Category: International Economic Relations
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A New Era of Economic Nationalism
How do Trump-era tariffs and foreign aid cuts reflect economic nationalism and impact the global order? Tariffs and aid reductions, though aimed at protecting U.S. interests, have slowed growth, hurt supply chains, undermined global development, and weakened U.S. influence abroad. Economic nationalism comes at high costs; interconnected global systems and cooperation remain vital
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Sanctions and Fragility: The Case of UAC
Main question: Has UAC reduced foreign dependence and achieved financial sustainability after 2022? Argument: Despite sanctions and redomiciliation efforts, UAC remains structurally dependent on foreign technological inputs while its financial indicators deteriorate. Conclusion: UAC’s continued operation reflects state-engineered survival rather than market-based resilience, suggesting limited long-term sanction circumvention success.
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China Steps Back on WTO Special Treatment
Main question: Why has China chosen to forgo new WTO Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) claims? Argument: The move is largely symbolic, aimed at improving multilateral credibility, reducing US and developed-country concerns and asserting leadership among developing nations without significant cost to itself. 3. Conclusion: China balances reform support with strategic preservation of its existing…
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First to the Moon
Nearly 60 years after the first space race ended, a new one is already forming between China and the USA. Getting to the moon first, being able to access its resources and police it, is now a top priority of the countries’ space strategy. By developing space systems such as Gateway and the Mengzhou, the…
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Euro-Asian Power Dynamics
Main question: How do current trade patterns illustrate the evolving economic and strategic relationships between India, China, and Russia? Argument: China leverages manufacturing and technology dominance, Russia pivots energy exports to Asia, and India balances national security needs with economic growth. Conclusion: Present trade patterns show deepening interdependence, with each power exploiting its comparative advantage,…
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A Wake-Up Call for Industrial Policy?
– How should the European Union rethink its industrial policy in light of global shocks, strategic dependencies, and growing competition from the U.S. and China? – Fragmented national industrial strategies risk deepening inequalities, weakening competitiveness and undermining the Single Market. – The EU needs a coordinated framework that ensures that interventions are aligned with shared…
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Just Another Trade Route?
Can the geopolitical situation in the straits of Malacca reveal possible future scenarios along the Northern Sea Route? Due to starkly contrasting geographical and political circumstances between the regions, chiefly relating to population density, distance between population centres and the presence of major powers it is difficult to make an accurate prediction on the viability…
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Between the eagle and the dragon
China has rapidly expanded its influence in the Caribbean through infrastructure, trade, and the Belt and Road Initiative. The U.S., once dominant in the region, now responds with tariffs, aid, and military ties, but often reactively. Thus, the Caribbean has become a key arena of U.S.-China rivalry, raising economic, political, and security stakes for both…
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Facing the Geoeconomic Reality
Main Question: How can Europe make its critical raw materials (CRMs) supply chain more resilient amid geopolitical and economic challenges? Argument: Europe’s heavy reliance on China and unstable resource-rich countries for CRMs threatens its defence and energy transition goals. Conclusion: Europe must mobilize financial incentives, risk guarantees, and foster private investment abroad to secure an…
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The Lobito Corridor
How does the Lobito Corridor reflect the growing use of infrastructure to shape Africa’s trade patterns and global partnerships? The Corridor is a strategic project by the U.S. and to counter China’s influence in Africa through development-focused infrastructure.The Lobito Corridor exemplifies how infrastructure can drive regional integration, enhance global supply chains, and serve as a…