Latest Insights
EU-Mercosur FTA: Threats and Challenges
When the European Commission announced the signing of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, it sounded like a done deal. However, the provisional text must be ratified by all the parliaments of adhering countries, including the European Parliament and Council.
Chinese naval base in Cambodia
The undisclosed military pact between China and Cambodia constitutes another significant example of China pursuing dual-use infrastructure projects in the Asia Pacific – while simultaneously denying the existence of such projects.
Saudi Attacks: Dawn of a New Era in Warfare
The September 14 attack in eastern Saudi Arabia is unprecedented. A drone and missile strike claimed by Houthi rebels of Yemen damaged Saudi Arabia’s oil processing facilities. U.S. and Saudi officials claimed the incursion originated outside of Yemen implicating Iran as the main culprit.
Russia Returns to the Council of Europe
On the 25th of June, the Council of Europe voted to reinstate Russia’s membership of the Parliamentary Assembly, the first case of sanctions against Russia being lifted since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Italy: New coalition government takes charge
The far-left Five Star Movement and the centre-left Democratic Party formed a new coalition government to stave off the threat of a rapidly rising far-right. The new government is likely to boost market confidence and improve ties with the EU in the short run. However, the long-term viability of this partnership remains unclear.
Russia grows impatient with Turkey in Syria
On August 2, Syria’s warring factions announced a ceasefire to fighting in the last remaining stronghold of Idlib. It did not last long as three days later fighting resumed between the government and its opposition.
China warns India over potential Huawei ban
China has threatened to punish Indian companies operating on the mainland. It will take such action if the Indian Government moves to ban Huawei Technologies from selling 5G telecom equipment
Kyrgyzstan: Risk of a third revolution?
Notwithstanding the recent violent unrest in Kyrgyzstan, Atambayev’s saga is unlikely to lead to a violent overthrow of the government, which occurred in the country in 2005 and 2010.
ECB: Systemic problems and future headwinds
At the next European Central Bank policy meeting in September, it is expected to gently lower interest rates to ease the burden on a stagnant Eurozone economy.
China’s International Partnerships: Pakistan, CPEC, and Central Asia
China is redrawing the global security map beyond Asia-Pacific. This article, the second in a four-part series, examines how Beijing’s ‘march West’ strategy is impacting regional security architecture in Pakistan and Central Asia.
