Podcasts about international interest

In this episode of the Blood Brothers Podcast, Dilly Hussain spoke with the prominent Muslim journalist, commentator and activist, Sami Hamdi from The International Interest. Topics of discussion include: American Muslims vs. British Muslims: Innovation vs Preservation. 18 months into the Gaza genocide - what is Israel's end game? Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman and normalisation with Israel.  Turkiye, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and the betrayal of Gaza. Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syria's biggest internal and external challenges. Iran and the future and of the 'Axis of Resistance'. Ummatic optimism, striving, and divine justice in the Hereafter. FOLLOW 5PILLARS ON:    Website: https://5pillarsuk.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@5Pillars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5pillarsuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5pillarsnews Twitter: https://x.com/5Pillarsuk Telegram: https://t.me/s/news5Pillars TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@5pillarsnews

Joining John Maytham to unpack all things ultra is Mike Finch, Editor-at-Large for Runner’s World and Bicycling magazines. He’s been tracking the field, analysing this year’s top contenders, and keeping a close eye on what makes the Two Oceans such a standout on the global running calendar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are back with another podcast shot in Turkiye, this time with the amazing Sami Hamdi, a renowned political analyst, entrepreneur, and managing director of the International Interest. Known for his deep insights into global politics and strategic affairs, Sami has built a reputation for offering a fresh and critical perspective on world events. Join us as we delve into Sami's journey, his rise to prominence, and the lessons he's learned in navigating the complex world of international business and political analysis. This conversation is meant for educational and informative purposes, offering insights into personal experiences and expert opinions. Listeners are encouraged to critically engage with the content and consult additional sources where necessary. A huge thanks to Sami Hamdi for such an amazing discussion.For the video podcast, find us on:

In this episode of "Kent Hance: The Best Storyteller in Texas," Chancellor Kent Hance offers a comprehensive analysis of the current political landscape, with a focus on the Texas Senate race between Colin Allred and Ted Cruz. Hance critiques Allred's campaign ads and discusses Cruz's strategic responses, particularly on issues like transgender participation in sports and abortion rights. He highlights the importance of voter turnout and the shifting political dynamics in Texas, especially in rural areas and the Rio Grande Valley. The episode concludes with Hance sharing a motivational quote from Winston Churchill, encouraging listeners to stay focused on their goals.   [object Object]Introduction and Saying of the Day (00:00:02) Chancellor Hance shares a Winston Churchill quote about staying focused despite distractions. Trip to Ireland (00:00:28) Hance discusses his recent trip to Ireland and the interest in U.S. politics there. Voting Process in Argentina (00:01:40) Hance describes the efficient voting process he observed during his trip to Argentina. International Interest in U.S. Politics (00:02:00) He notes the global curiosity about the U.S. presidential election and its implications. Polling Data in Michigan (00:03:23) Hance reviews recent polling data showing close races between Harris and Trump in Michigan. Voter Dynamics and Trends (00:04:46) He discusses the undecided voters and their potential influence on the election outcome. Swing States Analysis (00:05:52) Hance identifies key swing states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and their electoral significance. Trump's Campaign Strategy (00:07:17) He reflects on Trump's campaign tactics and their effectiveness in swing states. Harris's Media Accessibility (00:08:27) Hance critiques Harris's limited accessibility to mainstream media and its impact on her campaign. Democratic Support Among Black Voters (00:09:45) He highlights Harris's support among African American voters compared to Biden. Republicans Gaining Blue-Collar Support (00:10:01) Hance discusses how Republicans are appealing to blue-collar workers traditionally aligned with Democrats. Polling Accuracy and Trends (00:11:14) He emphasizes the importance of consistent polling methods to understand electoral trends. Historical Polling Context (00:12:19) Hance compares current polling to the 1980 Carter-Reagan race, noting shifts in voter sentiment. Trump's Strengths in Key Issues (00:13:39) He analyzes Trump's lead in economic issues while Harris leads in healthcare and education. Senate Race Dynamics (00:15:05) Hance discusses Republican chances in Senate races and the importance of swing state outcomes. Texas Senate Race Overview (00:17:54) He reviews polling data for the Texas Senate race and its implications for the Republican Party. Competitive Senate Races in Other States (00:18:59) Hance explores the competitive nature of Senate races in various states, including Pennsylvania and Michigan. Polling Challenges and Voter Commitment (00:21:29) He reflects on the challenges of polling accuracy and voter commitment in the current political climate. Changing Political Landscape (00:22:43) Hance discusses the evolving nature of political scandals and their diminishing shock value among voters. Political Ads and Senate Race (00:23:12) Discussion on Colin Allred's ads and their inaccuracies regarding border control and abortion issues. Transgender Issues in Sports (00:23:50) Chancellor Hance emphasizes the importance of women competing fairly in sports against men. Campaign Strategies in Texas (00:25:27) Insights on Ted Cruz's campaign efforts and the significance of voter turnout in rural areas. Political Shifts in the Rio Grande Valley (00:26:28) Analysis of changing political dynamics and Trump's influence on Republican support among blue-collar workers. Election Predictions (00:26:59) Predictions on Trump's and Cruz's expected wins in Texas during the upcoming elections. Saying of the Day (00:27:01) Winston Churchill's quote about focusing on success rather than distractions.

Neil and Jeff are back to preview the NFL Draft which takes place in Detroit on Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 25-27, live on Sky Sports.Hear from some of the players who could make the headlines this year - Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Rome Odunze.

We have now passed three months of the Gaza slaughter, and according to the UN, Gaza has become uninhabitable. During these past few days, we have seen another frenetic series of diplomatic meetings by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in the region as the US looks to consolidate the status quo. The genocidal intent of the Israeli state. If it was unclear at the start of the conflict, it is clear now that the United States has given the green light to the Israelis to mete out their punishment. The Arab and Muslim states have, it seems, mostly acquiesced with the US. In public, they condemn, whereas in private, they look the other way or, in the case of Egypt, conspire with the US and Israel to make sure Gaza's resistance is erased. We have, however, seen signs, that can be interpreted as further escalation. The Houthis in Yemen have now accosted over 20 ships in the Red Sea, and on Lebanon's southern border, there remains an active engagement with Israeli soldiers. To help us understand the complexities of the current crisis, I have invited Sami Hamdi back into the studio. Sami is the director of the International Interest, a risk advisory.Listen to the audio version of the podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636aApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive monthly Zoom calls: https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMuslimYou can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/DonateSign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.comPurchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch Find us on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslimFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim Host: https://twitter.com/jalalaynWebsite Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com#thethinkingmuslimpodcast episode130 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sami Hamdi is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Interest. An experienced geopolitical risk consultant.He has extensive experience in the MENA region, having been a television reporter and talk-show host for over 10 years. Please support us: Patreon.com/themadmamluks or via PayPal themadmamluks.com/donate

Arab Digest editor William Law's guest is the analyst and commentator Sami Hamdi, editor in chief of The International Interest (intlinterest.com). As Israel continues to bomb the Gaza Strip, Middle East regimes are scrambling to come up with responses that both accommodate Israel and respond to popular support for Palestinians amidst concerns in some countries that street protests in support of Palestine could quickly turn on the regimes. The podcast was recorded 27 October. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & weekly podcasts.

The inhuman aggression by which Israel treats Palestinians is known to everyone who possesses an ounce of justice. This excludes, of course, Western nations for whom, apparently, history began last Saturday. However, they are very aware that the colonial outpost they set up in the Middle East is hell-bent on extracting as much land as possible to accommodate racist Americans and Europeans. They are aware that in the process, Israel slowly squeezes Palestinians and of the daily humiliations – the trigger-happy border guards that maim and murder. They know all of this yet remain deaf to the cries. They give the murderous state weapons of war, instruments of torture, and diplomatic cover. Just this past week, the main political parties on both sides of the Atlantic were falling over each other to give Israel the green light. In an age of impunity, Israel has a free pass. But what lay behind the events last week, and what can we expect in the coming weeks from regional and international actors? To help us untangle the political issues, we once again invite Sami Hamdi back on the programme. Sami Hamdi is the managing director of the International Interest and a ME commentator. You can donate either through a one-time contribution:https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donateor join our Patreon to get access to exclusive events:https://www.patreon.com/TheThinkingMu...You can now purchase our Thinking Muslim mug here https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merchSign up to our newsletter https://jalalayn.substack.comFind us on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please consider making a donation, however small, to The Thinking Muslim, to receive a share in the reward and to help us make a greater impact. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate You can now purchase our Thinking Muslim mug here https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merch Sign up to our newsletter https://jalalayn.substack.com The so-called Abraham Accords, delivered by the Trump Administration and embraced by Biden, has solidified Israel's position in the Middle East. To date, normalisation has been enthusiastically embraced by the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. But the United States knows that the ‘prize' is Saudi Arabia. In recent weeks the mood music has been positive for Americans. It is suggested a deal may be concluded very soon, with the de-facto Saudi leader Muhammad Bin Salman holding out for concessions before he signs on the dotted line. Our guest this week is Sami Hamdi, the Managing Director of the International Interest, a global risk and intelligence company. He advises governments on the geopolitical dynamics of Europe and the MENA region and has significant expertise in advising companies on commercial issues related to volatile political regions. Sami is also featured as a commentator for Al Jazeera (Arabic and English), Sky News, BBC and TRT World. As always, you can comment your thoughts below. Find us on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/ Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslim Host: https://twitter.com/jalalayn Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com #TheThinkingMuslimPodcast The Thinking Muslim Podcast Episode 108 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Response from last interview 04:59 Importance of political awareness 07:49 Aims of Israel 16:10 Defacto Normalised? 24:20 Commitment to Palestinians? 30:46 Anger on Muslim streets? 36:07 Saudi security aims 45:30 Saudi autonomous? 51:49 US Saudi-China relations? 58:30 US retreat? 1:03:57 Erdogan and Israel 1:11:58 Erdogan's tactics? 1:16:55 Palestinians? 1:24:41 How important is Palestine?

The MbZ and Erdoğan embrace Number 2 in our NEW Top Ten Podcast Countdown is our 18 February 2022 podcast with Sami Hamdi, Editor in Chief of the International Interest and a regular Arab Digest newsletter and podcast contributor. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & weekly podcasts.

Moderator: Annabelle Baldwin, Chief Revenue Officer, SpiderRock Panelists: Arianne Adams, Senior Vice President, Head of Derivatives, Cboe Global Markets Kevin McCarthy, Managing Director, Head of Financing and Clearing, B of A Securities Tanya Patwa, Managing Director, Head of U.S. Options Sales, Nasdaq

An armed conflict has erupted between rival factions of the military government in Sudan, resulting in widespread violence and chaos across Sudan, with the majority of fighting happening in cities of over 100,000 people. The fighting comes just months after the civilian political forces and the military signed an agreement to transfer power to a civilian government. As the conflict grows, what is at stake for the Horn of Africa? How are international actors impacting the conflict? And how does the legacy of atrocities in Darfur and the role of the International Criminal Court figure in today's violence? Join us for a conversation with Mr. Sami Hamdi, an expert on the MENA region and the Managing Director of the International Interest, a global risk and intelligence company, where he will discuss the complexities of this power struggles, Sudan's struggle for democracy, and the impact of this conflict on the MENA region and beyond. Follow us at:Network2020.orgTwitter: @Network2020LinkedIn: Network 20/20Facebook: @network2020Instagram: @network_2020"Sunrise Expedition" by Joseph McDadeFollow us at:Network2020.orgTwitter: @Network2020LinkedIn: Network 20/20Facebook: @network2020Instagram: @network_2020

Violence has resumed in Sudan, and rival factions blaming each other for violating a ceasefire agreement. Guest host Robyn Bresnahan talks to Safia Mustafa, who fled with her mother and grandmother on one of Canada's evacuation flights; Elsadig Elnour, the Sudan country director for the aid group Islamic Relief; and Sami Hamdi, director of the global risk and intelligence organization International Interest.

From the war in Yemen to raves in Riyadh, political analyst Sami Hamdi analyses the ‘modern' Saudi Arabia as a regional power. Many see the country to be a staunch ally, even stooge of the United States, yet others hail its recent strategic turn under Muhammad Bin Salman as a sign that at last the country is looking to forge an independent path. From moon sighting to Hajj, the country remains at the centre of Muslim religious life, yet we can't but observe with horror the activities of its crown prince and de facto leader and his vanity infrastructure projects such as NEOM. So how do we analyse the country and its future. Sami Hamdi is the Managing Director of the International Interest, a global risk and intelligence company. He advises governments on the geopolitical dynamics of Europe and the MENA region and has significant expertise in advising companies on commercial issues related to volatile political environments and their implications on market entry, market expansion, and managing of stakeholders. Sami is also featured as a commentator for Aljazeera (Arabic and English), Sky News, BBC, TRT World, and other outlets. Please consider making a donation, however small, to The Thinking Muslim, to receive a share in the reward and to help us make a greater impact. ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/Donate⁠⁠ Join our Telegram group here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://t.me/thinkingmuslim ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Twitter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/jalalayn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website Archive: ⁠⁠thinkingmuslim.com⁠

Today's guest is one of my new colleagues from the Space Court Foundation. He's a law student from India and we discuss Indian space law and policy, as well as his interests in space law and his policy focuses. Pankaj Mehta is a Rapporteur on the Editorial Board with the Space Court Foundation, in his final year of law at Dharmashastra National Law University in Jabalpur, India.His interests lie in space law & policy. He's studied at UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law) in Rome, Italy, where he focused his research on The Cape Town Convention on International Interest in Mobile Equipment and its Associated Space Protocol. He's a member of the Space Generation Advisory Council. He's served as Editore for the Journal of Intersectional Analysisand worked with the Jindal Global Law School, researching Health Law in India. He shares the state of Indian space law and policy, He also discusses some of his particular interests and concerns regarding humanity's future in space.

Today's guest is one of my new colleagues from the Space Court Foundation. He's a law student from India and we discuss Indian space law and policy, as well as his interests in space law and his policy focuses. Pankaj Mehta is a Rapporteur on the Editorial Board with the Space Court Foundation, in his final year of law at Dharmashastra National Law University in Jabalpur, India.His interests lie in space law & policy. He's studied at UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law) in Rome, Italy, where he focused his research on The Cape Town Convention on International Interest in Mobile Equipment and its Associated Space Protocol. He's a member of the Space Generation Advisory Council. He's served as Editore for the Journal of Intersectional Analysisand worked with the Jindal Global Law School, researching Health Law in India. He shares the state of Indian space law and policy, He also discusses some of his particular interests and concerns regarding humanity's future in space.

Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is a symbol of cultural pride and identity and now, Thailand's national sport is generating huge interest internationally. But with it comes the fear that it will lose its ancient traditions. With dreams of the sport making its Olympic debut growing bigger, Teresa Tang talks to correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut about how Muay Thai could change, and what is being done to preserve it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sami Hamdi, the CEO of The International Interest, joins Arab Digest editor William Law for a wide-ranging, fast-paced and thought-provoking review of a tumultuous year for the MENA region as alliances shifted and fissures emerged with new tensions flaring up even as old ones eased. The podcast wraps up with Sami's take on what to look for in 2023. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & podcasts.

Arab Digest editor William Law's guest this week is the editor in chief of The International Interest, Sami Hamdi. Sami looks beyond the headlines in the Western media about that fist bump. He argues instead that President Joe Biden's trip to Jeddah to meet with the Saudi crown prince had almost nothing to do with human rights and was much more about his own domestic political challenges, his efforts to reinforce relations with Israel and the attempt to keep alive his hopes for a deal with Iran. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & podcasts.

During the Arab Spring, Tunisians were excited about the apparent dawn of democracy in their country. But a decade later, that hope is being dashed as the president seeks to consolidate power. We learn more from Ghaya ben Mbarek, a journalist for the independent news site Meshkal; Aya Riahi, an anti-corruption activist with the youth-driven NGO, I-Watch; and Sami Hamdi, the managing director of the global risk and intelligence company International Interest.

Arab Digest editor welcomes back Sami Hamdi, editor-in-chief of The International Interest and their conversation explores a surprising rapprochement between the UAE and Turkey as President Erdoğan grapples with an economic crisis at home and setbacks to his efforts to assert leadership ascendancy in the MENA region. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & podcasts.

Tunisia's president Kais Saied has moved to dissolve the country's Supreme Judicial Council. For his opponents, it's just the latest step in Saied's unrelenting power grab and further proof he's taking Tunisia back to one man rule. Judges and major political parties – including Ennahda's Rached Ghannouchi – have all condemned the dissolution of the top judicial watchdog as illegal. The former law professor-turned-president however accuses the body of appointing corrupt judges and manipulating trials for political reasons. But is this the best way to eradicate corruption? Or is the only democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring hurtling towards autocracy? Guests: Ghaya Ben Mbarek Tunisian Journalist Radwan Masmoudi Ennahda Party Member and President of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy Sami Hamdi Editor-in-Chief of the International Interest

Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced a constitutional referendum and extended the parliament's suspension for another year. Months after sending the country's parliament packing, President Saied has announced the vote for July 25, which would also be one-year anniversary of his seizure of power. This means that Tunisia will remain without a parliament and elected lawmakers for at least one more year. Are these steps toward stabilising the country or does Saied want to cement his power? Guests: Ahmed Gaaloul Tunisia's Former Youth Minister Anthony Dworkin Senior Policy Fellow at European Council on Foreign Relations Sami Hamdi Editor-in-Chief of The International Interest

This week we bring together two commentators and analysts to make sense of the regional and international dimensions to the crisis. Sami Hamdi is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Interest. An experienced geopolitical analysts, he is a frequent guest on Aljazeera, Sky News, TRT World, and other outlets. Ibrahim Moiz is a writer and researcher on South Asia with considerable insight into Afghanistan and Pakistan. He writes for TRT World and other outlets. We consider the events of the past twenty years and what next for America and the Muslim world. Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/jalalayn and https://twitter.com/thinking_muslim Website: thinkingmuslim.com

Arab Digest editor William Law launches the third season of the podcast with Sami Hamdi, editor in chief of The International Interest. In the wake of the Taliban rout of the US and its coalition allies we consider gains and losses, whether or not the Taliban victory will spark intensified jihadist insurgencies and who will ultimately determine the timing of when MENA states recognise the new regime in Kabul.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Cairo on Wednesday where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah. The meeting's focus was the Israel-Palestine two-state solution. As Israeli settlements continue to expand on Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, is it possible to put a two-state solution back on the table? Guests: Nour Odeh Former spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority Danny Ayalon Israel's Former Deputy Foreign Minister Sami Hamdi Editor-in-Chief of the International Interest

Data from realestate.com.au shows Melbourne was the most searched Australian city for US buyers this year, while it was in second place for Singapore buyers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Congressman Jim Langevin joins to talk about Executive Orders, International Interest in Cyber, & more in this gripping interview!   Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw693

US Congressman Jim Langevin joins to talk about Executive Orders, International Interest in Cyber, & more in this gripping interview!   Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/psw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/psw693

Welcome to East West Hurricane! 🌪We update you on the most essential news from Asia in tech, media, and business—the things you need to know that you probably haven’t heard in Western media.Please share this newsletter with a friend! ⚡️Chinese Vaccines as Soft Power?In my recent interview with Peony Li, we talked about the idea of Chinese soft power. As Covid vaccines (hopefully) start to move the world out of the current crisis, China can play a huge role in this movement. There are several vaccines around the world, and a handful are being developed in China. While big name vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna are being scooped up by the major Western countries, emerging markets are turning to vaccines produced in China. Countries across South East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are all in the middle of negotiations to receive the Chinese Covid vaccine. With unfavourable views of China at all-time highs in several countries, China needs to do whatever it can to improve its international reputation. If these vaccines don’t work as well as expected, there will be backlash. If the vaccines work well, this helps build a closer relationship between China and emerging markets. It’s a big gamble—with huge upside and huge downside. So far, initial results from Brazil and Turkey have been positive. Sequoia and KKR lead $2B round for Bytedance, valuing it at $180BNSequoia Capital and KKR are two of the biggest US investors leading the latest round of funding for Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok. This round values Bytedance at $180 Billion, and TikTok is expected to go public sometime next year. It’s a good reminder that there are many Western stakeholders with a lot of money invested in Bytedance who have a huge incentive to see it succeed. One of the realities of globalisation is the globalisation of capital. If the world’s biggest companies have a mixture of investors from literally all parts of East and West, the idea of national interests defined by corporations becomes trickier to understand. So whenever the next ‘Chinese app’ is under threat of being banned in the West, there are plenty of Western investors who don’t want to see this happen.Disney Hotstar, The International Growth EngineDisney+ has been one of the most impressive media stories of 2020. The Disney Plus streaming service launched in November 2019 and around a year later, the platform now has 86 Million subscribers. That’s incredible growth. For reference, when Disney first launched they forecasted that they would reach 60 to 90 million subscribers by 2024. Now they have revised their forecast to reach 260 million subscribers by the end of 2024. What drives this growth? One major factor is international markets. Disney Hotstar is part of Disney Plus streaming platform that focuses on Asian countries like India and Indonesia. Right now, Hotstar accounts for 30% of Disney Plus’s total subscriber base and has more room for subscriber growth than in Western markets. Rebecca Campbell, Disney Plus’s head of streaming recently said, “We are uniquely positioned for India because of the rapidly growing middle class and their purchasing power.”Indian Ridesharing With Global AmbitionsOla is India’s largest ride-hailing service, valued at several billion dollars and funded by investors that include SoftBank. Ola’s business was hit hard by the pandemic but they have recently announced the creation of a new factory in Tamil Nadu, which aims to be the world’s largest scooter manufacturing facility. At the beginning of this year, Ola launched its taxi-hailing service in the UK after previously launching in Australia and New Zealand. Ola has expanded into Europe and acquired Dutch electric scooter company Etergo several months ago. Now the UK is their big hope. Let’s see if Ola ‘the Uber of India’ can break into Europe. If they can, then we’ll have yet another example of tech innovation flowing from East to West.Stripe expanding into AsiaThe major US Fintech company Stripe plans to expand their Asian presence and has had a 40% increase in staff across the region this year. Digital Payments/Fintech is already huge in Asia - with plenty of challenges, lots of complexity, and an abundance of local competitors.One strategy that might be best for Stripe to follow is acquiring or investing in fintech companies rather than directly trying to compete with them. Earlier this year, Stripe led the funding round of Filipino fintech startup PayMongo. Stripe could follow a model similar to Chinese tech giant Tencent. Over the last two decades, a large part of Tencent’s growth has come from investing in companies and acquiring companies rather than creating their own competitors. That might be the best option for Stripe in a super competitive Asian fintech market.Indonesia’s New Sovereign Wealth FundIndonesia is launching a new sovereign wealth fund worth around $15 Billion to help finance infrastructure projects across the country. Japan’s Bank for International Cooperation plans to invest $4 Billion and the US Development Finance Corporation signed a letter of intent pledging $2 Billion. The Indonesian government is hoping to attract foreign investors to provide much needed capital, especially as they cope with Covid. One of the biggest and most interesting infrastructure projects is the creation of a brand new Indonesian capital city. The Indonesian government plans to move the capital city from Jakarta to East Kalimantan by 2024. This would reduce the burden on an overloaded Jakarta and place the capital in a more strategic location closer to the center of the country. I lived in Jakarta back in 2006 and remember how the city infrastructure struggled to keep up with growth. This reminds me of when I visited Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad. Islamabad was created in the 1960s as a new capital to replace Karachi, and you’ll notice that Islamabad feels a lot cleaner and more modern than Karachi. The Brazilian government did something similar by creating a new capital city of Brasilia in 1960. If you enjoyed this, please share East West Hurricane with a friend! 😁You can reach out to me and find more of my work here on Linktree…! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eastwesthurricane.substack.com

With the US and Iran tensions escalating following the assassination of Iran's Major General Qasem Soleimani by the Trump Administration in Bagdad, rising worry over a potential conflict and heightened misunderstandings on both sides are leading many to question the future of stability in the region. Most importantly, what does this mean for businesses and sustainable development in the region? Bringing clarity to the tension, Sami Hamdi - Editor and Chief of The International Interest, joins us on The Global Podcast to bring both clarity and light to the tension and threats to businesses.

Impact investing has been the buzzword as of late in global philanthropy and with the International Community of the Red Cross (ICRC) having launched 'humanitarian investment bonds' (HIB) back in 2017, it leaves one to wonder if investing in conflict is a good choice? Discussing the benefits of investment during conflict, we sit down with Sami Hamdi, Editor and Chief of The International Interest to uncover not only the advantages to the investor, but the potential to foster sustainable peace and economic empowerment.