Leverage

A new chapter in the US-China trade conflict has emerged, bringing troubling news for nations engaged in commerce with both powers. Recent reports indicate that China has urged South Korean companies to halt exports of defense-related products to the United States if those products contain rare earth elements sourced from China. These rare earth metals, a collection of 17 elements from the periodic table, are essential for an array of technologies, ranging from smartphones to satellites, as well as key components for…

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump expressed the belief that Russia holds significant leverage in the ongoing negotiations to conclude the war in Ukraine. "I think the Russians want to see the war end… But they have the upper hand, as they have captured substantial territory," he remarked, echoing sentiments shared by many who observe the geopolitical landscape. Trump's remarks were made against the backdrop of increasing tensions between him and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a surprising…