Latest Insights
Bhutan rests hopes for economy on new PM
In the years following Bhutan’s political reform, the country’s economy and infrastructure still lag behind. Heavily dependent on India for aid, Bhutan must attract more foreign investment and strengthen its
Sino-Russian natural gas deal transforms global energy markets
The Sino-Russian energy deal will have profound economic consequences for global energy markets and will have an impact on relations between Russia and the West. On 21 May, Russia and
No promise of quick return to democracy after Thai coup
Last week’s military coup follows the traditions of Thai politics, where generals frequently intervene to end political paralysis. Yet, unlike Thailand’s many previous coups, this time there is no promise
US Decline Series: Shale transforms the US into a global energy giant
Technological innovations and a positive regulatory framework are transforming the United States into a major energy player that is beginning to change the global energy outlook. This GRI series challenges
Final agreement with Iran would boost trade but hurt China
With the introduction of a comprehensive agreement and the thawing of U.S-Iranian relations, a new era of regional dynamics will be ushered in. Some of these dynamics could adversely impact
Resurgence of MFN clauses in contracts and treaties
Most favored nation clauses have been around for centuries. Perhaps because of their increasing popularity, however, governments and the public are starting to question how well they work. What do
Saudi foreign policy seems headed in the right direction
Despite a tumultuous year, the new changes in Saudi foreign policy are affecting the region for the better. For almost a year now, observers of Saudi Arabia have felt like
Political risk alive and well in the global oil industry
Despite innovation in the US oil patch, the big stories in oil still lie outside the US—where hydraulic fracturing and innovation in drilling technology are unlikely to play a major
US Decline Series: Are the dollar’s days as reserve currency numbered?
Despite speculation that the days of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency will soon be over, a number of factors make such a changing of the guard unlikely. This
China plans multi-continent high-speed railway
China has announced plans to build a network of high-speed rail lines across several continents. Pollution, cost and safety concerns could be major obstacles to implementing the plan. In China’s latest
