United States

China

North Korea

Russia

Economics

Politics

South Korea's central bank estimated on Aug. 29 that North Korea's economy grew by 3.7% in 2024, marking North Korea's fastest growth rate since 2016, Reuters reported on Aug. 29. 

North Korea: Economy Grows by 3.7%, Fastest in Eight Years, Aided by Russia

Brazil

Mexico

Mexico and Brazil signed several cooperation agreements on trade, healthcare, agriculture and energy during Brazilian Vice President and Trade Minister Geraldo Alckmin's visit to Mexico City, La Jornada reported on Aug. 28.

Brazil, Mexico: Economic Cooperation To Improve Bilateral Ties but Have Limited Business Impacts

Indonesia

Military & Security

Tens of thousands of workers and students staged mass protests in Indonesia's capital Jakarta and 38 other cities, demanding higher wages, tax relief, stronger anti-corruption measures and parliament's resignation, among other things, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 28.

Indonesia: Protests Occur in 39 Cities

Japan

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa cancelled a planned trip to Washington, "because it became apparent that certain points [of the trade deal] required further technical discussion," adding that discussions would continue "at the administrative level," CNBC reported Aug. 28.

Japan, U.S.: Japan Envoy Cancels U.S. Trip as Trade Deal Details Remain Unclear

Germany

The German Cabinet approved a draft bill aimed at boosting voluntary military recruitment, and its first parliamentary reading will occur in early October, Politico reported on Aug. 28.

Germany: Berlin To Propose Voluntary Military Service Scheme Amid Internal Calls for Conscription

Iran

Israel

France

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, France and Germany -- collectively known as the E3 --== launched the process to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran that were removed as part of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action deal using the snapback sanctions mechanism, Reuters reported Aug. 28. 

Iran: Germany, France, U.K. Launch Snapback Sanction Mechanism on Iran

U.S.-Iran Relations

Global Trade

Mexico is set to raise tariffs on cars, textiles and plastics from China and other Asian countries to shield its businesses from cheap imports and appease the United States, Bloomberg reported Aug. 27.

Mexico, China, U.S.: Mexico To Impose Tariffs on Chinese Imports in Bid To Curry Favor With Washington

India

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods, raising them to as high as 50%, took effect as scheduled on Aug. 27, Reuters reported the same day.

U.S., India: 50% U.S. Tariffs Hit India

The world is connected, but even the broadest topics deserve an individual look. Below are our latest and most relevant economics analyses.

Below are our latest and most relevant economics analyses.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Europe

Eurasia

Middle East and North Africa

South Asia

Beyond Quantitative Easing

The New Silk Road

The Fate of the Eurozone

South America: Split Decisions on Trade

Banking

Commodities: A Cautionary Tale

Social Issues

European Disintegration

Russia's Internal Struggle

China in Transition

A Japanese Awakening

East African Integration

Assessments

The Geopolitics of Trade

Energy

Environment, Science & Technology

Geopolitical, security and environmental risks threaten to disrupt trade through crucial waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the Suez Canal, the Danish and Turkish straits, and the Panama Canal.

The Geopolitics of Trade: Threats to Maritime Chokepoints Endanger Global Trade, Part 2

Diverse security risks threaten maritime chokepoints around the world, presenting unique challenges to international trade.

The Geopolitics of Trade: Threats to Maritime Chokepoints Endanger Global Trade, Part 1

Snapshots

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a meeting on May 14, 2015, in Xian, China. 

While Trump-era tariff pressures offer a new economic incentive for cooperation, Beijing and New Delhi are unlikely to fully normalize ties due to enduring strategic and security concerns.

Despite Modest Improvement, India-China Relations Face Enduring Challenges

The outside of the Federal Reserve Board building is seen in Washington, D.C.

If upheld, Trump's unprecedented dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook could dent the U.S. central bank's credibility and fuel market volatility.

The Implications of Trump's Latest Attack on Fed Independence

Norway

The building housing Norway's parliament is seen on May 17, 2025, in Oslo.

The Sept. 8 vote could result in another left-wing coalition focused on welfare and climate, a right-wing coalition focused on tax cuts and oil production, or perhaps even an unprecedented grand coalition between the country's two largest parties.

Norway's Legislative Elections: Potential Outcomes and Their Implications

Global Elections

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou speaks during a press conference in Paris on Aug. 25, 2025. 

In the likely case that the Prime Minister Bayrou loses the Sept. 8 vote, Macron will either have to appoint another weak government or call early legislative elections, prolonging political instability and heightening financial risks.

New Political Crisis Grips France as Bayrou Gambles on Confidence Vote

Guyana

A picture of the National Assembly building in Georgetown, Guyana, taken on Sept. 23, 2022.

No matter who wins Guyana's Sept. 1 election, the next administration will use oil revenue and foreign investment to increase social spending and infrastructure development.

Guyana's Election: Potential Outcomes and Their Implications

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Mining and Industry Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef addresses the Future Mineral Forum in Riyadh on Jan. 10, 2024. 

Despite recent deals, the kingdom's mining sector will struggle to secure the level of investment needed to accomplish its Vision 2030 goals, though certain minerals adjacent to oil production, like lithium, are poised for greater growth.

The Challenges and Opportunities in Saudi Arabia's Mining Sector

Bahrain

Kuwait

Oman

Qatar

United Arab Emirates

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassim al-Budaiwi and the foreign ministers from the six GCC countries (Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates) pose for a group photo during the GCC foreign minister meeting in Kuwait City on June 2, 2025.

Despite global economic uncertainty and oil price volatility, Gulf Arab states are expected to sustain solid economic growth, driven by strong fundamentals, substantial buffers and ongoing diversification efforts.

Solid Fundamentals Shield GCC Economies From Global Volatility

Argentina

Bolivia

Canada

Paraguay

Uruguay

Venezuela

Lebanon

Singapore

South Korea

Vietnam

Mercosur is increasingly opening its markets in pursuit of free trade agreements with partners around the world, particularly as U.S. protectionism shifts global trade dynamics.

The Geopolitics of Trade: What Changing Trade Dynamics Mean for Mercosur

Workers at the Samsung plant in Sriperumbudur, India, stage a protest to demand higher wages and recognition of their union on Sept. 11, 2024. 

The labor reforms, aimed at streamlining regulations and attracting investment, face significant delays and uneven implementation due to political resistance, trade union opposition and state-level administrative challenges.

India's Labor Codes: Challenges to Nationwide Adoption

Tunisia

Tunisian President Kais Saied attends his swearing-in ceremony before the National Assembly in Tunis on Oct. 21, 2024. 

The government's focus on centralizing power and suppressing dissent over economic reform or liberalization will leave the Tunisian economy vulnerable to global downturns and reliant on uncertain foreign support.

Tunisia's Economy at Risk as President Saied Prioritizes Consolidating Power

Economics

SITUATION REPORTS

North Korea: Economy Grows by 3.7%, Fastest in Eight Years, Aided by Russia

Brazil, Mexico: Economic Cooperation To Improve Bilateral Ties but Have Limited Business Impacts

Indonesia: Protests Occur in 39 Cities

Japan, U.S.: Japan Envoy Cancels U.S. Trip as Trade Deal Details Remain Unclear

Germany: Berlin To Propose Voluntary Military Service Scheme Amid Internal Calls for Conscription

Iran: Germany, France, U.K. Launch Snapback Sanction Mechanism on Iran

Mexico, China, U.S.: Mexico To Impose Tariffs on Chinese Imports in Bid To Curry Favor With Washington

U.S., India: 50% U.S. Tariffs Hit India

Forecasts

ANALYSES

SECTIONS

Explore

Subscribe

Help & Support