Regions
GIS reports provide insight into the geopolitical trends that are critical for decision-makers to understand. Typically, these are written by experts based in the region concerned who are able to provide the latest on the ground intelligence. Focusing on politics, defense, energy and economics, they are published daily in English.
Europe
Geographically, Europe is not a continent. However, the area is bonded by common historical and religious heritage. Through a combination of its Roman-law legacy and Christianity, Europe developed a culture of individualism and self-responsibility that allowed the area’s staggering economic and scientific development over the last 300 years. As a result, the European system spread across the globe.
The EU’s future: Like Switzerland or more like Italy?
Will Ukraine shift to an irregular war?
The EU’s uranium question
Russia-Ukraine war: Scenarios
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Russia/Central Asia
This area covers most of the north Eurasian landmass, excluding territories commonly regarded as belonging to Europe. The core of this region is Russia, which has exerted a strong influence for centuries. The Soviet Union’s collapse allowed several new states to emerge. Other parts of this region are the Caspian basin, Central Asia and Mongolia.
Will Ukraine shift to an irregular war?
Russia’s energy plans derailed
The EU’s uranium question
How Russia can shed centuries of corruption
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North America
The three countries that cover almost 90 percent of North America – the United States, Canada and Mexico – are economically very closely intertwined. The U.S. has the dominant position. It is the world’s largest economy and strongest military power. Shielded by oceans to the east and west, it projects influence globally. The continent is so rich in natural resources that it is practically self-sufficient.
Transatlantic relations after the Ukraine war
Big government is back under Biden
U.S. China policy after Ukraine
Scenarios for Mexico under AMLO
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South/Central America
Like North America and Africa, the region is blessed with ample natural resources, water and farmland. It features climatic variety and easy access to the oceans. Its countries have avoided participation in major wars. The region is plagued, however, by inefficient governance and a lack of fiscal discipline, which has led to political instability, corruption and abrupt regime changes.
Troubles in Costa Rica’s tropical paradise
Mercosur divided
Paradoxical Cuba: Three scenarios
Brazil heads for a Bolsonaro-Lula showdown
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Middle East/North Africa
The contrast between richly endowed oil-and-gas economies and resource-poor countries is an important marker in the region. Its strategic location between the East and West, along with its energy wealth, make it vulnerable to the clashing policies and interests of local and global powers, including the United States, Europe and Russia. Foreign interventions tend to exacerbate local conflicts.
The fight goes on over Western Sahara’s status
The Sahel trilemma
China’s growing economic impact on the Middle East
All eyes on Iranian oil
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Sub-Saharan Africa
This area stretches from the Cape Verde islands on the Atlantic to the Horn of Africa on the Indian Ocean, and north to south from the Upper Nile and the Sahara Desert to the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. The continent’s main assets are abundant natural resources and a young population.
Burkina Faso after the coup
Migration crisis in Southern Africa
Maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea
Tensions flare in Eswatini
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East Asia
The leading power here is China, with the world’s biggest population and second-largest economy, which is now striving to establish its hegemony throughout the Pacific Rim. Taiwan, South and North Korea, and Japan are all groping for ways to resist Chinese expansion while maintaining strong economic ties with the region’s colossus.
The age-old nature of the ‘new Cold War’
Europe’s uncertain Indo-Pacific strategy
China’s growing economic impact on the Middle East
Security implications of South Korea’s election
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South Asia
South Asia refers to the Indian subcontinent, which stretches from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. India, the second-largest country in the world by population, is the dominant state here, with Pakistan in the west, Bangladesh in the east, Nepal and Bhutan in the Himalaya mountains and Sri Lanka to the south. Due to higher fertility rates, India’s population will soon surpass China’s.
Can India make its own weapons?
Modi pulls back on agrarian reforms
New Delhi contends with the Taliban regime
Scenarios for China’s future role in Afghanistan
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Southeast Asia/Australia
The region stretches from the Indochinese Peninsula through the Indonesian archipelago all the way to Australia, forming the dividing line between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. This area is very diverse – geographically, culturally and historically. What the region’s countries have in common is their largest trading partner: China. Beijing’s assertive policymaking is the most important strategic issue in the region.
France’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific
Japan and Australia close ranks against China
The geopolitics of CPTPP enlargement
Scenarios for a post-Duterte Philippines
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Global Matters
The 20th century’s international order, which installed the United States, Europe and Japan in dominant positions, is ending. New powers are emerging to challenge a system arranged within the framework of U.S. and European multilateralism. Transitional processes necessarily breed chaos and uncertainty. This is the global situation to which our economies and political systems must adapt.
Taiwan: Scenarios for an invasion from China
The future of the West’s global security strategy
Easter Greetings
How China’s Belt and Road Initiative is faring
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