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 the global economy at a crossroads?
The global economy, having overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces new and accelerating obstacles. Debt crises, rising inflation and interest rates, and declining trade performance have significantly pressured global economic growth, diminishing opportunities anticipated by investors…
Iraq on the Rise
Iraq is undergoing a remarkable transformation across key sectors—from real estate and hospitality to energy and education. With global hotel chains establishing a presence, international firms like Chestertons expanding into Baghdad, and strategic partnerships such as Siemens Energy’s engagement in…
The New Financial Capital of the Middle East
From Choice to Strategic Financial Hub Abu Dhabi is anticipated to emerge as the financial capital of the Middle East within the next decade. This prediction is based on the diversity of its capital markets, robust banking infrastructure, and flexible…
The Impact of Red Sea Tensions on the Global Economy
The Red Sea in the Spotlight Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza, escalating events suggest a widening scope of the conflict to encompass broader regions in the Middle East. Daily military incidents along the Lebanese border, missile strikes, and…
Will Iraq’s Economy Escape the Ramifications of the Gaza War?
Confronting the factions The aftermath of the recent war in Gaza has quickly expanded to encompass other countries in the region, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. American bases in both Syria and Iraq witnessed multiple missile and drone attacks…
Dubai ‘most ready’ to host Expo 2020, with $28bn boost at stake
Dubai is the favorite among five cities hoping to host the World Expo in 2020, and stands to benefit from a $28 billion economic boost if its bid is successful, according to a report published today. The London-based International Centre…