Insights

India's stance on Palestine has evolved over the years, reflecting a delicate balance between history and pragmatism. While India was once a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, its foreign policy shifted in the 1990s with the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel. This shift was driven by economic reforms and the need for strategic autonomy. However, India's ties with Palestine have remained cordial, despite its growing relationship with Israel. The rise of ethnonationalist politics in India has further influenced its foreign policy, aligning with Zionist demands for a Jewish state. India finds itself at a crossroads, torn between its global solidarity and ethnonationalist currents.
India, Israel
Walking a Tightrope: India and the Palestine Question
South Africa's presidency of the G20 in 2025 presents a crucial moment for the country and Africa. With the G20 representing a significant portion of the global economy, South Africa has an opportunity to shape global policies and advocate for Africa's interests. The presidency will prioritize addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality, as well as Africa's development. South Africa aims to foster solidarity, equality, and sustainable development and will focus on tackling poly-crises such as climate change, energy, food security, and debt. Regional integration and cooperation, addressing debt and development financing, and enhancing regional cooperation are also key priorities.
South Africa
South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025: A Pivotal Moment for the Country and Africa
The UAE has been designated as a major defense partner by the US, solidifying its position as a key ally in the Gulf region. This status, previously only given to India, allows for enhanced cooperation in defense and strengthens the UAE's role as a connectivity hub and security pillar. The designation also gives the UAE an advantage over Saudi Arabia in the Gulf, especially amid regional instability and the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The move builds upon the deepening US-UAE security partnership and shared interest in preventing conflicts in the Middle East. The designation offers benefits for both countries, including access to advanced technologies and bolstering containment strategy against China in the Gulf.
United Arab Emirates
Ardemagni article
The Houthi rebels in Yemen are expanding their influence beyond the Iranian-led 'axis of resistance' by building their own 'network of resistance'. They are diversifying their alliances and deepening their military capabilities, leveraging regional conflicts and pragmatic partnerships. This allows them to pose a greater threat to navigation and expand their sources for obtaining weapons. The Houthis are also cultivating ties with non-state armed actors opposed to the US and Israel, particularly in the Red Sea region. Their adaptability and growing ambitions make it challenging for regional and international stakeholders to disentangle the war in Yemen from the broader Middle East crisis.
Yemen
Beyond the Axis: Yemen’s Houthis are Building their ‘Network of Resistance’
Russia's influence in the South Caucasus is declining due to the rise of multipolarity in the region. In response, Russia is attempting to establish itself as the leading but not exclusive external actor in the South Caucasus. This involves reconfiguring its position, broadening its range of policy tools, and allowing for the expanded presence of other regional powers. The Euro-Atlantic community, on the other hand, risks being marginalized due to the absence of a strong security commitment in the South Caucasus. If it wants to retain a significant role in the region, it will need to develop strategies to respond to the changing geopolitical and geo-economic landscape.
Russian Federation
Retying the Caucasian Knot: Russia's Evolving Approach to the South Caucasus
The article discusses how various political and economic forces impact a nation's provision of global public goods. It highlights that while these forces can hinder international cooperation, they can also be utilized through well-designed treaties to strengthen cooperation. The article concludes that global cooperation and democratization can mutually reinforce each other, leading to multiple equilibrium outcomes. The chapter aims to be accessible to students at all levels.
The Politics of Global Public Goods
China has proposed the establishment of a joint security company with Myanmar's military junta in order to protect Chinese projects and personnel in the country. The security company would handle the import and control of weapons and special equipment. This move reflects China's increased support for the junta and its concern for the safety of its assets in Myanmar, particularly amid resistance attacks and the potential threat to its economic and strategic interests. China's focus on safeguarding the oil and gas pipelines, as well as its view of the opposition government as influenced by Western countries, has led to its decision to take a more active role in Myanmar.
Myanmar
China, Myanmar to Establish Joint Security Company, Reports Say
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a method to give artificial intelligence (AI) the ability to "feel" and measure surfaces. By combining a photon-firing scanning laser with AI algorithms, the system can accurately discern the topography of an object by detecting and processing random speckle noise in imagery. The method has shown promising results, with an accuracy comparable to industrial profilometer devices currently used. This advancement could have applications in various fields, including medical diagnostics and manufacturing quality control.
Invisible touch: AI can feel and measure surfaces
AI-driven legaltech is revolutionizing the legal profession, but it is unlikely to replace lawyers entirely. Instead, it is enhancing productivity and efficiency by automating routine tasks such as document automation, legal research, and contract review. The use of AI in the legal sector is expected to increase, with 43% of the largest US law firms having a dedicated budget for investing in AI. However, human oversight remains crucial to ensure accuracy, reliability, and ethical adherence. While venture capital funding in legaltech decreased in 2023, there is still significant investor confidence in the potential for change in the industry. Trust and transparency remain key barriers to adoption for legaltech.
Will AI driven legaltech replace lawyers or simply create a massive productivity boost?
Leaders at COP29 in Baku have endorsed a declaration pledging to use digital technologies to accelerate climate action while reducing the carbon footprint of tech manufacturing and tackling e-waste. The declaration received endorsements from over 1,000 governments, companies, and civil society organizations. Digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, can play a central role in optimizing energy consumption and reducing emissions. However, the growing use of digital products and services also increases energy and water consumption, as well as e-waste production. The COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action recognizes the importance of digital technologies in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
COP29: Digital tech and AI can boost climate action, but curbing the sector’s emissions is key
The world's 10 wealthiest people, including tech billionaires like Elon Musk, gained nearly $64 billion in a single day due to a surge in U.S. stocks after the election. The tech sector argues that light regulation, or no regulation, is necessary for innovation. President-elect Trump has appointed tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to dismantle federal agencies. This move raises concerns about conflicts of interest as Musk's companies have been targeted by federal agencies in the past. The future of AI regulation in the U.S. is uncertain, with doubts about the implementation of federal regulation under President Trump's administration. Organizations deploying AI in the U.S. face a fragmented landscape of different state regulations.
Ensuring Impactful (And Safe) Innovation
Smart homes for assisted living have huge potential in improving the lives of those with special needs, but there are several challenges that are impeding progress. The use of cameras for monitoring residents is not viable due to privacy concerns, which also limits the training data for artificial intelligence (AI). Recognizing complex activities and configuring sensors in different homes are also hurdles. Additionally, the system needs to adapt to changing needs and address user experience and trust issues. The high cost of smart technology is another obstacle. Overall, while smart homes have potential, they are still mostly a pipe dream.
Smart homes for assisted living have huge potential, but here’s why they’re still mostly a pipe dream
Emotional intelligence is crucial in identifying and managing the threats posed by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Organizations should train employees to recognize emotional triggers and practice reflection to mitigate these risks. GenAI can be used to manipulate people's emotions and exploit vulnerabilities, leading to financial and reputational damage. Detecting AI-generated content remains challenging, with existing tools lacking consistency and accuracy. Emotional intelligence helps address three key risks of GenAI: exploitation of emotional responses, ethical pitfalls, and impulsive decision-making. To manage these threats, individuals need to understand the role of emotions, reflect on implications, and respond with informed action. Education, training, and reflection exercises can enhance emotional intelligence and mitigate GenAI risks.
How emotional intelligence is the best defence against GenAI threats
Vancouver-based quantum-AI startup, Nirvanic Consciousness Technologies, has emerged from stealth to explore the computational basis of consciousness in creating safer, human-aligned artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The company aims to use quantum computing principles to imbue AI with qualities like intuition and empathy, addressing safety concerns with current AI systems that lack adaptive awareness. The startup's CEO and founder, Suzanne Gildert, has an extensive background in quantum computing, robotics, and AI. Nirvanic's vision is to create conscious AI that can make instinctive decisions by evaluating multiple possibilities simultaneously, mimicking the brain's hypothesized quantum processes.
Vancouver-based Quantum-AI Startup Nirvanic Consciousness Technologies Emerges From Stealth
The G20 is a forum of the world's largest economies that meet regularly to discuss global economic issues. It consists of 19 countries and two regional bodies. The focus of this year's G20 summit is social inclusion, global governance reform, and energy transitions. The summit will also address ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions. The G20 has been credited with important agreements, but reaching a consensus can be challenging due to the diverse range of countries involved. The G20 presidency rotates between members, with Brazil currently chairing the summit.
Brazil | Financial services
What is the G20 and why does it matter?
Bocconi University will host ACE 2024, the Association of Competition Economics' annual conference, to discuss the challenges and future of competition policy. The conference will cover topics such as digital regulation, artificial intelligence, and the need for updated regulatory frameworks. It will also explore case studies and theoretical advancements in areas like mergers and antitrust strategies. Experts will examine the European Union's involvement in market consolidation and how regional differences impact competition laws. The conference will conclude with a focus on how economic theory and evidence inform antitrust decisions.
Shaping the Future of Competition and Economic Policy
Digital ID systems provide residents in low- and middle-income countries with verifiable proof of identity, fostering trust essential for effective social protection. The report highlights the necessity of evolving social protection schemes in India to accommodate modern risks from climate change, urbanization, and migration. It advocates for portable social protection systems that ensure continuity of benefits for mobile populations. Leveraging digital public infrastructure (DPI) can streamline administration, enhance data integration, and reduce transaction costs, ultimately supporting vulnerable groups like migrants in receiving adequate, accessible social security.
Financial services
Leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure for building inclusive social protection systems
The October 2024 Global Financial Stability Report reveals that while financial stability risks are currently under control, the growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty increases the chances of adverse shocks. The report also highlights that high macroeconomic uncertainty can pose threats to macrofinancial stability, particularly when debt vulnerabilities are high and financial market volatility is low. Additionally, the report examines the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI on capital markets, highlighting the potential benefits and risks associated with their widespread adoption and suggesting possible policy responses.
Financial services
Global Financial Stability Report: Steadying the Course: Uncertainty, Artificial Intelligence, and Financial Stability (October 2024) - World
The Wagner Group has become a powerful global mercenary force profiting from conflicts around the world. In this podcast episode, hosted by Tom Keatinge and featuring Wagner expert Jack Margolin, they delve into the group's financial empire, its use of corruption, and the need to counter similar paramilitary organizations. As new players emerge to fill the gap left by Wagner, it is crucial for the global community to address vulnerabilities and disrupt the rise of these shadow networks.
Russian Federation | Financial services
Episode 6: Inside the Financial Empire of the Wagner Group
Training AI models can have a significant environmental impact, emitting greenhouse gases and consuming vast amounts of electricity and water. The expansion of AI has led to increased demand for data centers, resulting in energy consumption equivalent to twice Sweden's annual electricity consumption. Big tech companies integrating AI into their products have seen a marked increase in greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are strategies to curb AI's energy appetite, including adopting efficiency improvements, implementing regulatory frameworks, and practicing mindful AI deployment. Furthermore, the emerging field of Green AI advocates for sustainable practices in AI design, training, and deployment to reduce environmental costs and carbon footprint.
Three Strategies to Curb Artificial Intelligence’s Insatiable Energy Appetite

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