China has launched an "anti-dumping" investigation into chemical imports, in what appears to be a response to trade barriers introduced by other countries. Thermoplastics coming from the US, the EU, Taiwan and Japan are sold at prices below fair market value, says Beijing. The investigation could take up to 18 months to complete. Beijing's...
HORIZON SCANNING
Looking for Weak Signals
Horizon scanning (also known as environmental scanning) is the foundation of strategic foresight. It is a systematic process of exploring the external environment to identify potential threats, opportunities, disruptions, uncertainties or likely developments relevant to the issue or system under study. The goal is to better understand the nature and pace of change.
The basic elements of horizon scanning are weak signals, i.e. early signs or events whose occurrence is perceived as unknown or unlikely but with potentially significant disruptive or transformative impact if they occur. The posts listed below in the FACTA section describe events, phenomena, or facts that may have a crucial impact on future developments, and in the FUTURA section, they assess their possible future consequences.
UK announces £75B defence boost
29/04/2024
The U.K. promised to pump an extra £75 billion into its defence budget over the next six years. The move will see the U.K. spend the equivalent of 2.5% of GDP per year on defence by the end of the decade. The commitment would bring the U.K.'s annual defence spending to £87 billion in 2030-31. No.10 Downing Street said: "If...
China extends its influence in Maldives
15/03/2024
On 14 January 2024, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu asked India to withdraw its military from the archipelago. This comes after he visited China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping on 7-13 January 2024. All 76 Indian soldiers left Maldives in June 2024. The Maldives are strengthening ties with China after President Mohamed Muizzu came to...