North America

Back to homepage
International North America Politics Security

The firing of Rex Tillerson and the future of US diplomacy

After Rex Tillerson was abruptly fired last week, all eyes are on new appointee Mike Pompeo. Trump and Pompeo are aligned on many issues, and the Iran deal in particular is at risk under the new Secretary of State. But there is still scope for Pompeo to assert himself on North Korea and Trump’s unconventional diplomacy.

North America Politics

Book Review: “Janesville” holds lessons for both parties going into midterms

“Janesville: An American Story” is a captivating account of the impact of the economic crisis and local auto plant closure on a whole community. Despite Trump’s promises, these are problems the current administration is nowhere near addressing – but do the Democrats know what needs to be done either?

Finance North America

OZY+GRI: The bull market’s still built on borrowed money… What could cause the crash?

A nightmarish flashback to the previous economic meltdown may be warranted, especially when it comes to investors using their portfolios as collateral to buy more stocks and bonds on borrowed money.

Economics North America

OZY+GRI: Could this interest rate cliff-edge cripple the US economy?

Out-of-control inflation in the US is a gray rhino — a high-impact, negative occurrence that is rationalized until it is too late. The government’s response, though, could lead to a true black swan: a low-frequency, high-impact event that no one sees coming.

North America Security

Keeping Guantanamo open is a long-term strategic error

Trump’s decision to maintain the Guantanamo Bay facility risks further worsening relations with key Arab and European allies while providing a recruitment incentive for lone-wolf terrorists and other non-state actors.

Economics North America

The modern worker’s dilemma: why are wages falling?

With U.S. economic growth strong and unemployment low, policymakers and economists alike are asking themselves: Why are wages falling?

Economics North America

Opportunity slips away as disagreements over NAFTA continue

President Donald Trump will face major decisions around trade in 2018, especially with regard to the 24-year old North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA).

North America Politics

Will the US midterms spell the end of #MAGA?

Could Trump’s low approval ratings and legislative shortcomings clear the path to a Democrat majority in Congress and derail his vision for America?

Economics North America Technology and infrastructure

The trillion dollar question: will Trump fix America’s infrastructure?

Fresh off passing a major tax reform bill, the Republican-led Congress enters the new year with positive momentum. However, serious obstacles remain to Trump’s prize infrastructure bill.

Economics North America

NAFTA 2.0 negotiations: Why Trump may back off

After six rounds of talks in 2017 between Canada, Mexico and the United States to renegotiate NAFTA, parties still appear far from consensus.