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At the heart of the mechanisms of influence

Influence shapes perceptions, guides decisions and transforms power relations. Seldon Observatory studies these dynamics at the intersection of geopolitics, economics, the human sciences and technology. Our approach connects narratives, interests, networks, norms, technologies and collective behaviour to make influence strategies and their effects intelligible.

Our fields of observation

State influence strategies

We study how states shape perceptions, organise their networks, construct narratives and coordinate diplomatic, economic, cultural, media and technological instruments.

Psychology and perceptionsCollective representations, emotions, cognitive biases, the formation of support and changes in behaviour.

Law and normsThe production of norms, the strategic use of law, litigation strategies, regulation and legal power relations.

Economics and dependenciesInvestment, sanctions, contracts, infrastructure, strategic dependencies and instruments of economic power.

Economic power

We analyse the actors and instruments that structure the global economy and influence the choices of states, companies and individuals.

Finance and dependenciesCapital, investment, access to finance and relations of dependency.

Standards and assessmentStandards, labels, rankings, ratings and compliance mechanisms.

Power intermediariesDigital platforms, consulting firms, rating agencies and other actors capable of shaping decisions.

Corporate influence

Some companies no longer merely sell products or services: they spread practices, values and representations, sometimes becoming geopolitical actors in their own right.

Brands and imaginariesThe construction of narratives, identities and representations associated with a company.

Networks and ecosystemsInstitutional relations, professional communities, partners, opinion leaders and influence relays.

Protection and adaptationReputation, acceptability, anticipation of controversy and responses to adversarial strategies.

The future of influence

Emerging technologies are transforming the production of information, the formation of opinion and the ability of actors to understand or shape collective behaviour.

Artificial intelligence and synthetic contentAutomation of content production, personalisation and dissemination.

Autonomous agents and social simulationBehavioural modelling, strategy experimentation and anticipation of collective responses.

Cognitive science and neurotechnologyNew knowledge and techniques capable of changing how we understand perception, attention and decision-making.

Who is our work for?

Influence is not a field reserved for communication specialists. It plays a role in public policy, organisational leadership, economic competition and the understanding of social change. Our work is intended for those who need to analyse these dynamics, make decisions in their environment or prepare tomorrow’s responses.

Public officials and policy-makers

To better understand how collective perceptions are formed, anticipate the strategies of foreign or private actors, and assess the political effects of narratives, norms and relations of dependency.

Business leaders and senior executives

To identify the forces reshaping their environment, anticipate reputational, regulatory and economic risks, and better protect their organisation’s interests.

Researchers and practitioners

To connect disciplines, test theoretical models against field realities and advance the understanding of contemporary influence mechanisms.

Students and early-career professionals

To gain access to concepts, methods and case studies that develop a critical understanding of influence strategies and power relations.

The origins of Seldon

Seldon Observatory takes its name from Hari Seldon, the central character in Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series. As the creator of psychohistory, a fictional science devoted to collective dynamics, he seeks to understand the deeper forces that shape the evolution of societies.

This reference reflects our ambition: to move beyond immediate analysis and bring together disciplines that remain too often separated. The logo depicts a sunrise over Terminus, symbolising a perspective directed towards future transformations. It also pays tribute to a form of science fiction that combines scientific rigour with the power of imagination.

Discover our work

Seldon Observatory will publish in-depth studies and concise analyses of the actors, strategies and mechanisms of influence. Our events will bring this research into dialogue with the experience of those who observe or practise influence.

Launch update

Our first publications and events are currently in preparation.

Discover our publications Attend our events