Latest Updates

CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Kazakhstan’s uneven transformation

There have been dramatic changes in Kazakhstan over the last decade, with a thriving fintech sector and an embrace of green technologies, but the country is still grappling with familiar political and economic challenges.

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A perfect storm as Israel’s war on Iran pushes the Taliban towards total collapse

The convergence of Israel’s military strikes on Tehran has created a catastrophic domino effect of potential regime collapse in Afghanistan, not Iran.

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PANNIER: Strongman Rahmon’s actions towards Tajikistan’s Pamiri people nothing less than a cultural genocide

Yet hardly any outcry is heard from the international community.

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INTERVIEW: Can Milei break Argentina's IMF doom loop?

Milei's radical reforms have won over the Fund, but currency controls and election risks cloud the path ahead, according to Professor Diego Crochi from UCA Buenos Aires.

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EU eyes new Asian trade alliances to offset US trade war risks

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pushing for closer ties with Asia as part of a new EU trade strategy to offset the growing trade war risks with the Trump administration and reforming the global trade system.

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Kremlin intensifies missile attacks on Ukraine, brings down F-16

The Armed Forces of Russia (AFR) brought down one of Ukraine’s valuable F-16 fighters at the weekend that was trying to counter another massive missile barrage. Such strikes have been intensifying in the last month.

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Budapest Pride’s record turnout exposes Viktor Orban’s waning grip on power

Sheer scale of the event and the state's eventual decision to allow it to proceed signal a loss of control and resolve within Hungary's ruling Fidesz.

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Budapest Pride defies ban as European politicians rally against Hungary’s crackdown

Budapest Pride went ahead on June 28 in defiance of a government ban, drawing the support of more than 70 members of the European Parliament and several prominent European ministers, who travelled to the Hungarian capital to back the event.

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Serbian students blockade cities after police crackdown

Guatemala and Honduras deny signing US immigration deals despite Noem claims

Hard-left Jeannette Jara wins Chilean presidential primaries

Serbian students blockade cities after police crackdown

Thousands of students and anti-government demonstrators blocked key roads and intersections across Serbia, after violent clashes between police and anti-government protesters at a mass protest on June 28.

Guatemala and Honduras deny signing US immigration deals despite Noem claims

Guatemala and Honduras have disputed claims by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that they signed immigration agreements to accept asylum seekers from third countries during her Central American visit.

Hard-left Jeannette Jara wins Chilean presidential primaries

Chile's Communist Party has achieved a historic milestone with Jeannette Jara securing the left's presidential nomination, becoming the first communist candidate chosen by a broad political coalition in the country's history.

News

Argentina prepares to host Mercosur summit

Argentine President Javier Milei gears up to host Mercosur heads of state in Buenos Aires this week as he continues his campaign to liberalise what he considers the regional trade bloc's restrictive regulations

Russian FSB kills two Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, causing uproar in Azerbaijan

The killings triggered Azerbaijan's strongest diplomatic response since the AZAL aircraft downing in December 2024.

United States and Russia angling for influence in Turkmenistan

Kremlin seems to be worried its grip on Ashgabat is slipping.

US lifts sanctions related to Paks nuclear plant upgrade

The expansion of the Paks II nuclear power plant could now gain "new momentum" following Washington's decision to lift sanctions related to the project.

Hungarian astronaut arrives at ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying the crew of the Ax-4 mission, including Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, docked with the International Space Station on June 27.

Argentina prepares to host Mercosur summit

8 hours ago

Russian FSB kills two Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, causing uproar in Azerbaijan

9 hours ago

United States and Russia angling for influence in Turkmenistan

10 hours ago

US lifts sanctions related to Paks nuclear plant upgrade

10 hours ago

Hungarian astronaut arrives at ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon

16 hours ago

More News

Tech

Iran expert warns filtering policies enable espionage VPN proliferation

An Iranian communications expert has warned that the country's internet filtering policies have inadvertently led millions of users to install VPN applications that may serve as espionage tools for foreign intelligence services.

Uzbek venture capital outfit IT Park Ventures enters into strategic partnership with Startup Garage

Companies link up to expand potential in turning bold ideas into smart business.

North Macedonia's streaming platform Gley launches IPO on Skopje stock exchange

Funds raised to be directed toward original content production and expanding Gley’s catalogue of children’s and international programming.

Crypto token launched in Kyrgyzstan by Moldovan oligarch facilitates sanctions-dodging billions for Russia, says report

“A7A5” said to be first stablecoin pegged to ruble. Russian defence sector bank also behind it.

TikTok access reportedly restored in Albania three months after ban

No formal announcement of end to year-long TikTok ban but users across the country report full access to the platform.

Iran expert warns filtering policies enable espionage VPN proliferation

10 hours ago

Uzbek venture capital outfit IT Park Ventures enters into strategic partnership with Startup Garage

1 day ago

North Macedonia's streaming platform Gley launches IPO on Skopje stock exchange

4 days ago

Crypto token launched in Kyrgyzstan by Moldovan oligarch facilitates sanctions-dodging billions for Russia, says report

5 days ago

TikTok access reportedly restored in Albania three months after ban

5 days ago

More Tech

Opinion

COMMENT: Iran new rail link to China played a role in provoking the 12-day war

Iran launched its first-ever direct railway connection to China in May, its first rail link to Asia that does not rely on transshipment through seaports or Russia, significantly improving its national security by avoiding the seaborne exports.

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Turkey’s tourism minister holidays in Greece

Hold the indignation. Let the poor man explain.

COMMENT: Competing Trans-Afghan transport routes could split Central Asia

Central Asia is bottled up by an unstable Afghanistan. It would dearly love to open a southern corridor that leads to the huge and lucrative markets of Southeast Asia that could transform the economy of the region.

MACRO ADVISORY: Silk Roads for Gen Z and the fate of the Middle Corridor

Sanctions against Russia and the voluntary boycott of Russian ports and transit routes by major global transport and logistic companies, created the need for alternative routes to carry the growing volume of trade between China and Europe.

COMMENT: Why business needs steady captains in crisis

Iran’s business leaders now face a critical juncture. This moment of ceasefire gives us the space to pause, to evaluate, adjust course and prepare for multiple eventualities.

COMMENT: Iran new rail link to China played a role in provoking the 12-day war

1 day ago

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Turkey’s tourism minister holidays in Greece

3 days ago

COMMENT: Competing Trans-Afghan transport routes could split Central Asia

3 days ago

MACRO ADVISORY: Silk Roads for Gen Z and the fate of the Middle Corridor

3 days ago

COMMENT: Why business needs steady captains in crisis

4 days ago

More Opinion

Data

Istanbul-listed Isbank’s CEO expects 350bp rate cut on July 24

Head of Turkey's government-run Ziraat Bank is also anticipating a significant downward move in the benchmark.

Hungarian economy faces weak growth, slow path to price stability, central bank report shows

Hungary's economy continues to struggle with weak momentum and only a gradual improvement in inflation, the National Bank of Hungary said in its latest Inflation Report.

Czech statisticians improve GDP estimate to 2.4% Q1

Czech gross domestic product increased by 2.4% year on year and by 0.7% quarter on quarter in the first quarter of this year, following a revision by the Czech Statistical Office on the previously published 2.2% y/y and 0.8% q/q.

Turks back in the game tapping eurobond market

Four Turkish issuers raise combined $3.85bn in three days.

Russia’s inflation continued to recede to 9.5%

Russia’s consumer price inflation during the week of June 17–23 was 0.04% week on week, flat as compared to the previous week, according to the latest report from RosStat statistics agency.

Istanbul-listed Isbank’s CEO expects 350bp rate cut on July 24

4 hours ago

Hungarian economy faces weak growth, slow path to price stability, central bank report shows

17 hours ago

Czech statisticians improve GDP estimate to 2.4% Q1

17 hours ago

Turks back in the game tapping eurobond market

1 day ago

Russia’s inflation continued to recede to 9.5%

3 days ago

More Data

Features

INTERVIEW: Uzbekistan’s privatisation taking off as Franklin Templeton manages IPOs worth billions of the National Investment Fund in 1H26

Uzbekistan’s government has launched an ambitious privatisation programme aimed at reshaping its economy and capital markets. US fund Franklin Templeton is managing a $1.68bn portfolio of 18 companies in the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund.

Russian banking officials warn of hidden risks as debt concerns mount

Russia’s banking sector faces a growing threat of a systemic crisis within the next 12 months, with internal assessments suggesting a more fragile outlook than official statements imply.

Tosyali dethrones Eregli to become largest Turkish steelmaker

Company owner Fuat Tosyali became a favourite businessman of president Erdogan. Projects he’s involved in include making Turkey’s “native and national” Altay battle tank.

Russia’s switch to Murmansk after EU sanctions on LNG exports exposes fragile dependence on Western shipping – CREA

Russia’s attempt to reroute Arctic LNG exports through domestic waters following the European Union’s March 2025 transshipment ban has exposed a hidden vulnerability at the core of its energy strategy, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

Will Ukraine's refugees go home after the war is over?

Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 caused Europe’s biggest displacement in decades as millions fled, most of them women and children. Three years later, there are still more than 5mn Ukrainians living abroad and only 20% say they will go home.

INTERVIEW: Uzbekistan’s privatisation taking off as Franklin Templeton manages IPOs worth billions of the National Investment Fund in 1H26

3 days ago

Russian banking officials warn of hidden risks as debt concerns mount

3 days ago

Tosyali dethrones Eregli to become largest Turkish steelmaker

4 days ago

Russia’s switch to Murmansk after EU sanctions on LNG exports exposes fragile dependence on Western shipping – CREA

4 days ago

Will Ukraine's refugees go home after the war is over?

4 days ago

More Features

Blogs

CAUCASUS BLOG: Politicians take on Emerging Europe’s powerful churches at their peril 

Armenian PM offered to show the head of the church his penis to prove a point in their ongoing row. But past experience shows it’s difficult for politicians to win a church vs state standoff.

BALKAN BLOG: Western Balkans military build-up continues as the world looks elsewhere

As the world’s attention remains focused on the wars in Ukraine and, more recently, the Middle East, several countries in the Western Balkans are ramping up their military capacities.

TEHRAN BLOG: British nationals stranded in Iran criticise London's lack of support

British nationals remaining in Tehran have criticised the UK government for providing no assistance or instructions following Israeli attacks on Iran.

CAUCASUS BLOG: Baku's performance art of multilateralism

A critical look at Azerbaijan's Global South agenda.

ASIA BLOG: Which side leading Asian nations would back if Iran VS Israel escalates

In the event of an escalation, Beijing would likely call for restraint and push for a negotiated settlement. It may be doing so already behind the scenes. However, its silence or perceived tilt towards Tehran could provoke criticism from the West.

CAUCASUS BLOG: Politicians take on Emerging Europe’s powerful churches at their peril 

3 days ago

BALKAN BLOG: Western Balkans military build-up continues as the world looks elsewhere

4 days ago

TEHRAN BLOG: British nationals stranded in Iran criticise London's lack of support

9 days ago

CAUCASUS BLOG: Baku's performance art of multilateralism

10 days ago

ASIA BLOG: Which side leading Asian nations would back if Iran VS Israel escalates

11 days ago

More Blogs

bneGREEN

COMMENT: Critical minerals pose new test for global energy security

As the world’s energy system transforms at unprecedented speed, so too must our understanding of energy security. While governments continue to focus on securing supplies of traditional fuels, new critical mineral vulnerabilities are emerging.

Europe swelters in historic heatwave

Record-breaking temperatures for the time of year are likely to occur across a large part of western Europe in the coming days as a historically unprecedented heatwave intensifies.

East Asia’s regional embrace of nuclear power sees Taiwan sitting alone in the corner

In a baffling turn, Taiwan, long a technological and economic powerhouse, has allowed populist politics to sideline science and logic.

East Asia’s petrochemical industry: stuck between tradition and transition

As the global economy begins its gradual but determined pivot towards decarbonisation and renewable energy, East Asia's petrochemical giants now find themselves straddling two competing imperatives – legacy industries and a low-carbon future.

AI could cut climate emissions

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reduce climate-heating emissions by as much as 5.4bn tonnes annually over the next 10 years.

COMMENT: Critical minerals pose new test for global energy security

16 hours ago

Europe swelters in historic heatwave

2 days ago

East Asia’s regional embrace of nuclear power sees Taiwan sitting alone in the corner

4 days ago

East Asia’s petrochemical industry: stuck between tradition and transition

5 days ago

AI could cut climate emissions

5 days ago

More bneGREEN

Latest Updates

News

Argentine President Javier Milei gears up to host Mercosur heads of state in Buenos Aires this week as he continues his campaign to liberalise what he considers the regional trade bloc's restrictive regulations

The killings triggered Azerbaijan's strongest diplomatic response since the AZAL aircraft downing in December 2024.

Kremlin seems to be worried its grip on Ashgabat is slipping.

The expansion of the Paks II nuclear power plant could now gain "new momentum" following Washington's decision to lift sanctions related to the project.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying the crew of the Ax-4 mission, including Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, docked with the International Space Station on June 27.

Tech

An Iranian communications expert has warned that the country's internet filtering policies have inadvertently led millions of users to install VPN applications that may serve as espionage tools for foreign intelligence services.

Companies link up to expand potential in turning bold ideas into smart business.

Funds raised to be directed toward original content production and expanding Gley’s catalogue of children’s and international programming.

“A7A5” said to be first stablecoin pegged to ruble. Russian defence sector bank also behind it.

No formal announcement of end to year-long TikTok ban but users across the country report full access to the platform.

Opinion

Iran launched its first-ever direct railway connection to China in May, its first rail link to Asia that does not rely on transshipment through seaports or Russia, significantly improving its national security by avoiding the seaborne exports.

Hold the indignation. Let the poor man explain.

Central Asia is bottled up by an unstable Afghanistan. It would dearly love to open a southern corridor that leads to the huge and lucrative markets of Southeast Asia that could transform the economy of the region.

Sanctions against Russia and the voluntary boycott of Russian ports and transit routes by major global transport and logistic companies, created the need for alternative routes to carry the growing volume of trade between China and Europe.

Iran’s business leaders now face a critical juncture. This moment of ceasefire gives us the space to pause, to evaluate, adjust course and prepare for multiple eventualities.

Data

Head of Turkey's government-run Ziraat Bank is also anticipating a significant downward move in the benchmark.

Hungary's economy continues to struggle with weak momentum and only a gradual improvement in inflation, the National Bank of Hungary said in its latest Inflation Report.

Czech gross domestic product increased by 2.4% year on year and by 0.7% quarter on quarter in the first quarter of this year, following a revision by the Czech Statistical Office on the previously published 2.2% y/y and 0.8% q/q.

Four Turkish issuers raise combined $3.85bn in three days.

Russia’s consumer price inflation during the week of June 17–23 was 0.04% week on week, flat as compared to the previous week, according to the latest report from RosStat statistics agency.

Features

Uzbekistan’s government has launched an ambitious privatisation programme aimed at reshaping its economy and capital markets. US fund Franklin Templeton is managing a $1.68bn portfolio of 18 companies in the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund.

Russia’s banking sector faces a growing threat of a systemic crisis within the next 12 months, with internal assessments suggesting a more fragile outlook than official statements imply.

Company owner Fuat Tosyali became a favourite businessman of president Erdogan. Projects he’s involved in include making Turkey’s “native and national” Altay battle tank.

Russia’s attempt to reroute Arctic LNG exports through domestic waters following the European Union’s March 2025 transshipment ban has exposed a hidden vulnerability at the core of its energy strategy, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 caused Europe’s biggest displacement in decades as millions fled, most of them women and children. Three years later, there are still more than 5mn Ukrainians living abroad and only 20% say they will go home.

Blogs

Armenian PM offered to show the head of the church his penis to prove a point in their ongoing row. But past experience shows it’s difficult for politicians to win a church vs state standoff.

As the world’s attention remains focused on the wars in Ukraine and, more recently, the Middle East, several countries in the Western Balkans are ramping up their military capacities.

British nationals remaining in Tehran have criticised the UK government for providing no assistance or instructions following Israeli attacks on Iran.

A critical look at Azerbaijan's Global South agenda.

In the event of an escalation, Beijing would likely call for restraint and push for a negotiated settlement. It may be doing so already behind the scenes. However, its silence or perceived tilt towards Tehran could provoke criticism from the West.

bneGREEN

As the world’s energy system transforms at unprecedented speed, so too must our understanding of energy security. While governments continue to focus on securing supplies of traditional fuels, new critical mineral vulnerabilities are emerging.

Record-breaking temperatures for the time of year are likely to occur across a large part of western Europe in the coming days as a historically unprecedented heatwave intensifies.

In a baffling turn, Taiwan, long a technological and economic powerhouse, has allowed populist politics to sideline science and logic.

As the global economy begins its gradual but determined pivot towards decarbonisation and renewable energy, East Asia's petrochemical giants now find themselves straddling two competing imperatives – legacy industries and a low-carbon future.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reduce climate-heating emissions by as much as 5.4bn tonnes annually over the next 10 years.

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Adelle Nazarian is an international journalist, foreign policy analyst, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience across m....

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