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Geo-Economic Risks, Shocks and Sanctions

When: Thursday, July 10, 2025, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Lecture Theatre, Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary University of London, 67-69 Lincolns Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JB

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In today’s post-neoliberal era of sanctions, trade wars, technological advancements and resource nationalism, international commercial stability is under threat. The leading experts on a focused panel discussed how legal frameworks adapt and how modern lawyers anticipate economic disruption and shifting geopolitical realities.

From Stability to Shock: Commercial Risk in an Unstable World

Key Themes

Through real-world examples, the forum examined how trade wars, sanctions, state-led policy shifts, and global conflicts have disrupted commerce across various sectors, including energy, commodities, technology, and shipping. Panellists discussed how legal advisors respond, both before and after dispute, through contract drafting, renegotiation, enforceability, compliance and pressure tactics.

  • Contract Adaptation, Renegotiation & Risk Allocation in the Face of Global Disruption.
  • Interpreting Sanctions and Force Majeure in Real Time.
  • Navigating Domestic Regulatory Shift and Changes in Law
  • Managing Cross-border Supply Chain Disputes.
  • Enforcement in Sensitive or Hostile Jurisdictions.
  • AI-driven Legal Risk & Compliance Tools.

Format

  • Two focused panels
  • 15 mins per speaker
  • Followed by moderated Q&A

Panel 1 – From Stability to Shock: Contract Stability, Regulatory Shifts, Force Majeure & Sanctions

  • Moderator: Mr Harsh Hari Haran, Partner, Ashurst LLP
  • Emma Johnson, Partner, Ashurst LLP
  • Duncan Bagshaw, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
  • Ljubica Kaurin-Dragicevic, Visiting Lawyer, WilmerHale
  • Filip Šaranović, Director, International Shipping Law, CCLS

Panel 2 – Rule or Risk Strategy: Enforcement, Supply Chains & Risk Strategy

  • Moderator: Dr Theodora Christou, Barrister & Convenor, Transnational Law and Governance, CCLS
  • Priyanka Kapoor, Partner, Fieldfisher
  • Charlie Morgan, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
  • Kartik Singh, Senior Associate, Baker McKenzie
  • Dara Shagal, Counsel, Pinna Goldberg
  • Dr Daniele D’Alvia, Lecturer in Banking & Finance Law, CCLS

Interactive Element

The day concluded with a live audience poll:

"Has a risk-based approach overtaken rule-based doctrine in modern commercial law?"

Attendees left with actionable insights and tools utilised by legal advisors or risk architects when confronted with crisis, change, or instability.

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