Posts From Havard Bergo

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North America Politics

Separatist defeat in Quebec elections calms investors

The stunning defeat of the Parti Quebecois at the hands of the Liberal Party effectively kills the French-Canadian quest for autonomy – at least until the next election. When premier Pauline

International Security

Arctic nations continue militarizing the Arctic

Arctic nations have in recent years unveiled plans to upgrade military capabilities, allowing for operations in the harsh Arctic region. Yet while these developments affirm the increased strategic value of

International Natural resources and energy

Arctic extraction sees huge potential, high risks

Massive petroleum and mineral reserves in the Arctic region are gradually becoming accessible due to climate change. However, companies face high risks as a result of large investment and operational

Economics International

Northeast Passage to revolutionize global shipping

Developing the Northeast Passage could revitalize Arctic regions, allow the shipping industry to bypass politically unstable areas and reduce travel costs and carbon emissions. But the project is dependent on

Asia Pacific Security

Forgotten southern insurgency divides Thailand

The political power struggle in Bangkok has dominated international reports from Thailand since the military coup seven years ago, yet a far more lethal conflict goes on in Thailand’s Deep

Asia Pacific Politics

Historic cross-strait talks signal a new step in relations

Unfortunately, improved cross-strait economic ties do little to resolve the status quo, as the final objectives of Beijing and Taipei remain fundamentally irreconcilable. At the first governmental meeting since they split apart

Asia Pacific Economics

Growth in Myanmar undermined by rising inflation

McKinsey estimates that Myanmar’s GDP could quadruple in size to over $200 billion in the next 20 years. But inflation may derail the prospect of growth and progress. Myanmar’s political

North America Politics

Extensive corruption in Quebec undermines competition

Will Quebec’s Charbonneau Commission succeed in rooting out corruption, or will the crooked culture persist? The answer to that question will have a substantial impact on the province’s prospects for

Economics Europe

Norway’s falling housing prices threaten growth

Negative prognoses based on falling housing prices may not, in fact, spell disaster for the Norway’s economy. Yet, dependency on oil is a continuous policy problem that the new government

Asia Pacific Politics

Abe’s Yasakuni trip was a successful political gamble

The visit of Japanese prime minister Abe to the Yasakuni Shrine fueled tensions between Japan and its neighbors, drawing harsh rebuke for the glorification of militarism and a lack of