Latest Insights
As global defense spending rises, US firms push abroad
Global defense spending is set to rise for the first time since 2009, as Middle Eastern and Asian-Pacific nations invest more heavily in their militaries. US contractors, squeezed by tight
Ambassador Baucus could bring U.S beef back to China
Former U.S. Senator Max Baucus of Montana, confirmed as the next U.S. Ambassador to China, could help restore U.S. beef exports to China. China banned all U.S. beef exports after a
The Ukraine crisis via the lens of history and EU relations
A primer on how historical context of Kiev’s political evolution and relations with the European Union inform the current situation in Ukraine Violence in Ukraine has greatly escalated in recent
New rules for Indonesia’s mining sector see exports static
Indonesia has placed an export ban on mined ore to encourage local processing. The regulatory changes have been met with resistance from international mining companies, and investor confidence in Indonesia’s mining sector
Growing protests in Venezuela threaten Maduro’s rule
Massive anti-government protests have erupted across Venezuela in what President Nicolas Maduro has called an “evolving coup.” Maduro’s comment might become a self-fulfilling prophecy if protesters and the political opposition continue
Historic cross-strait talks signal a new step in relations
Unfortunately, improved cross-strait economic ties do little to resolve the status quo, as the final objectives of Beijing and Taipei remain fundamentally irreconcilable. At the first governmental meeting since they split apart
Yellen’s first statements chart clear path for Federal Reserve
The new Fed Chairwoman made clear to Congress that her Fed will focus on improving the labor market and being straightforward in its messaging. In her first major appearance since becoming
Why Thailand’s political unrest is not business as usual
Political unrest surrounding the recent elections in Thailand casts a shadow on the future of the economy, which has already experienced contractions. Continued political discord will make Thailand a less
Is capital account convertibility as great as it seems?
Capital account convertibility has many advantages. But does it make sense to link up domestic financial markets tightly with international ones? As the euphoria of cheap and easy money wears
Panama Canal deadlock rattles shipping industry
The Panama Canal expansion is a project of huge dimensions, and the shipping industry tries to tailor ships to its prospective needs. The project recently came to a halt rattling
