asiawatch

Hard Numbers

Hard Number: Is Russia stuck in the mud?

Analysis

Can France redefine its relationship with Africa?

French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to redefine France’s relationship with the continent, making it based on economic partnerships rather than a shared colonial history.

Quick Take

Iran thinks it has more leverage than Trump

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut, global energy markets are under mounting pressure, and President Trump appears to be backing away from some of his original demands on Tehran. Ian Bremmer argues that Iran increasingly believes it has more leverage than the United States, and that perception alone is reshaping the negotiations.

Walmart sponsored posts

Walmart’s $1 billion investment is strengthening associate careers

Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.

Sponsored posts

The state of global AI diffusion in 2026

Microsoft recently published its latest Global AI Diffusion Report, showing continued growth in AI usage worldwide. In the first quarter of 2026, global usage increased from 16.3% to 17.8%, with 26 economies now exceeding 30% adoption. As adoption expands, regional gaps are also becoming clearer. The report highlights faster growth in parts of Asia and a widening divide between the Global North and South. It also points to advances like multilingual AI and coding capabilities, driving increased usage and software development globally. Read the full blog here.

Graphic Truth

GZD 5/11/26

What We're Watching

UK’s Starmer clings onto power, American with Hantavirus returns to US, Thailand to assess its conscription lottery

After the Labour Party’s disastrous performance in the local elections last Thursday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is clinging onto his position by a thread.

Hard Numbers

Hard Number: US eyes Cuba, literally

GZERO Europe

Is UK PM Keir Starmer finished?

Carl Bildt answers two major political questions shaping Europe’s future: Could Canada ever join the European Union? And is UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer politically finished after Labour’s disastrous local election results?

Puppet Regime

The Regime in the Wild, for Sir David Attenborough

The world is a wild place. Happy 100th Sir David Attenborough