Using LLMs to Write Analysis

Large Language Models are revolutionizing how organizations analyze complex geopolitical situations and transform raw data into actionable intelligence. By synthesizing information from diverse sources like spreadsheets, PDFs, and datasets, LLMs can rapidly generate executive-ready reports that identify critical patterns, assess risks, and recommend strategic responses. These tools enable analysts to process more information in less time while ensuring outputs are tailored to specific organizational needs—whether that's board presentations, diplomatic briefings, or intelligence assessments.

Why Use LLMs for Analysis?

LLMs can:

• Transform raw data into structured, executive-ready reports
• Generate hypotheses you might not have considered
• Synthesize information from multiple sources and formats
• Create concise summaries tailored to different audiences
• Provide balanced perspectives on complex issues
• Save significant time in report preparation

Example 1: Executive Briefing on Trade Relations

Prompt:

I've attached our Q3 trade analysis spreadsheet (ASEAN_trade_analysis_Q3.xlsx) with data on Southeast Asian trade flows. The key sheets are "Bilateral Trade," "Sector Analysis," and "YoY Growth." I need a one-page executive briefing for our regional director that highlights critical shifts in trade patterns and their implications for our strategy in the region. Focus particularly on the technology sector data and emerging trade corridors.

Output:

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING
ASEAN TRADE PATTERNS: Q3 2023
CONFIDENTIAL

KEY FINDINGS

1. TECHNOLOGY SECTOR PIVOT
The data reveals a dramatic 27% YoY increase in semiconductor-related trade within 
ASEAN, with Singapore-Malaysia-Vietnam forming an emerging specialized corridor. 
This significantly outpaces the 8% growth in overall intra-ASEAN trade and represents 
a strategic shift toward higher-value technology manufacturing.

2. CHINA DIVERSIFICATION EFFECT
The spreadsheet data confirms our "China+1" hypothesis, with Vietnamese technology 
exports growing 34% while Malaysian electronics manufacturing shows 22% growth in 
European markets previously dominated by Chinese suppliers. This diversification 
appears sustainable based on 3-quarter trending data.

3. SERVICE TRADE ACCELERATION
Digital service exports (particularly in Singapore and the Philippines) show 
remarkable 41% growth compared to Q3 2022, now accounting for 18% of total ASEAN 
exports—a historic high. This services component remains underemphasized in our 
strategic positioning.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

• The Singapore-Malaysia-Vietnam technology corridor presents an immediate 
  opportunity for our logistics services expansion, with projected demand growth 
  of 31% over the next 4 quarters.

• ASEAN's reduced dependence on Chinese technology imports (down 12% YoY) creates 
  market entry opportunities for our North American partners seeking alternative 
  supply chains.

• Our current investment allocation underweights digital services (only 7% of 
  regional portfolio) despite its demonstrated growth trajectory, suggesting 
  needed rebalancing.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

1. Increase logistics capacity within the Singapore-Malaysia-Vietnam corridor by 
   Q1 2024
2. Develop specialized financing products for technology manufacturers shifting 
   production to ASEAN
3. Accelerate digital services capability through targeted acquisition in Singapore 
   or the Philippines
4. Prepare comprehensive briefing on semiconductor opportunities for April board 
   meeting

Analysis prepared by: Strategic Intelligence Team
Date: October 15, 2023

Example 2: Policy Brief from Complex Data

Prompt:

I've uploaded a PDF report on global water security (GlobalWaterRisk_2023.pdf) containing detailed data on transboundary water basins, infrastructure development, and climate projections. I need a policy brief for our diplomatic team that synthesizes the technical findings into clear recommendations. The brief should focus on the Mekong River data (pages 42-58) and highlight actionable diplomatic approaches for addressing upstream-downstream tensions. Include specific reference to the quantitative risk metrics on page 47.

Output:

POLICY BRIEF
MEKONG BASIN: WATER DIPLOMACY PRIORITIES
October 2023

SITUATION SUMMARY

Analysis of the GlobalWaterRisk_2023 report reveals critical escalation in Mekong 
Basin water security challenges. The Basin Vulnerability Index has increased 38% 
since 2018 (p.47), driven primarily by accelerated upstream infrastructure 
development and precipitation pattern shifts.

KEY FINDINGS

1. INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACT ASSESSMENT
   The quantitative analysis on page 47 documents 11 new large-scale dam projects 
   under construction in upstream nations, projected to reduce dry-season flow by 
   17-24% by 2027. This exceeds the critical threshold (15%) identified in 
   previous diplomatic frameworks.

2. SHIFTING SEASONAL PATTERNS
   Historical flow data (p.53) shows monsoon periods shortened by 18 days on 
   average while delivering 22% higher peak volumes, drastically complicating 
   coordinated water management approaches.

3. DOWNSTREAM VULNERABILITY
   The economic impact model (p.55) projects $1.8B in annual agricultural losses 
   in Vietnam's Mekong Delta under current development trajectories, with 8.4 
   million people directly affected.

4. GOVERNANCE GAP
   Only 7 of 24 identified critical indicators are currently covered in existing 
   Mekong agreements, creating substantial governance deficits in emerging 
   challenge areas.

DIPLOMATIC OPPORTUNITIES

The Diplomatic Engagement Potential Matrix (p.58) identifies three promising 
approaches:

1. TECHNICAL COOPERATION EXPANSION
   • Establish joint technical monitoring committee for real-time data sharing
   • Secure commitment for 45-day advance notification of flow alterations 
     (currently voluntary)
   • Leverage neutral third parties for data verification protocols

2. ECONOMIC INCENTIVE ALIGNMENT
   • Develop benefit-sharing framework for hydropower revenues
   • Link downstream agricultural productivity to regional trade preferences
   • Create dedicated adaptation funding mechanism for affected communities

3. INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING
   • Elevate Mekong River Commission authority through ministerial endorsements
   • Integrate water security metrics into regional trade agreements
   • Establish binding consultation processes for new infrastructure projects

IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDATIONS

• Lead initiative for emergency flow management protocols before next dry season 
  (January 2024)
• Secure technical verification mission to three key upstream dam projects by 
  December 2023
• Prepare watershed conservation funding proposal for April donor conference
• Engage energy ministers on regional power-sharing alternatives to unilateral 
  hydropower development

The risk metrics on page 47 indicate a 62% probability of significant water 
conflict within 36 months absent enhanced diplomatic intervention.

Prepared by: Transboundary Water Security Team
Classification: For Official Use Only

Example 3: Investment Risk Analysis

Prompt:

I have data from our country risk spreadsheet (Political_Risk_Assessment_2023.xlsx) and regional investment flows (Capital_Flows_Quarterly.xlsx). I need an analysis of how recent political developments in East Africa are affecting investment patterns in the energy sector. The political risk sheet has governance indicators and stability metrics, while the capital flows spreadsheet breaks down investment by sector and origin. Please prepare a briefing that our investment committee can use to update our regional strategy.

Output:

INVESTMENT INTELLIGENCE
EAST AFRICA ENERGY SECTOR: RISK & OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT
Q3 2023

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Analysis of the Political_Risk_Assessment and Capital_Flows_Quarterly data reveals 
a significant divergence in energy investment patterns across East Africa, with 
political stability emerging as the determining factor in capital allocation 
decisions. The data indicates a pronounced "flight to governance" dynamic that 
creates both specific vulnerabilities and strategic opportunities.

KEY TRENDS

1. GOVERNANCE PREMIUM EFFECT
The correlation between governance indicators and energy investment is now at 0.78 
(up from 0.61 in 2022), with Kenya and Tanzania capturing 74% of regional energy 
investment despite representing only 43% of regional energy potential. This 
governance premium has increased electricity project financing costs by 320-450 
basis points in lower-governance environments.

2. CHINESE INVESTMENT RECALIBRATION
Chinese energy investments have decreased 38% year-over-year in Ethiopia and Uganda 
while increasing 23% in Kenya and Tanzania, contradicting the conventional wisdom 
that Chinese capital is governance-insensitive. This represents a strategic shift 
in Chinese risk assessment.

3. RENEWABLES VS. TRADITIONAL ENERGY DIVERGENCE
Renewable energy investments show even stronger governance sensitivity (correlation 
coefficient 0.84) compared to traditional energy (0.65), resulting in clean energy 
development concentrating in politically stable markets. This creates a widening 
"green gap" with significant implications for long-term development.

4. REGIONAL FRAGMENTATION
The investment pattern has created a two-tier energy development trajectory, with 
governance-challenged states increasingly dependent on domestic public financing 
for critical energy infrastructure, straining already limited fiscal resources.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

• The "governance premium" creates competitive advantage for operations in Kenya 
  and Tanzania, with lower financing costs and greater project development certainty

• Uganda and Ethiopia face increasing challenges in attracting private capital for 
  energy development, creating potential opportunities for investors with higher 
  risk tolerance and political risk mitigation strategies

• Public-private partnership opportunities are expanding as governments seek 
  alternative financing structures, particularly in Ethiopia where new frameworks 
  were approved in August

• Regional power integration projects are gaining momentum to balance the investment 
  disparities, with donor support increasing 47% for cross-border transmission projects

RECOMMENDATION

We recommend a selective increase in Kenyan and Tanzanian renewable exposure while 
maintaining strategic positioning in Ethiopia through sovereign-backed projects and 
development finance partnerships. Uganda presents selective opportunities in 
smaller-scale distributed energy projects with appropriate risk mitigation structures.

A detailed investment opportunity pipeline analysis is available in the appendix.

Prepared by: Emerging Markets Strategy Team
Date: September 30, 2023

Example 4: Regional Stability Analysis

Prompt:

I've compiled satellite imagery analysis (Sahel_Climate_Imagery.pdf), agricultural production data (Crop_Yields_2018-2023.xlsx), and population displacement figures (UNHCR_Migration_Data.csv) for the Sahel region. Can you prepare a comprehensive security assessment that explains how environmental changes are affecting regional stability? The analysis should help our humanitarian response team prioritize interventions and anticipate future hotspots. Include specific reference to the rainfall anomaly data on page 15 of the PDF.

Output:

SAHEL REGION: CLIMATE-SECURITY NEXUS ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 2023

I. CRITICAL FINDINGS

The integrated analysis of satellite imagery, agricultural data, and population 
movements reveals an accelerating climate-security feedback loop in the Sahel. 
The data shows three distinct but interconnected phenomena:

1. CLIMATE DETERIORATION
The satellite data confirms a significant expansion of rainfall anomalies across 
the central Sahel. Page 15 of the Sahel_Climate_Imagery.pdf quantifies a 32% 
increase in areas experiencing severe negative rainfall deviations (-40% below 
historical averages) compared to 2018 baselines. These anomalies now affect 58% 
of arable land in the region.

2. AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM COLLAPSE
The Crop_Yields spreadsheet documents catastrophic agricultural impacts:
• Millet production: -47% across affected regions
• Sorghum yields: -38% with local variations
• Livestock mortality: Increased 3.7x in pastoral zones
• Cultivated land abandonment: 28% increase in northern regions

3. POPULATION DISPLACEMENT CASCADES
The UNHCR dataset reveals complex migration patterns with three distinct flows:
• Rural-to-urban migration: 1.2 million people (primarily working-age males)
• Cross-border displacement: 840,000 people (primarily whole family units)
• Secondary displacement: 290,000 people previously displaced now moving again

II. SECURITY IMPLICATIONS

The data demonstrates strong correlations between climate impacts and security 
deterioration:

• Areas with >30% crop yield reduction show 74% higher incidents of intercommunal 
  conflict within 6-8 months
• Rural districts experiencing >25% livestock mortality show 68% higher recruitment 
  into non-state armed groups
• Population displacement correlates with governance degradation, with government 
  service provision collapsing in areas losing >15% of population

III. GEOGRAPHIC PRIORITIZATION

Cross-referencing all datasets identifies these critical hotspots:

IMMEDIATE CONCERN (0-6 months):
• Central Mali/Northern Burkina Faso border region
• Lake Chad Basin (particularly southeastern Niger)
• Western Sudan/Eastern Chad borderlands

EMERGING CONCERN (6-12 months):
• Northern Nigeria (Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina)
• Southern Mauritania
• Western Niger

IV. INTERVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

1. TARGETED HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE
• Prioritize food security interventions in identified hotspots
• Implement emergency livestock support in pastoral corridors
• Establish displacement monitoring systems in urban reception areas

2. CONFLICT MITIGATION STRATEGIES
• Support local resource-sharing agreements in mixed farmer/herder zones
• Strengthen early warning networks in areas projected for displacement
• Facilitate cross-border coordination for shared resource management

3. RESILIENCE BUILDING
• Accelerate drought-resistant crop distribution in vulnerable but stable areas
• Support water infrastructure in communities showing population retention
• Focus livelihood diversification programs in high out-migration zones

V. MONITORING METRICS

Key indicators for ongoing assessment:
• Rainfall pattern deviations (compared to projections on p.18)
• Market price differentials for staple crops
• Nighttime light density changes (as urban growth proxy)
• Intercommunal conflict incident density
• Livestock migration pattern alterations

The analysis suggests a critical 4-6 month window for preventative action before 
several at-risk zones cross identified climate-security tipping points.

Prepared by: Humanitarian Response Analysis Team
Classification: For Official Use Only

Example 5: Supply Chain Risk Assessment

Prompt:

We have conducted a supply chain vulnerability assessment across our global operations. The data is in Supply_Chain_Risk_2023.xlsx with tabs for supplier locations, political risk scores, transport routes, and historical disruption patterns. We also have a consultant report (Critical_Materials_Analysis.pdf) on rare earth minerals and semiconductor components. Please prepare a concise geopolitical risk briefing for our board that identifies our most significant vulnerabilities and recommends mitigation strategies.

Output:

GEOPOLITICAL SUPPLY CHAIN RISK ASSESSMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BRIEFING
OCTOBER 2023

I. CRITICAL VULNERABILITIES IDENTIFIED

Analysis of the supply chain datasets reveals five high-impact vulnerability points 
requiring immediate strategic attention:

1. SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENT CONCENTRATION
The data shows 78% of our advanced semiconductor components originate from three 
Taiwanese facilities within a 45km radius. This geographic concentration creates a 
single-point vulnerability with potential for catastrophic disruption (disruption 
impact score: 92/100).

2. RARE EARTH PROCESSING BOTTLENECK
While rare earth mining occurs across nine countries in our supplier network, 84% 
of processing capacity remains concentrated in a single country, creating both 
geopolitical leverage risk and potential regulatory exposure (as highlighted on 
p.37 of Critical_Materials_Analysis.pdf).

3. MARITIME CHOKEPOINT DEPENDENCE
Shipping route analysis reveals 67% of our critical components transit through two 
maritime chokepoints (Malacca Strait and Suez Canal). Historical disruption patterns 
indicate increasing frequency of delays at these points (21% increase year-over-year).

4. SECONDARY SUPPLIER VULNERABILITY
The risk matrix on p.42 of the consultant report correctly identifies our primary 
supplier diversification but overlooks that 72% of these "diverse" suppliers share 
common sub-tier suppliers, creating hidden concentration risk.

5. CLIMATE EXPOSURE IN KEY LOGISTICS HUBS
Four critical logistics hubs (representing 58% of our distribution capacity) are 
located in regions with high climate vulnerability scores (>75/100), with projected 
disruption probability increasing 8% annually.

II. STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

These vulnerabilities create specific business risks with varying time horizons:

• Near-term (0-12 months): Significant margin pressure from continued component 
  price volatility and logistics premiums
• Medium-term (1-3 years): Potential for extended production disruptions absent 
  mitigation steps
• Long-term (3+ years): Strategic disadvantage relative to competitors with more 
  resilient supply chains

Our current risk mitigation approach addresses only 31% of identified high-impact 
vulnerabilities.

III. MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS

1. GEOGRAPHICAL DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY
• Accelerate qualification of Japanese and American semiconductor alternatives 
  despite 14% price premium
• Develop secondary rare earth processing relationships in three alternative 
  jurisdictions
• Implement alternate routing options for 40% of Asia-sourced components

2. INVENTORY STRATEGY MODIFICATION
• Increase safety stock of 23 critical components identified in vulnerability 
  assessment
• Adopt differentiated inventory strategy based on geopolitical risk score rather 
  than solely value-based approach
• Develop vendor-managed inventory programs for chokepoint-vulnerable components

3. SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP RESTRUCTURING
• Implement sub-tier mapping requirement for strategic suppliers
• Develop financial incentives for suppliers who demonstrate geographic 
  diversification
• Create preferential terms for suppliers implementing climate resilience measures

4. TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCT ADAPTATION
• Accelerate redesign of five products to reduce dependence on highest-risk 
  components
• Evaluate near-shoring opportunities for 28% of currently vulnerable manufacturing
• Implement advanced risk monitoring technology with predictive capabilities

IV. IMPLEMENTATION ROADMAP

• Immediate (Q4 2023): Launch critical component mapping and establish risk 
  monitoring capabilities
• Near-term (H1 2024): Begin inventory strategy modification and supplier 
  relationship restructuring
• Medium-term (2024-2025): Implement geographical diversification and technological 
  adaptation

Investment required: $18.7M (detailed in appendix)
Expected ROI: 340% over 5 years through disruption avoidance and margin preservation

Prepared by: Supply Chain Resilience Team
Date: October 12, 2023

Tips for Getting the Most Out of LLMs for Analysis

• Provide Document Context: Reference specific files, data formats, and key sections to generate more targeted analysis.
• Specify Audience and Format: Indicate whether you need an executive summary, detailed analysis, or specialized briefing format.
• Include Data Types: Mention if you're working with spreadsheets, PDFs, satellite imagery, or other specialized data formats.
• Request Specific Outputs: Ask for prioritized recommendations, risk assessments, or strategic implications based on your needs.
• Use Industry Terminology: Including relevant terminology helps the LLM frame responses appropriately for your field.
• Iterate and Refine: Use initial analyses as starting points, then ask for deeper dives into specific areas of interest.

Conclusion

LLMs have transformed how professionals approach complex analytical tasks, enabling rapid synthesis of information from diverse sources into actionable intelligence. By effectively prompting these models with reference to your specific data sources and desired output formats, you can generate sophisticated analyses that would previously have required significant time and specialized expertise.

The examples in this post demonstrate how LLMs can transform raw data from various formats into executive-ready briefings that highlight critical insights, implications, and recommendations. While these tools provide valuable analytical capabilities, they work best when combined with human judgment and domain expertise.

As global challenges become increasingly complex and data-intensive, LLMs offer a powerful complement to traditional analytical approaches, helping organizations respond more quickly and effectively to emerging opportunities and risks.