1. Executive Summary: The return of Donald Trump to the presidency has revived a climate agenda focused on deregulation, fossil fuel expansion, and withdrawal from international climate commitments. Central to this agenda are policies aimed at scaling back renewable energy support, prioritizing oil and gas drilling, and reorienting environmental regulation. These measures are anticipated to…

Executive Summary The Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) is a strategic initiative by the U.S. Department of Defense aimed at optimizing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities through the establishment of regional repair hubs in key Indo-Pacific countries, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, and the Philippines. This initiative seeks to reduce reliance on continental U.S.…

Executive Summary The Peru-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), China’s first FTA with a Latin American nation, has strengthened its foothold in the region by reducing trade barriers and fostering bilateral economic cooperation. It eliminated tariffs on over 90% of goods, boosted two-way trade in services, and encouraged reciprocal investments. The agreement catalyzed a remarkable growth…

Executive Summary The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, marked a pivotal moment for international climate policy. Delegates prioritized advancing the Paris Agreement’s implementation, with a particular focus on revisiting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), scaling up climate…

Executive Summary Kazakhstan operates within a delicate geopolitical framework, balancing its relationships with neighboring powers Russia and China while engaging with Western states. Its multi-vector foreign policy enables it to optimize these relationships strategically. This report examines Kazakhstan’s strategic posture, assesses implications of its foreign policy, and provides actionable recommendations to enhance its autonomy and…

Introduction Strategic intelligence on Turkey’s geopolitical ambitions examines the frameworks and strategies shaping its role in regional and global politics. Turkey’s evolution from Kemalism to Neo-Ottomanism reflects a shift towards leadership aspirations among Turkic-speaking nations in Eurasia. This report delves into the historical, geographical, and contemporary factors underpinning Turkey’s strategic posture while analyzing its challenges…

Executive Summary The United States has instructed Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to cease supplying advanced AI-capable chips to Chinese clients, effective November 11, 2024. This restriction targets chips with 7nm or more advanced technology critical to AI accelerators and GPUs. The directive underscores rising U.S.-China tensions over national security and technological supremacy, driven by…

Executive Summary: The security challenges faced by Pacific Island countries like Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji differ markedly from the broader Indo-Pacific security concerns, which typically involve major powers such as the USA, China, Japan, Australia, and India. For these island nations, climate change represents the most pressing security issue, on par with conventional threats like…

Executive Summary BRICS Pay, a digital payment system under the BRICS Cross-Border Payment Initiative (BCBPI) developed by the BRICS+ nations, seeks to establish an alternative global financial network to reduce reliance on the Western-dominated SWIFT system. This report evaluates the strategic implications of BRICS Pay as a parallel infrastructure to SWIFT, analyzing the motivations driving…

Context: Since gaining independence from Russia in 1991, Armenia has prioritized a pro-Russia stance while fostering friendly ties with the U.S., EU, Iran, and NATO. This approach primarily aimed to counter Turkey’s regional influence in the South Caucasus. Key Stakeholders: Armenia, Turkey, Russia, US, EU Current Developments: In the past four years, Armenia has faced…