Latest news with #globaldynamics
Khaleej Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE emerges as global leader amid rising geopolitical tensions, says expert
As global power dynamics evolve in unpredictable ways, the UAE is emerging as a model of resilience and opportunity in a rapidly transforming international environment. Experts in the UAE highlighted the country's 'nimble approach' to global disruption — fuelled by investment in knowledge, climate solutions, and cross-border partnerships — is positioning the UAE as a pivotal player in an era marked by volatility and competition. Amid escalating conflict and mounting tensions in the Middle East, Trevor McFarlane, Founder and CEO of Emerging Markets Intelligence & Research (EMIR), said, 'President Trump comes to power in this second term and he recognises that we are in this multi-unstable, multi-polar period… you have a geopolitical, geo-economic, technological, environmental, even from a sociological perspective, you have a 'volcano world'.' He made the statement while speaking at the 'News9 Global Summit UAE' on Thursday, June 19. McFarlane added, 'And this completely changes the chapter of where we're in (one that challenges conventional assumptions about stability).' Strategic alliances drive UAE's global relevance However, he reiterated that rather than retreating in the face of such uncertainty, the UAE is leaning into its global role with a future-ready strategy focused on innovation, sustainability, and smart diplomacy. The country's expanding partnership with India — one of the world's fastest-growing economies — is just one example of how it's turning disruption into opportunity. 'You have two countries, India and the UAE… there is a remarkable opportunity as a result of this… and you have a country like the UAE, which is admirably nimble,' McFarlane added. He emphasised that future global leadership will be shaped not only by geopolitical strength but also by advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and decarbonisation. Meanwhile, as McFarlane emphasised on the UAE's global agility in the face of sweeping disruptions, another expert had similarly pointed out how this approach was mirrored in the country's evolving geopolitical alliances. Kristian Patrick Alexander, Lead Researcher at Rabdan Academy, in an earlier interview with Khaleej Times underlined the UAE's emphasis on regional cooperation and stability through practical, forward-thinking agreements. 'Trump prioritised (in his first term as President) bolstering ties with key allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, seeking to counterbalance Iranian influence in the region through a combination of sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and arms deals. His administration's hallmark achievement — the Abraham Accords — focused on fostering economic and security cooperation between Israel and several Arab nations, marking a shift toward a Middle East strategy rooted in coalition-building against common adversaries.' 'The UAE's commitment to innovation and security fits Trump's pragmatic approach, which values partnerships with nations willing to bolster regional stability and economic development,' he added. Specialists also noted that as the international system confronts increasing complexity, the UAE's blend of strategic foresight, innovation-driven policies, and global partnerships offers a roadmap for how nations can thrive — even in the most uncertain of times. From launching AI-powered government initiatives to hosting global sustainability forums, the UAE continues to invest in long-term relevance. 'The race for knowledge supremacy… AI would be one, decarbonisation and climate change would be the other,' McFarlane said. 'There will be parts of the world that will experience great instability… but the UAE's positioning gives it an edge.'
The Guardian
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Canada won't become the 51st US state – but could it join the EU?
Joachim Streit has never stepped foot in Canada. But that hasn't stopped the German politician from launching a tenacious, one-man campaign that he readily describes as 'aspirational': to have the North American country join the EU. 'We have to strengthen the European Union,' said Streit, who last year was elected as a member of the European parliament. 'And I think Canada – as its prime minister says – is the most European country outside of Europe.' Streit had long imagined Canada as a sort of paradise, home to dense forests that course with wide, rushing rivers. But after Donald Trump returned to power, launching much of the world into a trade war and turning his back on America's traditional allies, Streit began to cast the northern country in a new light. What he saw was a relatively unexplored relationship, one that could prove mutually beneficial as the world grapples with rapidly reshaping global dynamics. 'Canadians have seen their trust in the US undermined, just as we have in Europe, following President Trump's actions,' he said. 'We need to strengthen the ties that bind us to our friends.' While he admitted that the possibility of Canada as a full member of the EU 'may be aspirational for now', he wondered if it was an idea whose time had come. 'Canada would be a strong member,' he said. 'If Canada would be a member of the EU, it would rank 4th in terms of GDP. It's part of Nato. And 58% of (working-age) Canadians have college degrees.' Canada also has vast energy reserves – an asset that could prove useful to the bloc, which is still struggling to wean itself off Russian gas, he added. Since launching his campaign last month, Streit has become the most visible proponent of an unlikely proposition that has been gaining traction since Trump began floating the idea of Canada as the 51st state. In late January, a former foreign minister of Germany, Sigmar Gabriel, called for Canada to be invited into the EU. 'They are more European than some European member states anyway,' he told Germany's Pioneer Media. Media outlets on both sides of the Atlantic have delved into the idea, while a February poll of 1,500 Canadians found 44% of them believed Canada should look into joining the EU. In March, however, a European spokesperson appeared to pour cold water on the suggestion, citing an article in the EU treaty that specifies only European states can apply to join the EU. Streit brushed off the technicality, pointing to France's overseas territories. 'Those are also not in Europe, but those islands belong to the European Union,' he said. Cyprus, considered EU territory but located geographically in west Asia, was another example. And if one wanted to get technical, Canada was – albeit in a minuscule way – connected geographically to Europe, he said. 'Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, shares a border with Canada,' he said, pointing to the divide that runs through the uninhabited half-mile square Hans Island. In April, Streit submitted a written question to the European parliament, asking whether the treaty article stipulating that states must be European could be interpreted in a way that could allow for Canadian membership or, barring that, if it could be legally revised. He has yet to receive a response. Undaunted, he sent a letter to two EU commissioners calling for a sort of political Erasmus to be launched between the bloc and Canada. What he envisions is a professional exchange programme that would allow EU officials to better grasp the nuances of Canadian federalism and Canadians to get a sense of the workings of European institutions. 'It would serve as both a symbolic and practical step toward deeper integration,' he said, one that could build on existing ties such as the EU-Canada trade deal and Canada's participation in the EU's flagship science research programme, Horizon. Since launching the campaign, he's been in constant contact with Canadians; meeting twice with one of Canada's high-ranking envoys to the EU and meeting with a Brussels-based association that promotes Canada-EU trade. As news spreads of his efforts, his office has received a handful of emails of support. Some have offered up their own thoughts on how to skirt around Canada's geographic location; one recent email laid out what the writer described as a 'killer argument', pointing out that as part of the Commonwealth Canada was tied to the UK and, by extension, Europe. Streit took it one step further. 'And who is the head of Canada?' he asked, pointing to King Charles. 'And he's a European.' Streit said he was well aware that, for all his efforts, the idea may prove to be impossible. Even so, he hoped that the moment could be seized on to at least hammer out the kind of deep ties the bloc has with countries such as Norway or Switzerland. 'Sometimes in history, the windows of opportunity open and close again,' he said. 'And sometimes, the windows of opportunity are open only for a brief moment.'
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
PM Wong: New Singapore govt will be steady global partner with both US and China, serve all citizens equally
SINGAPORE, May 24 — The first priority of Singapore's new government is to secure an assured place for the country in a changed world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after leading the swearing-in of the new Cabinet line-up on yesterday. Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister, said Singapore cannot afford to stand still and must adapt nimbly to shifting global dynamics. 'We will deepen our relations with the major powers, especially America and China. We will stay friends with both without being caught in their rivalry. We will engage openly and honestly with each in a consistent and principled manner,' he said in his speech at the end of the ceremony at the Istana, here. He added that Singapore would also strengthen ties with friends both near and far, while seeking new partnerships in regions such as Africa and South America, where the country does not as yet have much presence. The government will also ensure that Singapore remains a trusted, reliable and respected voice on the global stage. Wong said in a world of shifting alliances, Singapore will be a steady and constructive partner — one that is willing and able to contribute to peace and stability, to advance dialogue and fraternity, and support a rules-based global order. 'Our goal is not just to navigate this uncertain world, but to help shape it for the better by working with like-minded partners, upholding shared principles and values, so that small nations too have a place under the sun,' he added. Meanwhile, Wong pledged that the government would use its mandate to serve all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language, religion, or political preference. The Prime Minister said his new team — comprising a mix of experienced and new ministers — is committed to serving Singaporeans to the best of their abilities. 'Our mission is clear — to always put Singaporeans at the centre of all we do, to listen to your concerns and to respond decisively,' he said, adding that every Singaporean will have a say in shaping the country's way forward. Speaking in Malay, Wong also said the new government would continue to strengthen ties with the Malay/Muslim community and work hand in hand with them. — Bernama
