Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Italy Protects Made In Italy Label
The Italian government raided facilities manufacturing purses for Dior and Armani in order to protect the Made In Italy brand.
Search Results for: China
The Golden Triangle’s City Built on Dirty Money
For decades, the Golden Triangle, a region wedged between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos along the Mekong River, has been synonymous with opium production, organised crime, and rebel militias. In recent years, in the northern part of Laos, the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has come under the control of Chinese casino mogul Zhao Wei, since his Hong Kong registered company, Kings Romans, leased the land for 99 years.
Reform or Facade? Pezeshkian’s Challenges in Transforming Iran
The reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, is Iran’s newly elected president, an election between hope and disgust amongst people.
Post – Security Law: The Dawn of Hong Kong Financial Hub?
Will Hong Kong retain its status as an international financial hub following the passing of the national security law? This article examines China’s economic goals, recent geopolitical shifts, and initiatives like the Belt and Road and Greater Bay Area, while assessing Hong Kong’s unique financial strengths and future.
Science, Technology, and Innovation: The 9th Annual Forum.
The infamous saying “Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” is a philosophical heirloom, passed …
Venezuelan Elections Amidst U.S. Sanctions: Balancing Democracy and Diplomacy
As tensions rise between the United States and Venezuela ahead of their upcoming presidential elections, the delicate balance of democracy and diplomacy comes into focus. The US had eased sanctions to encourage dialogue, but recent events have sparked renewed friction, leading to the reimposition of sanctions. Venezuela is grappling with economic challenges and diplomatic strains, especially with recent bans on opposition candidates. As both countries navigate these issues, the future of US-Venezuela relations is uncertain, with potential impacts beyond their borders.
BRP Sierra Madre: The Waves of Uncertainty Surrounding the Sentry of the Ayungin Shoal
The BRP Sierra Madre acts as the Philippines’ stronghold over the Second Thomas Shoal against Chinese advances in the South China Sea. In the past year, tensions in the region have escalated, with both nations’ coast guard services engaged in heated confrontations. Due to the shoal’s strategic location, both countries employed risky strategies to pursue their goals of controlling this location. Hence, turning the shoal and the BRP Sierra Madre into the South China Sea’s new geopolitical flashpoint towards the boundaries of a possible conflict.
The Tian-Shan Gambit: Europe’s Ambitions in Central Asia
Central Asia is a vast and resource-rich region situated between three major centers of influence. Formerly part of both the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union, its nations have only recently gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. They continue to be influenced by Moscow, although they have made some significant strides towards autonomy in their own right. The Russian military’s actions in Ukraine have continuously eroded the credibility of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led military alliance. This, coupled with a significant loss of soft power in the countries of the post- Soviet space, which traditionally formed part of its sphere of influence, could create an opening for other influential actors to emerge as real alternative partners. The European Union wishes to consider an even more proactive role in Central Asia, given the young nations’ of Central Asia newfound pragmatism in foreign policy and its potential to enhance EU interests.
Argentina’s Lithium Industry: Reforms and Radical Rhetoric
President Javier Milei’s ultraliberal policies, including the radical deregulation plan signed into decree DNU 70/2023, aim to revitalize Argentina’s economy by reducing state involvement and promoting private sector growth. Argentina’s lithium industry, critical for the global energy sector, stands to be significantly impacted. The country, poised to outpace Chile as a top lithium producer by 2027, faces major changes under Milei’s governance which emphasizes alignments towards U.S. interests and potentially increases foreign investors’ power, raising concerns among local and Indigenous communities about sustainable development.
(Analysis) The Mandate of Heaven and the Chinese Dream
How do ancient philosophies influence modern Chinese politics? This article looks at the Mandate of Heaven and its connection to the modern Chinese Dream.