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Central America Environment Natural resources and energy

Implications Intensify: Illegal Gold Mining in Brazil’s Amazon Region

A recent uptick in illegal gold mining in Brazil’s northern Amazon states is particularly concerning for private sector actors operating in the territory. It is also posing a serious challenge to the implementation of consistent and effective public policy to curtail such activities.

Asia Pacific Economics

Japan’s cryptocurrency market: Set to bloom or wither?

The popularisation of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology continues to grow worldwide. In Japan, engagement with cryptocurrency has blossomed among investors and major firms. Though that trend is likely to continue over the longer term, it may be tempered by regulation and an aging population.

Economics Europe

Internet Giants and Big Firms: Geopolitical dividends on the horizon?

Political leaders have recently taken actions to curb Big Tech through tax reform, anti-competition investigations, and are considering breaking up potential monopolies.

Asia Pacific Economics

The Great Firewall takes on VPNs

China’s Security Council seems bent on expanding internet restrictions nationwide. Following new legislation in June this year, the crackdown has been swift: even major firms such as Apple and Whatsapp are on the chopping block. The recent banning of VPN services has huge implications for multinationals and the foreign employees that they hire.

Latin America Security

Peru’s Shining Path insurgency reemerges as security threat

On August 9, Peruvian forces captured two top-ranking commanders of the Shining Path Maoist guerrilla, following a series of offensives between the army and the insurgents. The events suggest that the

Latin America Natural resources and energy

South America’s bi-oceanic railway

A recently signed tri-lateral agreement between China, Peru and Brazil set hopes for a bi-oceanic railway corridor. If feasible, the project would significantly reduce trade costs and shipping times to China. On

Europe Technology and infrastructure

Tensions rise between US and EU tech companies

Amid a recent resolution by the European Parliament to break up Google, tensions continue to rise between Europe and American tech companies. What does this mean for Google, tech and

South and Central Asia Technology and infrastructure

Is Tajikistan’s Facebook crackdown a sign of things to come?

Earlier this month, Tajikistan blocked access to several sites, including Facebook, that had published articles critical of the Rakhmon government. The crackdown is a sign of things to come, and

Economics South and Central Asia

Should enthusiasm for India’s e-commerce be curbed?

Recent investments in Indian e-commerce have excited the business community, and reports suggest that the industry will grow from $2 billion to $23 billion by 2018. But there are reasons

Economics International

Local retailers have edge in frontier markets

Growing retail markets in Africa and parts of the Middle East carry vast potential for local retailers, if they can manage to break into them. In much of the developing