Posts From Kirk Samson

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Insights

U.S.-EU Trade Talks: Under the Spectre of Coronavirus Pandemic

The article assess the impact of coronavirus (CoVid-19) on the global economy, in particular, on the United States and European Union. 

Europe Politics

Impact of ‘GreenLib’ Wave on European business interests

The May elections saw a significant change to the make-up of the European Parliament & reflect a fundamental shift in power politics throughout the EU.

Europe Politics

European Union: Renaissance or Sturm und Drang

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a European Renaissance. This article examines the potential business risks this proposal portends for foreign investors.

Europe Risk Pulse

Fortress Europe? Protectionism and populism raise political risk in the European Union

Is Europe starting to close its doors to foreign competitors? Recent calls to establish “European Champions” in the wake of the U.S.-led trade wars and an attempt to invigorate flagging economies suggest that Europe is starting to pull up the drawbridge of Fortress Europe. Increasing populism throughout the EU, especially in core economic leaders such as Germany and France, are driving political leaders away from globalist principles and towards a more nationalistic economic strategy. As formerly staunch globalists leave center stage and attacks are made on the existing competition structure in the EU, what political risk might foreign firms face in Europe in the near and mid-term future as these political and economic protectionist movements play out?

Europe Risk Pulse

Press freedom and political risk in Central and Eastern Europe

The continuing erosion of press freedom in Central and Eastern Europe should raise alarms among business leaders that operate in the region. Growing media consolidation, autocratic critiques of journalism and prosecutions against reporters are all undermining the ability of observers to get solid business intelligence. In the absence of a free press, political risk is rising in these European markets.