Recent Posts

(Photo Credit: Handout / Etat Major des Armées / AFP)
Posted in Africa Europe United States

The French Exodus From Africa: Has It Helped Democracy

Was the criticism of France’s presence in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger more about national pride than about fostering true democratic development…

Continue Reading The French Exodus From Africa: Has It Helped Democracy
(Photo Credit: AP Photo / Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Posted in Latin America United States

Americas First?’ A Second Trump Term Could Be A Renaissance For Latin America

The prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House in 2025 has sparked intense discussion about the future of U.S.-Latin American relations. While critics focus on potential tensions, a closer examination reveals how Trump’s “America First” approach could catalyze a long-overdue transformation in hemispheric relations, ultimately benefiting both the U.S. and its southern neighbors…

Continue Reading Americas First?’ A Second Trump Term Could Be A Renaissance For Latin America
Posted in Europe Middle East / Asia United States

Israel’s Expanding War and the Echoes of the American ‘Surge’ Strategy

Israel has dramatically escalated its military operations, extending beyond Gaza to include strikes in Lebanon, Yemen and Syria. This expansion marks a significant shift in strategy that borrows heavily from the American playbook while tailoring it to Israel’s unique geopolitical context. As the conflict intensifies, it’s crucial to examine the implications of this approach, not just for the Middle East but for global security and economic stability…

Continue Reading Israel’s Expanding War and the Echoes of the American ‘Surge’ Strategy
(Photo Credit: AP Photo / Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
Posted in Africa Europe Latin America Middle East / Asia United States

The Unfulfilled Promise Of Biden’s Foreign Policy

President Biden entered office with a wealth of foreign policy experience and the promise to restore American leadership on the global stage. Yet, as his term nears its end, his administration’s handling of international crises raises questions about the effectiveness of his approach…

Continue Reading The Unfulfilled Promise Of Biden’s Foreign Policy
(Photo Credit: The White House)
Posted in Africa United States

US President Biden’s Postponed Angola Trip Is A Missed Opportunity

President Joe Biden has postponed his trip to Luanda. With US elections in less than four weeks it is unlikely he will visit Africa as president…

Continue Reading US President Biden’s Postponed Angola Trip Is A Missed Opportunity
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
Posted in Africa Europe Latin America Middle East / Asia United States

Top Foreign Policy Issues Facing Next U.S. President on Day 1

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is in full swing with candidates talking economic policy but partially skirting round foreign policy challenges. The foreign policy debate has been limited with most commentary focused on whether the policy will be more “arrogant” or “predictable”, neither of which are informative descriptions for a candidate or directionally insightful as a strategy. The next U.S. president will face several key issues on day 1 and, while temperament can be part of the test, there is a question of policy answers and details…

Continue Reading Top Foreign Policy Issues Facing Next U.S. President on Day 1
(Photo Credit: AFP)
Posted in Middle East / Asia

Is Pakistan’s Economic Turnaround Now Underway?

By fostering an environment conducive to foreign investment and collaboration, Pakistan can harness its untapped potential and emerge as a beacon of economic opportunity. While challenges remain, the recent developments in foreign investment (i.e., Aramco investment in Gas & Oil Pakistan, Japanese investor interest in Pakistan’s automotive industry, PIA privatization, etc.) and key loans from international institutions, highlight Pakistan’s capacity for growth and resilience…

Continue Reading Is Pakistan’s Economic Turnaround Now Underway?
Posted in United States

Fed Rate Cuts For 2024 May Be Too Ambitious

Despite the downward pressure on inflation, supply-side dynamics and numbers do not suggest the underlying inflation rate is near (or approaching) the Fed’s target. Thus the Fed should not have a shocked face each month when the underlying market data exhibits something other than a perfectly normalizing market … despite our deepest desire to see one…

Continue Reading Fed Rate Cuts For 2024 May Be Too Ambitious