International
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
Sino-Russian gas deal: Alliance or partnership?
Does the recent gas deal between Russia and China signal a broader geopolitical alliance between the two countries, or is it simply an economic partnership? The recent announcement of a
EU-India trade agreement stalled by EU politics
The EU and India have negotiated an ambitious free trade agreement since 2007. Yet, an early conclusion of the agreement is highly unlikely as Brussels is in crisis mode. India and
Why Russia is not concerned about the G7
Russia was excluded from this year’s G7 summit due to its threatening behavior in Ukraine. However, this may not be the breakdown in international relations many fear and is probably
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,
E-commerce businesses look to Middle East
The Middle East is reaching the internet in greater numbers every day, and there are high hopes that the region can become the next great e-commerce hub. The market remains
Sino-Russian natural gas deal transforms global energy markets
The Sino-Russian energy deal will have profound economic consequences for global energy markets and will have an impact on relations between Russia and the West. On 21 May, Russia and
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
Political risk alive and well in the global oil industry
Despite innovation in the US oil patch, the big stories in oil still lie outside the US—where hydraulic fracturing and innovation in drilling technology are unlikely to play a major
US Decline Series: Are the dollar’s days as reserve currency numbered?
Despite speculation that the days of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency will soon be over, a number of factors make such a changing of the guard unlikely. This
