Features
The inside story of Brazil's democratic near-miss
Brazil's democracy narrowly escaped Bolsonaro's "Green and Yellow Dagger" coup plot, which included plans to assassinate Lula after the 2022 election. The failed conspiracy exposes enduring rifts in a nation still haunted by its authoritarian past.
Kazakhstan's BNPL dilemma – Buy now, both you and your country will pay later
Even toilet paper is available via instalment plans in Central Asia’s largest economy. Red lights are now flashing over inflationary and consumer debt impacts.
Turkmenistan is trying to come out of its shell
Economic necessity is the mother of diversification.
EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup
What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.
Indonesia's Danantara fund: bold vision or governance risk?
Danantara was created to optimise government investment and support Indonesia’s transformation into a global economic power with an initial capital of approximately $20bn.
Significant changes at Strabag could transform its Eastern European operations
Strabag SE, Austria’s largest construction company and one of Europe’s leading players, is on the verge of significant transformation that could radically change its operations in the Eastern European markets.
INTERVIEW: Industrialisation is key to Kazakhstan’s development, says EDB chief economist
New phase of development is set to expand the non-resource sector, with manufacturing leading the way, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s Evgeny Vinokurov.
India and Pakistan choose sides - in outer space
China and Pakistan have formalised an agreement to send a Pakistani astronaut to China's Tiangong space station, marking the first time a foreign national will visit the orbiting laboratory.
Shocked but defiant, Ukrainians react to dramatic shift in US policy
"I am shocked. I didn’t expect Trump to behave in such a vile way. There are no words. I just can’t understand how someone in Trump’s position can behave so shamelessly.”
INTERVIEW: Baseload Power Taiwan – the Swedish geothermal leader making inroads in East Asia
In a country so desperately short on natural resources as Taiwan, particularly those linked to power generation, there may just be a way out of its ongoing energy predicament, particularly with China looking intent on blocking LNG shipping lanes.
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From social media to the streets: how hashtags fuel Indonesian youth activism
Ever since the 2019 protests against efforts to weaken the Corruption Eradication Commission, social media has been crucial to organising protests in Indonesia.
Can Emerging European countries afford to rearm?
As European countries face a pressing need to rearm amid fears the US may pull back from its security commitments, an EBRD report shows higher defence spending is already putting pressure on public finances.
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Are Syria’s Druze about to break away with Israel’s help?
Syrian Druze are becoming increasingly concerned with the makeup of the new Damascus regime and are fighting back.
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White House press conference debacle: what does it mean and what happens next?
Things are moving incredibly fast. The world order appears to have been turned on its head by US President Donald Trump. Where does that leave Ukraine after his clash with Zelenskiy? And what will happen to the trans-Atlantic alliance?
PANNIER: China’s big push into Uzbekistan
Wave of projects in energy, mining, factories and construction and water conservation. Critical minerals could be next.
Rail link to supercharge Mongolia’s coal exports to China
Mongolian trade minister tells bne IntelliNews the mega-project is a “game-changer” due to his country’s historic reliance on trucking.
Lebanon's rail revival paves the way for economic growth and unity
Lebanon is seeking to revive its dormant railway network, aiming to reconnect with neighbouring Syria and Iraq while positioning itself as a potential link in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
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Indonesia at a tipping point: volatile policies and budget cuts drive frustration
Student-led protests in several Indonesian cities were triggered by frustration over spending cuts, the lack of policy stability and police censorship.
Ukraine’s public debt surges 60% since Russian invasion, debt could become a problem post-war
Ukraine had no debt following the fall of the Soviet Union and a healthy 35% of GDP before the war with Russia began three years ago, but as most international aid is in the form of loans, the debt-to-GDP ratio is now 64% and still rising.