Archive
The not-so-uncertain future of British-Iranian relations
In August 2015, after four years of closure, the British Embassy in Tehran reopened its doors. As Ambassador to the Islamic Republic, Nicholas Hopton, is a seasoned diplomat familiar with the Gulf region with previous experience serving as Ambassador to Qatar.
India, France, and their new security agreements
Regional power struggles and maritime security are at the heart of new security agreements between France and India. India is especially worried about being geopolitically isolated by China, and is seeking to expand its presence in the Indian Ocean.
MD3 bill likely to increase political risk in Indonesia
Indonesia’s parliament recently passed a controversial legislative amendment that bans public criticism of the government. The law, known as MD3, highlights a growing problem with the lack of accountability for Indonesian politicians.
Trade agreement holds key economic, security benefits for Tunisia and the EU
Tunisia and the EU are negotiating an extension of the existing free trade agreement. The agreement would, if prudently negotiated, offer benefits for both sides of the Mediterranean and could help strengthening political ties. But first, two fiddly subjects remain for the negotiators: services and agricultural goods.
Interview: Rising drone capabilities of non-state actors
Recent years have seen an increase in drone proliferation of non-state actors, and the risk that drones might be used for terrorist attacks in the West is of high concern for those in charge of counter-terrorism measures.
The Week Ahead: 15 – 21 April 2018
Cuban Assembly selects Raul Castro’s successor. Paraguay votes for president. Tensions in Syria escalate. IMF-World Bank meetings take place. All in The Week Ahead.
Judge orders Lula’s imprisonment and markets jump
In a historic decision, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court may have ended almost any chance for Lula to run for President in Brazil’s October presidential election. Two days after the decision and after violating Judge Sergio Moro’s timeline for arrest, Lula turned himself in to the Federal Police. Markets reacted positively to the news, but the court’s decision will divide an already polarized country and lead to even more uncertainty ahead of the Presidential election.
Assessing the Trump doctrine of “energy dominance”
If the US is to wield energy as a weapon, it will be perceived as an unreliable supplier, and risk moving at cross-purposes with the system of free and open energy markets that it has promoted for decades.
2018 Iranian Protests: A Second Revolution on the Way in Iran?
What started off as protests spurred on by the deteriorating economic conditions in Iran and the inflation in prices of basic necessities, escalated into a rebellion against the Islamic Republic itself. But is there a risk of another social and political uprising?
Putin’s next 6 years: shadow of stagnation or light of reform?
After his record landslide victory on March 18, with serious economic and political challenges ahead, Russian President Vladimir Putin has his work cut out.
