6 June 2018 As a reminder that populist sentiment in Europe has not disappeared, Italy's March election has finally produced an anti-establishment coalition between the Lega and the Five Star Movement (M5S), which appears willing to at least consider leaving the European Union as a remedy for the nation's economic ills. On one level this … Continue reading Italy: Growth Not Quitaly is the Remedy
18 May 2018 Despite frenetic diplomatic efforts, including the evident bonhomie between Presidents Macron and Trump, the United States has withdrawn from the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA). The world awaits details of America's new approach to confronting Iran's nuclear ambitions and its aggressive regional political behaviour. The Trump Administration has announced already its intention to … Continue reading Iran Sanctions: JCPOA RIP?
4 May 2108 In April 2016, Saudi Crown Prince (Deputy at the time) Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) announced his Saudi Arabia 2030 economic strategy. The ambitious plan has two major objectives. First of all, the collapse in oil prices after 2014 requires a major overhaul of Saudi fiscal policy to reduce the huge budget deficit. … Continue reading Saudi Arabia 2030: Vision Versus Reality
17 April 2018 As with any disputed relationship, there are three sides to every story: my version, their version, and the truth. So it is with the deepening Sino-American bilateral trade conflict. In order to reach a workable resolution to the current dispute (which I fully expect), policymakers on both sides need to consider the … Continue reading US-China Trade: Three Sides to Every Story