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.
Could Italy look to China for financial rescue?
Moldova’s future is tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine
NATO’s Nordic bloc: Big promise, lurking problems
Germany’s Zeitenwende still has a long way to go
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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.
Russia’s strategy to evade Western energy sanctions
Putin’s next gamble in Ukraine
Appraising Russia’s wartime economy
Central Asia’s Middle Corridor gains traction at Russia’s expense
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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.
Immigration policy will remain the great divide in American politics
U.S. foreign policy after the midterms
Biden’s Indo-Pacific economic push lacks punch
Transatlantic relations after the Ukraine war
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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.
Nicolas Maduro strengthens his hold over Venezuela
Colombia seeks radical change by electing Gustavo Petro as president
The Russian invasion and Latin America
Troubles in Costa Rica’s tropical paradise
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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.
Who is Muqtada al-Sadr? Part 2: Confronting Iran
Who is Muqtada al-Sadr? Part 1: Beginnings
Libya’s complicated push for more oil production
Two prime ministers further destabilize Libya
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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.
Africa’s window of opportunity on trade
Nigeria at a critical juncture
East Africa’s natural gas outlook
Can Namibia turn oil into prosperity?
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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 Somalian president’s ‘mission impossible’
Failing aircraft venture highlights strains in Chinese-Russian relations
U.S., UK try to synchronize China, Indo-Pacific policy
Multitasking for Japan’s strategists
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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.
India revives its standing among neighbors
India has limited ability to feed a hungry world
Crisis and instability threaten Pakistan’s economy yet again
As Russia’s war grinds on, India-U.S. relations set to strengthen
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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.
Inflation ripples across the U.S. and global defense communities
The future of cryptocurrencies
Can electric vehicles deliver a just energy transition?
A silver lining in the crypto clouds
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