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From oil wells to power cells: How Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors are securing their future through battery technology



[ © The Middle east Institute ]

 The oil and natural gas industry has historically played a pivotal role in the economies and political power structures of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, generating fortunes from the export of these fossil fuels and thus enhancing their international influence. However, as the world shifts toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, the GCC states are also embracing this proud transition, moving from oil wells to power cells.  

Reading of the Week: Bad Pharma - Trafficking illicit medical products in West Africa



[ © ENACT Africa ]

 West Africa has become a hotspot for the trafficking of medical products, with estimations that the illicit market makes up to 80% of medical products in Burkina Faso and Guinea, the two case studies of this report. Despite its enormous scale, there are gaps in knowledge that this report seeks to address by providing a qualitative analysis of the market’s key characteristics and enablers (corruption and insecurity), and an assessment of national and regional responses.  

Egypts Green Transition: Nurturing a Sustainable Economy and Workforce



[ © Middle East Council on Global Affairs ]

 Accelerating the growth of the green economy should happen rapidly through policy actions. If the global green transition is left to market forces, it can have grave consequences for the world. Considering the varied levels of technological advancements among countries, some will be better placed to develop and push forward green technology, whereas others will simply be adopting these new technologies.  

Promoting diaspora investment in fragile settings: The case of Somalia



[ © Clingendael ]

 This policy brief analyses the extent to which diaspora investment can support economic development and livelihoods, with a particular focus on fragile settings. Using the case study of Somalia, the brief explores some of the main advantages and risks associated with this tool.  

Reading of the Week: The battle for the Indian Ocean. How the EU and India can strengthen maritime security



[ © European Council on Foreign Ralations ]

 Over the last decade, China has gradually expanded its presence in the Indian Ocean, combining its military modernization and cooperation with partners with active diplomacy towards the island and coastal states of the region. China’s presence and capabilities threaten the freedom and influence of other actors in the area, including India and the EU.  

As South Africa looks to Russia, how do citizens see influence of foreign powers?



[ © Afro Barometer ]

 Emboldened by the rise of a multipolar world order, South Africa’s political elite is increasingly caught between its allegiance to traditional Western allies, whose values represent the national ambition and are enshrined in the Constitution of a liberal democratic order, and emerging powers such as China and Russia.  

Towards a Circular Steel Industry



[ © International Renewable Energy Agency ]

  Steel, a vital material for human societies, enables progress in various sectors. However, the steel industry contributes about 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. The circular economy for steel can mitigate the detrimental impacts that arise from the steel industry. This report, prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in close collaboration with India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aims to facilitate the discussion on a circular steel industry under India's G20 Presidency.  

Towards a Circular Steel Industry



[ © International Renewable Energy Agency ]

 Steel, a vital material for human societies, enables progress in various sectors. However, the steel industry contributes about 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. The circular economy for steel can mitigate the detrimental impacts that arise from the steel industry. This report, prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in close collaboration with India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aims to facilitate the discussion on a circular steel industry under India's G20 Presidency.  

The Struggle over Area C: Change Direction toward a Space for Understanding with the Palestinian Authority



[ © The Institute for National Security Studies ]

 A struggle is underway for control of Area C (60 percent of the West Bank). The Palestinians are eager to control the area, which they see as essential to a contiguous and viable Palestinian state. In contrast, the Israeli government is working to push the Palestinians out of the area and prepare to annex it. Normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia is an opportunity for a change of approach in the struggle to regulate the control over Area C and block an emerging, dangerous one-state reality.  

Lebanon needs a renewed donor support strategy



[ © Middle East Institute ]

 Lebanon needs a new aid strategy. It will need generous support to recover when reforms are initiated. But it also needs all the help it can get now to alleviate its current misery. What is required is a donor strategy that walks on two legs: a first leg that offers a big reconstruction push conditioned on economic and institutional reforms and, in parallel, a second leg that provides urgent support to the Lebanese population.  

Gender-based violence tops womens-rights issues in Liberia; citizens say it is a criminal matter



[ © Afro Barometer ]

 Liberian President George Weah declared rape a national emergency in 2020, after signing a Domestic Violence Act the previous year. Despite these steps, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls persist, perpetuated by traditional social norms as well as social dislocations and a lack of accountability as a legacy of the country’s 14-year civil war.  

Strengthening Africas Digital Infrastructure for Greater Economic Resilience



[ © The South African Institute of International Affairs ]

 Despite some progress having been made, a large proportion of the African population is excluded from the digital economy due to physical infrastructure barriers.