Latest Insights
An old dispute re-emerges as Russia militarises Kuril Islands
A long-standing territorial dispute continues to disrupt relations between Japan and Russia. This is negatively impacting economic cooperation between the two countries, with the potential to be detrimental for both parties.
The Week Ahead: 4 – 10 March 2018
Trump announces new steel and aluminum tariffs. Brexit prompts conflict over Ireland status. FARC competes in legislative elections. New presidential elections in Sierra Leone. All in the Week Ahead.
China’s strengthening relationship with Pakistan
Beijing’s recent decision to increase diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with Pakistan is part of a broader strategy to bolster China’s regional influence at Washington’s expense. China’s relations with Pakistan
Duterte leverages popularity to push for constitutional change
The Congress of the Philippines has begun formal proceedings on changing the government of the Philippines into a federal system. The move is extremely divisive and is interpreted as a power grab. Its success will depend on Duterte’s political capital.
The Munich Security Conference – to the brink
The theme of the Munich Security Conference this year was “To the Brink – and Back?” Amid a decline in US diplomatic leadership, and with no clear European successor, the conference failed to reassure those concerned by heightened inter-state tension.
OZY+GRI: Is this how the next global recession begins?
Amid the second-longest bull market in U.S. history, talk of an inevitable recession is often met with “this time is different” arguments. And this time is different – but not the way you think.
The Kremlin’s anti-corruption campaign comes to the Caucasus
In recent years, anti-corruption campaigns in Russia has led to multiple arrests and trials of high-level officials, including several regional governors. In early 2018, they came to the republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus.
OZY+GRI: Can Emperor Yuan dethrone King Dollar as the world’s currency?
In 2018, China could seek to dethrone King Dollar by forcing yuan-denomination of specific commodities, marking a cataclysmic shift in the world financial order that’s been in place since World War II.
OZY+GRI: The bull market’s still built on borrowed money… What could cause the crash?
A nightmarish flashback to the previous economic meltdown may be warranted, especially when it comes to investors using their portfolios as collateral to buy more stocks and bonds on borrowed money.
Tunisia’s phosphate mines – between a rock and a hard place
The ongoing strikes in Tunisia’s phosphate mines offer a valuable insight into structural deficits of the Tunisian economy.
