Latest Insights
Brexit Party doesn’t mean Brexit: 2 graphs that tell the real story
Much noise is being made about the Brexit Party’s rapid ‘success’ in European election polling. The media are throwing around alarmist language like ‘terrifying’, ‘surge’, and ‘showdown’. All of their commentary is fundamentally misleading.
Where do the Yellow Vests stand?
More violence has broken out in France over President Macron’s proposed reforms. Will the Yellow Vests movement fade or is the unrest set to continue? Much depends on Macron’s image and the movement he is able to put together.
Eurasia: Is Belarus the next Crimea?
Russia tries to tighten its grip while simultaneously decreasing the resulting budget burden. On the other hand, Belarus is not willing to sacrifice its sovereignty but is acutely aware of its economic dependence on Russia.
Eastern Ukraine: Is reintegration still a realistic prospect?
On 24 April, Russia signed a decree allowing residents of rebel-controlled areas of Eastern Ukraine to apply for Russian passports. This was the latest in a series of steps making the reintegration of the Donbass less likely.
China: Will the economy absorb shocks from US trade dispute?
The US-China trade war recently escalated with Donald Trump’s decision to increase tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports. As trade talks fail to overcome political barriers between both countries, China is feeling immediate economic pressure.
Syria’s Idlib: Limited offensive to enforce Sochi Accord
Bashar al-Assad’s regime started an aerial assault against rebel-held areas in northwest Syria in late April. The purpose of the offensive is capturing the M4 and M5 highways from Aleppo to Hama and Lattakia, as agreed in Sochi.
China’s new Silk Road or debt-trap diplomacy?
Italy’s decision to join China’s new Silk Road project last month has heightened Western nations’ concerns over Chinese expansionism.
The Ongoing US Entanglement with Saudi Arabia over Yemen
President Trump’s veto over the Saudi-led war in Yemen represents a sharp divide between Congress and the White House over US foreign policy. This is unlikely to be the last time this divide occurs, raising questions over US leadership and its commitment to human rights.
Central Asia: The Land of CyberCrime?
The development of telecommunications in Central Asia has increased regional online presence. However, it has also made it vulnerable to cybercrime attacks.
Romania’s campaign against Laura Codruța Kövesi
Laura Codruța Kövesi, the former head of Romania’s National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA), has secured many high-profile convictions in her career.
