Political Risk Must-Reads

Eurasia Group’s weekly selection of essential reading for the political-risk junkie — presented in no particular order. As always, feel free to give us your feedback or selections by tweeting at us via @EurasiaGroup or @ianbremmer. 

"Reshaping the world through trade"
Timothy Garton Ash, Los Angeles Times
Trade deal fever — from TTIP to TPP — is partly a hedge against China’s rise. But that doesn’t mean China shouldn’t be invited. In fact, China’s inclusion should be encouraged — provided it adapts its economic approach to meet the entrance criteria.

"Cholera in Haiti: The UN strain"
The Economist
A cholera outbreak in Haiti has killed almost 8,200 Haitians and sickened nearly 665,000 (7 percent of the population). Is it possible that poor sanitation at a U.N. peacekeeping base is to blame? The evidence says yes; the U.N. says the charges are "not receivable."

"Sales Force: Why Emerging Markets are the Future for U.S. Businesses"
Bhaskar Chakravorti and Gita R. Rao, Foreign Affairs
In 2010, emerging markets accounted for 36 percent of global GDP. According to the IMF, that figure will rise to 55 percent by 2018. The authors write, however, that a 2011 HSBC study revealed that "U.S. companies derived as little as seven percent of their overall revenues from emerging markets." Are America’s corporations doing enough to capitalize on this opportunity?

"Morocco: Dance with the deep state"
Borzou Daragahi, Financial Times
Is Morocco a replicable model for Arab monarchies dealing with the Arab Spring?

Bonus

"This Bill Gates-Backed Super-Thermos Saves Lives With Cold Vaccines"
Ariel Schwartz, Co.Exist
What could smart-storage mean for vaccine transportation and usage?

And … ever wonder how much your Gmail metadata can reveal about your personal connections? This MIT project provides the answer.