political risk

Boko Haram and the Case For Amnesty

The following was originally published in Foreign Policy Journal, penned by former Governor of Abia State Orji Uzor Kalu on the notion of amnesty for Boko Haram: French poet Victor Hugo once stated that “amnesty is as good for those who give it as for those who receive it. It has the admirable quality of [...]

Minimizing Political Risk in Frontier Markets

From threats of a coup in Thailand to rebel invasions in the Congo to an anti-corruption trial in Brazil, every business with foreign operations finds itself tasked not only with navigating complex political issues but also coming up with its own policies to limit exposure and rapidly respond to changing conditions.

China Struggling to Adapt in a More Competitive Africa

According to the Financial Times, Chinese exports to Africa jumped by 22 per cent last year to hit $73 billion, which is double the GDP of Kenya, while the two-way volume of trade reached $166.3 billion. But African leaders now want more than just cheap goods.

Shale Boom in Europe Fades as Polish Wells Come Up Empty

While shale could help Poland lessen dependence on Russian supplies and cut its gas bill, a government proposal for a levy on production threatens to curtail investment. Europe’s best hope for a shale-gas boom is indeed fading as explorers in Poland confront rising taxes, political concerns focused on environmental degradation, a lack of rigs and rocks [...]

Shell Faces New Risks in Nigeria

After a number of accidents, attacks by militants, and political scandals, is Shell’s honeymoon with Nigeria coming to an end? Some recent events and transactions indicate a shift in the Dutch company’s strategy in the country, opening a window of opportunity for new operators.

The Georgian ‘Dream’ of Opportunity and Competition

It is said in Tbilisi that if many share the same dream, it has the potential to become a reality. Today, Georgia stands at the doorway of that achievable ‘dream’ in that it seems clear tangible change is on the way. Such change is brought to us by Bidzina Ivanishvili and his newfound ‘Georgian Dream [...]

The New Frontiers of Corporate Foreign Policy

Foreign policy used to be a craft practised by diplomats and statesmen. No longer.

Zimbabwe and Wikileaks – Sir Richard Branson ‘Bankrolled’ Plan to Ease Out Mugabe

Sir Richard Branson recently denied a report in a leaked US embassy cable that he bankrolled a diplomatic effort to sweeten the exit of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, writes Alex Duval Smith in the Independent. A confidential memo released by Wikileaks says that in July 2007, Branson was due to hold a secret meeting with South [...]

Shale Gas Producers Facing Increased Scrutiny

North American natural gas producers are facing tougher scrutiny and regulation from government, with the U.S. industry warning that new rules proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could dampen the shale gas boom.

Nigerian Oil Exploration at 10-Year Low Before Law

Despite a drop-off of instability in the Delta today, oil exploration in Nigeria has slumped to the lowest in a decade after producers including Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Total SA backed away from investment until the country’s petroleum law is finally passed. Just one exploration well was drilled in Nigeria over the past two [...]