Year: 2023

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine back in February triggered a major market crisis. Oil and gas prices soared to multi-decade highs; coal prices grew by nearly 70%, global wheat prices increased by over 60% while prices of metals exported by Russia, such as nickel, palladium, and aluminum all increased significantly. Meanwhile, the euro fell below parity with the dollar for the first time in over two decades on fears that the war would trigger a global economic crisis. Now, however, there are growing signs that the disruption could be coming to…

In the European Union this winter, fears of rolling blackouts triggered by Russian energy export cuts amid Moscow’s war in Ukraine have subsided thanks to good luck, good weather, and quick action. A warm start to the heating season in October and November enabled the EU to slash natural gas consumption and store more fuel for the winter months. Meanwhile, slumping Chinese demand due to COVID lockdowns allowed liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers bound for Asia to be rerouted to the bloc. EU officials also played a role, encouraging countries…

The Latin American country of Colombia is synonymous with violence, drug cartels and cocaine trafficking after decades of bloody multiparty low level asymmetric conflict. While cocaine, and the vast profits the narcotic generates, has long been recognized as a leading force behind the extreme bloodshed, the civil war is not limited to battling for control of lucrative coca cropping regions and smuggling routes. The rapid growth of Colombia’s petroleum industry provided fertile ground for the proliferation of illegal armed groups. The dirty fight for control of Colombia’s petroleum resources surfaced…