MICHAEL'S STORY
For more than 25 years, Michael Weidokal has established himself as a world-renowned thought leader on the economic, geopolitical, technological and demographic forces reshaping the world. Through his research, forecasts, writing and speaking, he has built a reputation for identifying the trends and turning points that will shape economies, industries and societies, and for translating complex global developments into clear insights about what they mean for businesses and their leaders. His work has reached audiences around the world, including speaking engagements in more than 50 countries.
As the founder of International Strategic Analysis (ISA), Michael has devoted his career to understanding the forces driving global change and what they could mean for the future. Today, his work brings together economics, geopolitics, demographics and technology to provide a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Through his research, speaking and advisory work, Michael helps leaders look beyond today’s headlines to understand what is changing, what could come next and how organizations can prepare for it.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
GLOBAL
ECONOMICS
Analysis of the forces shaping the global economy and the outlook for growth, inflation, interest rates, trade and investment. Michael assesses how changes across major economies and regions influence businesses, markets and the broader economic environment.
THE US
ECONOMY
In-depth analysis of the performance and direction of the U.S. economy and the factors determining its long-term competitiveness. Areas of focus include economic growth, inflation, interest rates, consumer spending, investment, labor markets, trade and fiscal policy.
GEOPOLITICS AND POLITICAL RISK
Analysis of political and geopolitical developments and their implications for economies, markets and businesses. Michael focuses on international relations, conflicts, political risk, trade tensions and shifts in the global balance of power to determine their impact on global national and local affairs.
DEMOGRAPHIC
TRENDS
Analysis of the demographic forces transforming economies and societies around the world. Areas of expertise include population growth, aging, fertility, migration, urbanization and their implications for workforces, consumer markets and economic growth.
TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND AI
Understanding how artificial intelligence, automation and other emerging technologies are reshaping economies, industries and the workplace. Michael focuses on their implications for productivity, employment, competition, investment and long-term economic change.
INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY
Analysis of the opportunities and risks associated with operating and expanding across international markets. Michael provides insights into market potential, country risk, economic conditions, trade, investment and the forces affecting international business strategies.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Analysis of the factors that determine the competitiveness and growth potential of cities, regions and countries. Michael focuses on demographics, workforce development, industry structure, investment attraction, infrastructure and the long-term forces influencing economic development.
BUSINESS
STRATEGY
Application of economic, geopolitical and macro-trend analysis to strategic decision-making. Michael helps organizations assess external risks and opportunities, evaluate potential scenarios and prepare strategies for succeeding in a rapidly changing and uncertain environment.
STRATEGIC
FORESIGHT
Identification and analysis of the major forces that could shape economies, industries and organizations in the years and decades ahead. Michael brings together economic, geopolitical, demographic and technological trends to anticipate potential turning points, risks and opportunities.
INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC ANALYSIS (ISA)
Michael Weidokal founded International Strategic Analysis (ISA) in 2003 to provide businesses, governments and other organizations with the economic and geopolitical intelligence needed to understand an increasingly complex global environment. Over the past two decades, ISA has developed into a global research and advisory firm providing economic forecasts, country and geopolitical risk analysis, demographic research, market intelligence and strategic insights covering countries and markets around the world.
Through ISA, Michael and his team help organizations identify emerging risks and opportunities, understand the forces shaping their markets and make better-informed strategic decisions. ISA’s research also provides the analytical foundation for much of Michael’s speaking, executive briefing and advisory work, combining continuous global monitoring with a long-term perspective on the economic, political and demographic trends shaping the future.
