GeoPolitics Now
By Ted S
GeoPolitics NowNov 26, 2019
China's Latin American Investment
The growth of Chinese investment into Latin America has been explosive. China is now the regions 2nd largest trading partner and has become a critical source of funding for infrastructure and energy projects. Can Chinese growth continue unabated especially as concerns of corruption and environmental degradation are rising. Has China underestimated the strength of the local populations?
Guyana: The World's quickest growing economy
An oil boom and projected economic growth rates of 84% annually will bring dramatic changes for the citizens of Guyana. However, the country only needs to look to its neighbors to see an oil boom can bring despair. Will Guyana go the way of Brunei and Qatar or the way of Nigeria and Venezuela?
Indonesia: Poisoned by plastic
Indonesia is being poisoned by plastic. Literally. Dioxin levels of recent egg levels are second only to areas in Vietnam where agent orange was used. The health impacts are profound and it seems there is no end in sight, especially for rural areas.
Indonesia: A Rising military
The contentious appointments of Prabowo as Indonesia's defense minister, will ensure may challenges and opportunities await. With this appointment what can be expected regarding the role of Indonesia's military.
Air Pollution: Don't breath deep.
"Air pollution in Indian has reached critical levels in New Delhi, again. Across the developing world air pollution is a common occurrence, however, the pollution is now being linked to damage beyond the respiratory system. New studies point to air pollution causing a decline in mental development among children especially when the children are en utero."
Indonesia: Frightens Investors.
Indonesia has put forward several economic policies to increase FDI, however, the unpredictable nature of the government and recent bans on exports prove contradictory. At a time when foreign investors are leaving China, Indonesia needs to do more to capture these companies.
Turkey
Turkey has been able to act with impunity due to its NATO membership, while also courting Russian influence. Will its military campaign in Northern Syria cause the alliance to falter?
Why the US is leaving
The recent events in Syria and Turkey have further expedited the on going trend of US disengagement across the Middle East
Indonesia and ISIS
How do the events unfolding in Syria shape Indonesia's response to ISIS.
Indonesia FDI
Indonesia is challenged to improve Foreign Direct Investment. Can it target specific value added industries and reduce regulations to attract new capital sources.
Nile Water
How will a a growing Uganda challenge Egypt's command of the Nile river?
Damming the Mekong
The Mekong is the "Mother of Rivers" for most of Southeast Asia. The dynamic and developing nations of peninsular Southeast Asia rely on its flow for transportation, electricity and nourishment. However, increased dam building and activity by upstream nations now threatens the livelihood of those downstream.
The end of abundant water
As the populations grows and the climate changes, so too will societies interaction with water. Across the globe access to clean water reliability on tap, may be coming to end. Water may become the new oil
Climate change and Indonesia: Indonesia will face many unique challenges from climate change.
Indonesia will face many unique challenges from climate change. How can Indonesia mitigate the risks of climate change and develop prosperous industries?
Climate change: Not all change is equal.
What countries and regions will benefit the most from climate change? Who should be more concerned?
Saudi oil in PERI
The recent attacks in Saudi Arabia have increased the likelihood of a grater conflict. Who stands to benefit from these events?
Indonesia's Poor Laws.
Indonesia growing democratic law makers struggle to appease the masses. Poorly crafted laws threaten tourism and the business community.
Cheap Thrills: the decline of Chinese tourists
China's outbound tourist numbers have decreased dramatically in 2019. What does this mean economies who rely on Chinese tourists
Indonesian Wildfires
The recent fires in Indonesia are an annual occurrence. This year seems particularly worse. Will Indonesians neighbors push it to reform?
Mediterranean Oil and Gas
How will new discoveries of in the Eastern Mediterranean shape global oil and gas? How will this change Israel's diplomatic relations with Europe?
Indonesia: when to move a capital city.
Should Indonesia move it's capital? I'll discuss reasons to move a capital city and why Indonesia may benefit.
The South China Sea: Troubled Waters
The South China Sea is critical for global shipping, China's recent claims and island building are threatening this stability. The United States continues to press for freedom of navigation as China's neighbors continue to feel uneasy.
Indonesia Tech Sector: Indonesia's has many "Unicorns" and is posed for substantial economic growth.
The Indonesia consumer is tech-savvy and willing to make purchases online, however, regulations and poor IT infrastructure continue to plague the IT sector.
Indonesia: Papua
I take a look at history and multitude of factors to better under riots in Papua in Aug. 2019. Geography, History, culture and economics are all at play and there is more than meets the eye.
Demographic Bomb: A declining population in the rich world
I discuss how a declining population and birthrates among rich countries will affect their economic futures and how they can go about addressing the problems.
Indonesia: Potential for Tourism
We discuss the growth, potential and limitations of Indonesia's tourist sector.
One Belt One Road
This podcast discusses the reasons behind China's belt and road policy and why infrastructure is critical for Asia's development.
Indonesia: Asia's Next Tiger
In this podcast we will give a brief overview of Indonesia's geography and economy and outline why this rising power will become a major economy over the next few decades.
Iran: The End of Cheap Oil
In this podcast we discuss the growing tension between Iran and the West, and how recent events may disrupts global oil shipment.