Topics Archive
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - Jun 1, 2019
Trump threatens sanctions against Mexico
The US is expected to impose a 5% tariff on all goods from Mexico. The duties will increase until illegal immigration from Mexico into the US is stopped. Why has President Trump increased pressure on…
General Interest - Analyses & Assessments - May 31, 2019
Julian Assange: A Case of Journalism, Hacking and Espionage
Julian Assange, co-founder of Wikileaks has been charged with 17 counts under the Espionage Act for receiving and publishing information from Army intelligence analyst in 2010. Does Assange fit the…
World - Analyses & Assessments - May 31, 2019
Netanyahu fails to form a government
In the April 2019 general elections in Israel, incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was elected to form a coalition government. However, he was unable to do so and has called for new elections…
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 31, 2019
Pro-EU parties to control European Parliament
Populist, eurosceptic parties were expected to gain significantly in recently held European Parliament elections. Results indicate that while the European Union has largely rejected populism, some…
General Interest - Analyses & Assessments - May 31, 2019
ExxonMobil and climate change
ExxonMobil's shareholders have rejected several proposals that would require greater oversight over the company's environmental policy. Activist shareholders have also pushed for a separation of the…
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 30, 2019
China’s rare-earth metals
Chinese state media has warned that the country is ready to use rare-earth in the trade war with the US. Is such a strategy a viable option for China?
Elections - Analyses & Assessments - May 30, 2019
Aftermath of Indian Election results 2019
India’s Bharatiya Janata Party swept the opposition aside to win a second term in the recent national elections. . Will the sweeping mandate motivate the ruling party to rise above ideological…
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 30, 2019
Laser attacks in South China Sea
Australian navy helicopter pilots have been hit with laser beams from fishing boats suspected of being part of China’s maritime militia during a recent military exercise in the South China Sea.…
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 30, 2019
Macron and Merkel spar over EU leadership
In a recent vote, the hold on European Parliament by centrist blocs that have dominated the institution has been weakened. France and Germany are at odds as to who secures Europe’s top jobs including…
General Interest - Analyses & Assessments - May 29, 2019
Trump undermines the science behind climate change
Climate change poses a severe threat to planet Earth. Interest groups in the US are in constant denial that humans are primarily responsible for these aberrations. The Trump administration has…
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 29, 2019
Iran and China vs the US?
Both Iran and China have recently faced the ire of the United States; Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal and China through an ongoing trade war. Are Iran and China likely to engage in closer cooperation…
Technology - Analyses & Assessments - May 29, 2019
Fiat Chrysler proposes Renault merger
Fiat Chrysler proposes a merger with Renault that would create the world's third-largest car manufacturer. The auto industry is currently undergoing a shift caused by autonomous vehicles and electric…
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 29, 2019
Right to Information vs Disclosure of defaulters
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Reserve Bank of India to disclose the list of loan defaulters. Will RBI disclose names of such non - payers ?
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 27, 2019
Pakistan to get Saudi oil on deferred payments
Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Pakistan PM’s finance adviser has indicated that Saudi Arabia will supply oil worth USD 3.2billion per year on deferred payments for three years. Is Pakistan the new proxy…
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 27, 2019
Canada’s trash in Philippines
Canada will take back tonnes of waste shipped to the Philippines between 2013-14 which was causing a diplomatic sink. Are developing nations which have become global dumping grounds pushing back?
General Interest - Analyses & Assessments - May 27, 2019
Starlink: SpaceX’s broadband service
SpaceX recently launched satellites for its Starlink broadband service. Why are private space companies attempting to provide global internet coverage?
Technology - Analyses & Assessments - May 27, 2019
The Future of Security: Mapping the 5G ecosystem in India
Synergia Foundation hosted its 55th Forum on the future of Security in India, focusing on the 5G networks. The forum saw the participation of prominent civil servants, industry leaders and technology…
World - Analyses & Assessments - May 27, 2019
No-deal Brexit: Not an option
Prime Minister May has announced her resignation as Conservative party head, paving the way for a new British PM to negotiate Brexit. What was Mrs May’s most significant challenge and is her…
Geopolitics - Analyses & Assessments - May 27, 2019
Hong Kong’s Fugitive bill
A new blanket extradition law in Hong Kong has sparked concerns that China will use the bill to extradite whoever it wants from the territory. Considering the domestic nature of the law, why is…
General Interest - Analyses & Assessments - May 24, 2019
China’s food woes
China, reeling from the effects of the Asian Swine Flu virus, is affected by an infestation of the fall armyworm. Is China’s food security in serious jeopardy considering increased pressure from the…