GuidanceSep 24, 2017 | 13:14 GMTSep 24, 2017
Stratfor's intelligence digest explores key events from the previous week and looks ahead to what matters in the coming period.
- To empower members to confidently understand and navigate a continuously changing and complex global environment.
TRENDING THEMES & TOPICS
GuidanceSep 24, 2017 | 13:13 GMTSep 24, 2017
This is an internal Stratfor document listing significant meetings and events for the next week.
AssessmentsSep 24, 2017 | 13:10 GMTSep 24, 2017
From its position at the heart of Europe, Germany has long commanded a central role in the Continent's geopolitics.
Snapshots
SnapshotsSep 25, 2017 | 21:10 GMTSep 25, 2017
As separate forces backed by the United States and Russia both race toward the Iraqi border, the two sides are clashing in ways that risk escalation.
SnapshotsSep 25, 2017 | 19:36 GMTSep 25, 2017
Japanese Prime Minister Abe has announced his plan to dissolve the Lower House of the Diet, hold snap elections, and if all goes well put himself on track to pursue ambitious reforms as head of his party for a third term.
SnapshotsSep 24, 2017 | 19:18 GMTSep 24, 2017
The six parties that will enter the Bundestag after the Sept. 24 federal elections could be too preoccupied with building coalitions to debate the future of Europe.
SnapshotsSep 22, 2017 | 22:07 GMTSep 22, 2017
Despite a flurry of diplomatic activity surrounding Russia's recent proposal to deploy a U.N. peacekeeping force to eastern Ukraine, actual movement on the issue in the immediate future looks unlikely.
SnapshotsSep 22, 2017 | 20:19 GMTSep 22, 2017
British Prime Minister Theresa May laid out her Brexit plans and expectations in a speech in Florence, Italy, hoping it would help negotiations with the European Union lead to some resolution.
SnapshotsSep 22, 2017 | 17:42 GMTSep 22, 2017
As controversy over Iraq's Kurdish referendum rages, Syria's Kurds attempt to create a governing structure.
Videos
VideosAug 23, 2017 | 17:44 GMTAug 23, 2017
Senior Military Analyst Omar Lamrani and South Asia Analyst Faisel Pervaiz discuss geography's role in the standoff between Chinese and Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control.
By Omar Lamrani
VideosAug 21, 2017 | 22:40 GMTAug 21, 2017
These are just a few things to watch this week.
VideosAug 18, 2017 | 23:11 GMTAug 18, 2017
Satellite imagery shows the extent of the kingdom's demolition efforts in the Shiite stronghold of Awamiyah.
VideosAug 14, 2017 | 20:17 GMTAug 14, 2017
One minute video with important events to watch this week.
Reflections
ReflectionsSep 25, 2017 | 19:13 GMTSep 25, 2017
North Korea's foreign minister accused Washington of declaring war and argued that any concrete action Pyongyang takes against the United States now would be defensive.
ReflectionsSep 25, 2017 | 16:39 GMTSep 25, 2017
Though the ruling Christian Democratic Union came in first place, emerging forces on the left and the right made major strides. And the government’s struggle to build a coalition will force many EU powers to reconsider reform plans.
ReflectionsSep 19, 2017 | 22:32 GMTSep 19, 2017
No matter who is president, the United States' role in the global system necessitates that it play a pivotal part in the world’s affairs. Donald Trump's speech at the U.N. General Assembly reflected that reality.
ReflectionsSep 14, 2017 | 23:24 GMTSep 14, 2017
Will political Islam still reign supreme when the kingdom's next ruler takes the throne?
ReflectionsSep 9, 2017 | 00:21 GMTSep 9, 2017
After decades of failed attempts at reconciliation after World War II, Japan and Russia are trying again to resolve old rivalries. But new issues are becoming pressing.
ReflectionsSep 5, 2017 | 21:55 GMTSep 5, 2017
Russian President Vladimir Putin is sending signs that his country is interested in ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine. But the move is driven far more by Moscow's diplomatic interests than any sincere commitment to resolution.
ReflectionsSep 2, 2017 | 12:57 GMTSep 2, 2017
Once a group of equals, the association of five rapidly developing nations has evolved into a vehicle driven primarily by China. But as the economic powerhouse strives to use BRICS for its own advancement, there is an India-shaped roadblock in its path.
ReflectionsAug 28, 2017 | 22:16 GMTAug 28, 2017
New Delhi's withdrawal of troops from the Doklam Plateau suggests that both sides have decided that the costs of war outweigh the benefits of aggression. But will their detente hold?
ReflectionsAug 23, 2017 | 19:36 GMTAug 23, 2017
Social media is a relatively new weapon of diplomacy, and a powerful one at that. Harnessing the tool -- and controlling the fallout -- could prove a greater challenge than Riyadh and Doha expected.
ReflectionsAug 22, 2017 | 21:10 GMTAug 22, 2017
As the European Union deliberates its future, French President Emmanuel Macron will use his tour of Central and Eastern Europe to try to shape the role they have in it.
ReflectionsAug 22, 2017 | 03:43 GMTAug 22, 2017
Despite the U.S. confirmation of support to the region, major geopolitical factors will determine the success of any Western strategy in Afghanistan.
ReflectionsAug 18, 2017 | 22:10 GMTAug 18, 2017
As they explore ways to work together on their shared priorities, Turkey and Iran will realize sooner or later that their differences still outnumber their common interests.
Global Perspectives
Partner PerspectivesSep 25, 2017 | 09:30 GMTSep 25, 2017
The reactions of Islamic associations and personalities who have weighed in on the dispute in the Gulf Cooperation Council reveal the current state of flux within Islamic politics across the region.
Contributor PerspectivesSep 25, 2017 | 09:15 GMTSep 25, 2017
For those who want to watch sports where winners are rewarded and losers are punished, try looking to Europe.
Contributor PerspectivesSep 22, 2017 | 09:30 GMTSep 22, 2017
The two countries are taking their relationship to the next level, in a big way.
Partner PerspectivesSep 22, 2017 | 09:30 GMTSep 22, 2017
Urban populations are exploding around the globe, and yesterday's food systems will soon be sub-optimal for many of the megacities that tens of millions of people call home. This infographic shows how these food systems are evolving, and that the future of food depends on technologies that help us to get more food from fewer resources.
Partner PerspectivesSep 21, 2017 | 09:15 GMTSep 21, 2017
Talk of Europe developing an independent military force is in the air amid doubts about the credibility of U.S. security guarantees. This time, the conversation has revolved around the prospect of a "Eurodeterrent" -- a nuclear weapons force that falls under the auspices of the European Union and allegedly operates independently of NATO.
Partner PerspectivesSep 20, 2017 | 08:01 GMTSep 20, 2017
Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics have much in common, boasting societies with similar cultures, religions and ethnicities. Just as important, the latter provide a role model for Afghanistan to fashion itself into a moderate, pluralistic Muslim society.
Contributor PerspectivesSep 20, 2017 | 08:01 GMTSep 20, 2017
Most societies pay less attention to global events when they face crises at home. But this understandable tendency creates an environment ripe for disaster.
By Anisa Mehdi
Partner PerspectivesSep 19, 2017 | 09:31 GMTSep 19, 2017
For decades, the six states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have been among the biggest buyers of U.S. weapons. But the recent dispute between Qatar and some of its GCC neighbors has led to an informal hold on all U.S. Foreign Military Sales to the bloc that will impact each of its members in some way.
Contributor PerspectivesSep 18, 2017 | 13:32 GMTSep 18, 2017
As boxing, once king of the fighting sports, fades in popularity, mixed martial arts could be poised to deliver a knockout blow.
Partner PerspectivesSep 18, 2017 | 09:15 GMTSep 18, 2017
Corruption, elitist tribalism and electoral fraud are all interlinked in the East African country, and the controversy and violence that beset this year's presidential race had their precursors.
Partner PerspectivesSep 15, 2017 | 12:22 GMTSep 15, 2017
As part of its campaign to project soft power around the world, China has set up educational programs, known as Confucius Institutes, to teach Chinese language, culture -- and, perhaps, politics -- abroad. But no matter how soft Beijing's projections of power may be, the message behind them is as firm as ever.
Contributor PerspectivesSep 15, 2017 | 11:44 GMTSep 15, 2017
Facing political challenges and a slowing economy at home, Chinese property investors have set their sights on transforming cities abroad.
By Jason Lopata