Latest Insights
Competition between China and India heats up in the Maldives
The growing political turmoil in the Maldives could become a major point of conflict between India and China, as the regional giants support opposite sides of a rapidly evolving political crisis.
Colombia at a crossroads on the issue of energy and fracking
With officials in Colombia grappling with the reality of dwindling oil reserves, fracking has become central to the energy conversation.
Book Review: “Janesville” holds lessons for both parties going into midterms
“Janesville: An American Story” is a captivating account of the impact of the economic crisis and local auto plant closure on a whole community. Despite Trump’s promises, these are problems the current administration is nowhere near addressing – but do the Democrats know what needs to be done either?
On Russia, Theresa May’s options are limited and ineffective at best
Theresa May’s demands for an explanation of the nerve gas incident are almost certain to be ignored by the Kremlin, but the real risks would lie in pursuing an escalation.
Israel and Iran on the path to escalation
Tensions have been simmering since an Iranian drone and an Israeli F-16 were shot down at the Syria-Israel border. More incidents and additional quarrels over the Iran Nuclear Deal could lead to more grievous confrontations between the parties involved.
The state of Germany’s military readiness
The German military is dramatically under equipped to meet pressing international security challenges per a recent watchdog report.
The Week Ahead: 11 – 17 March 2018
Putin set to win another presidential term. Special election in Pennsylvania provides political bellwhether. Bank of Japan releases meeting minutes. All in the Week Ahead. RUSSIA: Putin set to win
Ramaphosa’s land reform gamble
On December 20th 2017, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) voted to lay the groundwork for the expropriation of land without compensation, marking a departure from a ‘willing buyer willing seller’ model. This was the easy part – actual implementation will be decisive for the country.
The U.N. hits another wall in Syria, but a resolution remains possible
The U.N. has continually failed to influence a political resolution in Syria. This does not mean that a political resolution is not possible, but shows that states in the ‘East’ are confident enough to challenge the Security Council’s authority and work together to bring stability.
Infrastructure setbacks in Indonesia reflect broader risks
President Jokowi’s desire to secure his infrastructure vision before next year’s election holds risks for Indonesia as well as his own candidateship.
