Supply Pinch Sustains Record Iron Prices
Moves by Beijing to cool iron prices can only go so far against a backdrop of lingering supply shortfalls.
Is India’s Nagaland Peace Process Nearing a Breakthrough?
There is hope that a breakthrough might be imminent in one of India’s longest-running ethnic conflicts.
Seychelles: An Invitation for China
The Republic of Seychelles has issued China with an open invitation to establish an anti-piracy base in the small island republic. If accepted, this invitation will have security and strategic consequences for the region.
From Bangkok to Nong Khai: China’s Thai Railway Vision Edges Forward
Plans for a high-speed rail line from Bangkok to the Laotian border are moving forward after Thailand signed construction contracts for phase one of the project with Chinese state-owned firms.
‘QUAD of the West’ Forms against Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean
Turkish actions in the Eastern Mediterranean have mirrored China’s actions in the South China Sea. And they’ve begun to produce the same kind of geopolitical response.
QE3 and the Ups and Downs of Gold
Following the announcement of the US Federal Bank's intention to begin a third round of quantitative easing in mid-September, the global price of gold skyrocketed.
Russia’s Military Modernization: Prevailing in Limited Conflicts
Russia’s ongoing military modernization has increased the country’s conventional capabilities – but only to a point.
Strong USD Spells Trouble for Borrowers in Emerging Markets
A strong USD could savage those who borrowed heavily in the currency, whether a state-owned corporation like Mexico’s Pemex or a resource-dependent sovereign like Nigeria.
India’s Water Crisis: Beyond Chennai
For India, the road to great power status is frought with critical water management challenges.
Iran Could Change the Face of OPEC
Just as OPEC lost control over global oil production with increased production, technology, and innovation from the US in 2011, Saudi Arabia stands to lose its control over OPEC as Iran’s oil & gas industry opens up to foreign investment.