Dr Oliver Hartwich talked to Sean Plunket on The Platform about the looming fuel crisis, explaining that New Zealand's roughly nine-week oil supply chain from the Middle East means the real impact of the current war will be felt in the coming weeks as existing supplies run out. Dr Hartwich warned that even if peace were achieved quickly, damaged infrastructure and disrupted shipping logistics would take months to restore, leaving New Zealand facing a prolonged period of fuel uncertainty. Read more

In this episode, Oliver speaks with retired Major General John Howard about the escalating Middle East conflict, unpacking the military realities behind the United States' shifting approach and the growing role of global powers like China and Russia. They explore what disruption in the Strait of Hormuz means for energy markets and why New Zealand may be more exposed to fuel and supply shocks than it realises. Read more

In this episode, Oliver Hartwich and Eric Crampton are joined by retired Major General John Howard to assess the Iran conflict three weeks on, covering how it has escalated, what the odds of de-escalation look like, and whether a US ground invasion or ceasefire is realistic. They also explore the wider global picture, from China's posture around Taiwan to Ukraine's worsening position, and what it all means for New Zealand's fuel security, energy resilience, and national preparedness. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich argued at the Portfolio Construction Forum's Markets Summit 2026 in Sydney that the erosion of the rules-based world order — driven by cognitive decline, political tribalism, and the rise of "institutional theatre" — demands a fundamental rethink of how investment professionals assess risk. Dr Hartwich introduced the concept of "Enlightenment Islands" — stable, high-trust jurisdictions such as Singapore, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian countries — and urged portfolio managers to supplement traditional financial metrics with civilisational indicators like PISA scores, rule of law indices, and trust barometers. Read more