Latest Insights

Back to homepage
Economics Sub-Saharan Africa

Ebola outbreak takes toll on local economies

The deadly Ebola virus has continued to spread across West Africa, with dire secondary effects on the affected countries’ economies. The deadly Ebola virus made news when it killed Sheikh

Economics Latin America

Colombia risks being caught in middle-income trap

Colombia is becoming a popular Latin American investment market. But if Bogotá wants to grow beyond the middle-income range and become a long term-investment destination, the government will have to emphasize better governance

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Jordan turns to China for energy development

Despite the conflict in Iraq and Syria at its front door, Jordan is moving forward with plans to develop its energy sector. China is Jordan’s fastest growing partner in this

Economics International

Will commercial airlines avoid conflict zones?

Commercial airlines are reconsidering flying over “hot” conflict zones after the recent Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crash over eastern Ukraine. How long will this change last? EU and US sanctions and

Economics Latin America

Argentina’s default raises more questions than answers

Of all the defaults through Argentina’s history, the one on august 3rd 2014 is the strangest to date. Moreover, its implications could spill over to the rest of global markets. In

Economics Europe

Can vodka markets expose Russian influence?

The vodka market may be an indicator of economic trends in Russia and the former Soviet bloc countries. With Russia’s ongoing provocations in the country of Ukraine, questions have arisen as to

Middle East/North Africa Security

Is Khalifa Haftar Libya’s next strongman?

Violence in Libya has moved the country close to a failed state. With the United States determined to prevent another Islamist takeover in the region, is General Khalifa Haftar in line to

Asia Pacific Politics

What Xi Jinping’s visit means for South Korea

In early July, Xi Jinping made a monumental visit to South Korea before visiting North Korea for the first time. China shows willingness to engage in a closer relationship with South

Europe Politics

What the Yukos ruling means for the Russian economy

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that Russia must compensate former Yukos shareholders $50 billion. This comes at a difficult time for investors in the Russian economy. More importantly, the ruling revives the ghosts

North America Politics

Opinion: New assertive Canadian foreign policy

The last decade has seen a dramatic transformation of Canada’s reputation and assertiveness abroad. Recent comments from Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau highlight just how fundamentally its foreign policy discourse has