In April 2025, President Donald Trump imposed significant tariffs, including a 145% duty on many Chinese goods, dramatically altering global trade dynamics. Will Central Asia become more deeply integrated into China's economy, or will it successfully establish diverse partnerships with other international players?
Turkmenistan: Trump’s New Silk Road, or China’s Last Laugh?
In early 2025, reports emerged of a significant Turkmenistan-China pipeline agreement, rumored to involve over $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades, signed with minimal Western visibility, signaling a larger pivot in the heart of Eurasia. With lithium, logistics, and leverage on the line, is the United States arriving too late to a region already redrawn by Chinese capital?
Turkey: The Imamoglu Affair and Shifting Trends in Turkish Governance and Regional Status
The recent arrest and legal battles of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu have sent shockwaves through Turkey and the wider geopolitical arena. Will Turkey retain its standing as a paragon of democracy in the Middle East, or will continued civil strife spurred by a trend toward authoritarianism undermine its regional power and shift political dynamics within the Middle East?
José de Aguilar-Amat, Lieutenant Governor of Pinar del Río
José de Aguilar-Amat was a Spanish military officer and colonial administrator, best known for his extensive service in Pinar del Río. During his tenure, he was noted for defending the interests of local tobacco growers (vegueros) and establishing one of the first organized postal services in the region.
Israel: 2025 Ceasefire Collapses, Israeli Military Pushes into the Levant
Israel’s resumed airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon on March 18th have upended a tenuous ceasefire, thrusting the region into renewed uncertainty after just two months of calm. The collapse, marked by hundreds of deaths in Gaza and Israel’s bold incursions into Lebanon and Syria, underscores the fragility of peace efforts amid mutual distrust between Israel and Hamas, with Hezbollah now on edge. Will this escalation, fueled by broken hostage deals and geopolitical gambits, ignite a broader conflict involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and their proxies, reshaping the region’s power balance?
Lebanon: What Joseph Aoun’s Presidency Means for the Perennially Crisis-Stricken Nation
Joseph Aoun’s presidency signifies a critical moment in Lebanon’s turbulent history. Elected after more than two years of political paralysis, the former military commander promises an era of change amid economic crises and regional shifts in sectarianism and political influence. Backed by international powers and domestic factions, Aoun’s leadership signals potential change but pre-existing corruption and Hezbollah’s uncertain future pose major obstacles to his goals. Can he break Lebanon’s cycle of strife and downturn, or will his presidency succumb to the same political forces that have continued to impede progress?
United Arab Emirates: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid discusses trade ties with Chinese official Chen Miner
As global power dynamics shift, strategic partnerships have become increasingly vital: the recent meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chen Miner highlights the deepening ties between the UAE and China, two nations poised to reshape economic and geopolitical landscapes. Will their discussions on trade, technology, and infrastructure signal a new era of cooperation?
Forging Romanitas: The Intersection of Urbanization and Identity in Mérida
This research paper investigates how urbanization shaped a shared Roman identity across the diverse Roman Empire. Focusing on western cities like Pompeii and Mérida, it explores how urban features and economic opportunities fostered a cohesive "Romanness" among varied ethnic groups. The study examines the influence of elite-driven building projects, Roman architecture, and urban planning, while considering the geopolitical context. By analyzing the interplay of physical structures and economic dynamics, it highlights urbanization’s role in forming a collective identity, offering insights into cultural identity development in ancient societies.
Raymond Puentes 