From discord in Europe and the Gulf, to issues affecting trade, the global energy supply and the status quo in Syria, July shows no signs of being a quiet month. Stratfor's weekly intelligence digest explores key events from the previous seven days and looks ahead to what matters in the coming period.
The South American bloc, driven by government changes and recession in Argentina and Brazil, puts aside its protectionist policies to try to open its markets to outside trade.
This map shows the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups and Amphibious Ready Groups.
The detention of a German human rights activist in Turkey sparked a fresh dispute between two countries already struggling to get along. And the consequences of Germany rethinking its military and economic relations with Turkey can have damaging effects on the aspiring EU member, but Turkey still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Changes in Qatar's anti-terrorism law may placate blockading countries in the short term, as the country works long term to maintain its allies in the region.
After 100 days of planning and negotiation, the end result is decidedly modest, meaning issues such as Chinese steel, the U.S. trade deficit, and national security will likely rear their heads again in the future.
Despite subtle political sniping, Seoul and Tokyo will manage to keep their relationship stable to further greater goals regarding North Korea.
The maneuvering by India and China, playing out once again on a disputed patch of land in neighboring Bhutan, shows no sign of abating.
Economic talks between China and the United States are set to begin with import applications still pending.
Analyst Paulo Gregoire discusses the bloc's policy tendencies, which will be on full display in an upcoming meeting in Mendoza, Argentina.
As North Korea moves closer to achieving a long-range missile capability, the United States will come under mounting pressure to act.
By Rodger Baker
Stratfor analyst Paulo Gregoire talks about the scenarios possible now that former Brazilian President and current presidential candidate Lula da Silva has been charged with corruption and sentenced to more than 9 years in prison.
Stratfor Middle East and North Africa Analyst Emily Hawthorne examines the progress of the Iraqi operation to retake Mosul.
Reports of palace intrigue shine a light on the secretive world of Saudi royalty as one crown prince falls and the world gets a glimpse of the power of another.
Revelations that the United Arab Emirates may have set the current crisis in motion by orchestrating a cyberattack on Qatar's state news agency will further complicate relations in and beyond the bloc. But the allegations are hardly surprising.
What began as a political crisis for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan quickly turned into a rare opportunity.
The strategic and stable region has long maintained a striking level of independence, but rising Tatar nationalism could drive the Kremlin to tighten its grip.
Traveling through Andalusia reveals the complexity of the region's culture and history -- and the pride its people have in them.
During side talks to the larger meeting, each remained cautious yet firm in their first face-to-face session.
From energy to defense, Warsaw sees in the U.S. president a way to keep relations as strong as possible.
Two decades after Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule, the city is nearing a turning point in its relationship with Beijing.
