Features
Rule of law in EU deteriorates, with decline concentrated in eastern members
Liberties report finds collapse of democratic standards in Hungary, and strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia.
COMMENT: Why Iran remains wary of Trump's negotiation overtures
The contemporary wellspring of Iranian scepticism derives from the collapse of the nuclear agreement, which Tehran views as the definitive proof of American diplomatic unreliability.
Is Ukraine heading towards Finlandisation?
A frustrated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for action, not protracted negotiations on March 22, ahead of the next round of US-Russia ceasefire talks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Indonesia’s military reforms leave millions on edge
The law’s ratification has sparked widespread anxiety across Indonesia and has served to revive memories of the authoritarian ‘New Order’ era of 1966 - 1998 under former President Suharto.
Welcome to the new transactional world order
Welcome to the new world order. Values and liberal democracy is giving way to a world run on the basis of deals.
PANNIER: It’s exactly 20 years since Kyrgyzstan’s Tulip Revolution. What lessons did Central Asia’s rulers learn?
Proponents of democracy won’t like the answer.
Kazakhstan finds its place in the new world order
Astana continues to balance its relations with Russia, China and the West, while nurturing ties with mid-level powers such as the Gulf states and South Korea.
China sits on the Afghan-Pakistan fence as the Uyghurs watch and wait
As the largest foreign investor in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, China has thus far remained silent on the escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
India boosts energy, mobility infrastructure in western Himalayas
The union territory of Ladakh holds immense strategic and geopolitical importance for India as it borders China and Pakistan.
ING: What a potential restart of Russian gas flows could look like
Growing optimism for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine has sparked discussions about the potential resumption of Russian gas flows to Europe. It might happen: a partial restart of flows could drastically change the outlook for the gas market.
Russia's leading discount store Fix Price to move into Serbia
Russian discount retailer Fix Price is preparing to enter the Serbian market, with plans to open several stores by the end of 2025. This marks the company's second attempt to establish a presence in Europe.
Turkey in undeclared state of emergency following detention of Erdogan rival Imamoglu
Lira drops 14% as markets take fright. Barring an exceptional pushback from opposition, however, on past performance, country will soon go back to “normal”.
Why India’s adversaries force it to engage with authoritarian regimes
These ‘enemy of my enemy is my friend’ dynamics, while fraught with challenges, offer New Delhi the opportunity to secure its regional influence, contain cross border threats, and protect its economic and strategic assets.
Singapore’s chip fraud scandal has global repercussions
Singapore has found itself at the centre of a high-profile fraud case involving the alleged illegal export of AI-capable servers, potentially containing Nvidia chips.
Mongolia goes for megaprojects to broaden economy
Ulaanbaatar has big plans to end dependence on raw mineral exports.
Southeast Europe erupts in weekend of protests
Protests in Serbia, Georgia and Hungary reflect mounting discontent over corruption and democratic backsliding, while Romanians turn out to show commitment to EU values in face of rising far right.
Tehran art museum reveals hidden Picasso masterpieces after four decades
The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art has once again thrown open its doors to art lovers, rolling out a rare selection of works by Pablo Picasso in its latest exhibition, ‘Picasso in Tehran’.
USAID ends operations in Indonesia, raising concerns over aid programmes
For 64 years, USAID has played a role in Indonesia, providing $153.5mn in aid in 2024 alone.
Global warming could affect Indian wheat crop as temperatures remain above normal
Higher than normal temperatures in India in February have led to concerns that this may impact the nationwide wheat crop.
Economic warfare and the rise of Russia's shadow finance
As the US sanctions noose tightens around Russia’s ability to make and receive payments in dollars, the major oil firms are increasingly turning to cryptocurrency to settle trade deals.