In a fractured, multipolar world defined by strategic rivalries, infrastructure has become a critical lever for nations to project soft power – through energy security, technological leadership and supply chain dominance.

This strategic imperative has grown even stronger when combined with themes such as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, decarbonization and deglobalization. As a result, sentiment toward infrastructure has shifted decisively positive in 2025. Fundraising reached a new record, as the asset class offers investors a way to gain exposure to long-term secular tailwinds while remaining a safe haven amid market volatility.

However, beneath this bullish narrative lies deep unease. At the geopolitical level, tensions are rising as the old world order breaks down, with rivalries increasing – even among traditional allies. At the societal level, ordinary citizens increasingly question whether governments, which they distrust more than ever, can shield them from today’s forces. At the investment level, the hype around new technologies such as AI is raising bubble concerns. Ultimately, soft power cannot endure without social stability and trust in our institutions.

You can now read the full whitepaper at the link below