The Daily BriefPublished on EGF: 11.01.2019 Essential ReadingCES 2019: A Visual Anthology — The giant technology expo has introduced a number of key innovations to the world since it first began in 1967. Here's a look at some of the potentially disruptive technologies that could influence current and future geopolitical trends. Link Why Banks in Morocco Are Spreading the Wealth Around Africa — The North African country has been using its newfound financial muscle to project power across the continent, increasing investment in regions that European banks now tend to avoid. Link Congo: The Election Results Are In. Now What? — The Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken a step closer to its first democratic transition of power, but skepticism over the final results has introduced another element of uncertainty. Link U.S., China: Hints of Optimism Emerge From Trade Talks — Despite signs of progress after three days of negotiations in Beijing, significant divisions about how to proceed clearly remain — not only between Washington and Beijing, but also within the Trump administration. Link Geopolitical Calendar — Stay informed about the significant meetings and events the Stratfor team is tracking. Link Stratfor GraphicAs Moroccan banks integrate themselves more deeply across Africa, they are serving as pioneers for the large and medium-sized Moroccan companies also pursuing opportunities in promising African markets. ForumsContribute to the conversation. Share your thoughts in our forum section to engage with our analysts, editors and fellow Stratfor Worldview subscribers. China and the United States concluded their first round of trade negotiations on Jan. 9 since the U.S.-China truce began on Dec. 1 and are expected to hold additional Cabinet-level talks before the end of the month. While a post-meeting statement issued by China was largely vague, citing "extensive" discussion, the one released by the United States noted that the two sides focused on holding China accountable to its commitments through effective enforcement, as well as Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural, energy and industrial goods. However, an agreement that addresses Washington's larger concerns with Beijing's structural economic reforms was left ambiguous. On Jan. 8, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly expressed his eagerness to cut a deal with China to boost financial markets rattled by the two countries' trade war. But other members in his administration — namely, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer — have pushed back against a quick deal, seeing current U.S. tariffs as a way to hold China accountable in negotiations. News You May Have MissedFor even more news, visit Stratfor's Situation Reports page.
Do you still have questions about your Worldview membership? Please refer to this guide as a resource. |
|