Economics
Italian government bond sell-off limits room for populist spending
The recent bond market sell-off reinforced concerns that investors have over the government’s spending plans. The Italian government is now likely to delay its plan to increase spending, in order to calm market jitters caused by the exposure of domestic banks to sovereign debt.
UK consumer debt: A cause for alarm?
As consumer debt in the UK reaches pre-2008 financial crisis levels within a new low interest rate austerity dynamic, we examine whether there is reasonable cause for concern and how the Government and Bank of England mitigate the risk.
Tunisia’s new modus operandi
In recent months, Tunisia’s government and the worker union UGTT have negotiated an agreement that aims to improve the socio-economic situation of the country. While this new model of having UGTT participates in the policy agenda slows down the reform process, it also offers realistic chances to allow inclusive growth.
Ethiopia between risk and reform
Ethiopia is undergoing its most significant changes since the 1991 birth of the EPRDF ruling coalition under its controversial leader, Meles Zenawi. The last two months have witnessed the realigning of Ethiopia’s economy and bilateral relations with previous foes such as Eritrea and Egypt.
The prospects for Saudi women’s participation in the labor market
In the new Saudi economy, women are essential as workers and consumers, and they are being granted new rights at an unprecedented pace. But to appease conservative forces, female empowerment is likely to remain limited.
Opinion: Trump’s trade war will be easy to lose
Trade wars are not easy nor always winnable despite what Trump suggests. Instead tariffs, once implemented, become extremely difficult to remove.
Despite risks, cryptocurrency presents an exciting opportunity in Africa
As more states in Africa come to accept cryptocurrency in a technology-first approach to digitizing and diversifying their markets, these markets could exploit cryptocurrency opportunities.
Erdogan’s lira problem
Turkey is facing one of the most serious monetary crises of its recent history. Are Erdoğan’s populist politics to blame?
Chinese-Malaysian ties after the election
The new Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir, has indicated that he will reverse significant gains made by China under the outgoing Prime Minister, Najib Razak. In response, China has called
Buying friends through dollar diplomacy
Despite its successful self-governance, the Chinese-claimed territory struggles to maintain international support and acknowledgement as an independent country. Beijing’s ‘dollar diplomacy’ will continue to chip away at Taipei’s legitimacy, leveraging smaller impoverished nations in an effort to solidify and justify its influence over the Taiwan Strait.
