Tag "Russia"
Sanctions, oil, and the emerging China-Russia-Iran axis
Although China has backpedalled on proposed tariffs on U.S. crude imports, the move is indicative of its need to diversify sources and steps may now be taken to enable China to play the oil card in the future – including imports from Iran despite sanctions, and drawing closer to Russia.
The Week Ahead: 22 – 28 July 2018
Brexit negotiations to continue as parliament fails to coalesce around any option. Trump Russia scandals heat up in Washington. Pakistan elections could see rise of Imran Khan as power maker.
What Trump’s actions at the G7 summit mean for multilateralism
With Donald Trump refusing to sign the G7 Communique in Charlevoix, Quebec, the traditional balance of power within the G7 countries has been upset, placing the future of multilateralism in danger.
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?
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.
The Russian opposition: Digging an elephant’s grave with a teaspoon
On 5 May, opposition leader Alexey Navalny led mass unsanctioned protests against the inauguration of President Vladimir Putin. Soon after, Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in prison. Andre Martirosyan asks: is political opposition in Russia a hopeless cause – or will hints of generational change grow into a mass movement?
US antitank missiles risk escalating the Ukrainian conflict
The recent delivery of US antitank missiles to Ukraine risks escalating the ongoing conflict with Russian-backed forces in the east of the country. If not accompanied by a concrete strategy, US support also risks driving a wedge between Ukraine and the EU, generating weaknesses which Moscow can then exploit.
Britain’s black money crackdown: treading a fine line
The UK is getting tough on the proceeds of foreign corruption at a time of heightened tensions with Russia. Downing Street will be keen to limit any further fallout with Moscow by adopting the right punitive measures.
The Energy Briefing: Oil market implications of re-imposing sanctions on Iran
The looming threat of renewed US sanctions on Iran’s oil and gas sector could pull hundreds of thousands of barrels off the market, tightening demand balances and throwing off investment plans.
The Week Ahead: 15 – 21 April 2018
Cuban Assembly selects Raul Castro’s successor. Paraguay votes for president. Tensions in Syria escalate. IMF-World Bank meetings take place. All in The Week Ahead.
