Global South: Gold-backed currencies to replace the US dollar

The adoption of commodity-backed currencies by the Global South could upend the US dollar’s dominance and level the playing field in international trade.

Eurasia’s Middle Corridor: An Atlanticist frenzy to stifle Europe-Asia integration

Geopolitical interests between the Anglo-American establishment and the Sino-Russian-led axis will clash over the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

India-Russia-Iran: Eurasia’s new transportation powerhouses

No longer just an 'alternative route' on a drawing board, the International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) is paying dividends in a time of global crisis. And Moscow, Tehran and New Delhi are now leading players in the Eurasian competition for transportation routes.

In Eurasia, the War of Economic Corridors is in full swing

Mega Eurasian organizations and their respective projects are now converging at record speed, with one global pole way ahead of the other.

Iran in South Caucasus: Turning losses into wins

Determined not to be cut out of the South Caucasus, Iran is forging strategic ties with both Baku and Yerevan

St. Petersburg sets the stage for the War of Economic Corridors

In St. Petersburg, the world's new powers gather to upend the US-concocted “rules-based order” and reconnect the globe their way

The Iran-Azerbaijan standoff is a contest for the region’s transportation corridors

Sides are forming around the Iran vs Azerbaijan squabble. But this fight is not about ethnicity, religion or tribe - it is mainly about who gets to forge the region's new transportation routes.

Putin’s ‘civilizational’ speech frames conflict between east and west

In his Federal Assembly address, President Putin emphasized that Russia is not only an independent nation-state but also a distinct civilization with its own identity, which is in conflict and actively opposes the values of 'western civilization.'

Raisi in Beijing: Iran-China strategic plans go full throttle

Raisi's visit to Beijing, the first for an Iranian president in 20 years, represents Tehran's wholesale 'Pivot to the East' and China's recognition of Iran's centrality to its BRI plans.

Why BRI is back with a bang in 2023

As Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative enters its 10th year, a strong Sino-Russian geostrategic partnership has revitalized the BRI across the Global South.

Xi Jinping’s Visit to Saudi Arabia and the overthrow of Atlanticism

The historic China-Arab Summit currently underway in Riyadh symbolizes the emerging Eurasianism in the Persian Gulf.

Asia’s future takes shape in Vladivostok, the Russian Pacific

Sixty-eight countries gathered on Russia's far eastern coast to listen to Moscow's economic and political vision for the Asia-Pacific

A Eurasian jigsaw: BRI and INSTC interconnectivity will complete the puzzle

Shrugging off western obstacles, Eurasia's ambitious connectivity projects helmed by China and Russia are now progressing deep into Asia's Heartland

The Empire is not done torturing Afghanistan

Despite its resounding defeat, NATO is not quite done with inflicting misery on the land of the Afghans

West Asia’s economic savior is called ‘multipolarity’

The transition from a western economic order toward a multipolar one is ushering in unprecedented economic and security advancements for West Asia.

Sit back and watch Europe commit suicide

If the US goal is to crush Russia's economy with sanctions and isolation, why is Europe in an economic free fall instead?

How Mariupol will become a key hub of Eurasian integration

Mariupol was battered by Ukraine's right-wing Azov battalion well before Moscow launched its military ops. In Russian hands, this strategic steelworks port can transform into a hub of Eurasian connectivity.

Checkmate: Iran is spearheading a geopolitical sea change in West Asia

While the west bangs on about Vienna talks, sanctions and military options, Iran has been quietly building a vast network of alternative solutions to cement its Asian ascent

Turkey’s existential choice: BRI or bust

Turkey may be where east meets west, but it can no longer afford to straddle two opposing geoeconomic agendas vying to define West and Central Asia's development. Ankara must choose, and soon.

If the Taliban plays smart, Afghanistan can transform West Asia’s Silk Road story

Once the 'proud pearl' of the ancient Silk Road, Afghanistan is today in tatters. But if the Taliban plays smart, the Asian Silk Road can utterly transform the war-torn country's fortunes.

Russian-Turkish ‘co-opetition’ from Syria to Nagorno-Karabakh

At a time when conflicts are increasingly interconnected, and provide tactical levers to assert pressure elsewhere, the competition between Russia-Iran and Turkiye in Syria and the South Caucasus is destined to overlap.

The Big Stiff: Russia-Iran dump the dollar

News of Russian banks connecting to Iran’s financial messaging system strengthens the resistance against US-imposed sanctions on both countries and accelerates global de-dollarization.  

Iraq’s Silk Road: Port and canal project set to transform Baghdad’s geopolitical clout

Iraq’s two ambitious trade corridor projects present an opportunity for a beleaguered Baghdad to enhance its geopolitical status and establish economic independence.

UAE, India discuss settling non-oil trade in rupees: Report

China also considered settling non-oil trade in local currencies that do not include the dollar

Iran to receive Russian Su-35s ‘soon’: Official

Tehran has not acquired any new military aircraft since it purchased Russian MiG-29 Fulcrum jets in the 1990s

By the numbers: The de-dollarization of global trade

Data suggests that US dollar reserves in central banks are dwindling, as is the influence of the US on the world economy. This presents a unique opportunity for regional currencies and alternative payment systems to enter the vacuum.

Russia and its national Arctic passage: Pushing trade frontiers eastward

Ice-free Arctic routes created by climate change have opened up the first new global shipping route in a century. The Russian-developed water passage is bound to disrupt the lengthier Atlantic-centric routes for global commerce.

Predictions for 2023? Annus horribilis with some surprising upsides

The Cradle's writers offer up their predictions for 2023. The common theme is massive global shifts, some good, some bad.

Major Russian bank introduces transaction service with Iran

Lately, Iran and Russia have been stepping up banking and trade cooperation in an effort to confront an aggressive western sanction policy

Iran to increase cargo transit between Russia and India to record high

Iran's contribution to the INSTC will reduce transit costs by 30 percent and lower transportation time to just 25 days