Latest Insights
Under the Radar: Why an arms embargo could be South Sudan’s best hope
A comprehensive arms embargo on weapons flows into South Sudan would improve regional humanitarian conditions, mitigating political violence and growing civil unrest.
The prospects for Saudi women’s participation in the labor market
In the new Saudi economy, women are essential as workers and consumers, and they are being granted new rights at an unprecedented pace. But to appease conservative forces, female empowerment is likely to remain limited.
The DRC’s uncertain election
Political tensions are increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as concerns over a December election spread among the political opposition and the international community.
Sweden towards yet another hung parliament: it’s all about the kingmaker
On 9 September, Swedes cast their ballots in this year’s general elections. Governed by rather weak minority coalitions for the past two terms, there is little to suggest that the four years to come will be much different – unless old coalitions are dissolved and new ones built, that is.
Opinion: Trump’s trade war will be easy to lose
Trade wars are not easy nor always winnable despite what Trump suggests. Instead tariffs, once implemented, become extremely difficult to remove.
What’s the deal with ZTE?
The new ZTE deal could ease bilateral tensions and prevent a global economic crisis, but it has also revealed Trump’s malleability, the growing rift within the US government, and ignored larger security threats.
Cuba’s incoming constitution unlikely to see new market reforms
The latest push to rewrite Cuba’s four-decade old constitution is another momentous opportunity for change, but it is unlikely to bring desperately need political and economic reforms expected for the island.
The US abdicates a key role at UN Human Rights Council
In another sign of its abdication of global leadership, the US has decided to withdraw from the UN human rights council, citing the latter’s hostility to Israel and favorable treatment to regimes with unsavory human rights records. What are the consequences for the world – and the Council’s future?
China and India establish “oil buyers’ club” to counter OPEC
Should this “oil buyers’ club” become a reality, New Delhi and Beijing will have greater leverage to negotiate with OPEC about oil prices and will also have a significant say in matters such as importing more crude oil from the US.
Czech communists’ counter-intuitive comeback
The Prime Minister of Czechia Andrej Babiš, plans to form a government supported by the communists. Consequently, for the first time since the fall of communism in 1989, the “Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia” (KSČM) has a real chance to influence the formation and policies of the new Czech government.
