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Economics International

3 reasons economists keep forecasting growth wrong

The Fed and IMF again downgraded US growth projections, as they have done repeatedly for the last five years. When the Federal Reserve and the IMF downgraded their forecasts for

Asia Pacific Finance

China’s mortgages pose risk to financial system

Zero-down payment mortgages in China suggest an increasingly risky Chinese financial system, with symptoms similar to those seen leading up to the U.S. credit crisis. Home buyers all over China, from Guangzhou and

Middle East/North Africa Politics

ISIL in Iraq Series: What does ISIL mean for Iraqi Kurdistan?

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has moved onto the Kurdistan Regional Governorate’s doorstep, killing and plundering its way from Mosul to near Baghdad. Some champions of Kurdistan see

International Politics

Moldova Elections 2014: 5 Things to Watch

Moldova’s upcoming elections in November present short-term and long-term political risks. Here are five specific events to watch in the coming months. 1. Short-term support for the European Union The situation in Moldova

Economics International

Iran-South America trade suffers as relations thaw with the West

Iran’s relations with South America under former president Ahmadinejad now face a decline in economic cooperation, as Iran mends its ties with the United States. Will improved relations between Iran and the

Middle East/North Africa Security

ISIL in Iraq Series: New enemies challenge ISIL’s continued advance

ISIL has conquered substantial territory in past weeks, but also gained new enemies. The increased focus on and military contra against ISIL means that the group cannot continue for long.

Politics South and Central Asia

Will Modi achieve ‘minimum government, maximum governance?’

India’s new Prime Minister Modi seeks to cut the federal government and make it more efficient. Yet, there are significant challenges to overcome before he can improve the efficiency, effectiveness and

Middle East/North Africa Security

ISIL in Iraq Series: Iraq-Turkey economic ties survive ISIL

ISIL is proving to be not just a political threat to Iraq, but an economic one too. Nevertheless, Iraq-Turkey trade and investment prospects will not suffer as ruinous a decline

Asia Pacific Politics

Indian PM Modi’s visit puts Bhutan in the spotlight

This June, Narendra Modi, India’s new Prime Minister, has chosen Bhutan as the destination for his first foreign visit. This decision has important consequences for Bhutan and its future economic path.

Asia Pacific Economics

3 good investments in Modi’s India

What will be the economic impact of Narenda Modi’s election as prime minister of India? On June 11, 2014, Narendra Modi delivered his first speech as prime minister of India