Latest Insights
EU Commission faces a TTIP obstacle course
The 6th round of negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) – an ambitious free trade deal between the EU and US – were held in Brussels last
What low rates and high prices mean for investors
With few underpriced assets and interest rates at historical lows, do investors face a bubble or a stable– and unprecedented– leveling in markets? Spain, the jittering economy that recently prompted fears about
Four risks associated with Lithuania’s euro adoption
Lithuania is on track to become the 19th member of the eurozone, given that the country has finally met all convergence criteria. Yet the intense desire for further integration in
Russia seeks to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia – the South Caucasus – continue to be an area of contention between the East and West. This area is of growing importance as the post-Soviet
GRI Series on Brazil: Elections precede economic reform
In Brazil, economic adjustment will have to come from within the ruling party after the October elections. Complex political coalitions and a shared national social policy agenda have created a
Can the Islamic State become a legitimate state?
The Islamic State (IS) has made swift gains in Iraq and Syria, has established a self-claimed Caliphate, and has asserted it is abolishing borders. But can it achieve its goals and create
Azerbaijan’s energy future depends on tightrope diplomacy
Surrounded by regional and international heavyweights, Azerbaijan must use its specific brand of diplomacy if it is to realize its economic aspirations. With the EU clamouring for energy diversification and Washington
US utility companies push back in net metering battle
Net metering has helped propel the American rooftop solar market. Nevertheless, net metering customers may see less favorable energy policy in the future. With the advent of generous incentives for
Ethnic violence hurts FDI in Myanmar
Communal violence between Buddhist and Muslim residents of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second biggest city, shows how ethnic tension remains a key obstacle to civil peace in the country. Mandalay was placed
Korea and Japan suffer from Chinese competition
Samsung’s declining profits and a Japanese stock market slide show how Japan and Korea struggle with declining foreign demand and Chinese competition. One of Korea’s biggest corporations, Samsung, announced that its second-quarter
