Posts From Kevin Amirehsani
Will the Southern African Customs Union last?
One of Africa’s flagship customs unions has gone a long way towards achieving regional economic integration. But this has come at a high – perhaps unacceptable – cost to its
Will TFTA bring free trade from Cape to Cairo?
A new merger of three existing African Free Trade Areas is creating the continent’s largest economic bloc. The tariff reductions and economic harmonization it should bring are welcome news. But
European subsidy cuts deal hard blow to renewables
Europe has proudly led the global pack in renewable energy production for years. But as public and private budgets come under increased pressure, it is increasingly difficult to maintain the hefty
Four ways sanctions on Russia may be intensified
In the aftermath of the recent MH17 crash, it is all but certain that international pressure on Russia will be ramped up. Here are four ways it might happen. The
US utility companies push back in net metering battle
Net metering has helped propel the American rooftop solar market. Nevertheless, net metering customers may see less favorable energy policy in the future. With the advent of generous incentives for
ISIL in Iraq Series: Iraq-Turkey economic ties survive ISIL
ISIL is proving to be not just a political threat to Iraq, but an economic one too. Nevertheless, Iraq-Turkey trade and investment prospects will not suffer as ruinous a decline
Disputes from Maracanã to Marikana put pressure on mining
From Brazil to South Africa and beyond, disputes threaten to disrupt the extractive industry. More than ever, mining firms need to address their social and environmental costs in a sustainable way
US corporate tax backlash keeps OECD at arm’s length
OECD efforts to develop international rules for corporate tax avoidance are necessary, if not overdue. The US, however, is playing politics, in spite of its own pressure on foreign governments
EU seal case adds new protectionism to WTO
The WTO’s public morality exemption has seldom been employed. However, a recent successful challenge has changed that and may herald a litany of trade restrictions in the near future. Goods,
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
