Resource Politics

For decades, experts have warned that Central Asia could face conflicts over water in the future. The region depends heavily on two major rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, which support agriculture, energy production, and the livelihoods of millions of people. As climate change accelerates and water supplies become less predictable, concerns about regional stability are growing.   Yet despite recurring shortages and political tensions, ...

Africa's energy ambitions are evolving. For decades, many African countries exported crude oil while importing refined fuels, leaving them vulnerable to global supply disruptions, price volatility, and foreign refining capacity. Today, governments and investors are increasingly trying to change that model.   New refinery projects across the continent—including proposals linked to Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote—reflect a bro...

Iraq has weighed leaving OPEC if the group refuses to grant Baghdad a significantly higher oil production quota, deepening the pressure inside a cartel already weakened by recent exits and growing internal disputes.   The dispute would add to OPEC’s internal strains and put fresh pressure on Saudi Arabia’s role as the group’s dominant power. Angola left OPEC in 2024 after a quota dispute, and the United Arab Emirates...

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a key tool for countries looking to grow their economies. From Southeast Asia to the Middle East, governments are investing in AI to create jobs, attract investors, and reduce reliance on traditional industries.   This shift is not just about technology. It is about long-term economic survival in a fast-changing world.   Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Drive AI Growth   ...

Central Asia’s water crisis is no longer only about shrinking supply. Agriculture remains one of the largest water users in Central Asia. Cotton, wheat, and rice production consume enormous volumes of water, with cotton alone accounting for a major share of agricultural demand. Today, agriculture consumes more than 70% of available freshwater resources. As rivers shrink and glaciers retreat, farming systems are under increasing strain. &nb...