Latest Insights
Japan’s strategic counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Japan is making significant plays to counter China’s expanding influence by cooperating with India and the United States on ports and high-speed road networks from Asia to Africa.
Spike in protests a symptom of deeper issues in Honduras
On 17 December, Honduras’ electoral tribunal declared incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernandez the winner of the presidential elections. Resulting allegations of electoral fraud and public protests are however signs of deepening political instability in Honduras, a country already affected by widespread corruption, crime and poverty.
Under the Radar: Why China’s war on pollution is good for the metals industry
China announced and implemented aluminium production cuts this year as a result of anti-pollution measures, resulting in a worldwide spike in the metal’s price. Are producers from other countries ready to take advantage of this win-win situation created by China?
Instability is a bigger risk than populism in the Czech Republic
Much is being made of the Czech Republic’s turn to populism and Euroscepticism, but the bigger risks from recent elections are fragmentation, legislative gridlock and instability.
Italy’s emerging terrorist threat
The recent apprehension of the Moroccan Nabil Benhamir in Genoa has sparked renewed interest for Rome’s counterterrorism strategy. Although Italy is a high symbolic country and despite the Islamic State’s repeated calls for attacks, the country has not suffered a major jihadist terrorist attack – yet.
Ulyukayev trial suggests elite discord in Russia
Alexei Ulyukayev’s conviction of bribery is a win for Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, but Russian elites are increasingly concerned about Sechin’s influence.
Chairman Powell and the future of the Fed
Trump has just appointed Jerome Powell as the new Federal Reserve Chairman. What does this mean for U.S. fiscal policy moving forward?
Security risks at the FIFA 2018 World Cup
Russia will host the FIFA 2018 World Cup between 13 June and 16 July, and given the recent foiled plot in St Petersburg, security risks will be a top priority. Sporting events will take place in 11 cities and thousands of foreign visitors are expected to travel to Russia.
Is Russia’s Middle East endgame trouble for global energy markets?
Russia is playing an increasingly assertive role in the Middle East via its military operations in Syria and its partnership with Saudi Arabia
The Bitcoin bubble, Venezuela, and political risk
Despite rampant speculation, and a near-certain chance of bust, Bitcoin is here to stay. Here’s how cryptocurrencies will transform the way we identify, manage and mitigate political risks across borders.
