Category Regional

Venezuela: The Origins and Enduring Legacy of Chavismo – Part I

In this two-part series, author Vincent A. Dueñas explores the possibilities for the continued viability of the Chavista party after the end of Nicolas Maduro’s presidency. He asserts that rise of an opposition majority in the Venezuelan legislature in December 2015 resulted in the most concrete protest of President Maduro’s presidency and possibly a rejection of Hugo Chavez’s socialist state legacy.

Populism in Retreat? Energy Liberalization and Reform in Mexico and Saudi Arabia – Part II

In this two-part series, authors Seth Clare and Samer Mosis explore how low oil prices spurred energy reforms in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, and provided them with an incidental vaccine to the populist contagion infecting more diversified, developed economies. While such reforms will likely be painful for many in the short-term, they concede that the long-term economic growth these changes will support are well worth their costs.

Populism in Retreat? Energy Liberalization and Reform in Mexico and Saudi Arabia – Part I

In this two-part series, authors Seth Clare and Samer Mosis explore how low oil prices spurred energy reforms in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, and provided them with an incidental vaccine to the populist contagion infecting more diversified, developed economies. While such reforms will likely be painful for many in the short-term, they concede that the long-term economic growth these changes will support are well worth their costs.

Reliance on Oil and Gas Imports and Economic Growth – India’s New Challenge

Authors Simi Mehta and Mohsin Amin provide a snapshot of India’s energy demand and import scenario and discuss relevant government schemes for fuel efficiency. In addition to offering policy prescriptions, they conclude that due to geopolitical uncertainties and fuel price volatility, India urgently needs to integrate growth in the energy sector with its overall economic growth strategy, and simultaneously ensure the sustainability of the environment.

A Road to Peace in West Asia

Author Mishaal Al Gergawi illustrates a broad overview of the political challenges facing the Middle East, asserting that the domestic drivers of such challenges are accentuated by sectarianism. He argues that a resolution to Saudi-Iranian geopolitical competition would greatly mitigate conflicts throughout the region, and describes the contours of a potential settlement between these powers.

Labor Market Reform in France would Help Ease Muslim – non-Muslim Tension

Author Adam Millsap asserts that the liberalization of labor markets in France and other European countries would address concerns of immigrant assimilation by providing more economic opportunity for immigrants, which would make it easier for them to adjust to their new surroundings. He concludes that labor market liberalization could also provide long-term economic prosperity for all in France.

The Evolution of FATA Land into a Hub of Terrorism

Author Ahmad Shah Katawazai discusses the development of terrorist elements in the largely ungoverned Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan, describes its implications for regional and international security, and offers policy prescriptions to combat the continued growth of extremism in the FATA.