Welcome to our Newsletter! Decisions made in one corner of the world can ripple far beyond borders. This edition explores Brazil’s balancing act at BRICS+, rising U.S. tariffs, the UN’s work strengthening justice and security in Sub-Saharan Africa, and key insights from the 2025 Africa Pulse Report. From World Cup stadiums to pirate-infested seas and deep-sea mining frontiers, we examine how strategy, opportunity, and risk converge to shape economies, societies, and generations. How will nations navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities ahead?
 

OP-EDs

Can Lula Keep BRICS on Balance?

 

Otaviano Canuto, Bruno Saraiva

 

At the July BRICS+ summit in Rio, President Lula faced a delicate juggling act: expanding the group while maintaining its identity, strengthening institutions like the New Development Bank, and deepening ties with emerging economies, all without alienating the G7. Amid internal rivalries and global tensions, Brazil sought to advance climate finance, investment initiatives, and local-currency payment systems. But looming U.S. tariff threats show that even successful balancing acts may not shield Brazil from external pressures... Read more

Is Brazil the New Bullseye in Trump’s Trade War?

 

Otaviano Canuto

 

President Trump has sharply increased tariffs on Brazilian exports, pushing the average rate to 32.7%, the highest in his trade war to date. Economists warn this could slow Brazil’s growth, though inflationary effects are expected to be limited. Beyond the economic numbers, the move underscores rising political tensions between Washington and Brasília. For now, Brazil is refraining from retaliation, hoping diplomacy can ease the pressure, but with stakes this high, can the two sides find common ground before tensions spiral further?... Read more

Piracy on the Rise: Somali Maritime Risks

 

Khadija Mamouni

 

Today’s pirates are more sophisticated, using mother ships, modern communications, heavier weapons, and even opportunistic ties with groups like Al-Shabaab and the Houthis. This evolving threat weaves a complex criminal web across regional seas. What drives this resurgence, and how can regional powers and maritime authorities respond to a danger that blends daring at sea with deep-rooted local issues?... Read more

Deep-Sea Mining and Ocean Governance at a Crossroads

 

Eduarda Zoghbi

 

The deep sea, rich in minerals essential for the energy transition, offers immense economic promise, but also profound risks. Unilateral mining threatens international governance frameworks and could inflict lasting damage on fragile seabed ecosystems. This emerging frontier highlights a familiar dilemma: reconciling national ambitions for rapid development with the need for global cooperation, transparency, and environmental stewardship. How will nations seize these opportunities while safeguarding the oceans for generations to come?... Read more

LATEST RESEARCH PAPERS

Sport and Employment: When the World Comes to Play

 

Jihad Ait Soussane, Aomar Ibourk

 

Beyond the roar of the crowds and the spectacle of sport, hosting the FIFA World Cup can quietly reshape a nation’s economy. From bustling cities to remote regions, the story of employment and economic resilience unfolds long after the stadium lights dim. Infrastructure built for the event can become a permanent asset, while service industries and tourism thrive under sustained attention. This research examines how the FIFA World Cup leaves a lasting imprint on jobs and economic vitality... Read more

NEET in North Africa: A Generation on the Sidelines

 

Aomar Ibourk, Zakaria Elouaourti

 

Across parts of North Africa, an increasing number of young people find themselves disconnected from both education and employment, navigating a landscape of scarce opportunities and uncertainty. Their paths are shaped not only by family and community but also by the degree of trust they can place in institutions meant to support them. What determines whether a young person can access opportunity or becomes stuck in stagnation? And how can policy interventions create meaningful, lasting pathways toward productive, fulfilling lives?... Read more

VOICES OF THE NEW SOUTH

Africa Pulse 2025: Economic Trends and Challenges

 

In this episode, Andrew Dabalen, Chief Economist for the Africa Region at the World Bank, highlights key insights from the 2025 Africa Pulse Report. We explore Sub-Saharan Africa’s recovery efforts amid structural and macroeconomic challenges...Watch

The UN Work on Peace and Security

 

In this episode, Jérôme Mellon, Head of Policy and Operational Support at the UN, shares insights from two decades of supporting justice and security reform in countries like Kosovo, Mali, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Tune in to explore how the UN strengthens institutions outside traditional peacekeeping missions and lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa...Listen
 

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