Bi-Weekly Geopolitical Report
Weekly Geopolitical Report – Reflections on Globalization: Part II (April 16, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady Last week, we introduced this topic by discussing the Cold War. This week, we will continue our analysis with a reflection on markets, an examination of hegemony and a discussion of the expansion of globalization and the rise of meritocracy and its discontents. What about Markets? Market economics is based on how humans… Read More »
Weekly Geopolitical Report – Reflections on Globalization: Part I (April 9, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady For much of recorded human history, we have seen waves of globalization and deglobalization.[1] Periods of globalization tend to be characterized by the emergence of either large regional hegemons or global hegemons. When these hegemons see their power wane, deglobalization occurs. Recently, globalization has come under fire. In some circles, being called a… Read More »
Weekly Geopolitical Report – The North Korean Summit: Part II (March 26, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady (Due to the Easter holiday, the next report will be published on April 9.) Last week,[1] we discussed the six major nations involved in the North Korean issue and each country’s geopolitical goals, constraints and meeting positions for the recently proposed summit between the U.S. and North Korea. This week, we will examine… Read More »
Weekly Geopolitical Report – The North Korean Summit: Part I (March 19, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady On March 8, officials from South Korea, including Chung Eui-yong, the director of South Korea’s National Security Office, came to Washington to brief U.S. officials on a recent dinner with Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. The dinner was held in Pyongyang at North Korea’s Workers’ Party Headquarters, Kim’s workplace, where Mr.… Read More »
Weekly Geopolitical Report – Emperor Xi: Part II (March 12, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady Last week, we discussed China’s power structure and how the suspension of term limits changes recent precedents. We examined President Xi’s actions in his first term to consolidate power and prepare for the next phase in China’s adjustment. We concluded with the reasons for moving now and what it potentially signals about Xi’s… Read More »
Weekly Geopolitical Report – Emperor Xi: Part I (March 5, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady On February 25th, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) announced that it would recommend an end to term limits on the offices of president and vice president. Previously, an officeholder was limited to two five-year terms. We fully expect the recommendation to be approved (recommendations from the Central Committee are… Read More »
Weekly Geopolitical Report – The Italian Elections: Part II (February 26, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady In Part I of this report we outlined the geopolitics of Italy and its political economy. This week, we continue the report with an analysis of the upcoming elections and Germany’s impact on the EU, concluding with potential market ramifications. The Election There are four major parties in Italy. Below we detail each… Read More »
Weekly Geopolitical Report – The Italian Elections: Part I (February 12, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady (Due to President’s Day, the next report will be published on February 26.) Italy will hold elections on March 4, 2018. Given that recent elections in the Eurozone have run an emotional gamut, it is difficult to predict the outcome. There was great fear before last year’s elections in France that a National… Read More »
Weekly Geopolitical Report – Trump & Trade: The First Year (February 5, 2018)
by Bill O’Grady President Trump has been in office for just over one year, having been inaugurated on January 20, 2017. He campaigned on a populist agenda—anti-globalism was a core message. Specifically, his “America First” mantra railed against free trade deals, suggesting they were poorly negotiated, supported immigration restrictions and called on allies to shoulder more… Read More »