Explainers
Primers that build a subject from first principles, written to stay useful after the news moves on.
Trade
Three customs questions decide whether a trade deal’s tariff cut is real
A trade deal cuts duty on a list of tariff lines. Whether a shipment pays the lower rate depends on what customs says it is, where it was made and what it is worth. The Scotch whisky dispute shows all three tests at work.
Money
Quantitative easing or money printing?
Money printing is one of the most controversial topics in economics. To pinpoint exactly how quantitative easing and money printing are different, one needs to know what each is.
Money
Understanding government cryptocurrencies
Why governments are taking a second look at digital currencies, and what a central bank digital currency would change for tracking money, taxes and monetary control.
World
A deeper look at the Israel–Palestine conflict
While one could go back hundreds of years to understand the origin of the Israel- Palestine conflict, looking at 20th century history of the region provides clear explanations. From the end of the first world war, to today, we explore the geopolitics of this conflict country.
World
Understanding what ails the Greek economy
To understand why Greece has been in a recession longer than any other country in modern history, one must look closely at the structural problems in the Greek economy and its evolution
World
Geopolitics of the Indian subcontinent
A deeper analysis of the geopolitical situation of the Indian subcontinent is required, to understand why this begets the notorious title of ‘the most diplomatically isolated neighbourhood’