Features
URUS-ClearPic: The Big Four of US, China, Russia and Europe vie for investment in Central Asia
Historically, it is the ultimate crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and East Asia – and the central component for most of the Silk Road. Now the Central Asian countries find themselves caught between the Big Four.
Azerbaijan’s president eyes China as key strategic partner
Baku is deepening ties with Beijing ahead of President Ilham Aliyev’s upcoming state visit to China as it seeks partners outside Western-dominated frameworks.
Indonesian President Prabowo’s Middle East mission: Humanitarian diplomacy or saviour complex?
President Prabowo Subianto’s recent Middle East tour, framed as a humanitarian and diplomatic initiative, is raising both eyebrows and hopes as he positions Indonesia as a key moral actor in the Gaza crisis.
Retail markets in Zagreb, Ljubljana and Belgrade hold “significant potential”, says CBRE
The retail real estate sectors in Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia are showing strong potential for further development, according to new research by global real estate consultancy CBRE.
Armenia courts African countries to supply diamond industry
Armenia is seeking partnerships with African producers of rough diamonds to ensure a stable supply for its diamond processing industry and diversify away from sanctions-hit Russian suppliers.
Russian VTB Bank says will open branch in Iran next year
Russia's VTB Bank has announced plans to open its first branch in Iran in the coming year, marking a significant development in financial cooperation between the two countries, an official with the bank said.
The $3.56mn bribe behind Indonesia’s cooking oil crisis
The latest corruption scandal in Indonesia has sent shockwaves through the nation, revealing a web of bribery involving high-ranking officials, leading business figures, and even the Chief Judge of the South Jakarta District Court.
Hungarian PM Orban’s line on Ukraine hardening as Trump tries to bully the EU into making concessions to Russian demands
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s opposition to Ukraine joining the European Union is intensifying, bolstered by US President Donald Trump, who has upended Western support for Kyiv.
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UKRAINE REMONT: rail freight companies prepare for reconstruction
Ukrainian freight operators are racing to develop the country’s rail logistics and capture market share ahead of a potential end to hostilities and reconstruction.
Who is going to Moscow May 9 victory day parade?
Who will attend Putin’s Victory parade on May 9? The guest list will be a barometer of Russia’s standing in the world and how far he has got in building an alternative international community in the Global South.
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Beijing VS Washington on rare earths – and why the US is losing, and losing badly
At present the US faces the dual challenge of having alienated China, the primary global supplier of rare earths, while Washington has also seen its relations with potential alternative partners strained.
Boosting Mongolia’s democracy with reform remains an uphill battle
Cohort of lawmakers want to strip away rules and regulations that have put democratic values in a chokehold. Elite accused of copy-pasting Chinese system.
"Republic of prison campuses" Turkey has so many inmates, 100,000 sleep on floor
To deal with overflow, authorities often choose to put hardened criminals on probation rather than political prisoners.
Slovenian blue chips ride mega-trends to outpace regional peers
Slovenia’s leading listed companies are capitalising on global trends such as ageing populations, energy transition and financial inclusion.
Southeast Asia welcomes water festivals, but Myanmar’s celebrations damped by earthquake aftermath
Countries across Southeast Asia kicked off annual water festival celebrations on April 13, but in Myanmar, the holiday spirit was muted as the country continues to recover from a powerful earthquake that struck late last month
India eyes deeper trade ties with trusted economies
India is poised to significantly reshape the global trade landscape by expanding partnerships with trusted allies such as the US, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said at the Carnegie India Global Technology Summit in New Delhi
PANNIER: Turkmenistan follows the rise and rise of Arkadag’s eldest daughter Oguljahan Atabayeva
Rate of ascent appears to make her odds-on for speaker of parliament role.
Farm to front line: Ukraine's wartime agriculture sector
Despite the twin pressures of war and drought, Ukraine’s agricultural sector continues to be a driving force behind the country’s economy, with experts confident of continued growth and investment.
Western Balkans countries struggle to reverse demographic decline
Governments turn to short-term fixes and immigration push to tackle deepening demographic crisis but shy away from deeper reforms, says OSW report.
Indonesia’s new laws spark fears of media suppression
Following mass protests over Indonesia’s recently passed Military Law, fresh concerns are emerging about the state of media freedom - with a particular point of concern a clause prohibiting the exclusive airing of investigative journalism.