Our Insights
Featured Insights Selected by Our Experts
-
![]()
Trump 2.0
Tholos Talks with The Trade Guys, Hosted by Jake E. Jennings
-
![]()
China Economic Stimulus Tracker
A comprehensive timeline of announcements and policy actions implemented by the Chinese government to stimulate economic activity.
-
![]()
When Mistakes Need a Manual: China’s Guidance on Acceptable Decision-making
By Deborah Lehr, Basilinna Chair and CEO
-
![]()
Silicon and Sovereignty: What Trump’s AI Pact Means for the Gulf
Talking Points by the Basilinna Team
-
![]()
Why Do Culture and Heritage Matter? with Irina Bokova
Tholos Talks with Irina Bokova, Hosted by Deborah Lehr
-
![]()
Is Xi Jinping Undermining China’s Path to Tech Superiority?
By Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
-
![]()
Making Acquisitions in the Public Affairs Sector: Lessons from Both Sides of the Table
By Leigh Wedell, President and COO
-
![]()
Trade is No Longer a Way of Opening Up Markets
With Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
-
![]()
From the Middle Kingdom to the Saudi Kingdom: Opportunities Abound
By Yasser Elnaggar, Chair of the Middle East and Africa
-
![]()
The New Trump Administration: Perspective from China
Talking Points by Gracie Sun, Chair of Asia-Pacific
Explore all of our Insights, Interviews, Commentary, and More
Media Type
Rising Opportunities for Business: Key Takeaways from the 11th China-Arab Business Conference
The 11th China-Arab Business Conference and 9th Investment Seminar of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum took place in Haikou, Hainan, from April 27–30, 2025, drawing over 1,000 political and business leaders from China and Arab countries.
Silicon and Sovereignty: What Trump’s AI Pact Means for the Gulf
President Donald Trump’s recent four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates highlighted a growing shift in U.S. foreign policy, one that prioritizes technology and artificial intelligence as key levers of influence in the Middle East.
Facing Trade Pressures, China Renews Its ‘Opening Up’ Pledges — But What Do They Really Mean?
As global trade tensions rise and the U.S. escalates tariffs worldwide, especially against China, Beijing is taking a different path. Instead of retreating, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed during a March meeting with global business leaders that “China’s door to opening up will only become broader,” calling for the accelerated implementation of opening-up measures.
Mexico’s Trade Strategy After “Liberation Day”
Mexico has emerged as a rare exception in President Trump’s aggressive new tariff regime, escaping new duties thanks to USMCA compliance. But that protection comes with evolving expectations. President Trump has reframed trade as a rolling performance review—layering geopolitical demands onto market access, competitive alignment, and the elimination of non-tariff barriers. As the U.S. redefines its trade posture, here’s businesses need to consider next.
U.S.-China Post-“Liberation Day” - What’s Ahead
The Administration’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement has already sparked retaliation and potential escalation with China, the world’s second largest economy. While a tariff rate of an additional 34% was announced, combined with pre-existing tariffs, the rate came closer to the 60% that the President said he would impose during the campaign.
Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions, Strategic Alliances, and the Evolving Regional Tech Landscape
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP 2025 conference announced $14.9 billion in technology investments, marking a significant push toward advancing the Kingdom’s AI and digital infrastructure. While these investments align with Riyadh’s Vision 2030, their emphasis on AI, cloud computing, data centers, and semiconductors signals a deeper strategic shift. Saudi Arabia is not merely acquiring technology—it is positioning itself as a regional powerhouse in digital infrastructure.
Beyond The Conflict, The Gaza Reconstruction Plan and Its Global Impact
Following the destruction in Gaza, two competing visions for its future emerged. The Trump administration initially proposed placing Gaza under U.S. control, forcibly relocating its Palestinian residents, and transforming the area into a luxury destination. Framed as a long-term solution, this plan was widely condemned as a violation of international law, dismissing Palestinian sovereignty and ignoring regional security complexities.
Key Takeaways from China’s Two Sessions
China’s Two Sessions are underway – their annual meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and adjacent Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress (CPPCC). The sessions do not usually break news, that’s usually done in the major Party meetings, but they do underscore the strategy and provide some notable updates.
Driving Digital Transformation: Saudi Arabia's Giant LEAP
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a comprehensive strategy to diversify its economy and solidify its position as a global technology and innovation hub. A cornerstone of this vision is the development of a world-class digital infrastructure to support both public and private sector transformation. Key investments are being made in AI, cloud computing, smart cities, and cybersecurity.
Talking Points | Foundations for the Future: Saudi Arabia’s Infrastructure Leap
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its infrastructure transformation with an ambitious vision for the future. In 2024, the Kingdom allocated $17.3 billion to infrastructure development, with spending projected to rise to $21.3 billion by 2025. Central to this transformation are monumental projects that aim to redefine urban development, transportation, and sustainability.