Economy & Trade - The Geopolitical Desk (Page 2)

The strategic sectors Russia won’t surrender

Despite intense Western sanctions, Russia has been able to maintain both arms and nuclear energy exports in an effort to sustain its economy.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 12 Dec 2025

The strategic sectors Russia won’t surrender

How Washington is redefining Pakistan’s critical minerals value chain

Pakistan offers a node between Gulf capital, American technology, and the resource-hungry Indo-Pacific for the world’s few most critical minerals

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 30 Nov 2025

How Washington is redefining Pakistan’s critical minerals value chain

Is this the start of a new Saudi–US strategic order?

Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington signalled that U.S.-Saudi relations are entering a more structured and future-oriented phase. The partnership is increasingly anchored in shared tech priorities, deeper defence integration and large-scale capital alignment with U.S. strategic industries.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 24 Nov 2025

Is this the start of a new Saudi–US strategic order?

What's wrong in America's economy?

On paper, the U.S. economy appears to be doing well, with GDP growth and inflation holding steady. Yet many Americans say they are feeling increasing economic pressure. Are Americans overreacting, or is there something fundamentally wrong in the U.S. economy?

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 22 Nov 2025

Crude choices: India's sanction dilemma

New Delhi must carefully balance its partnership with the U.S. against its desire for cheap Russian oil.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 19 Nov 2025

The race for AI leadership in the Gulf

The race between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will define who sets the Gulf’s digital standards and who becomes its technological gatekeeper. Abu Dhabi's position is already well established, but Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions are fast catching up, setting the stage for a Gulf-wide AI rivalry.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 14 Nov 2025

Turkey's evolving agenda in the Gulf

Turkish President Erdoğan’s latest economic and security outreach to the Gulf could easily benefit both sides, but Turkey's ambition and the Gulf's wariness of Ankara's influence could limit their cooperation.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 1 Nov 2025

Gulf states and the critical minerals race

Critical minerals, from lithium and cobalt to rare earth elements, have become the backbone of modern industries, powering everything from defense systems to electric vehicle batteries. In today’s fractured geopolitical landscape, they represent more than resources: they are leverage.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 11 Oct 2025

Gulf states and the critical minerals race

Bangladesh’s fragile transition faces its first test

Bangladesh’s democratic transition remains fragile. The interim government struggles to deliver reforms and prepare the country’s first credible election in 16 years, with risks ranging from orderly democratic renewal to violent breakdown.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 8 Sep 2025

Can a unified visa reshape regional tourism in the Gulf?

In July, the GCC Supreme Council announced the approval of a unified tourist visa allowing foreigners to access all six countries within the bloc using a single permit. With plans to pilot this by the end of 2025, the relaxation of rules encourages multi-destination trips across the Gulf region.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 31 Aug 2025

Can a unified visa reshape regional tourism in the Gulf?

Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the future of Eurasian connectivity

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 25 Aug 2025

Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the future of Eurasian connectivity

Why the Gulf holds the keys to the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor

The Gulf is positioned as a pivotal hub in the emerging India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC), with the potential to reshape global trade routes while diversifying its economies. This analysis explores EU–GCC integration and the geopolitical stakes driving IMEC’s future.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 8 Aug 2025