Archive
US seeks to weaken China’s high-tech global ambitions
In the midst of trade war threats between the US and China, Trump’s latest trade tariffs emerge as the new American strategy to weaken Xi Jinping’s plans to transform China into a major high-tech player.
Special report: The impact of Iraq’s 2018 parliamentary elections
On 12 May, Iraqis chose their representatives for Parliament. In an environment influenced by the four-year conflict with the Islamic State and the fragmentation of politics, these elections are a critical test.
Albania’s religious harmony endures in the face of new challenges
Last week, the leaders of each of Albania’s religious communities reaffirmed their commitment to continued interfaith dialogue. Such dialogue has been an important factor in Albania’s political stability, although the religious establishment will face challenges in mitigating new forms of extremism and division.
US antitank missiles risk escalating the Ukrainian conflict
The recent delivery of US antitank missiles to Ukraine risks escalating the ongoing conflict with Russian-backed forces in the east of the country. If not accompanied by a concrete strategy, US support also risks driving a wedge between Ukraine and the EU, generating weaknesses which Moscow can then exploit.
The Nicaraguan crisis deepens
The ongoing political crisis in Nicaragua between the Sandinista government under President Daniel Ortega and anti-government protesters continues to worsen. The crisis marks the worst period of political violence that Nicaragua has faced since the end of its civil war in 1989.
Britain’s black money crackdown: treading a fine line
The UK is getting tough on the proceeds of foreign corruption at a time of heightened tensions with Russia. Downing Street will be keen to limit any further fallout with Moscow by adopting the right punitive measures.
Disagreements on eurozone reform impact economic outlook
Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious plans to reform eurozone institutions received a further setback when German chancellor Angela Merkel toed her party’s line and rejected some of his bolder proposals when the two met in Berlin last week.
Elections in Hungary point to growing rift between East and West
With the re-election of Fidesz party leader, Viktor Orbán for a third term, Hungary joins Poland and Italy in the rising tide of right-wing governments.
Special Report: Cryptocurrency’s future may depend on cybersecurity
Despite the excitement around all things crypto, the proliferation of cryptocurrency ventures is generating new cybersecurity risks. How governments and industry manage those risks may determine the future of the crypto market.
Pre-salt reserves make Brazil ripe for investment, but risk remains
On October 27, 2017, new auction rounds for the eight pre-salt blocks in Brazil were launched. As the Brazilian government approved a new regulatory framework for the bidding process to allow more investors, 14 foreign companies and two Brazilian entities were qualified to participate in the auction.
