Archive
2021
Centerra Says Kumtor’s Gold Output Down
By Catherine Putz
The critical Kyrgyz gold mine, according to its ousted Canadian owners, is apparently pouring less gold than planned.
South Korea’s Stake in the EU-US Talks on Steel
By Troy Stangarone
South Korea has significant interests in the outcome of EU-U.S. discussions on limiting excess production and the carbon intensity of steel.
Bumpy Road Ahead for Talibanomics: DRI Experts
By Diplomat Risk Intelligence
A Diplomat Risk Intelligence report warns that the options in front of the new Taliban regime in Kabul when it comes to running the Afghan economy are few and perilous.
The Politics of Taiwan’s Environmental Policy
By Brian Hioe
Environmental issues have primarily been caught in the contest between the pan-Blue and pan-Green camps, as is the case with many political issues in Taiwan.
Communal Violence in Bangladesh Echoes in India’s Tripura
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
Violence targeting Muslims is a recent occurrence in this northeast Indian state.
Malaysia’s Record Spending Bill Seeks to Fuel Recovery Ahead of Elections
By Alifah Zainuddin
The country keeps spending in preparation for a post-pandemic economy, but there are big risks ahead.
TAPI, Turkmenistan, and the Taliban
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan doesn’t materially affect the dim prospects that TAPI will be built any time soon.
Myanmar’s Missing Millions
By Anrike Visser
Millions of dollars in pandemic relief funding from the IMF have gone missing under the military regime, even while Myanmar battles a surge of COVID-19 cases.
Why Solar Power Could Take Off in Indonesia Soon
By James Guild
A new solar farm project could avoid the political economy hurdle that has prevented renewable energy from making headway in the country.
Yahoo Pulls out of China, Citing ‘Challenging’ Environment
By Zen Soo
Most of Yahoo’s services were already blocked in China, but stricter government control over the tech sector may have hastened the company’s exit.
Thailand’s Protesters Are Battling to Redefine National Identity
By Christian Kurzydlowski
Underlying the movement is a strong desire to reframe what it means to be Thai, moving away from total reliance on the monarchy and military's narrative.
Former US Diplomat Bill Richardson Meets Myanmar Leader
By Grant Peck
Myanmar's health care system is largely broken amid widespread resistance to the military's February coup. Richardson was in the country to discuss delivery of humanitarian aid.