This interview is with Maxim Sheaib, Senior Strategic Advisor & Multidisciplinary Leader.

Maxim Sheaib, Senior Strategic Advisor & Multidisciplinary Leader

Maxim, can you tell our readers a bit about your background and how it connects to the world of geopolitics, particularly regarding Ukraine and its government?

My career has been a journey at the crossroads of business and government policy. I've navigated various ministries to understand and comply with regulations, trade, and commerce, and I've held executive roles in different government and business associations. However, a significant part of my career has been as a government operative leading a sector at the Qatar Tourism Ministry/Authority.

In this role, I collaborated with government ministries and business entities to shape national strategies and policies, such as cross-governmental collaboration on improving a crucial sector. I gained a practical, firsthand view of how governance sparks economic and social shifts. I’ve always been fascinated by how government decisions affect our everyday lives, and some of those decisions I had to make.

My personal connection with Ukraine has been a driving force in my career, leading me to understand how a single policy shift can ripple through entire communities. Over time, I’ve witnessed how alliances, reforms, and economic strategies can either open doors or create new hurdles, especially in a country as dynamic as Ukraine. This personal connection has also led me to provide pro-bono advisory services to a state member of parliament on various topics and in multiple industries, further deepening my understanding of governance and its impact on society.

Through my involvement with Ukrainian startups, the country's tech landscape, the Qatar-Ukraine Business Forum, and my ongoing interest in Ukraine’s political reforms, I’ve seen how geopolitical events can profoundly impact industries worldwide. This understanding is crucial, as witnessing how local regulations, global alliances, and market dynamics—all interlocked—made me realize that a country’s governance is a driving force with real, often significant, consequences for everyone, from global CEOs to everyday citizens. It's important to be aware of these impacts and be prepared for the changes they can bring.

What pivotal moments in your career led you to become an expert in this complex field?

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Only in the darkness can you see the stars.' My turning point came at a very young age, witnessing conflict and war at home, seeing the impact of disruption in our family’s everyday life, and showing me how fast entire communities, systems, and socioeconomic structures can shift under pressure.

That experience opened my eyes to the true power of policy and leadership to shape economic and social realities. Ever since, I’ve devoted myself to understanding those forces and crafting real-world strategies that help people and businesses thrive despite unpredictable changes, such as economic downturns, technological advancements, wars, and global pandemics. One vivid example in my career was implementing contingency plans and strategies for every business entity I worked in and every project I managed to avoid facing sudden disruption.

I led the creation of clear SOPs that balanced immediate crisis response with long-term resilience, keeping operations stable and employees secure. This work underscores the importance of a well-designed policy, as it can make the difference between chaos and opportunity. Thus, on a larger scale, every policy implemented in mega-projects or public sector governance should always have contingency plans, ensuring a sense of security and preparedness for all involved.

Can you share an instance where you had to analyze a geopolitical situation involving Ukraine? What surprised you most about that experience, and what did you learn?

In early 2022, as the war on Ukraine and martial law gripped cities, Mykolaiv faced constant bombardment. I was doing everything and anything possible to help people on the ground. I had to navigate a maze of shifting front-lines, restricted roads, and urgent medical needs.

My contacts in Kyiv received crucial supplies from France but had no clear path to deliver them. I analyzed the situation, determined safe routes, and mobilized my network. A local car dealership offered a van, friends in the Army helped us bypass danger zones, and I coordinated with hospital directors to confirm precisely where those meds were needed most.

The biggest surprise was how quickly people were ready to risk everything to help. In a single night, entire communities banded together around one goal: saving lives. That experience taught me the power of human connection and strategic planning, even under the harshest geopolitical pressures.

Based on your experiences, what advice would you give policymakers dealing with similar situations in the region?

Policy is only as strong as its ability to adapt in real-time. During crises, bureaucratic delays cost lives. Policymakers tend to react to crises instead of preparing for them. Ukraine’s rapid adaptation in the defense and tech sectors proved that waiting until disaster strikes is a costly mistake. Before 2022, Ukraine relied on outdated Soviet-era systems, leaving the military vulnerable.

When war erupted, there was no time for slow procurement or bureaucratic delays. The country had to innovate or be overrun. In just two years, Ukraine expanded its domestic drone production from 7 models to 67, with over 200 companies leading the charge. Naval drones like the Magura, once built in a Kyiv garage, went on to neutralize a third of Russia’s Black Sea fleet. This transformation was not planned; it was forced by necessity.

The lesson for policymakers is clear: Strategic foresight is not optional. Governments must invest early in emerging technologies, foster innovation, and create agile procurement systems before crises unfold. Security, economic resilience, and national preparedness cannot be built overnight. It is already too late when a war, financial collapse, or supply chain disruption happens.

From my experience, the most effective solutions came from agility, decentralization, and trust in local networks. Policymakers must establish contingency frameworks that empower communities to act swiftly, cut through red tape when urgency demands it, and create direct lines of communication between decision-makers and those on the ground. Wars and crises don’t wait for approval, and policies must be built to move as fast as the reality they are meant to address. The urgency and need for change in our policymaking processes cannot be overstated.

How has the Ukrainian government's response to recent geopolitical challenges evolved, and what lessons can other governments learn from their approach?

Ukraine’s ability to adapt in real-time has defined its survival. It has had to adapt constantly to an unpredictable and rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Recently, we have seen how its strategy continues to evolve, balancing military defense and diplomacy. The proposed Sky Shield initiative, backed by European partners, will deploy 120 fighter jets to counter missile and drone attacks.

This shift toward regional defense collaboration reduces reliance on distant allies and ensures faster response capabilities. Ukraine's diplomatic efforts are not the only area where it is making strides. The country is also leveraging technology to its advantage. The rapid development of drone warfare, in partnership with private tech firms, has reshaped its military strategy. This integration of innovation into national defense not only highlights the importance of technology but also the impressive adaptability of Ukraine's military forces.

The key takeaway for other governments is clear: Ukraine's success in adapting to geopolitical challenges is a case study in resilience. It underscores the importance of investing in regional alliances, integrating technology into national security strategies early, and, importantly, maintaining active diplomacy. Ukraine’s experience is a reassuring reminder that those who prepare in advance, build strong alliances, and embrace innovation will always have the upper hand.

From your perspective, what are the most critical factors influencing the effectiveness of international policy interventions in conflicts like the one we see in Ukraine?

International interventions succeed or fail based on speed, strategy, and commitment. Ukraine’s war has exposed how inconsistent support, delayed action, and fragmented policies can weaken even the most substantial resistance. The world has learned hard lessons, and the evidence speaks for itself.

If global leaders do not act with urgency and unity, they risk the world's future and the credibility of the entire international system. Speed and consistency win wars, and they bring peace faster. Aid that arrives late is almost as bad as no aid at all. Ukraine’s front-line forces have repeatedly faced delays in receiving critical military support.

These gaps in aid have slowed counteroffensive efforts, giving Russia time to fortify its positions. Economic warfare is just as important as military support, and information is as powerful as firepower. When the U.S. paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, it created operational blind spots on the battlefield.

In contrast, Ukraine’s innovation in drone warfare has turned the tide in key areas, proving that real-time intelligence and cutting-edge technology are just as critical as tanks and missiles. Diplomacy must be relentless. Wars are not won on the battlefield alone. Ukraine’s diplomatic push for sustained Western support is a master class in resilience. Legal and moral clarity strengthens alliances. Governments that fail to act decisively set dangerous precedents for future conflicts. Upholding legal frameworks is about maintaining global order.

What are some common misconceptions about the geopolitical situation in Ukraine that you've encountered, and how do these misconceptions hinder effective policymaking?

Misconceptions about Ukraine's geopolitical landscape can lead to misguided policies. Some prevalent myths and their implications:

1. Ukraine and Russia Are Essentially the Same Some believe that Ukrainians and Russians are "one people," a narrative promoted by Russian propaganda. This overlooks Ukraine's distinct national identity and history, leading to policies that fail to respect its sovereignty.

2. Ukraine's Borders Are Artificial The notion that Ukraine's borders are arbitrary diminishes its territorial integrity. Accepting this misconception can result in weak responses to violations of Ukraine's sovereignty, undermining international law.

3. Ukraine Is Irrelevant to Western Interests Some view Ukraine as peripheral to Western concerns, leading to delayed or limited support. This underestimates Ukraine's role in European security and the global balance of power.

4. Ukraine Is Deeply Divided Along Ethnic Lines The belief that Ukraine is split between pro-Russian and pro-Western factions oversimplifies its complex society. This can lead to policies that ignore the majority's pro-European aspirations.

5. Ukraine Is a Hotbed of Nationalism Labeling Ukraine as dominated by extreme nationalism misrepresents its political landscape. Such views can justify unwarranted foreign intervention and twist diplomatic strategies.

These misconceptions can lead to ineffective or harmful policies, such as inadequate support for Ukraine, misinterpreting its political dynamics, and failing to uphold international norms. Accurate understanding is crucial for formulating effective foreign policies. What will happen in the future if China invades Taiwan and we apply the same misconceptions to Taiwan and make the exact same mistakes again?

Looking ahead, what key geopolitical trends should policymakers and analysts be paying close attention to in the context of Ukraine?

Policymakers must stop reacting to crises and start preparing for them. Investing in defense autonomy, digital resilience, and rapid technological adaptation is the only way to stay ahead in an unpredictable world. The world's geopolitical landscape is shifting, and the decisions made now will shape its future for years.

First, Europe is taking greater control of its defense. With U.S. support becoming uncertain, European nations are stepping up. France has even proposed extending its nuclear deterrent to protect allies, signaling a shift toward military self-reliance. The newly formed Weimar+ alliance, which includes Germany, France, Poland, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the European Commission, is another sign that Europe is preparing to lead on the continent’s security.

Second, China is positioning itself as a key player. As Europe faces growing economic pressure from defense spending and potential U.S. tariffs, China is strengthening its ties with European nations. This could reshape global alliances and create new economic dependencies that impact Ukraine’s future.

Third, digitalization is now a core part of combatting global disruptions such as pandemics, wars, or climate change, which will probably trigger the next disaster or global challenge. Ukraine’s ability to integrate real-time intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure into government and military operations has given it a strategic edge.

Governments must prioritize secure digital ecosystems that can withstand cyber warfare and electronic disruptions. Drones have changed the battlefield forever. Ukraine has demonstrated how unmanned aerial systems can be used for intelligence, targeting, and large-scale attacks. They could also be used in aid and emergencies.

NATO members are now reassessing their defense strategies to adapt to this new reality while investing heavily in counter-drone technologies to neutralize similar threats. Policymakers must think beyond short-term fixes and start designing adaptable, resilient, and built systems to withstand the unexpected. The future belongs to those who anticipate change, not those who respond.

For those interested in pursuing a career focused on geopolitics and Ukraine, what advice would you offer based on your own journey?

Geopolitics is something you experience, analyze, and engage with in real-time, not something you learn from books alone. If you want to build a career in this field, whether focused on Ukraine or any other region, here is my advice.

First, be on the ground because you cannot understand a country's geopolitical landscape from a distance. Immerse yourself in the region through work, research, or volunteering. Talk to the people shaping its policies, and witness firsthand how decisions impact lives.

Second, follow the money. Geopolitics is as much about economics as it is about diplomacy. Understanding how financial flows, trade agreements, investments, and sanctions shape a country’s future will make you an asset in this field.

Third, master adaptability. No geopolitical situation is static. The best analysts, policymakers, and advisors can think critically, anticipate trends, and adjust strategies in real-time. Do not get stuck in rigid narratives and constantly challenge your assumptions.

Finally, build a strong network. Everything—business, politics, governments, geopolitics—everything is about access to the right people, the correct information, and the right opportunities. Surround yourself with experts, diplomats, business leaders, and policymakers actively shaping global and regional affairs. If you want to succeed in geopolitics, do not just study it, live it, question it, and, most importantly, shape it.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Geopolitics is not just about policies, conflicts, or diplomacy, but about people. Every decision, strategy, and intervention ultimately affects lives on the ground. Whether you are analyzing economic sanctions, advising on foreign policy, or responding to crises, never lose sight of the human impact.

The world is changing faster than ever, and policymakers' biggest mistake is assuming they have time. They don’t. The future belongs to those who anticipate, adapt, and act decisively. Never wait for a crisis to force action. Shape the outcome before it arrives while staying resilient and adaptive.