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Europe Finance

Towards a Digital Euro: What Does It Mean for the Safety of Europe?

The digitalization of the economy and the rapid spread of virtual currencies have created unprecedented opportunities for cross-border illicit activities. The most recent proposal of the European Central Bank for the development of a central bank digital currency is no exception. Known as a digital euro, the project is envisioned to differ from crypto-assets and stable coins in its centralized oversight and control of digital transactions. Hence, by allowing a central banking authority to monitor and verify online transactions, a digital euro could facilitate the fight against organized crime in the EU. Yet, the currently proposed design possibilities of a digital euro reveal vulnerabilities to compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations, as well as pose a significant threat to the safety of children in the digital space. 

Latin America Security

Mexican Marijuana: The Effects of Legalization on the Economy and the War on Drugs

Following in the footsteps of countries including Canada and Uruguay, Mexico’s lower house passed a bill on 10th March for the purpose of legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, often referred to as AMLO, has cited undermining drug cartels as one of the key reasons behind his support for the proposal. Nevertheless, though legalization is likely to prove an economic boon, its impact on crime is likely to be less substantial.

Economics Europe

EU-Mercosur FTA: Threats and Challenges

When the European Commission announced the signing of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, it sounded like a done deal. However, the provisional text must be ratified by all the parliaments of adhering countries, including the European Parliament and Council.

Asia Pacific Politics

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.

Europe Finance

European competition commission builds cases against tech firms

In a number of digital trade sectors, the preeminent forces are major U.S. firms—from “traditional” firms making consumer electronics to dedicated providers of digital services, including those involving internet search, entertainment, social media, and cloud computing.

Europe Guest Post Politics

Guest Post: Why Brexit could be Europe’s last chance to build a stronger union

The political consequences of a “No deal” Brexit are more damaging to Europe than imagined – but there is also a window of opportunity.

Middle East/North Africa Security

Why the Kurdish referendum is part of Barzani’s wider strategy

Kurdish authorities announced on Wednesday that Iraqi Kurds overwhelmingly voted in favour of a split from Iraq, with 92.7 percent of voters casting their vote in favour of Kurdistan’s independence.

North America Politics

Trump’s burn book: NAFTA negotiations will only extend Chinese influence in the Americas

Trump once labelled NAFTA, “the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere”. This month, he unveiled the NAFTA negotiating agenda, providing a template for trade negotiations yet to occur with other countries – such as China, Germany, and Japan. With an emphasis on tackling tax systems and removing barriers to the US agriculture and manufacturing industries, Asian negotiators will be watching closely.

Economics Future Generator

Future Generator: Media Sentiment Trending Positive in Ukraine

The ‘Future Generator’ is a highly unique and cutting-edge approach to forecasting ‘media sentiment’, developed by a partnership between Global Risk Insights (GRI) and Ethnographic Edge (EE). The aim of

Asia Pacific Security

Trump wades into the South China Sea

Donald Trump appears disinclined to keep trade and security issues separate. The territorial dispute could send ripples through global markets.