional regional instability, including the war in Gaza, attacks on Red Sea shipping and the first direct exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel.
His previous experience includes postings in Baghdad and Rabat, representing the UK at the United Nations, serving as private secretary to the Secretary of State for International Trade, and leading portfolios on Iran, Israel, the US, and counter-terrorism within the Foreign Office.
His government career combined political analysis, forecasting, crisis response, diplomacy, strategic communications and work on major commercial and strategic relationships.
Who Birsemore works with
Birsemore is designed for organisations whose investments, operations, people or strategic decisions are exposed to political developments in the region.
That includes investors and businesses, law firms and insurers, and leadership teams with interests in Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Gulf. Engagements are tailored to the decision rather than to a standard product.
Working with Birsemore
Engagements are built around a specific question, with the output, timetable and fee agreed in writing before work begins. Birsemore takes on single pieces of work and continuing advisory relationships alike.
Birsemore Geopolitics
Alex also publishes Birsemore Geopolitics, free analysis of political, security and geoeconomic developments across the region.
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