India’s private investment cycle returns but remains narrowly concentrated, Europe continues to fall behind the US and China in the critical minerals and rare earths race, Turkiye seeks a foothold in Syria’s energy sector but faces stiff competition, and The UAE’s growing influence in Africa.

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan’s new trilateral defence pact formalises an alternative Middle East security architecture, the US’ line in the sand on membership of its AI ‘Pax Silica’ supply chain initiative, Chile’s ambitions to revitalise its embattled state miner Codelco, and Malaysia’s quiet AI boom that faces sustainability questions.

Western and Japanese carmakers are increasing their Chinese partnerships to close a widening technology gap, the recently signed US-Saudi nuclear deal still faces hurdles, and India’s lofty manufacturing ambitions have so far failed to materialise but its burgeoning mobile phone exports signal there exists opportunity for growth.