The Global Debt Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb Threatening the World Economy
Shocking Figures and Troubling Details Global debt has reached unprecedented levels, driven largely by massive government spending to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside decades of expansionary monetary policies. Estimates indicate that global public debt surpassed $100 trillion USD in 2024,…
The US-China Framework: A Tactical Truce or a Turning Point?
The often-strained economic relationship between the United States and China has recently seen a notable development: the announcement of a “framework agreement” between the world’s two largest economies. This move, following intense rounds of arduous negotiations, raises fundamental questions about…
Trump’s Latest Gambit: A Subtle Diplomatic Overture or a Calculated Economic Play?
By: Sadek Al-Rikaby* A terse tweet from US President Donald Trump, hinting that China can now continue to purchase Iranian oil, has sparked a fresh wave of speculation across geopolitical and economic spheres. The significance of this statement stems from…
Market Resilience Defies Middle East Turmoil
De-escalation and Calm Risk Assessment Recent weeks have seen limited military escalation between Iran and Israel, including retaliatory attacks, which initially triggered concern in markets. However, the market’s reaction hasn’t reflected this alarm with the same intensity that the nature…
How might Trump’s “Make Iran Great Again” harm the economy of ‘Great America’?
Introduction: The Paradox of Presidential Slogans Donald Trump’s presidential campaign promises have always centered on the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), built on fostering a strong and prosperous U.S. economy: creating jobs, curbing inflation, achieving energy self-sufficiency, and reducing…
Hormuz: A Looming Danger… Can the Global Economy Survive?
A Three-Dimensional Shock to Energy Markets The Strait of Hormuz serves as an indispensable lifeline for global energy supplies. Approximately 17 to 20 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and refined petroleum products transit the Strait, accounting for…
Beijing’s Risky Calculus: US-China Tensions Fuel Strategic Support for Iran
Amidst volatile geopolitical dynamics and escalating regional conflicts, mounting reports alleging China’s provision of sensitive military equipment to Iran underscore a deeper reality: Beijing’s support for Tehran is not an isolated reaction but a profound reflection of its long-term strategic…
Infrastructure Diplomacy: The New Power Game
By: Haydar Al-Rikabi* The global race for artificial intelligence leadership has created a new form of statecraft, “infrastructure diplomacy”. Rather than wielding influence through military power or ideological alignment, nations are now building strategic relationships through control of the computational…
ICDS to Participate in Pivotal Energy Disputes Conference in London
The International Center for Development Studies (ICDS) will participate in the 8th Annual conference on Energy Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in the Middle East and Africa, taking place on June 12–13, 2025, at the prestigious London offices of Herbert Smith…
Is Europe Ready of a Second Trump Term?
Quick Read: – EU nations fear Trump might reduce support for NATO, leaving Europe with greater economic burdens and alone against Russia. – Trump’s proposed tariffs on European exports could weaken the EU’s economy and shrink its industrial output. –…
Have Syrians Escaped the Specter of Division?
By Mohammad Ammar Khaled Al-Saeed* Yesterday, Syrians celebrated what many described as a national milestone, if not a dream come true—the downfall of the tyrant who fled the country after years of oppressive rule. Yet, while the people’s uprising succeeded…