USA – Page 2 – KCS Group Asia Ltd

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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Breaking out: Is Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham moving away from Jihad and Sharia law?

Articles / Due Diligence, Egypt, Extremists, Global trade, international relations, Islamic State, Jihad, Saudi Arabia, security risks, Sharia, Syria, United nations, USA / 03/2025

As Syria’s new Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led-government tentatively explores governance away from jihad and strict Sharia law, the reactions from extremist factions have been notably severe and revealing. Sami al-'Uraydi, leader of Syria's Tanzim Hurras al-Din (sometimes referred to as Al-Qaeda in Syria), has vocally opposed any deviation from Sharia, embodying a "Sharia or

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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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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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What drives FDI in the Asia Pacific Region?

Articles / Asia Pacific, Cambodia, China, Due Diligence, Foreign investment, global economy, Indonesia, international business, Malaysia, Philippines, risks, Singapore, South China Sea, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam / 01/2025

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing economic growth despite the ongoing tensions between China and the smaller Asian nations in the South China Sea. Countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore are experiencing a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) from nations including Australia, Germany, Spain and the US. Investment is particularly noticeable

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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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Prisons of Power: the Sahel insurgency worsens

Articles / Africa Corps, Benin, Burkina Faso, Due Diligence, Europe, Extremists, Geopolitics, Ghana, International Security, Mali, Niger, Russia GRU, Sahel, security risks, Terrorism, USA, Wagner / 12/2024

The on-going insurgency in the Sahel region, traditionally seen in Mali and Burkina Faso, is experiencing a notable expansion, potentially threatening the stability of neighbours Ghana and Benin. This increased geographic spread is partly influenced by the presence of Russia's GRU controlled 'Africa Corps’, which is the new umbrella organisation encompassing the Wagner Group infantry,

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Breaking point in the Northern Triangle – Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador

Articles / Corruption, Due Diligence, El Salvador, Geopolitics, Global trade, Guatemala, Honduras, Immigration, international business, political instability, USA / 11/2024

Central America’s Northern Triangle consisting of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador (with a total of 9.2 million people) is grappling with relentless political upheaval and unrest. This not only impinges on domestic conditions but also seriously impacts international migration figures and foreign policy. The region's strategic importance, due to its proximity to major trade routes

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