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.
EU investment screening may hasten economic protectionism
The transformation of Arctic security
A silver lining on the horizon for Germany
Sleepwalking through a minefield
View all reports for this region.
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.
The transformation of Arctic security
Eyewitness to war: The Ukrainian invasion of Russia
All eyes on Russia’s Northern Sea Route
Mongolia strives for a more inclusive democracy
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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.
The United States as a sulking superpower
What to expect if Kamala Harris becomes president
U.S. presidential candidates divided on environmental policy
The future of U.S.-Europe trade
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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.
Venezuela: Maduro’s totalitarian turn
Latin America’s role in Taiwan’s existential struggle
U.S. influence challenged in the Southern Cone
Why Argentina might switch to the dollar
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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.
October 7, 2023: Tehran and its terrorists
One year after October 7: Iran and Israel on the brink
Any new U.S. administration will be challenged in the Middle East
Burkina Faso caught in a coup trap
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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.
Senegal as a strategic player in the Sahel
Dysfunction and disillusionment in Kenya
The South African coalition government’s daunting agenda
Winds of change in South Africa and Botswana
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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.
Taiwan considers a Plan B
Latin America’s role in Taiwan’s existential struggle
Taiwan’s geopolitical relevance for Japan
Communist Party of China: Setting a 2029 deadline
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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.
ASEAN still torn over security challenges
Ouster in Bangladesh fuels instability
India’s Modi faces the challenges of coalition government
Evolving strategies on the India-China border
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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.
Philippine statecraft navigates Chinese aggression and the U.S. alliance
Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal fuels Mekong fears
South China Sea: Chinese encroachment unites neighbors
Thailand’s twin BRICS-OECD bids confront challenges
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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.
EU investment screening may hasten economic protectionism
One year after October 7: Iran and Israel on the brink
Burkina Faso caught in a coup trap
Taiwan considers a Plan B
View all reports for this region.