the Center for Security Studies

Economic Weight and MDB Voting Power of Leading States (2019)

Post author By the Center for Security Studies
Post date 22/10/2020
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This graphic compares the economic weight of the world’s leading States, as well as their voting power in multilateral development banks (MDB). China has widely funded and built infrastructure in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and its own national banks play a key role in financing these large-scale projects. However, China’s policy banks also face problems of corruption, poor lending practices and repayment problems. MDBs, by contrast, tend to have higher standards and can help improve the way China engages abroad and shares the risks with other member countries.

For more on how China’s recent foray into multilateral banking brings the country multiple financial and geopolitical benefits, read Chris Humphrey & Linda Maduz’s CSS Analysis in Security Policy here.

Tags China, World Bank, Development, Economy, GDP, Banking sector

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Assessment of the Financial Situation of Households (2nd quarter of 2019)

Post author By the Center for Security Studies
Post date 15/10/2020
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This graphic illustrates the financial situation of rural and urban Russian households during the 2nd quarter of 2019. According to surveys on living standards and deprivation, the extent of perceived poverty is worse than the official poverty line suggests.

For more on the extent of poverty in Russia and the government’s policies to combat it, see Russian Analytical Digest 249 on ‘Need-Based Social Policies’.

Tags Russia, Economy, Finance, Poverty

Coronavirus CSS Blog

GDP Growth Forecast for Russia for 2020 and 2021 (% yoy)

Post author By the Center for Security Studies
Post date 08/10/2020
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This graphic breaks down the GDP growth forecast for Russia in 2020 and 2021. Forecasts range from slightly negative values to -6 percent. The drastic economic consequences of the quarantine measures explain why 2020 GDP estimates for Russia are currently extremely divergent.

For more on how Russia is facing the economic crisis posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, see Russian Analytical Digest 251 on ‘Russia and the Covid-19 Pandemic’.

Tags Russia, Oil, Economic crisis, Economy, GDP, Coronavirus

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Arctic States and Stakes

Post author By the Center for Security Studies
Post date 02/10/2020
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This graphic maps the countries located in the Arctic Circle, as well as its passages and sea routes. In the Arctic, Russia and China have their own ambitions, but their objectives currently overlap. Complementary economic interests are the main driver of their cooperation.

For more on the Sino-Russian dynamics in the Arctic, read Maria Shagina and Benno Zogg’s CSS Analysis in Security Policy here.

Tags China, Russia, Oil, Arctic

Coronavirus CSS Blog

WHO Funding

Post author By the Center for Security Studies
Post date 18/09/2020
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This graphic outlines the World Health Organization’s funding by donor groups, as well as assessed and voluntary contributions. Countries are still the most important sources of funding, contributing almost 60 per cent of the agency’s budget. Its dependency on voluntary donations makes it particularly difficult for the WHO to put its donors under too much pressure.

For more on the WHO’s alleged pro-China bias during the coronavirus pandemic, read Jan Thiel’s CSS Analysis in Security Policy here.

Tags Funding, Coronavirus, China, Health, WHO