Politics
Book Review: Putin’s Kleptocracy
Anyone interested in the development of capitalism in post-Soviet Russia, Putin’s rise to power, and the nexus between Russian oligarchic business and foreign policy will find this book to be
Indonesia seeks to tackle economic reforms
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has sought to fulfill campaign promises to develop the Indonesian economy and tackle the deficit. To this end, Widodo has bolstered domestic industries with subsidies and
Japan extends sanctions against North Korea
Following international allegations of cyber-hacking and continued nuclear testing, Japan is the next nation to extend sanctions against North Korea. However, there is still hope that North Korea might be
Vietnam tree cutting debacle highlights opaque politics
A government program that planned to cut more than 6,700 trees in a bid to ‘beautify’ Hanoi, Vietnam, has been abruptly halted due to significant public backlash. While analysts have heralded this
Tensions subside in Bangladesh, but is turmoil over?
Bangladesh has been embroiled in a destructive political turmoil for the past three months. Widespread political agitation, sporadic incidents of violence and arson, and breakdown of the societal structure have
Obama’s Pivot to Asia fails to impress China
The Pivot to Asia, America’s new grand strategy announced in 2011, rebalanced America’s focus towards the Asia-Pacific region. Less than four years later, the launch of the Asian Infrastructure Investment
Lee Kuan Yew’s passing offers Singapore unexpected lessons
The passing of longtime ruler and modernizer Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) in Singapore has raised questions about the future of the prosperous micro-nation. While some worry about the country’s prospects
GRI’s Weekly Risk Outlook
Americas countries meet in Panama City for OAS summit. Alcoa reports aluminum figures in weak metals market. African currencies prepare themselves for bumpy week. US presidential candidates hint at intentions. Central
Will corruption undermine growth in Mexico?
The multi-billion dollar scandal in Brazil now sinking state-owned oil company Petrobras and tipping the economy into stagflation is a clear warning to Mexico, another Latin American emerging market plagued
Vietnam’s investment reforms fall flat
Vietnam has amended several laws and issued decrees to encourage investment in the country. However, these measures may create more problems than they resolve. During the past year, Vietnam has amended
