Our Insights
Featured Posts Selected by Our Experts
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China Economic Stimulus Tracker
The China Economic Stimulus Tracker provides a comprehensive timeline of announcements and policy actions implemented by the Chinese government to stimulate economic activity.
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Trade is No Longer a Way of Opening Up Markets
With Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
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Making Acquisitions in the Public Affairs Sector: Lessons from Both Sides of the Table
By Leigh Wedell, President and COO
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From the Middle Kingdom to the Saudi Kingdom: Opportunities Abound
By Yasser Elnaggar, Chair of the Middle East and Africa
Explore all of our Insights, Interviews, Commentary, and More
Talking Points: The Arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, Political Shockwaves, and Economic Fallout in Türkiye
On March 19, 2025, Turkish authorities detained Ekrem İmamoğlu, the opposition mayor of Istanbul, on charges of corruption and alleged links to terrorist organizations. The arrest comes days before he was expected to run for president and a day after Istanbul University annulled his diploma, citing irregularities in his academic record—a move his supporters denounce as politically motivated and which rendered him ineligible to run for office under Turkish law. The move triggered protests across Türkiye, with opposition leaders calling it an attempt to suppress political competition.
Talking Points: Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions, Strategic Alliances, and the Evolving Regional Tech Landscape
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP 2025 conference announced $14.9 billion in technology investments, marking a significant push toward advancing the Kingdom’s AI and digital infrastructure. While these investments align with Riyadh’s Vision 2030, their emphasis on AI, cloud computing, data centers, and semiconductors signals a deeper strategic shift. Saudi Arabia is not merely acquiring technology—it is positioning itself as a regional powerhouse in digital infrastructure.
Talking Points: Beyond The Conflict, The Gaza Reconstruction Plan and Its Global Impact
Following the destruction in Gaza, two competing visions for its future emerged. The Trump administration initially proposed placing Gaza under U.S. control, forcibly relocating its Palestinian residents, and transforming the area into a luxury destination. Framed as a long-term solution, this plan was widely condemned as a violation of international law, dismissing Palestinian sovereignty and ignoring regional security complexities.
Talking Points: Key Takeaways from China’s Two Sessions
China’s Two Sessions are underway – their annual meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and adjacent Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress (CPPCC). The sessions do not usually break news, that’s usually done in the major Party meetings, but they do underscore the strategy and provide some notable updates.
Saudi Arabia's Opportunity to Lead the Way in Global Biodiversity Protection
Saudi Arabia is rediscovering its natural assets. From the coral reefs of the Red Sea to the sweeping dunes of the Empty Quarter, the Kingdom is home to an impressive array of ecosystems and biodiversity. With this renewed focus on its natural heritage comes an unparalleled opportunity: to emerge as a global leader in protecting and valuing nature.
Driving Digital Transformation: Saudi Arabia's Giant LEAP
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a comprehensive strategy to diversify its economy and solidify its position as a global technology and innovation hub. A cornerstone of this vision is the development of a world-class digital infrastructure to support both public and private sector transformation. Key investments are being made in AI, cloud computing, smart cities, and cybersecurity.
The Trump Executive Orders on North American Tariffs: Implications for USTR’s Role in Trade Policy
President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) imposing tariffs effective at midnight, Feb. 3rd on Canada (25% general, 10% energy), Mexico (25%), and China (10%), mark a significant escalation in the use of trade policy as a lever to address cross-border drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, and illegal immigration.
Expert Take: What Trump 2.0 Means for Latin America
Latin America is closely monitoring President Trump’s second term, marked by priorities that directly impact the region, including immigration, drug cartels, and the influence of China. These issues resonate due to record-high migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, increasing fentanyl-related deaths (over 70,000 last year), cartel-driven violence, and China’s growing role as a trade partner and investor.
Expert Take: What Trump 2.0 Means for China-Latin America Relations
Once a niche topic, the Latin America-U.S.-China (LUC) relationship is set to gain mainstream policy attention under Trump 2.0. Washington will be the primary driver of this shift, with continued bipartisan support to counter China and an incoming senior foreign policy team unusually well-versed in Latin America.
Expert Take: What Trump 2.0 Means for Mexico
While January 20th marked the official beginning of Trump’s second administration, Mexico has long been preparing for his presidency, particularly in economic matters. This challenge is not new for Mexico. In fact, the country not only survived Trump’s first term, but actually thrived.