Manas Chawla

Who really holds power in the 21st century?

As Founder of London Politica and Co-Founder of the Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy, Manas Chawla examines how geopolitical risk has moved far beyond war rooms and diplomatic summits. Today, it sits inside supply chains, semiconductor policy, AI regulation, energy markets and the architecture of the internet itself.

His work explores how Big Tech firms increasingly behave like sovereign actors. At the same time, industrial policy has returned after decades of globalisation. Meanwhile, economic fragmentation is reshaping trade, capital flows and corporate strategy.

Founded in 2021 while Chawla was still a student, London Politica reflects this changing landscape. The firm advises NGOs, international organisations and corporate leaders navigating political, regulatory and security risks in volatile environments. Its rapid growth — from $80,000 in revenue in 2023 to $435,000 in 2025 — points to a wider shift. Geopolitical intelligence is no longer a niche concern for diplomats and security officials. Instead, it has become an operational necessity for investors, multinational firms and technology leaders.

Chawla has briefed heads of state, advised UN agencies and consulted Fortune 500 executives on geopolitical volatility and strategic resilience. In addition, he is a frequent speaker at the World Economic Forum, Web Summit and University of Oxford. His commentary also appears regularly on CNN, BBC, CNBC, Bloomberg and the Financial Times.

Manas Chawla holds an MSc from St Antony’s College, Oxford. His PhD at the London School of Economics and Political Science examines how Big Tech firms are reshaping the geopolitical order of the 21st century. In April 2026, he was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe for Social Impact.