Iran is facing serious environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change, which threaten its long-term sustainability. Rising temperatures, acute water shortages, and increasing frequency of natural disasters such as droughts and floods are placing mounting pressure on the nation’s ecosystems and agriculture. Iran’s heavy reliance on gas and oil, combined with …
Read More »Bridging Borders: China’s Investments in Mexico Amidst U.S.-China Trade Conflicts
China has become a major force in Latin America in recent years, and its investment tactics have changed the economic landscape of the area. Because of its advantageous location, strong manufacturing capabilities, and trade agreements like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Mexico is one of the most attractive countries in Latin …
Read More »Green Light for Energy: Egypt-Saudi Arabia Interconnection Project Moves Forward
Egypt and Saudi Arabia advance a significant power grid interconnection, enhancing regional energy exchange and cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two of the most powerful countries in the Arab world, have long enjoyed strong diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations. The two nations’ cooperation on regional security issues has further cemented their …
Read More »Geopolitical Rivalries in the South Caucasus: Evaluating the Aras Corridor as an Alternative to Zangezur
Rival transit corridor projects have centered on the South Caucasus as it becomes more and more important in connecting Europe and Asia. These corridors serve as hubs for international trade integration, regional stability, and economic progress in addition to being routes for transit. The Zangezur Corridor is unique among these …
Read More »Breaking Down Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Climate Agenda
After decades of growing rich on oil exports, Riyadh recognizes that it must adapt to a changing climate and global economy if the Kingdom—and Saudi leaders are betting big. In the last half-decade, Saudi Arabia has deliberately set out to realize a green economy and achieve an energy transition that …
Read More »Azerbaijan’s green shift: Energy transition, COP29 commitments, and US collaboration
The following article is based on research conducted under the State Department’s Title VIII Fellowship, for the Black Sea Program at MEI. During summer 2024, the author traveled to Baku and Karabakh and interviewed 15 policymakers from various government ministries, the private sector, academia, the parliament, and energy agencies. Azerbaijan …
Read More »Iran’s Renewable Energy Aspirations and Geopolitical Challenges
Iran has realized the value of its vast renewable energy potential—but serious international and institutional obstacles threaten to derail Tehran’s green energy plans before they gain momentum. Although Iran is one of the world’s largest producers of fossil fuels, the Islamic Republic has increasingly focused on renewable energy to address its growing …
Read More »Navigating Energy Transition: Azerbaijan’s Role in COP29 and Global Partnerships
Historically reliant on its abundant gas and oil resources, Azerbaijan is currently experiencing a significant energy transition aimed at enhancing sustainability and broadening its energy composition. The country has made large investments in hydroelectric, solar, and wind power to meet its ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy …
Read More »Iran needles the West with its growing oil production goals
Iran says it will produce 4m bpd Sceptics say it is an election ploy Exports using a ‘shadow fleet’ Iran has said it intends to raise its oil output to 4 million barrels per day from about 3.5 million bpd currently. Industry experts are sceptical about Tehran’s ambitions and say …
Read More »Geopolitics and Challenges in Iraq’s Quest for Regional Connectivity
To advance its ambitious Development Road project, Iraq must navigate several obstacles, including inadequate infrastructure, corruption, security concerns, and a delicate geopolitical position. Last month, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Baghdad, Iraq announced that it would join the region-wide “Development Road” project, which will link the country with Qatar, the UAE, and …
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