“Deglobalization is a nice soundbite, but the reality is, we need more focus on risk management and mitigation.” – Philip Ideson, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Art of Procurement

Deglobalization is a hot topic right now, but behind the big headlines and boardroom buzzwords, real change is proving to be slow, complicated, and deeply influenced by geopolitics and regulation. 

Are companies really bringing supply chains home, or is the story much more nuanced?

In this episode, Art of Procurement co-hosts Philip Ideson and Kelly Barner get candid on what’s behind deglobalization: from shifting away from China and the reality of “diversifying in name only,” to why risk management and local expertise matter now more than ever. 

They discuss why many global supply strategies often move in cycles, and what procurement leaders can do to shape smarter, more resilient portfolios (despite increasing uncertainty).

In this episode, Philip and Kelly cover:

• How to reframe deglobalization beyond the headlines and signal real risk
• Why China +1 isn’t always the diversification strategy it seems
• The value of local presence in mitigating global risk
• How to connect cost, optionality, and stakeholder alignment for practical deglobalization
• Which supply chain trends are actually moving (and which are just noise)

Links:

• Subscribe to This Week in Procurement
• Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube