Geopolitics – KCS Group Asia Ltd

Portugal’s Quiet Climb in Deep Tech and Bio Innovation

Articles / ASEAN, Due Diligence, economic growth, Foreign investment, Geopolitics, Gulf states, Southeast Asia, trade, trade relations / 04/2025

With advantageous visa programs, substantial government support, and funding from the European Union, Portugal is emerging as a cost-effective innovation hub for biotechnology, space technology, and ocean sciences. Deep tech is undeniably a significant driving force behind Portugal’s economy, paralleling trends seen in other European nations. Deep Tech The term "Deep Tech" refers to technologies [...]

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ASEAN and the Gulf States, or is it Gulf-Asia?

Articles / ASEAN, Due Diligence, economic growth, Foreign investment, Geopolitics, Gulf states, Southeast Asia, trade, trade relations / 04/2025

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN’s) foundation came about as a result of a reconciliation peace process between Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, which had been brokered by Thailand. In fact, it was the Thai Foreign Minister, Thanat Khoman, who first proposed the idea for the association on the back of that peace agreement,

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The Tripolar Era: Trump’s bold moves, Xi’s strategy, and Europe’s fight for relevance

Articles / China, Donald Trump, Due Diligence, Europe, European Union, Geopolitics, global economy, Global trade, International Security, President Xi, USA / 03/2025

The world economy is entering a new era - one in which power is increasingly divided among three major continental blocs: the US, China and Europe. No longer a uni-polar world under post-Cold War US hegemony, the current landscape is defined by conflicting regulatory frameworks, trade policies and geopolitical ambitions. At the forefront of these

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Maximum Pressure – the USA’s stance in the Middle East

Articles / Due Diligence, Geopolitics, Global trade, Iran, Middle East, nuclear weapons, Oil, Pesident Trump, political instability, Sanctions, USA / 03/2025

In his second term, President Donald Trump has embarked on a series of assertive foreign policy shifts that are reshaping US engagement with the Middle East. Emphasising an "America First" agenda, the administration has adopted a more unilateral approach, re-evaluating traditional alliances and international commitments. A notable aspect of this strategy is the intensified ‘maximum

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The Rise of Economic Nationalism: how protectionist policies are ending globalism

Articles / China, Due Diligence, Europe, Foreign investment, Geopolitics, global economy, Global trade, Russia, supply chains, USA / 02/2025

Global trade’s share of economic output has decreased, while industrial policies focused on bolstering domestic industries are increasing, especially in wealthier countries. This change has since last year been dubbed "slowbalisation", signalling a slowdown in globalisation. However, rather than indicating a complete reversal, this shift reflects a growing emphasis on the protection of domestic industries,

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Western Sahara: unresolved claims and emerging risks

Articles / China, Conflict, Due Diligence, European Union, Geopolitics, Morocco, natural resources, North Africa, Polisario Front, risks, Russia, Sahrawi people, United nations, United States of America, Western Sahara / 02/2025

The protracted dispute over Western Sahara between Morocco and the Polisario Front comes with challenges for multinational corporations in North Africa. Despite international efforts, the conflict remains unresolved, with sporadic fighting and a stalled peace process, raising fears of renewed violence. Recent developments have made matters worse. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) extended the

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Savings and Sanctions: Indonesia lured by Russian oil

Articles / BRICS, Due Diligence, Economy, European Union, G7, Geopolitics, Indonesia, Oil, Russia, Sanctions, USA / 01/2025

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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Hybrid Warfare – the coordinated efforts of Russia and China against the West

Articles / Business Risk, China, Corruption, disinformation, Due Diligence, European Union, Geopolitics, Global Threats, hybrid warfare, Russia, security risks, United Kingdom, USA / 01/2025

Russia and China are conducting hybrid warfare campaigns against Western nations, leveraging a blend of conventional military assets and non-military tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation, economic pressure, and exploitation of political and legal systems. These efforts aim to destabilise and weaken adversaries from within. Russia has been intensifying its sabotage campaigns across the EU, reflecting a

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Ethiopia’s Fractured State: The fragile path forward

Articles / Conflict, Due Diligence, Ethiopia, Geopolitics, Human rights, humanitarian, security risks, United nations, USA / 12/2024

While the world’s media has largely focused on Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict, unrest in Oromia (Central Ethiopia) and other regions reveals the scale of volatility within the country. Oromia, Ethiopia's largest region, has been the scene of ethnic tensions, driven by longstanding grievances over political sidelining, unequal resource allocation and land rights. The Oromo Liberation Army

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The South China Sea: Is there a compromise?

Articles / ASEAN, China, Due Diligence, Geopolitics, Indonesia, Malaysia, maritime law, Philippines, South China Sea, USA, Vietnam / 12/2024

The South China Sea remains a focal point of strategic and territorial dispute, principally involving China and neighbouring ASEAN member countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. This region, crucial for international shipping and its wealth of natural resources, witnesses frequent disputes that have the potential to escalate into greater regional conflict. China's assertive

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