Politics
MD3 bill likely to increase political risk in Indonesia
Indonesia’s parliament recently passed a controversial legislative amendment that bans public criticism of the government. The law, known as MD3, highlights a growing problem with the lack of accountability for Indonesian politicians.
The Week Ahead: 15 – 21 April 2018
Cuban Assembly selects Raul Castro’s successor. Paraguay votes for president. Tensions in Syria escalate. IMF-World Bank meetings take place. All in The Week Ahead.
Judge orders Lula’s imprisonment and markets jump
In a historic decision, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court may have ended almost any chance for Lula to run for President in Brazil’s October presidential election. Two days after the decision and after violating Judge Sergio Moro’s timeline for arrest, Lula turned himself in to the Federal Police. Markets reacted positively to the news, but the court’s decision will divide an already polarized country and lead to even more uncertainty ahead of the Presidential election.
Putin’s next 6 years: shadow of stagnation or light of reform?
After his record landslide victory on March 18, with serious economic and political challenges ahead, Russian President Vladimir Putin has his work cut out.
The Week Ahead: 8 – 14 April 2018
China tariff escalation rattles markets. Summit of the Americas raises Western Hemisphere policy concerns. Guatemala votes to move land dispute case to the ICJ. All in The Week Ahead.
Theresa May’s evolving Brexit strategy
The transition agreement between the UK and EU means that although the UK will officially leave the EU in March 2019, it will still remain in the customs union and single market for another 21 months. The UK’s concessions are indicative of the government’s broader negotiating strategy with the EU.
Xi Jinping: China’s Emperor for life?
The annual full session of the National People’s Congress, which began on 5 March, sees President Xi Jinping on the way to becoming China’s “Emperor” for life.
India’s choice between nationalism and influence
The government of India’s attempt to rewrite history to promote Hindu nationalism is only the latest in a series of domestic actions which could have major international consequences and undermine India’s ability to balance China’s growing power.
The Week Ahead: 26-31 March 2018
Egyptian President likely to be reelected. Presidential election tensions heat up in Sierra Leone. Negotiations to form a government in Italy drag out. All in the Week Ahead.
The firing of Rex Tillerson and the future of US diplomacy
After Rex Tillerson was abruptly fired last week, all eyes are on new appointee Mike Pompeo. Trump and Pompeo are aligned on many issues, and the Iran deal in particular is at risk under the new Secretary of State. But there is still scope for Pompeo to assert himself on North Korea and Trump’s unconventional diplomacy.
