Still An Attractive Investment
Saudi Arabia, blessed with political stability and deep pockets, presents one of the most attractive business and investment environments in the vast region between central Africa and China.The kingdom...
View ArticleIran Deal a Boon for US-Saudi Defense Ties
In the wake of the nuclear agreement with Iran, US-Saudi relations appeared on the rocks. But when it comes to defense spending, business has rarely looked better.While Iran’s nuclear program may be a...
View ArticleRiyadh's Miscalculation
It is difficult to imagine the turmoil that the House of Saud must have been enduring since the price of oil began its precipitous and deep decline in the latter half of 2014. Since then, not only has...
View ArticleChange in the Kingdom: Three Big Shifts
Saudi Arabia is showing a bolder side. The Kingdom has taken a new direction, undergoing changes in dynastic succession, foreign policy, and economic strategy.1. The recent changes in Saudi royal...
View ArticleThe ISIS Factor
The situation in the Russian North Caucasus has been complex for over 25 years now. A host of economic and social reasons, as well as the relations between this region and the federal authorities, and...
View ArticleRadicalization of a Region
For two decades, hundreds of Russian citizens have become victims of terrorism rooted in the turbulent North Caucasus region of Russia. This area has also been a major source of fighters for different...
View ArticleThe Caucasus: Instability Increasing
The Caucuses region is simmering with tension, and, due to its strategic geographic location and Caspian energy markets, the international community cannot afford to let the situation boil over.Lying...
View ArticleRussia and Europe's Interdependence
Tensions between Russia and NATO have escalated to near Cold War levels since Vladimir Putin's seizure of Crimea and ongoing support of separatists in the Ukraine. The U.S. and its allies have imposed...
View ArticleStrategic Concerns for the EU and U.S.
Russia can influence politics in Central and Eastern Europe via the energy sector. Most of the Visegrad Group countries in Central Europe, for example, are dependent on Russia for natural gas. Some of...
View ArticleRussia’s Energy Influence Dropping
Russia undeniably wields some degree of influence over Central and Eastern Europe due to the high volume of energy exports it sends their way. However, that leverage may be overplayed. The Cipher Brief...
View ArticleRussia’s Energy Leverage Wanes in Parts of Europe
Russia has historically used its dominance in the energy sector to influence Central and Eastern European governments. But since the Russia-Ukraine gas dispute in 2009, when Russia cut supplies to all...
View ArticleEnergy Opportunities in Mozambique
Mozambique is a big investment opportunity for energy companies, but concerns over organized crime, corruption, and targeted kidnapping remain, along with a somewhat shaky political situation. The...
View ArticleMozambique: A Strategic Partner for America
Focusing on threats and short-term planning often leads to missed opportunities by governments. Insight is expected to be provided for immediate decision needs, while foresight becomes sidelined by...
View ArticleSecurity Concerns Complicate Investment Opportunities in Mozambique
The southeast African country Mozambique presents an investment opportunity for American energy companies. But with this opportunity comes security challenges, including domestic political disputes...
View ArticleChina Leads the Charge on Clean Energy
At a time when the U.S. is propping up its coal industry, China is expanding its support for clean energy. After years of targeted policy and investment, it has emerged as a global leader in the clean...
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