On 30 April, US and Ukrainian representatives signed a bilateral minerals deal, securing an alliance for Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia. However, its skirting of security guarantees changes little on the ground for Ukraine, and sustains uncertainty over whether the investments it seeks to entice will turn a timely profit, writes Neo Tsotetsi.…
As geopolitical sands shift amid the new US administration’s realignment of its domestic and foreign policy agenda, the global travel sector faces some uncertainty over the direct and potentially slower-to-emerge implications for travel safety. Saif Islam and Erin Drake consider what these implications may look like over the coming year.
US President Donald Trump’s executive order pausing foreign aid has highlighted the global reliance on US funding as the new administration moves to streamline government spending. While concerns over the effectiveness of international aid and calls for reform are not new, Richard Gardiner examines how the sudden US policy shift will impact regions…
As the US approaches the November election, immigration and border security remain at the forefront of policy debates, and candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris must navigate growing public frustration about perceived migrant numbers. Erin Drake discusses the potential consequences of a tougher US approach to immigration on Latin America.
As the US presidential elections draw near, attention has focused on the divide in foreign policies between candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Richard Gardiner examines how their divergent approaches may manifest in a fractious yet geopolitically significant region like the Middle East – especially as the Israel-Palestine conflict intensifies.…
The outcome of the US election will have consequences for the Federal Reserve’s trajectory over the coming year. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's differing economic approaches could influence its interest rate decisions, which will impact not only the US but also emerging African economies, write Tamsin Hunt and Saif Islam.
Global defence spend has accelerated in recent years, reaching historic highs in many countries. Tamsin Hunt examines some of the developments driving increased military spending around the world.
The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was a shocking moment in US history, taking place amid deep societal divisions and a tense political climate. Richard Gardiner examines the factors driving political violence and social unrest in the US and assesses the threat they pose as the country approaches the November elections.
On 18 April, a police crackdown on student protests at Columbia University in New York kickstarted a wave of demonstrations on campuses across the world calling on universities to sever their ties with Israel amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. The demonstrations have drawn comparisons to protest campaigns in the previous century, which may offer some…
In 2023, hundreds of thousands of US workers from various sectors went on strike to demand higher pay. With some strikes extending months, many workers were eventually successful in securing more favourable contracts. The question now is whether these wins will encourage continued industrial action in 2024, writes Shannon Lorimer.
Global power balances are shifting, with consequences for both nation-states and businesses. Tamsin Hunt and Asees Bajaj explore the growing fractures in the geopolitical landscape, and assess the sources of disruption that may trigger long-term change.
The recent release of generative artificial intelligence tools, together with increased user engagement with a proliferation of digital dating and payment platforms, have enhanced criminal opportunities and capabilities to carry out virtual scams, including extortion and fake kidnappings, writes Shannon Lorimer.