Topic
Economy
Crypto Mining in the Himalayas: Bhutan’s Gamble With Bitcoin
By Joe Wallen and Tushar Shetty
Beyond the Indus podcast hosts Joe Wallen and Tushar Shetty explore how Bhutan is quietly gearing up to become the world's next Bitcoin superpower.
Hobbled Economic Prospects in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Emerging economies are “struggling just to cope,” the World Bank says. The latest Global Economic Prospects report notes slight improvements but many risks.
Pakistan Turns to Barter Trade With Russia, Iran and Afghanistan
By Umair Jamal
The decision is aimed at conserving dollars amid its crippling economic crisis.
The Case for a US Digital Trade Deal in IPEF – and Why It’s an Uphill Battle
By Kevin Chen
With China poised to enter the conversation, it’s critical for Washington to overcome internal obstacles and negotiation troubles to leave its mark on digital trade rules.
Will Russia Commit to North Korea Connections?
By Grant W. Turner
Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow and Pyongyang have bolstered trade, energy, and security cooperation. Will Russia commit to the infrastructure links necessary to cement that trend?
China’s Development Financing to Southeast Asia Declining, Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
According to a new report from the Lowy Institute, Beijing provided 14 percent of the region's overseas development finance in 2021, down from 24 percent in 2015.
Asian Synthetic Drug Trade Continues to Surge, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Regional methamphetamine seizures dropped slightly in 2022, according to the U.N., but other indicators suggest that the supply "has remained very high or unchanged."
Singapore’s Role in the Effective Enforcement of Russian Fuel Sanctions
By Margaret Lin
The city-state was the one Southeast Asian nation to impose sanctions on Russia, but its enforcement of sanctions compliance has left much to be desired.
TikTok and Beyond: How China’s Ascendancy in Digital Technology Challenges the Global Order
By Marina Yue Zhang
This isn’t just a feud between two great powers; it’s a competition for a new world order in cyberspace.
China’s Ban of Micron Puts South Korea in the Worst of Both Worlds
By Troy Stangarone
South Korean firms are China’s main alternatives to Micron, dragging Seoul farther into the China-U.S. semiconductor dispute.
Chinese Investment in Europe Is Changing
By Gabriele Manca
Chinese companies are investing less in Europe, but they are raising the bar for the investments that are being made.
Afghanistan-Iran Complete First Trial Run of Khaf-Herat Railway
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
The two countries, faced with sanctions and political isolation, are not completely isolated from global networks.