Information on "Natural Resources" and "Asia"
June 2013
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26 Jun 2013
Gas Finds Complicate Eastern Mediterranean Security
The discovery of natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean is a boon for the region's states, right? Not according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Trying to exploit the reserves may aggravate historical rivalries and territorial disputes from the Middle East to the southern edges of the EU. More on «Gas Finds Complicate Eastern Mediterranean Security»
May 2013
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10 May 2013
Greenland’s Dilemma and its ‘Reluctant’ Alliance with China
While Greenland once welcomed Chinese investment, particularly in its natural resources, Bhavna Singh believes Nuuk is now using growing domestic unease with foreign workers to realign its diplomatic relations with Beijing and other states. More on «Greenland’s Dilemma and its ‘Reluctant’ Alliance with China» -
8 May 2013
The Beting Serupai Incident
The People's Liberation Army Navy recently undertook 'patrol and training missions' within territorial waters claimed by Malaysia. Tang Siew Mun considers this an error of strategic judgment on Beijing’s part. Kuala Lumpur has always advocated a more reasoned and diplomatic approach to problems in the South China Sea. More on «The Beting Serupai Incident»
April 2013
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11 Apr 2013
River Erosion, Landlessness and Religious Militancy in Northern Bangladesh
Today, Ishak Mia outlines how climate change, landlessness and religious extremism have combined to destabilize the northern parts of Bangladesh. In particular, Islamist militants are exploiting environmental degradation to attract the support of the landless poor. More on «River Erosion, Landlessness and Religious Militancy in Northern Bangladesh»
March 2013
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13 Mar 2013
Azerbaijan and the EU: Recalibrating Relations?
Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly dismissive of the European Union’s calls for greater democratization. Eldar Mamedov thinks that Baku should watch its step – tense relations with the EU could harm its long-term strategic interests. More on «Azerbaijan and the EU: Recalibrating Relations?»
February 2013
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27 Feb 2013
China-Japan Maritime Relations: The Case for Cautious Optimism
Speculation is growing that Japan’s Shinzo Abe and China’s Xi Jinping are interested in staging a bilateral leadership summit. James Manicom is not surprised by such rumors. They often follow prolonged periods of confrontation between the two countries, particularly over disputed maritime territory. More on «China-Japan Maritime Relations: The Case for Cautious Optimism » -
22 Feb 2013
China's Risky Strategy in Maritime Disputes
China claims that it was unaware of a recent ‘incident’ involving Chinese and Japanese naval vessels. Our partners at STRATFOR warn that Beijing’s muted response is deliberate. It is designed to convince its neighbors that the Chinese military might act independently to support China’s territorial claims. More on «China's Risky Strategy in Maritime Disputes»
January 2013
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28 Jan 2013
Russia Activates the LNG Sector
Although Russia is eager to attract energy-hungry clients from Asia, Szymon Kardaś warns that a number of self-imposed and structural hurdles may prevent its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector from conquering this emerging market. More on «Russia Activates the LNG Sector» -
23 Jan 2013
China's Dangerous Game: Resource Investment and the Future of Africa
China continues to invest heavily in African infrastructure projects, often in exchange for access to natural resources. This approach is not cost free, or so argues Nathan William Meyer. Beijing is coming under mounting criticism for promoting authoritarianism, ignoring widespread labor abuses and more. More on «China's Dangerous Game: Resource Investment and the Future of Africa »
December 2012
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27 Dec 2012
The Russia-Nigeria Aluminum Deal: Not Just a Simple Story of Business
Nigeria's dubious sale of ALSCON, its national aluminum smelting company, to the Russian steel conglomerate Rusal has raised eyebrows. As Ioannis Mantzikos observes, Moscow may be turning a blind eye to corruption and other illegal activities in order to secure its share of African natural resources. More on «The Russia-Nigeria Aluminum Deal: Not Just a Simple Story of Business»
