MenuGovernments are seeking to leverage AI investment to accelerate societal and economic development and bootstrap to the next level of economic development. While some observers express concerns that the growth of AI could widen the gap between the developed world and emerging markets, it also provides an opportunity for energy-rich developing countries to technologically leapfrog. Few
Category Archives: Geopolitics
The Ukraine Mineral Deal Might Help The U.S. Break China’s Monopoly
The United States and Ukraine signed a long-awaited deal on April 30 to give the U.S. priority access to Ukrainian critical minerals and other natural resources. After months of acrimonious disputes and negotiations over a ceasefire/peace between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is now touting the agreement as a signal to Russia that “the
Why The EU And U.S. May Not Rescue Russia’s Energy Industry
President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to attain peace between Russia and Ukraine have already prompted questions about the future of Russian energy exports, the country’s main cash cow, and whether the door will open to joint projects between Russia and the E.U or the U.S. Whatever progress is made in any negotiations, will be difficult if
White House Cuts Red Tape For U.S. Critical Minerals
The Trump Administration used the Defense Production Act as the basis for an executive order issued March 20, 2025 to sharply increase U.S. critical minerals production. Government agencies were given their marching orders, including directives to: Screen applications for critical mineral mining and refining projects, looking for those that can be given immediate approval and
The Venezuela Oil Tariff Tests Trump Policies
Today, disparate Trump policies —more muscular American diplomacy, less soft power, higher tariffs, and the quest for cheap energy — are being tested together in Venezuela. The pro-Russia, pro-China, and pro-Iran far left Maduro regime in Caracas has long been a thorn in the side of the United States in the often-neglected Latin American theater.
Putin’s Trolling: A Strategic Minerals Offer For Trump
Just as President Volodymyr Zelensky was preparing to arrive in Washington, D.C., on Friday, February 28th, to sign an unprecedented US-Ukraine agreement on strategic minerals, Vladimir Putin came up with a proposal of his own, involving joint development with the U.S. of rare earth metals, aluminum, and hydropower in Russia. It’s trolling of the 99th
Trump’s Tariffs On Canada Put US Energy Security At Risk
In a far-reaching move set to take effect on March 4th, President Donald J. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all foreign imports from Canada, a close ally and the US’ largest energy trading partner, as well as on Mexico. Additionally, a 25% tariff was announced on imported steel and aluminum. Canada is the largest supplier to the
Digital Transformation Can Enable The U.S. To Fight The Shadow Economy
On his inauguration day, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Designating cartels and other organizations as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists.” This illustrates the new administration’s emphasis on the global fight against organized crime, with a primary focus on Latin America. In addition to historically known avenues of illicit revenue
Russian Nuclear Energy Researchers In Europe Endanger Western Security
As international tensions grow, scientific developments become more crucial than ever to creating war-winning technologies. There is a reason the Manhattan Project was kept under strict security measures – and even then, there were leaks. Beginning in the 1940s, Stalin’s USSR used intelligence to steal America’s atomic secrets and develop nuclear weapons. Throughout the Cold War, the Soviets ran a
Hamas’ rule in Gaza has been disastrous for both Arabs and Israelis
President Trump has floated the idea of relocating Gazans to other Muslim countries so that reconstruction can get underway and recently noted that he is “not confident” in the durability of the current ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas while underscoring Gaza’s potential. “Some beautiful things could be done with it …,” he said, cautioning against allowing Hamas to prevail. “They didn’t exactly