Our Insights
Featured Insights Selected by Our Experts
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Nature as National Asset: How the Middle East Is Turning Biodiversity into Economic Opportunity
By Basilinna Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO.
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Trump 2.0
Tholos Talks with The Trade Guys, Hosted by Jake E. Jennings
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China Economic Stimulus Tracker
A comprehensive timeline of announcements and policy actions implemented by the Chinese government to stimulate economic activity.
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When Mistakes Need a Manual: China’s Guidance on Acceptable Decision-making
By Deborah Lehr, Basilinna Chair and CEO
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Silicon and Sovereignty: What Trump’s AI Pact Means for the Gulf
Talking Points by the Basilinna Team
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Why Do Culture and Heritage Matter? with Irina Bokova
Tholos Talks with Irina Bokova, Hosted by Deborah Lehr
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Is Xi Jinping Undermining China’s Path to Tech Superiority?
By Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
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Making Acquisitions in the Public Affairs Sector: Lessons from Both Sides of the Table
By Leigh Wedell, President and COO
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Trade is No Longer a Way of Opening Up Markets
With Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
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From the Middle Kingdom to the Saudi Kingdom: Opportunities Abound
By Yasser Elnaggar, Chair of the Middle East and Africa
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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
Saudi Arabia's Opportunity to Lead the Way in Global Biodiversity Protection
February 3, 2025 | Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
Saudi Arabia is rediscovering its natural assets. From the coral reefs of the Red Sea to the sweeping dunes of the Empty Quarter, the Kingdom is home to an impressive array of ecosystems and biodiversity. With this renewed focus on its natural heritage comes an unparalleled opportunity: to emerge as a global leader in protecting and valuing nature.
The Power of the Creative Economy: A Pathway to Growth and Global Influence
December 11, 2024 | Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
As the global economy evolves and industries become increasingly knowledge-driven, nations are looking toward new sources of growth beyond traditional sectors. One of the most promising and fastest growing of these is the creative economy—a diverse sector encompassing arts, media, design, fashion, technology, and cultural industries. According to UNESCO, the creative and cultural sectors contribute $4.3 trillion to global GDP, and generate 50 million jobs worldwide, almost half of which are held by women. These industries are expected to account for 10% of global GDP by 2030.
Is Xi Jinping Undermining China’s Path to Tech Superiority?
November 16, 2024 | Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
The recent decline in venture capital (VC) investment in China has far-reaching consequences, not only for the startup ecosystem but also for the broader Chinese economy. Once a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial activity, China’s startup scene is now facing significant challenges as VC funding drops to its lowest levels in years. The decline in capital investment is stalling the creation of new businesses, affecting employment, and slowing the pace of technological innovation – factors that collectively threaten the country’s long-term economic trajectory and President Xi Jinping’s ambitions.
Lost Treasures: Crisis and Guardianship
October 17, 2024 | Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO and Tess Davis, Executive Director
For centuries, the looting and trafficking of antiquities have never ceased. Yet the strength humanity shows in safeguarding its heritage is no less than the creative power of its ancestors. At the 4th Dialogue of the C.E.A. Museums Cooperation Initiative, Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO of Basilinna and Founder of the Antiquities Coalition, and Tess Davis, Basilinna and Antiquities Coalition Executive Director, both focused on the astonishing creativity of museums as guardians of culture.
From the Middle Kingdom to the Saudi Kingdom: Opportunities Abound
September 18, 2024 | Ambassador Yasser Elnaggar, Chair of the Middle East and Africa
As China's economy slows, Chinese firms are seeking new global opportunities to market their products and build their brands.
Making Acquisitions in the Public Affairs Sector: Lessons from Both Sides of the Table
September 14, 2024 | Leigh Wedell, President and COO
Acquisitions are often seen as a quick route to growth, but in the public affairs sector, it’s not just about adding numbers to the bottom line—it’s about finding the right mix of expertise, leadership, and culture.
Trade is No Longer a Way of Opening up Markets
September, 13 2024 | Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
Explore key insights on the changing landscape of global trade and why recent trade policies could be hurting China's domestic economy with Deborah Lehr, Basilinna Chair and CEO.
Understanding China’s Pragmatic AI Plan
July 31, 2024 | Jen Zhu Scott, Executive Director
The two most important artificial intelligence ecosystems in the world are the U.S. and China. Geopolitical tensions make it tempting to view the pair in opposition. Chinese AI has been described as both lagging and leading the US. In fact, the two countries are pursuing distinct strategies.
Egypt's Economic Reform Amidst Regional Challenges
July 25, 2024 | Ambassador Yasser Elnaggar, Chair of the Middle East and Africa and Mohamed Soliman, Director
Since 2016, Egypt has undertaken an ambitious economic reform program aimed at addressing deep-seated structural issues and achieving sustainable growth as envisioned in Egypt Vision 2030.
The U.S. Art Market is a Sanctions Black Hole
February 28, 2024 | Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
On February 23, a day before the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and a week after the suspected murder of Alexei Navalny, President Joe Biden imposed over 500 new sanctions targeting “Russia’s war machine”.