Global Risk Insights's Contributions

BRICS countries have launched the New Development Bank with the aim of boosting infrastructure investment. The new bank may not become a key lender in the world economy but could challenge Western development policy.

Net metering has helped propel the American rooftop solar market. Nevertheless, net metering customers may see less favorable energy policy in the future.

The Ukrainian crisis and sour relations with Russia highlight the need to address the EU’s energy security issues. The recent EU Ypres summit decision might be an important step in this direction.

As the Federal Reserve continues to reduce the pace of asset purchases, attention has turned to the impending rise in interest rates. But to control short-term rates, the Fed will need to rely on new tools.

ISIL’s recent territorial gains pose a significant threat to the security and stability of Iraq and its neighbors. For Iran, however, ISIL threatens to topple its most significant regional trading partner and economic lifeline.

ISIL has conquered substantial territory in past weeks, but also gained new enemies. The increased focus on and military contra against ISIL means that the group cannot continue for long. This article is part of a GRI series on ISIL, Iraq, and the Middle East.

Does the recent gas deal between Russia and China signal a broader geopolitical alliance between the two countries, or is it simply an economic partnership?

Russia was excluded from this year’s G7 summit due to its threatening behavior in Ukraine. However, this may not be the breakdown in international relations many fear and is probably temporary.

While rising tensions have provoked concern over the United States’ status as the region’s security guarantor, the Pacific Power is not going anywhere.

With tensions increasing on both sides, maritime border disputes are directly affecting life and economic production in both China and Vietnam. However, the disagreements also point to China’s growing assertiveness and shifting geopolitical power.

A recent gas deal between Austrian energy company OMV and Russian gas exporter Gazprom exposes fractures within the European Union bloc over responses to the Ukraine crisis and threatens the stability of the EU policy-making.

Although the US midterm elections remain six months away, oddsmakers are increasingly predicting the Grand Old Party (GOP) will assume majority control over the Senate and thus put all of Congress under Republican control.

President Putin made a triumphant visit to Crimea on the 9th May, as the region held its first Victory Day commemorations since being annexed by Russia. Mr. Putin extolled Crimea's "return to the motherland"...

One of the key advantages of Amazon.com’s business model is being slowly stripped away. New research by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) shows that it could cost Amazon 10% of its sales.

Recent data released by Russia’s Court of Accounts indicates that the country’s regional governments are facing crisis situations with regional debts.

China’s active bid for South Sudan’s peace deal may mark a shift away from its traditional ‘non-interference’ foreign policy towards a more proactive role in global politics.

Implicit subsidies for large systemic banks has come down since the crisis but it is still higher than before, reflecting an ongoing perception of government support for the largest banks.

Israeli natural gas exports have the potential to reshape energy dynamics across the Mediterranean, helping Israel and its neighbors to diversify their energy access. Regional political risks, however, loom large over export deals and further exploration.

With recent events in Ukraine strongly affecting security relations between the West and Russia, both Brussels and Moscow are increasing efforts to reduce their mutual energy-financial dependency.

As Indian voters go to the polls this month, the choices they make in the voting booth will mark the future of nuclear energy in India. The young Aam Aadmi Party promotes an anti-nuclear platform that may significantly influence the country’s future energy composition.