Globalization, a process that has taken place through the economy, business and many other social facets, has been one of the most important drivers in the development of companies in recent decades. However, recent political developments in Europe, the US and elsewhere, along with anti-global reactions of various kinds – including the upsurge of nationalism and populism, anti-trade threads and the return of other cross-border barriers to commerce – have raised issues about the future evolution of international business.

In this new, brave and challenging context, innovative companies can not only find new ways to operate cross-border, but also contribute to the easing of international relations and the forging of a new system of relations among people from different nations and cultures. The best antidote to bad international politics is good business.

In the current challenging circumstances for globalization, our book, Business Despite Borders: Companies in the Age of Populist Anti-Globalization, provides models of companies that operate successfully on an international scale. These cases may serve as a reference for other organizations that plan to expand their activities globally or to expand their presence in foreign markets. Technology and the new openness and entrepreneurial orientation of young managers provide excellent levers to continue on the path of globalization.

The book also portrays some business leaders who are actively developing creative, sometimes disruptive strategies to build business bridges across continents. In fact, the current potential threats for globalization also provide opportunities for innovative companies to reinvent the way to manage international business.

Business Despite Borders is based on an optimistic supposition: that globalization is, in fact, irreversible and that companies can contribute positively to achieving sustainable growth and a fair distribution of wealth across the World.

Santiago Iñiguez de Onzoño is President of IE University and co-editor of Business Despite Borders: Companies in the Age of Populist Anti-Globalization.