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Missouri and the World

geopolitics

Americas oil boom challenges Middle East dominance as global energy markets shift

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One of the more surprising consequences of the Iran war has been the resilience of global oil supplies, despite disruption around the Strait of Hormuz – the world’s most important oil shipping chokepoint.

While many analysts initially feared far more severe shortages and price spikes, growing oil production across North and South America has helped stabilize global markets and highlighted a broader shift taking place within the energy industry.

According to analysis published by The Conversation, countries including the United States, Brazil, Canada, Guyana and Argentina are rapidly increasing production and exports, helping offset supply disruptions from the Middle East. [Read more…] about Americas oil boom challenges Middle East dominance as global energy markets shift

Iran conflict is exposing tensions between America and its Gulf allies

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The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is exposing growing tensions between Washington and some of its longtime Gulf allies, as regional governments face increasing security risks tied to the presence of American military bases.

That argument is at the center of a new interview published by Analyst News featuring Khaled Abou El Fadl, a professor at the UCLA School of Law specializing in human rights and Islamic law.

In the interview, El Fadl argued that Gulf states built their security strategies around reliance on the United States, but are now facing the consequences as Iranian retaliation increasingly targets American military facilities across the region. [Read more…] about Iran conflict is exposing tensions between America and its Gulf allies

Even major oil producers are preparing for a post-oil future

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The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC after nearly six decades may signal more than a disagreement over production quotas.

According to a new analysis published by The Conversation, the move reflects growing concern among some major oil-producing countries that the long-term future of global oil demand may be weaker than previously expected.

The UAE officially announced its departure from OPEC after 59 years amid rising geopolitical tensions, disagreements over production strategy and accelerating changes in the global energy market. [Read more…] about Even major oil producers are preparing for a post-oil future

‘Friendshoring’ could become the next phase of globalization

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As tensions between the United States and China continue reshaping the global economy, economists and policymakers are increasingly focusing on a new concept that could define the next era of international trade: “friendshoring”.

Rather than bringing manufacturing fully back home, countries and multinational corporations may instead shift production and investment toward politically friendly nations.

A new analysis published by The Conversation argues that friendshoring may allow globalization to continue in a different form, even as trade between the world’s two largest economies becomes more strained. [Read more…] about ‘Friendshoring’ could become the next phase of globalization

Can Brazil become America’s most important partner in South America?

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva traveled to Washington last week for a closely watched meeting with US President Donald Trump, as both countries attempt to stabilize a relationship shaped increasingly by trade, strategic minerals, organized crime and growing geopolitical competition in Latin America.

The private talks at the White House lasted about three hours on May 7, although neither side issued a formal joint statement afterward.

Despite political differences between the two leaders, the meeting highlighted what analysts increasingly see as a pragmatic shift in US-Brazil relations, driven less by ideology and more by economic and strategic interests. [Read more…] about Can Brazil become America’s most important partner in South America?