The Crisis and the Opportunist

Our View

Crises are disasters for some and precious opportunities for others, regardless of ethical considerations, as the end justifies the means.

Typically, arms dealers become active during wars and border conflicts, while traffickers of prohibited goods, particularly drug dealers, exploit these situations due to the ease of crossing borders amid crisis or war, amassing vast fortunes.

Bribery and undermining national security proliferate, especially if the state is weak in its structure and institutions, or has been weakened by war or crisis. This is accompanied by legal and illegal flight of private funds, or theft and embezzlement of public funds by corrupt and influential figures. Conversely, if the state’s institutional framework is organized and capable of maintaining internal order and security, such breaches and thefts diminish, despite the difficulty, as all state forces are directed toward addressing the crisis or defending against war.

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This pertains to individuals, opportunists, and those dreaming of quick wealth. However, certain states themselves may act as opportunists by enticing economic activities, businessmen, and major corporations through procedural facilitations, legal guarantees, banking conveniences, eased residency procedures, and freedom to own real estate. This attracts capital—whether monetary or commercial—from other countries, injecting billions of dollars into their economic fabric and stimulating their economies and real estate markets, as they are perceived as safer and more stable.

In the event of a war between the United States and Iran, along with its ally Israel, a significant amount of Iranian capital fled to neighboring states in search of security, safety, and stability. These host states, adept at seizing opportunities, managed to absorb billions of dollars, leading to a resurgence in economic and real estate activity. Thus, they became states that hunt for opportunities, illustrating the adage that capital is cowardly and seeks safety and protection.

Doctor of Law and Kuwaiti Lawyer