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Inflection Points

May 21, 2023

G7 triumphs and the debt ceiling quagmire provide a glimpse into competing futures for US global leadership

By Frederick Kempe

A strong performance at the G7, juxtaposed with the United States' debt ceiling drama, highlights the challenges facing US international leadership.

China East Asia

Inflection Points

Apr 23, 2023

Three logical flaws stand in the way of a sufficient response to the Ukraine challenge

By Frederick Kempe

The West must make sacrifices in the present to secure the future.

China Conflict
Germany inaugurates Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal 'Deutsche Ostsee' in Lubmin

Inflection Points

Jan 14, 2023

Dispatch from Abu Dhabi: How to reduce carbon emissions without blocking progress

By Frederick Kempe

Despite the successes of the NATO summit, Russia's missile strike on a Ukrainian shopping mall put the brutality of Putin's war into stark relief.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Inflection Points

Dec 4, 2022

Autocratic setbacks offer Biden his ‘inflection point’ for democracies

By Frederick Kempe

This year has been a tough one for the world’s worst authoritarians: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

China Conflict

Inflection Points

Jun 19, 2022

President Xi’s damage control focuses on Europe and the Chinese economy

By Frederick Kempe

As he grapples with the consequences of his own missteps, China's Xi Jinping is in damage control mode ahead of the Chinese Communist Party Congress in November.

China Conflict

Inflection Points

Jan 9, 2022

Can the US avoid both appeasement and war? This week’s Russia talks will be revealing.

By Frederick Kempe

By this week’s end, the United States and its allies likely will know whether Vladimir Putin is willing to negotiate or whether he’s determined to escalate.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Inflection Points

Nov 7, 2021

Special Report: Three lessons from Riyadh and Glasgow, as climate change collides with an energy shock

By Frederick Kempe

The world is experiencing more energy transition than revolution, climate adaptation is critical, and politics will indelibly shape the energy future.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Inflection Points

Oct 17, 2021

We’re at the perilous beginning of an uncertain era in US-China relations

By Frederick Kempe

The United States and China represent the most significant bilateral relationship in human history—and neither side is managing their rising tensions with adequate skill or durable strategy.

China Economy & Business

Inflection Points

Sep 19, 2021

Xi’s big bet helps explain the Australian submarine deal

By Frederick Kempe

It is only in the context of Xi’s increased repressions at home and expanded ambitions abroad that one can fully understand Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s decision

Australia China

Inflection Points

Jun 20, 2021

Biden’s Europe trip set the stage for his historic ambitions

By Frederick Kempe

Having repeatedly provided his diagnosis of the cancers endangering global democracies, Biden this past week accelerated the course of treatment.

Europe & Eurasia European Union