Latest Insights
Sochi Winter Olympics are the costliest Games ever
The Sochi Olympics, due to be held next February, will be the biggest international event hosted by Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. While the event aims to
5 key takeaways from state elections in India
On December 8, 2013 citizens of India voted in state elections in five states: Delhi, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Mizoram. Here are 5 insights into what elections might mean.
U.S. Congress has a budget deal, but more uncertainty lies ahead
Despite the successful Ryan-Murray budgetary agreement, another U.S. Debt Ceiling Debate Looms on the Horizon. A compromise brokered by Republican Representative Paul Ryan and Democratic Senator Patty Murray is poised
Suriname-Netherlands row downplays economic progress
The Surinamese government recently partnered with Spanish energy firm CEPSA and became a full voting member of the Caribbean Development Bank. However, the Dutch denouncement of the Surinamese executive branch
Tensions rise as OPEC countries look to increase production
OPEC’s internal tensions rise as producers like Iran, Iraq and Libya, after years of production below capacity, look to increase output. Still, those increases will not come online for some
Ruble to spread in global market
Russia is facing many economic problems and has seen its currency, the ruble, drop to record-low levels. Nevertheless, policy makers in Russia and abroad may help to strengthen the Ruble’s
The Volcker Rule depends on regulator cooperation
Over three years in the making, a key piece of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act reaches completion and limits proprietary trading by US banks. Yet,
What to watch for in the TPP trade negotiations
An ambitious free trade agreement between twelve Pacific Rim countries could mirror NAFTA negotiations, with added wrinkles from China and new technologies. U.S. trade delegations are currently reaching across both
The Ukraine-Russian trade deal puts Kiev firmly in the hands of Moscow
On December 17, 2013, Russia agreed to give US$15 billion in economic aid to Ukraine and significantly cut the price on natural gas exported to Ukraine. The deal will have
Book Review: Can Russia Modernize?
As Russia continues into its second decade under Putin’s leadership, and questions of his successor are swirling, the question of how Russia has been governed under Putin’s network has become
