Content

Supporters of Kenya's opposition leader and presidential candidate Raila Odinga, of the Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) One Kenya Alliance, attend his final campaign rally ahead of the August 9th General election, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, August 6, 2022.

Issue Brief

Jun 11, 2024

The missing piece: Political parties are critical to democracy in Africa

By Santiago Stocker, Patrick Quirk, and Dan Scaduto

As many as seventeen countries in Africa will head to the polls in 2024. This piece analyzes the state of political parties in Sub-Saharan Africa, using Freedom and Prosperity Indexes data to show why multiparty systems are key to democratic strength.

Africa Democratic Transitions
Chief Warrant Officer Richard Infusino, a Falcon Team pilot, packs up his gear after landing one of five new UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopters at Hohenfels Army Airfield April 21. The new helicopters will replace the post's aging fleet of UH-1 ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)

Issue Brief

Jun 11, 2024

Friend-sourcing military procurement: Technology acquisition as security cooperation

By James Hasik

Jim Hasik reviews the nine cases of US "friend-sourcing" of major military systems and finds they brought good quality, speed, and economy.

Afghanistan Defense Industry

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2024

Policy memo: What will it take to make the MENA region a renewable energy powerhouse?

By Shihab Elborai, Anthony Yammine, and Pavel Popikov

The Middle East and North Africa region is well placed to become not just a major source of renewable energy, but also a central and indispensable player in the global energy transition, uniquely able to balance supply and demand for all types of energy, both hydrocarbons and renewables.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
US Navy sailors operate onboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, in the Adriatic Sea, February 2, 2022.

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2024

A new NATO command structure

By Richard D. Hooker, Jr.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO suggest an urgent need for a revised NATO Command Structure, better suited to the security needs of allies and better organized to deter and defend in light of these new realities.

NATO Security & Defense

Issue Brief

May 29, 2024

Who’s a national security risk? The changing transatlantic geopolitics of data transfers

By Kenneth Propp

The geopolitics of data transfers is changing. How will Washington's new focus on data transfers affect Europe and the transatlantic relationship?

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Issue Brief

May 15, 2024

China Pathfinder: Q1 2024 update

By GeoEconomics Center and Rhodium Group

In the first quarter of 2024, Beijing pushed forward with a flurry of efforts to support a faltering stock market, ramp up exports to make up for domestic demand, and double-down on high-tech sectors with subsidies and other innovation funding.

China Fiscal and Structural Reform

Issue Brief

Apr 23, 2024

The flaws in project-based carbon credit trading and the need for jurisdictional alternatives

By Byron Swift, Ken Berlin, George Frampton, and Frank Willey

This issue brief highlights several significant, and at times unresolvable, problems with the project-based approach to carbon credit trading, the purpose of which is to reduce deforestation and sequester carbon.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
Cover image for Navigating dominant narratives and data accuracy—Implications for energy security

Issue Brief

Apr 23, 2024

Navigating dominant narratives and data accuracy: Implications for energy security

By Sara Vakhshouri

Energy market shocks and uncertainties highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between data-driven narratives and market expectations within the energy sector. These narratives wield significant influence over market dynamics, impacting commodity pricing and investment trends.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Technology & Innovation

Issue Brief

Apr 16, 2024

Geoeconomic fragmentation and net-zero targets

By Shirin Hakim and Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

This report outlines how the Bretton Woods Institutions can mitigate the effects of growing geoeconomic fragmentation on global net-zero targets.

China Climate Change & Climate Action
Image: iStock

Issue Brief

Apr 10, 2024

Standards and interoperability: The future of the global financial system

By Ananya Kumar, Alisha Chhangani, Jennifer Lassiter, and Katherine Haar

Digital assets promise enhanced efficiency, inclusion, transparency, and choice to global payments. But to fulfill this promise, the international community must first develop interoperability standards.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

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