Our Insights
Featured Insights Selected by Our Experts
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The Return of the Koh Ker Ganesha
with Brad Gordon, Channy Set, and Nguon Chhay Song | Hosted by Deborah Lehr
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CES, Digital Trade, and the Future of Tech Supply Chains
with Ed Brytzwa | Hosted by Jake E. Jennings
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Iran, The Days After: The Succession
By the Basilinna team
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Why China Is Pushing Trade Facilitation Despite a Record Surplus
By Leigh Wedell and Ruihan Huang
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Mexico Now America’s Top Trading Partner as USMCA Review Looms
By Abel Hibert, Senior Fellow
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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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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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From the Middle Kingdom to the Saudi Kingdom: Opportunities Abound
By Yasser Elnaggar, Chair of the Middle East and Africa
Explore all of our Insights, Interviews, Commentary, and More
Beyond The Conflict, The Gaza Reconstruction Plan and Its Global Impact
March 12, 2025 | The Basilinna Team
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
March 12, 2025 | The Basilinna Team
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.
China’s 2025 Economic Plan
The headline developments in China this week are likely to stay relevant for some time – at least the next couple of years – as they help answer two key questions: How do senior Chinese leaders plan to shepherd the domestic economy in the years ahead? And what is the state of China’s evolving approach to the second Trump administration when it comes to tariffs and broader economic statecraft?
Saudi Arabia's Opportunity to Lead the Way in Global Biodiversity Protection
February 6, 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.
Driving Digital Transformation: Saudi Arabia's Giant LEAP
February 4, 2025 | The Basilinna Institute
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.
What Trump 2.0 Means for Mexico
January 23, 2025 | Óscar Arcos, Executive Director
While January 20th marked the official beginning of Trump’s second administration, Mexico has long been preparing for his presidency, particularly in economic matters. This challenge is not new for Mexico. In fact, the country not only survived Trump’s first term, but actually thrived.
Foundations for the Future: Saudi Arabia’s Infrastructure Leap
December 19, 2024 | Basilinna Team
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.
Protecting Heritage through Partnership: Why U.S. Antiquities CPAs are Essential for At-Risk Nations
December 16, 2024 | Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
In a world where cultural artifacts can be plundered from archaeological sites, whisked away across borders, and then laundered onto the black market within just days or even hours, nations need robust, collaborative strategies to fight back. The United States has taken a step toward addressing this problem by signing cultural property agreements (CPAs) with countries threatened by the illicit antiquities trade.
Syria’s New Cabinet: A Free-Market Vision Amid Uncertainty
December 13, 2025 | Basilinna Team
Syria’s interim government, formed after the collapse of the Assad regime, has announced plans to transition to a free-market economy. Led by Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir and backed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the administration is dismantling decades of state-controlled trade practices.
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.