Power Brokers
‘Power Brokers’ features high-level individuals who have a significant impact on political risk environments. Through interviews, in-depth analysis and insider profiles, GRI explores how power brokers affect the distribution of political or economic power, offering unique insight into individuals whose decisions are shaping market trends.
Colombia’s Gulf Clan: The Capture of a Kingpin and the Future of Colombia’s Cartels
In late October 2021, the Colombian military captured Dairo Antonio “Otoniel” Usuga, the head of the Gulf Clan and one of Colombia’s most wanted drug kingpins. Although Colombian president Duque compared Otoniel’s capture to Pablo Escobar’s killing, the two men were dissimilar in most ways. Furthermore, Otoniel’s downfall is unlikely to have a positive effect on Colombia’s drug war, and may actually cause the violence to increase.
Fidesz-Managed Foundations Assume Control of Hungary’s Higher Education System
Through a recent $1.7 billion allocation (comprised of government funds and various property assets) to the privately managed foundation, Mathias Corvinus Collegium (M.C.C.), Victor Orban has expanded the mandate of his governing party, Fidesz, to include the unilateral administration of Hungary’s university system. The immensity of the monetary transfer coupled with the deliberate inclusion of private, Fidesz adjacent interests represent the further consolidation of Orban’s autocratic power and jeopardize institutional legitimacy through unfettered kleptocratic corruption. Though the geopolitical implications cannot yet be quantified, the impact of Orban’s flagrant, politically motivated annexation of Hungarian higher education on capital markets and electoral politics could, potentially, be significant.
Russia’s election year: What to expect from Putin 4.0
Putin enters the Presidential election year of 2018 in arguably his strongest-ever position internationally – and the weakest (relatively speaking) he has been domestically.
Lopez Obrador, the Mexican Messiah?
The presidential campaign of Lopez Obrador, or AMLO, poses a serious threat to the political establishment in Mexico – and to Mexico’s relationship with some of Latin America’s leading economies.
Saudi Crown Prince clears a path to the throne
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is spearheading an anti-corruption drive in Saudi. Here’s why the long term impact should be positive.
The king of MENA e-commerce: Ronaldo Mouchawar
In 2005, Ronaldo Mouchawar efforts spawned Souq.com, which has become the largest e-commerce site in the Arab world and entrepreneurial inspiration.
The enduring influence of Prem Tinsulanonda
Former head of Privy Council Prem Tinsulanonda is returning to political power in Thailand, which bodes well for the country’s political and economic success.
Indonesian president Jokowi: A reform-minded leader
Jokowi won the presidential election of Indonesia in 2014, making him the first president outside of the political and military elite.
How Sérgio Moro is tackling Brazil’s corruption
Moro is quickly becoming a household name in Brazil. His strong stance against corruption has led him to uncover multibillion dollar corruption schemes.
The young emir: Emir Tamim and Qatar’s future
With Emir Tamim – the youngest head of state in the Middle East – Qatar aims to rapidly expand and diversify its economy while tempering its foreign policy. Across the
