Latest Insights
Laos’ Mekong dam construction threatens food security
With a reported 60 million people dependent on the Mekong River’s ecological environment, the Lao government’s decision to build a new dam in the Don Sahong area is ringing alarm bells throughout
Will Greece have to ask for additional debt relief?
Greece’s debt-to-GDP continues to rise and is now at 175 percent. Simply put, the Euro has proven too expensive for Greece. Like Sisyphus pushing the boulder up the mountain, in
Turkey tightens Kurdistan ties to Baghdad’s chagrin
Kurdistan, the oil-rich semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq, will begin selling oil to Turkey despite vocal objections by the Iraqi government over the contracts’ legitimacy. Turkish-Iraqi relations have suffered as
Ukraine balances energy needs and European aspirations
Events over the past fortnight have demonstrated that Ukraine is still a point of competition for the EU and Russia. Should Ukraine manage to resist Russia’s pressure, its energy policy
Companies shouldn’t risk how they manage risk
To quote UCLA Coach John Wooden, “Never mistake activity for achievement.” Integrating risk management into the corporate value chain is a daunting proposition. Policy is not enough. Execution is critical.
Iran’s oil exports still restricted, but prices may drop
US and EU sanctions on Iranian oil exports will remain intact for the next 6 months, but the psychological impact of the Geneva deal might in fact lower oil prices.
China’s air-defense zone ratchets up risk for trade and investment
With the announcement of China’s Air-Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the following rise in tensions in the East China Sea, economic—and global—catastrophe may be just a shot away. Beijing’s November
Slovenia quiet for the moment, but bailout still looms
The Slovenian government won the confidence vote in Parliament, and the successful placing of a €1.5 billion bond issue, granting the Alpine state its moment of relief. However, the potential
UK economy is finally recovering, says Bank of England
The Bank of England’s upbeat assessment of the state of economic recovery in the UK is the flavor of the month. GRI gives you the main points from the latest
President Maduro focuses on elections, not economy
President Nicolas Maduro has gained special powers to fight Venezuela’s economic woes. However, things are unlikely to improve under the tense political atmosphere. On November 19th, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
