Russian state energy giant Gazprom is starting its own private security force, a move Ukraine fears will lead to a new Wagner-like mercenary army

"The timing is obviously curious. Following the Wagner template, everyone's drawing conclusions that there might be a tie there—which is probably a very good assumption at this point."

Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner sat down with Mia Jankowicz of Business Insider to discuss the recent news that Russia granted Gazprom the authority to start its own private security outfit—and what implications this might have on the Russia-Ukraine War.

Deaths in Turkey, Syria earthquake surpass 11,000; some areas will be 'uninhabitable for years': Live updates

"The size and scale of the destruction our team has witnessed is difficult to describe. Some infrastructure will never be replaced. The damage is so widespread it will be uninhabitable for years to come."

In USA Today, CEO Dale Buckner describes the situation in Turkey, as reported by Global Guardian’s local response teams, who are on the ground actively assisting clients with evacuations, transportation, and supply delivery in and around the earthquake zone.

KEEPING COOL IN A WAR ZONE

"Most of the world is fraught with dangers, challenges and uncertainty if not prepared. Understanding culture and language matters. If you cannot visualise the environment, solving only the medical situation could leave your client/patient exposed to other multiple threats.”

In the February edition of the International Travel and Health Insurance Journal (ITIJ), Global Guardian Director of Special Operations Ariel Kern discusses the key qualities a medical or security responder requires to be effective on the ground in high-risk situations. While training is important, real-world exposure and experience are key to determining if a responder can operate under high pressure.

Geopolitics Is Changing the Business Landscape. Companies Cannot Afford to Ignore the Risks.

“The war in Ukraine was a wake-up call as to how entire industries can unravel in response to a geopolitical crisis.” 

For chief security officers, human resources professionals, and anyone responsible for keeping their workforce safe while overseas, geopolitics matters now more than ever. In an op-ed for Business Travel News, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discusses current threats that corporate leaders should be tracking—including the second and third-order effects—and why it’s critical to ensure the proper contingency and emergency response plans are in place.

Russia Claims Victory in Battle for Soledar: Now What?

"I think even if you could mobilize 300,000 plus people, you're going to utilize them to maintain the terrain that you have out of Crimea and the Donbas and not have them go down the offensive plan again to retake ground you already lost."

Drawing on insight from Global Guardian's on-the-ground teams and his extensive special forces background, CEO Dale Buckner weighs in with how Russia will potentially leverage newly mobilized troops to maintain terrain in Ukraine in a recent Newsweek article.

Disaster risks – what exposures are there for businesses?

“What we find is that most firms just go, ‘We have insurance; we’ll figure it out. Don’t worry, we’ll get hold of everybody.’ …There simply must be more rigor, more communication, and more planning.”

In Insurance Business America, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discusses two key issues that must be factored into an organization's natural disaster response plan: physical expansions and remote workers. Leaders need to especially determine how their duty of care policies cover employees involved in a natural disaster event while working remotely.

Russia's Greatest Military Strength Has Now Become Its Weakness

"Think about that at scale compared to the Ukrainians who are getting literally the best uniforms, boots and equipment in the world shipped to them."

In Newsweek, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discusses the impact of winter weather—once a military strength for Russia—on Russian troops and how Ukrainian forces are postured to have the advantage this season with superior supplies. Dale also weighs in on how Russia will leverage newly mobilized troops to maintain control in Crimea and the Donbas region rather than an offensive strategy.

Mexico vows to catch gang members responsible for bloody prison escape

“As you have more cartel on security forces violence, that can lead to chaotic responses including street blockades, carjacking and burnings. That bears keeping an eye out if (the Mexican government) deploys additional security forces.”

In an article for Border Report, Global Guardian's Director of Intelligence Michael Ballard weighs in on the recent prison outbreak in Juarez, Mexico and potential violence in the aftermath with increased security forces in the region. Ballard also offers advice to Americans traveling or doing business in Mexico.

A shrinking map: With global instability on the rise, travellers’ options have narrowed

“We aren’t telling you not to go to these places, but we’re saying you should have a real plan with rigour so you know what to do if you get injured, you get stranded, get kidnapped or you get hacked. That calculus is part of the new world order and what Canadians have to think of when they are travelling abroad.”

In an article in The Globe and Mail, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discusses the evolving travel risk landscape amid geopolitical conflicts, economic instability, and global uncertainty—and advises travelers to ensure they have thorough plans in place should they encounter a crisis or personal emergency.

Murders down in Mexico, but violence still at near-record levels

“We have this idea of armored vehicles, black Suburbans and a whole convoy of vehicles. We recommend a different approach: Keeping as low a profile as possible. You don’t want to draw attention; you don’t want to be flagged by cartel lookouts."

In a recent article for Border Report, Global Guardian's Director of Intelligence Michael Ballard discusses violence in Mexico related to drug cartel activity, conflict hotspots throughout the region—as reported in Global Guardian's 2023 Risk Map—and advice for business and leisure travelers to mitigate their risk.