This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Abha Saxena for a timely and incisive look at the geopolitics of global health. Dominic and Abha explore how vaccines, health infrastructure, and disease surveillance data are no longer just instruments of public good, but strategic tools of influence. They discuss the myth of apolitical global health, the geopolitical stakes of pandemic treaties, and how health dependencies can quietly erode national sovereignty.Together, they examine how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deeper ethical fault lines - from donor-driven influence at the World Health Organization to the contested politics of pathogen access and benefit sharing. As global health is increasingly entangled with national security and data control, they also reflect on the role of private tech firms, AI, and cyber threats in reshaping public health governance. This conversation is essential listening for anyone concerned with global health equity, digital sovereignty, and the future of multilateral cooperation.Dr. Abha Saxena is one of the world’s leading experts in global bioethics and a renowned anaesthesiologist. Formerly head of global health ethics at the World Health Organization, she continues to advise research consortia, ethics committees, and governments on the intersections of science, sovereignty, and strategy. Her work spans the ethics of infectious disease outbreaks, equitable data sharing, and the risks of technological dependency in fragile health systems. She has been at the forefront of efforts to build more inclusive and just global health architectures, and continues to advocate for frameworks that foreground ethics, transparency, and global solidarity.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

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