IntelliBRICS

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China in January is the largest improvement in bilateral relations in almost a decade, though its significance extends beyond the relationship between Ottawa and Beijing. Canada, like many other US allies, is testing its ability to diversify its economic relations without undermining its strategic alignment with the United States. Canada initially aligned closely with US trade measures targeting Chinese industries. However, when

China’s issuance of US dollar denominated sovereign bonds in Saudi Arabia at the end of last year could have broader implications for the global financial system. On the surface, the modest $2 billion raised at the auction appears insignificant. However, as governments around the world compete for capital, this development could have profound ramifications for the United States. One of the most striking elements of the bond auction was the overwhelming investor demand it a

It is hard to shake the feeling that the United States lacks a long-term strategy for engaging with the African continent in a productive manner. The Trump administration’s recent threat to widen controversial travel restrictions to include dozens of African states is openly discriminatory and starkly contrasts Beijing’s recent decision to remove all tariffs on African exports to China. Plans to expand the number of countries whose citizens could be barred from visiting the U

In international diplomacy, political theatre sometimes disguises a lack of tangible outcomes. This may be the case with President Donald Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where staggering promises of a trillion dollars’ worth of Saudi investments into the United States were made, a figure mirroring the entirety of the kingdom's gross domestic product and sovereign wealth fund. During the visit Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) ‘committed’ $600 billion to the US with

They say markets do not like uncertainty and nowhere is this clearer than in the recent surge in the gold price. Trump’s trade war, combined with large fiscal deficits, has begun to undermine confidence in US assets, and investors have flocked to gold as a safe haven. The yellow metal has already breached the psychologically significant $3000 an ounce level and could go even higher. Business leaders and international investors, forced to react on a daily basis to the whims of

The unprecedented tariffs the United States has imposed on China marks a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to undermine the Chinese economy. While the Trump administration may act as if it ‘has all the cards’ to halt China’s ascent, Beijing is well positioned to weather the storm, and the US President’s vacillations could end up undermining his own country. The interconnected nature of the global economy means protectionist measures can often have unintended and

There is evidence that relations between the United States and Russia are improving amid reports that Washington has asked Moscow to mediate negotiations with Iran. This would certainly be a positive development for nuclear non-proliferation and enhanced security in the Middle East. However, several factors make the success of such a project an uncertain prospect. According to Bloomberg, Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to mediate talks between the United States an

In ancient China silk was so valuable it was sometimes used as a form of currency with foreign kings and noblemen paying high prices for...

While much has been written about a trade war between the US and China, Trump’s tariffs could end up being directed at America’s allies....

Donald Trump’s re-election could accelerate global de-dollarisation. Although Trump’s desire to address the twin deficits may be...

The mythological King Midas was famed for his ability to turn anything he touched into gold. Naturally, this wish, granted by the god...

Recent efforts by China and the BRICS to reform the global financial system could lead Western financial institutions, such as the IMF,...

Previously comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS has expanded to include several new members this year,...

As geopolitical tensions rise, BRICS member state, India, has leveraged its political neutrality, expertly striking a balance between...

In recent months, China has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to improve ties with a variety of nations around the world. While...

There are many reasons why de-dollarisation may be good for the United States. A weaker US dollar could make US exporters more...

As the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States continues to deteriorate, the Kingdom has indicated an interest in joining...