Russia/CIS
EV battery technology race may upset China’s dominance
New battery technologies give countries beyond China another chance to build market share in next-generation batteries
InternationalRussian food production will continue to grow
Although smaller in volume than in 2023, the Russian grain harvest in 2024 was nevertheless impressive
RussiaGeopolitical competition will intensify in Afghanistan
The country’s relations with the major powers are increasingly under the spotlight
AfghanistanCritical minerals recycling to grow amid high hurdles
Developing and scaling up new technologies is key to safely recycling far more critical minerals
InternationalRussia’s ruble woes serious but not catastrophic
Sanctions and fluctuations in Russia’s trade balance have caused a sharp depreciation of the ruble
RussiaRussia-China rivalry in Central Asia unlikely to grow
China’s growing political and economic influence in Central Asia has not yet generated damaging rivalry with Russia
Central AsiaG20 cooperation continues without consensus or answers
The G20 Leaders’ Summit tried to make progress on reducing global hunger and poverty, and financing climate action
InternationalProspects for climate diplomacy in 2025
The coming year looks likely to be a difficult one for climate diplomacy
International
