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The biggest global risks of 2024

Geopolitical conflicts persist, and a political war rages inside the U.S. as elections approach, observes Eurasia Group’s Ian Bremmer.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Despite EU crypto sanctions, Russians are still using digital currencies

Sep 25, 2023
Crypto sanctions have caused headaches for many anti-war Russians who fled abroad, but crypto use within Russia is still common.
The goal of the the European Union's crypto restrictions is to stop sanctioned Russians from finding loopholes to move money out of Russia.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Alaska salmon industry grapples with oversupply worsened by Russian catch

Aug 28, 2023
In spite of sanctions, some Russian fish exports make it into the U.S. because the rules allow fish that’s first processed in China.
A salmon fisherman in the Cook Inlet outside Anchorage, Alaska. Salmon prices have sunk, frustrating fishermen and processors.
Nat Herz

After Russian moves against Ukraine exports, where is the global wheat market headed?

Jul 21, 2023
Wheat prices have soared this week, but market watches say global production may stave off shortages for now.
Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images

As Western companies pull out of Russia, Putin allies cash in on discounted assets

Jun 28, 2023
Major American and European brands have pulled out of Russia in protest over the war in Ukraine and have lost millions in the process.
Russian rapper Timati is now co-owner of 130 Stars coffee shops across Russia — the rebranded substitute to Starbucks following the chain's exodus.
Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images

The Saudis are buying up Russian diesel — and selling more of the stuff they produce themselves

May 30, 2023
The kingdom's actions are not a violation of sanctions.
Saudi Arabia is now buying roughly180,000 barrels of Russian diesel every day. Above, a refinery in Moscow.
Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images

OPEC grapples with sliding oil prices

May 10, 2023
The cartel releases its monthly oil market report on Thursday.
Despite the fact that OPEC nations cut oil production last month, oil prices are largely back to where they were in early April.
Joe Kalmar/AFP via Getty Images

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Oil tanker costs climb as Russia ties up system with longer routes

Apr 13, 2023
The cost to ship fuel has more than doubled since February.
Sanctions forced Russia to sell more of its oil to countries like India and China, straining the availability of tanker ships.
Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP via Getty Images

Can ‘drone whisperers’ in Ukraine use the supply chain to ground weapons?

Apr 12, 2023
Weapons inspectors hope preventing the sale of vital parts will hobble Russian arsenals.
A member of a Ukrainian volunteer unit, which has shot down multiple Iranian drones, walks after posing in a trench.
Yasuiyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images

Energy crunch eases in emerging markets, thanks to Europe’s warm winter

Apr 10, 2023
India, Thailand and other emerging markets struggled after some of the liquefied natural gas they'd expected was rerouted to Europe.
A flare tower at a natural gas facility in Indonesia. Countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh have been able to import more liquefied natural gas recently.
Azwar Ipank/AFP via Getty Images