The Chinese government is adopting more measured tactics to manage Hong Kong's legislative affairs, calibrating levers that enable it to control dissent without distressing the city's business communities.
With elections now delayed to 2021, the recent arrests of activists and a pro-democracy media tycoon in Hong Kong likely herald a new period of more aggressive crackdowns on figures Beijing perceives as threats to the city's stability.
Intensifying protests following President Lukashenko's controversial electoral victory could test his security forces' loyalty, and increase the risk of Russian intervention and EU sanctions.
The White House’s recent actions against China’s TikTok and WeChat apps, as well as officials involved in the Hong Kong crisis, show its threshold for action against Beijing is decreasing.
Aside from forcing companies to choose between Chinese and U.S. payment systems, Beijing's ability to reduce its sanctions exposure will be limited by the yuan's meager use in global markets.
The damage to Lebanon’s most critical port in Beruit will exacerbate the country’s food and supply shortages, as well as intensify popular anger at the Lebanese government.
The arrests of teachers union leaders in Jordan could eventually jeopardize U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the region, should it fuel unrest that successfully prompts political change.
Recessions across the bloc could last well into 2021 as rising COVID-19 cases force governments to reintroduce economically disruptive lockdown measures.
The delay appears to be an attempt to exhaust the pro-democracy camp, though the constitutional crisis it's created may instead serve as a rallying point both domestically and internationally.
With infections on the rise, U.S. economic growth could remain below pre-pandemic levels for years, affecting federal spending and perhaps even Washington's ability to exercise global influence.
The successionists will temporarily adhere to a peace deal with the Yemeni government to gain political leverage before ultimately resuming their pursuit of an independent South Yemen.
The STAR Market has so far doubled Nasdaq's 2020 gains, but Beijing's regulation will ultimately constrain its potential for growth.
