Economy

,

Keeping The Russian War Machine Alive: Analysing Putin’s New War Economy

,
Keeping The Russian War Machine Alive: Analysing Putin’s New War Economy

Politicians across the West vowed, amidst a wave of sanctions for Russian state officials, companies and oligarchs, that Moscow’s economy would be stifled. And yet, Russia’s GDP growth has surpassed both the EU and the US for the second consecutive year. A conflict which has enormous geopolitical consequences, a burden of incalculable human, industrial, agricultural and energy losses for some, is seemingly also providing an economic boom that is injecting optimism and richness across Russia, particularly among Russia's “rustbelt”. 

, ,

The Future of Argentina's Foreign Policy: What Will Change With Milei?

, ,
The Future of Argentina's Foreign Policy: What Will Change With Milei?

The election of Javier Gerarldo Milei as President of Argentina already marked a pivotal shift in the country's foreign policies. Milei's government seems willing to keep prioritising ideological alliances, with what he defines as "the free world", over economic interests. The President advocates for closer ties with Western liberal nations, particularly the USA and Israel, while distancing from MERCOSUR and BRICS and refusing to have diplomatic connections with historic commercial partners of Argentina, such as Brazil and China. As Argentina becomes more pro-American, economic consequences and internal changes emerge, reshaping the nation's future.

,

Navigating the Waters: Chinese Maritime Expansionism

,
Navigating the Waters: Chinese Maritime Expansionism

The South and East China Seas have become highly contested regions due to their strategic importance in international trade and global supply-demand dynamics. In this sense, the increasing Chinese maritime assertiveness in the region aims to safeguard economic development, critical shipping lanes, and uphold territorial claims. This assertiveness clashes directly with the countries conforming to the so-called first island chain, stretching from Japan to the Malay Peninsula, and involves  territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions.

, ,

Where South Korea Stands Today: From Soft Power Success Story to Nuclear Ambition

, ,
Where South Korea Stands Today: From Soft Power Success Story to Nuclear Ambition

Despite North Korea's constant threat, South Korea's prudent adherence to international law and alliance with the United States have restrained its nuclear ambitions. Given its impressive economic growth and cultural influence, recent discourse suggests that the country demonstrates its ambition by adopting more pervasive nuclear strategies.

,

High Stakes at the Horizon: Türkiye General Elections 2023

,
High Stakes at the Horizon: Türkiye General Elections 2023

Türkiye’s upcoming elections in June will be the most consequential in the country’s recent history. The country continues to suffer from pressures that threaten to tear apart the Turkish republic. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has continued to mould the political landscape around increasingly greater authoritarian leanings following the failed 2016 Coup. Furthermore, rampant inflation has decimated much of the country’s middle and working classes, even threatening currency collapse. The disastrous earthquake of 2023 and the government’s subsequent response has decimated one of the country’s most insecure regions, impacting the upcoming election. The outcome of the election will ultimately prove to be decisive in determining the future direction of one of NATO’s most critical members.