Latest Insights

Back to homepage
Natural resources and energy South and Central Asia

Central Asian pipelines inhibit prosperity

Pipelines density in Central Asia create concentrated economies thus allowing autocratic government greater control and longevity. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asia experienced limited progress and relative

North America Politics South and Central Asia

Flourishing US-Russia economic ties over political rifts?

The U.S and Russia are pursuing economic ties as Moscow finally joins the WTO and political rifts are put aside. Last year, following eighteen years of harsh negotiations, Russia finally

Finance Sub-Saharan Africa

Nigeria’s opportunity to diversify bank lending

The level of concentration of Nigeria’s banking sector is enough to give investors cause for concern, as five banks control nearly 60% of the market. In 2005 and 2009, excesses

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Tensions with Iran prevent economic cooperation in Afghanistan

Western tensions with, and sanctions against, Iran prevent cooperation which could promote an economically stable Afghanistan. Several months ago, reports surfaced indicating that the United States was unknowingly buying mixed,

Asia Pacific Security

Energy demand pulls China into regional security disputes

Chinese energy projects in Myanmar may lead to increased Chinese involvement in mainland Asian political disputes—with all that entails. With the recent completion of a major oil pipeline from Myanmar

Latin America Politics

Will Venezuela’s crisis become Brazil’s opportunity?

Will the crisis in Venezuela act as an opportunity for Brazil to re-assert regional leadership and work to assuage fears about Venezuela’s direction? The situation in Venezuela following the election

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Shale Oil is Key to Jordan’s Energy Future

Jordan plans to have electricity from shale oil make up 14 percent of energy demand by 2020. Recent developments indicate that Jordan is moving closer to making this vision a

Natural resources and energy North America

Canada’s Tar Sand Foreign Policy Stifles Manufacturing

Canada’s  over-reliance on raw commodity exports, notably the tar sands, has weakened its economy and stifled a struggling manufacturing sector. In the past few years Canada’s foreign policy has shifted

Europe Politics

Italy’s new government a little too familiar

Although positive moves have been made to reinvigorate Italian politics, look a little closer and remnants of old still remain. At the centre of this is Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister

Finance Sub-Saharan Africa

Hot Money in Nigeria’s Capital Markets

Nigeria is the new kid on the block when it comes to international capital markets, with Abuja gaining international economic and political attention. The setting for the World Economic Forum,