Archive
Greek presidency gives window for Albania EU bid
In December 2013, the European Council rejected the Commission’s recommendation to grant Albania candidate country status. But on May 12 this year, the sixth meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council
US Decline Series: Financial sector health makes US a sound investment
The US regulatory response to the crisis has resulted in a stronger market and equipped the US to deal with future crises. This GRI series challenges the myth of the American
Senegal sukuk bond signals wider African interest in Islamic finance
Senegal plans to issue an Islamic law compliant bond in 2014, building on momentum in sukuk issuance globally. Senegal’s government looks set to issue a type of Islamic bond, known
Broadband faces long last mile in Middle East and Africa
Big infrastructure projects are already in place to improve much of the Middle East and Africa’s expensive and slow Internet. For many countries, however, many issues lie ahead. Over the
Bhutan rests hopes for economy on new PM
In the years following Bhutan’s political reform, the country’s economy and infrastructure still lag behind. Heavily dependent on India for aid, Bhutan must attract more foreign investment and strengthen its
Sino-Russian natural gas deal transforms global energy markets
The Sino-Russian energy deal will have profound economic consequences for global energy markets and will have an impact on relations between Russia and the West. On 21 May, Russia and
No promise of quick return to democracy after Thai coup
Last week’s military coup follows the traditions of Thai politics, where generals frequently intervene to end political paralysis. Yet, unlike Thailand’s many previous coups, this time there is no promise
US Decline Series: Shale transforms the US into a global energy giant
Technological innovations and a positive regulatory framework are transforming the United States into a major energy player that is beginning to change the global energy outlook. This GRI series challenges
Final agreement with Iran would boost trade but hurt China
With the introduction of a comprehensive agreement and the thawing of U.S-Iranian relations, a new era of regional dynamics will be ushered in. Some of these dynamics could adversely impact
Resurgence of MFN clauses in contracts and treaties
Most favored nation clauses have been around for centuries. Perhaps because of their increasing popularity, however, governments and the public are starting to question how well they work. What do
