During the 2010s, China became one of the leading connectivity players in Africa – if not the most important one. This policy brief focuses on a key aspect of China’s approach towards African continent – the provision of loans linked to construction of physical infrastructure. We argue that the importance of these projects may have… Continue reading Evolving patterns of China’s involvement in African infrastructure
When India’s president visited Bratislava this spring, the ceremony was grand. Yet despite the warm gestures and record trade figures, relations between Bratislava and New Delhi remain underdeveloped and lack a clear strategic direction—and without one, Slovakia risks being left behind as the rest of Europe deepens its engagement with India. Key takeaways: Slovakia’s relations… Continue reading Slovakia lagging relationship with India: It’s time for a coherent strategy
Key takeaways: Talks over an EU-Malaysia FTA, stalled since 2012 over palm oil, have been revived as both sides urgently seek to diversify trade amid US-China tensions. Malaysia needs European technology partnerships and market access to realize its €4.5 billion semiconductor strategy and move beyond assembly toward chip design and fabrication. Trump’s tariff volatility has… Continue reading From oil to chips: How the EU-Malaysia FTA became a semiconductor power play
India’s engagement with the Central European countries has historically been weak. It’s time for that to change. Shifting sands in the geopolitical calculus of both Asia and Europe are impacting global order. With the Trump administration enacting new trade barriers, including against India and the European Union (EU), prudent thinking is essential. India’s increasing prominence… Continue reading It’s time for India to partner strategically with the Visegrad Four
Key takeaways: Neither Indonesia nor Vietnam has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and both continue to deepen cooperation with Moscow. Indonesia and Vietnam explicitly include Russia in their hedging strategies, pursuing independent foreign policies to strengthen their international standing. Russia relies primarily on security, energy, and nuclear diplomacy to consolidate its presence in the region.… Continue reading The Russia card: How Jakarta and Hanoi leverage Moscow amid great power rivalry
