Posts From Elizabeth Matsangou
GRI Series on Brazil: The presidential race is on
President Dilma Rousseff has remained popular throughout most of her first term. But with her approval ratings in decline, does she risk defeat in the upcoming presidential elections? This is
Erdogan and AKP preserve power in local elections
Turkey’s recent mayoral polls were an unofficial referendum on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).The vote results proved that Erdogan has survived the
Africa’s start-ups show potential but lack access to capital
Thanks to the success of its mobile phone market, Africa’s tech start-up scene has developed rapidly, with tremendous market potential. Nevertheless, lack of capital and high service costs could stand in the way
Gulen comments further threaten Turkish stability
Words from the influential preacher Fethullah Gulen from his recluse in a town in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania recently plunged the Turkish state into further political crisis. In a
Gang, cartel violence threatens Mexico’s economic goals
Mexican government forces have stepped up security measures in an attempt to quell clashes between vigilante groups and drug cartels in several towns. Over the last year, vigilante groups have
Iraq’s development suffers as ISIS takes control
In December 2013 insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda captured key strategic cities in Iraq’s largest province, Anbar. Iraqi development is certain to suffer from it. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
Oil privatisation central to Mexico’s economic overhaul
In an act that was met with mixed views by its public, Mexico’s nationalised oil sector has been opened for private investment for the first time in 75 years. In
Algeria’s President Bouteflika is here to stay
Despite poor health, Algerian President Bouteflika has announced his candidacy for next year’s presidential election, potentially his third term in office. Economic conditions and regional stability are thus unlikely to
PM kidnapping shows Libya’s chaos
The kidnapping of Libya’s Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, starkly demonstrates the country’s harrowing post-Gaddafi security crisis. Since the fall of the Gaddafi regime, the level of instability in Libya has
Venezuela’s President Maduro seeks greater autonomy
After six months as president, Hugo Chávez’s handpicked successor, Nicolás Maduro, has made an official request to parliament to rule by decree. The President has spoken out against the corruption
