Latest Insights
2018 Iranian Protests: A Second Revolution on the Way in Iran?
What started off as protests spurred on by the deteriorating economic conditions in Iran and the inflation in prices of basic necessities, escalated into a rebellion against the Islamic Republic itself. But is there a risk of another social and political uprising?
Putin’s next 6 years: shadow of stagnation or light of reform?
After his record landslide victory on March 18, with serious economic and political challenges ahead, Russian President Vladimir Putin has his work cut out.
What’s behind the upcoming western military intervention in Syria?
With a new intervention into the Syrian conflict set to unfold, strategic interests meet political ones for presidents Trump and Macron.
Bahrain’s oil find a stroke of luck, but the benefits may have to wait
Bahrain’s discovery of large unconventional oil reserves may help its financial and political stability, but the benefits may have to wait given the find’s complexity and technological requirements.
The Week Ahead: 8 – 14 April 2018
China tariff escalation rattles markets. Summit of the Americas raises Western Hemisphere policy concerns. Guatemala votes to move land dispute case to the ICJ. All in The Week Ahead.
Chinese economic interests and the threat to EU cohesion
Today, some of Europe’s poorest countries are critical to China’s global economic development strategy. Under the 16+1 sub-regional framework, which includes eleven countries from central and eastern Europe and five from the Balkans (CEEC), China is pursuing investment opportunities in infrastructure in order to enhance its connectivity with the European region.
Is the U.S. relying too much on Special Operations Forces?
Many Western military commanders consider Special Operations Forces (SOF) to be the perfect tool for almost any job. But are we using them effectively?
Theresa May’s evolving Brexit strategy
The transition agreement between the UK and EU means that although the UK will officially leave the EU in March 2019, it will still remain in the customs union and single market for another 21 months. The UK’s concessions are indicative of the government’s broader negotiating strategy with the EU.
Xi Jinping: China’s Emperor for life?
The annual full session of the National People’s Congress, which began on 5 March, sees President Xi Jinping on the way to becoming China’s “Emperor” for life.
Russian authorities speeding up control over Runet
The latest investigation by the Russian Anti-Corruption Foundation, led by opposition activist Alexei Navalny, found that they have been censored from the Russian Internet with surprising speed. It took two days for the national IT regulatory body to begin issuing warnings to media and providers.
