Is China Wearing Out its Welcome in Africa?

Only a few years ago, China stormed the world stage with its hugely expanded footprint in Africa. Now with India, Brazil, and new private equity players competing in the same space, does Beijing still have the soft power to dominate these fast rising markets?

Human Rights Watch Condemns Thai Army Chief’s Interference

A statement was released by Human Rights Watch criticizing General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the head of the Royal Thai Army, for interfering in the investigation of the 2010 Bangkok massacres by filing defamation claims against Robert Amsterdam.  The full text can be found below. The Thai government should order the army commander-in-chief to cease interfering in […]

Robert Amsterdam Continues to Represent Red Shirts and Thaksin Shinawatra

On July 31, 2012 the blog “Legal Times” reported that Amsterdam & Partners submitted documents indicating that the firm had ceased lobbying activities on behalf of Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra in the United States. Unfortunately the report was mistaken by some to mean that Amsterdam & Partners has ceased all advocacy on behalf of Dr. Thaksin […]

Yale University Buckles to Authoritarianism

Earlier this week I was shocked and appalled to learn that the prestigious institution Yale University had buckled under pressure from an authoritarian regime to ban any form of protest at its joint venture with the National University of Singapore (NUS). It’s really quite unbelievable.

Thailand’s Red Shirts Meet the ICC

Dr. Winichakul writes, “If impunity prevails again, how many more massacres before a single life is recognized as inviolable? How much more cruelty to civilians before every citizen can be equal in the land? How much more truth and justice to be sacrificed for justice to prevail and truth be told without fear? The ICC can help end this culture of impunity.”

Oxus Commences Arbitration against Uzbek Government

The following announcement was recently released by the legal team for Oxus Gold Plc: Oxus Gold plc Commencement of Arbitration Proceedings Oxus Gold plc (Company) refers to its announced intent to commence international arbitration proceedings if settlement cannot be reached with the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzbek Government) over the shareholder interest of […]

Oxus Writes to AUCC

Among the mission statements of the AUCC is the goal of advocating “vigorously for the interests of U.S. business in Uzbekistan” and to place its “primary emphasis on serving the needs and interests of its members.” So what about the Oxus / Said Ashurov situation?

Uzbekistan Takes a Hostage in Foreign Investment Dispute

After months of threats, harassment, and terrorizing of the company by the tax authorities, a military court has tried and sentenced an Oxus employee, Said Ashurov, to 12 years in prison on patently absurd charges of “espionage.” The case serves as an ugly reminder how hostage taking has become a regular feature of state theft in the CIS, and we certainly hope that cooler heads will prevail in Tashkent to put an end to this worsening crisis.

China’s Cultural Isolationism

When you talk about China’s trade disputes with United States, usually it’s a discussion regarding the artificially cheap Yuan, rare earth metals export restrictions, or even the staggering trade imbalance.  The last thing you’d be worried about is whether or not the Hollywood studios that pumps out the Harry Potter franchise will make its ends […]

Thailand Elects its First Female Prime Minister

Despite reports of irregularities, confrontations, and all the other drama that comes with an election process in a nation of 67 million people, early results indicate a crushing victory for the opposition Pheu Thai Party, making Yingluck Shinawatra the first female prime minister of Thailand