Archive
US Cities Series: Innovation, growth, and ambition in Kansas City
Usually, the Midwest is not known for technological innovation. Kansas City is rapidly changing that. Those residing outside of the Kansas City metropolitan area could be forgiven for associating the
Book Review: Putin’s Kleptocracy
Anyone interested in the development of capitalism in post-Soviet Russia, Putin’s rise to power, and the nexus between Russian oligarchic business and foreign policy will find this book to be
Indonesia seeks to tackle economic reforms
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has sought to fulfill campaign promises to develop the Indonesian economy and tackle the deficit. To this end, Widodo has bolstered domestic industries with subsidies and
Islamic State expands control of Arsal, Lebanon
Recent developments along the Lebanese north-eastern border region with Syria highlight the current expansion of the Islamic State to control the Arsal district and points to heightened instability in the
Japan extends sanctions against North Korea
Following international allegations of cyber-hacking and continued nuclear testing, Japan is the next nation to extend sanctions against North Korea. However, there is still hope that North Korea might be
US Cities Series: Minneapolis excels with public investment philosophy
Having avoided a race-to-the-bottom of tax breaks to lure businesses, Minneapolis-St. Paul’s long-term approach to public investments is key to its economic success. For the coldest metropolitan area in the
Why does everybody love Chile?
Replacing Brazil as a potential regional leader and as a viable destination for successful businesses, the Andean country has become the go-to-market of Latin America. However, with recent political scandals many
Weekly Risk Outlook
Metals companies meet to discuss mineral markets. US Senate prepares to vote on several bills and nominations. World Bank and IMF release bellwether economic data. Bank of Japan releases monetary
Yemen crisis increases oil price volatility
Instability over Houthi insurgency and Saudi air strikes in Yemen have caused increased oil price volatility. It is fair to say that instability will continue in Yemen for some time
Joint Arab military forces deepens the Saudi-Iran conflict
Arab leaders often concluded their annual Arab Summit meetings with verbal statements regarding the region’s issues, rather than taking any substantial measures. However, this year’s summit held on the 28th of
