Latest Insights
Low oil prices fuel political and economic instability
A year after the beginning of the biggest oil price slump in a decade, it is worthwhile to assess the current state of affairs and estimate the costs both for
Japan’s Southeast Asia charm offensive
Japan has increasingly enhanced its cooperation with Southeast Asian states in a bid to counter China’s growing regional influence. Regional states will benefit from this, so long as they can
Foreign capital remains starved for US commercial real estate
Despite the Fed’s upcoming rate hike and increased volatility in global markets, the US remains a top destination for commercial real estate investment. Well into the second half of 2015,
Is Boko Haram re-creating a caliphate in Africa?
Both Boko Haram and ISIS have emerged as serious security threats, which draw upon religious-historical ties to boost their images. ISIS is attempting to redraw the border of the Middle
South America joins the global currency war
Amid continued low commodity prices, a slow down in demand from Asian economies, and the Chinese devaluation of the Yuan, South America looks poised to jump into the global currency
The China slowdown: Who loses in the Middle East?
Recent volatility in China’s stock market signals investors’ general skepticism about the economy’s prospects. However, Middle East oil exporters may stand to lose the most if the growth of Chinese
Anti-trash protests reveal fragility of Lebanese state
Recent demonstrations in downtown Beirut turned violent last week after security forces used water cannons and tear gas against protesters who are calling for an end to the country’s trash
Bangladesh garment industry: Compliant? Yes. Competitive? Not so much.
While Bangladesh has set out an ambitious export strategy, a variety of factors and challenges will ultimately determine its execution. With a booming readymade garment manufacturing industry, Bangladesh follows China
Chinese firms edging out Samsung and Apple in the smartphone industry
Aggressive pricing and strategic partnerships drive China’s rising profile in the global smartphone market. It may not be long until “Made in China” becomes a mark of prestige. Smartphones may
In Kenya, it’s “Game of Phones” in the telecom sector
Things are moving fast in Kenya’s telecommunications sector. As a consequence of the enormous growth in the mobile communications industry in Kenya, tensions might undermine its further development as the
