Economy

Poland’s call to end Russian oil by 2026: cascade effects in the EU

Poland’s call for the EU to end all imports of Russian oil by the end of 2026 represents one of the most assertive energy policy positions to emerge from within the bloc since the invasion of Ukraine. Warsaw’s call is rooted in a conviction that economic links to Moscow continue to undermine Europe’s geopolitical security [...]

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Japan, US: a golden age?

When Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan’s first female prime minister on 21 October, many observers were quick to raise scepticism and criticism. But taking a step back from the usual negative-narrative lens reveals a number of real indicators that Japan might be entering a much more dynamic era; one in which strong leadership, a

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West Africa’s Cocoa-driven Power Plays

After two poor seasons in West Africa, cocoa supply remains volatile. Forecasts now point to another output drop in 2025/26 - driven by erratic weather, disease pressure, ageing trees and even mining encroachment - pushing prices to extreme levels and straining operations. This squeeze has created the political space for Accra and Abidjan to lean

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Central Asia: from sanctions to strategy

Kazakhstan is moving the fastest. Construction is under way on the new Darbaza-Maktaaral rail link to Uzbekistan (US$523 million) and a second track on the Dostyk-Moiynty section to lift China-Europe capacity five-fold by 2027. At the Caspian end, Aktau will add a 200,000 TEU container hub by 2025 for just US$42 million, while Kuryk gains

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Corridors or Chokepoints – the infrastructure bet driving Ethiopia’s future

Although the Pretoria accord halted open warfare, Ethiopia’s political temperature has begun to rise again. Rival factions inside the Tigray People’s Liberation Front now contest the authority of the federally backed Interim Administration; analysts warn that internal splits could ignite a fresh insurgency and draw Eritrea back in. In parallel, the Fano militia in Amhara

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South Africa: the state power crisis and civil unrest risk

South Africa’s economy in 2025 continues to struggle, with weak growth and mounting structural pressures. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has downgraded growth forecasts to approximately 1.2% for the year. Reuters confirm the government’s official forecast has also been lowered, as electricity supply constraints and tariff hikes weigh on businesses and consumers

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The Future of Work has arrived: is your job future proof?

The foundation of modern employment, study hard, secure a job, build a stable life, is eroding fast. Technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, is breaking down the old economic model that tied individual effort to secure long term work. From logistics to legal services, tasks considered immune to disruption are now being

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Savings and Sanctions: Indonesia lured by Russian oil

With its recent entry into BRICS offering Indonesia closer ties with Russia, the potential import of discounted Russian oil presents a double-edged sword with both an opportunity and a conundrum. The appeal is clear: Energy Minister, Bahlil Lahadalia, and National Economic Council Chair, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, have calculated savings of up to US$22 per barrel,

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India among superpowers: what is its geopolitical role?

India is recognised as a growing power in global politics. Its rise is not simply due to economic growth but also its deft ability to handle present-day international diplomacy. The country’s key strength is its capability to both maintain and leverage relationships with world leaders and regional actors. This includes improving ties with the US

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China and her Asian enemies: the battle for the Indo-Pacific territories

The Indo-Pacific region’s strategic sea lanes, rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves have made it a hot point for geopolitical rivalry and confrontation. The future of the region – which stretches from Eastern Africa to the Western Americas – depends on China’s resolve to realise its ambitions – and the degree to which her

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