Economics
EU’s trust issues may delay TTIP negotiations
Trade liberalization negotiations are on their way between the US and the EU, and may lead to the biggest bilateral trade agreement in history. However, the EU is putting the
Dreams of tourist-friendly North Caucasus hard to realize
North Caucasus hopes to use the Sochi Winter Olympics to attract investment through improvement in tourism. Yet, insecurity, corruption and broken infrastructure make such dreams difficult to realize. The President
Missed opportunity to make US food aid more effective
The United States Congress looks set to approve a farm bill in the coming weeks that would pass on a chance to improve the way the US distributes aid. The
Growth in Myanmar undermined by rising inflation
McKinsey estimates that Myanmar’s GDP could quadruple in size to over $200 billion in the next 20 years. But inflation may derail the prospect of growth and progress. Myanmar’s political
MINT: the new emerging market acronym
In 2001, Jim O’Neill coined the term “BRIC” (Brazil, Russia, India and China). As the BRICs may face economic slowdown questions arise over what emerging market group will replace them.
Will Sochi Winter Games thaw Russia’s rigid economy?
A mega event, such as the Olympics, does not necessarily bring short-term economic gains to the host country. But hosting may lead to a freer market economy down the line.
South Korea is set to perform well in 2014
Despite a looming threat from the north, South Korea is set to perform well in 2014. The government focuses on broadening away from exports and reducing dependency on the yen.
EU accession key to Serbia’s economic future
Serbia hopes that European Union entry will lift it out of economic crisis and into prosperity. Deteriorating public finances and conflicts with neighbors, however, undermine confidence in a smooth accession.
Readmission deal renews hope between EU and Turkey
The signing of the readmission agreement and the initiation of the visa liberalization dialogue between Turkey and the EU may open the road to further economic integration. On 16 December
Is Greece politically ready for a return to the markets?
The Greek government claims a return to the markets in the second half of 2014, while the country’s European partners argue for the potential necessity of a third bailout. The
