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
Semiconductors and the Global Economy
April 21, 2025 | Hosted by Jake E. Jennings, Chair of Technology and Trade
Jake sits down with John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association, to explore the complexity of the global semiconductor market. They discuss how the industry has been shaped by America First trade policies, how semiconductor trade will influence U.S.-China relations, and the urgent challenges facing the semiconductor workforce.
The Dark Side of the Art Market: The Illicit Trade
April 21, 2025 | Hosted by Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
Deborah sits down with Tess Davis, Executive Director of The Antiquities Coalition and Basilinna Executive Director, to bring her unique perspective with an extensive history in fighting this form of cultural racketeering. Tess and Deborah discuss the cultural romanticization of artifact trafficking, the broader implications of cultural racketeering, and how we can collectively work towards preserving our shared history, and the impact of looted antiquities on global security.
U.S.-China Post-“Liberation Day” - What’s Ahead
April 7, 2025 | The Basilinna Team
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.
In the Firing Line: Australia Reacts to U.S. Trade Blitz
April 2, 2025 | Peter Frasier, Executive Director
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 10 percent tariff on all Australian exports to the United States. This decision encompasses key sectors such as beef, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals, and has elicited significant responses from both the Australian government and industry stakeholders.
Trump 2.0
March 31, 2025 | Hosted by Jake E. Jennings, Chair of Technology and Trade
In this episode, Jake sits down with Scott Miller and Bill Reinsch—better known as The Trade Guys. Together, they break down the shifting landscape of global trade, the transformative role of technology in economic policy, and what businesses must navigate in an increasingly complex market.
Why Do Culture and Heritage Matter?
March 31, 2025 | Hosted by Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
In our premiere episode, Deborah Lehr, Basilinna CEO, and founder of the Antiquities Coalition, sits down with Ambassador Irina Bokova to kick off our series on culture and discuss a fundamental question: What is the role of culture, and does it matter?
The Battle for Canberra: Your Guide to the 2025 Australian Federal Election
March 27, 2025 | Peter Frasier, Executive Director
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially called the 2025 Australian federal election, scheduled for 3 May 2025. The announcement marks the beginning of a five-week campaign period leading up to the polling day. The 47th parliament has officially dissolved, marked by a traditional cannon fire ceremony at Parliament House.
Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions, Strategic Alliances, and the Evolving Regional Tech Landscape
March 13, 2025 | The Basilinna Team
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
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.