By Mehmet Enes Beşer The supremacy of Apple in the international market is sustained by a paradox it cannot sustain any longer. On one hand, its branding and positioning are centered on seductive design, excellent user experience, and Silicon Valley innovation principles. Underneath, however, lurks a maze of supply chains, their core located in China’s manufacturing regions. The “Designed in ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer Vietnam’s quickly growing trade surplus with the US has found itself in the middle of a controversy surrounding global supply chains and circumventions of tariff evasion. With the specter of another Trump White House hanging over its head, however, the question is one of whether or not public opinion that China is diverting exports through Vietnam ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer One of the largest Southeast Asian economies and a significant growth engine in the region is Indonesia. Today, this state is revising its participation in the global trade system, increasingly becoming more protective and selective. Under President Widodo’s presidency, the country pursues a nationalistic and restrictive industrial policy aiming to industrialize the economy, add more value, ...
By Orçun Göktürk, from Beijing / China Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have met for the third time in a year. The decision to take a “short pause” in the trade war, which began on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Busan, South Korea, last October, was reinforced by Trump’s visit to Beijing in May. ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer First of all, it is necessary to emphasize that no “loyalty test” for the United Kingdom concerning China and the choice between business realism and geopolitics should apply in this situation. Britain could try developing a much more rational relationship with China where its real potential, i.e., the ability to play a prominent role in the ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer Singapore’s ascendancy as a maritime nation-state is perhaps one of the best instances of strategic foresight and anticipation in modern economic history. Through leveraging favorable geographical location, superior infrastructure, and strong governance, the city-state has established itself as a vital link in global supply chains, making use of its ports and other facilities. However, the international ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer Throughout ASEAN’s existence, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has always been a cornerstone in terms of regional stability and development in Southeast Asia. With the advent of new global political developments, the ability of ASEAN to adapt and retain its centrality is put to the test. During its Chairmanship in 2025, ASEAN faces various problems ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer As the long-running trade dispute between the United States and the People’s Republic of China develops into a complex phenomenon that has ramifications for international markets, Southeast Asia is one of the regions affected most significantly. With Southeast Asia playing a significant role in international trade, as the main economic agents of the region increase tariffs ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer Every time the “New Silk Road” comes up, the conversation always drifts toward trains, ports, highways, and cables. Everyone seems to think it’s just a giant construction project. But honestly, that misses what’s really going on. The real question is who’s in charge—who sets the rules, who gets the upper hand, and who finds themselves dependent ...
By Mehmet Enes Beşer For about thirty years, globalization ran on a simple religion: the least cost wins. If a component could be made cheaper two time zones away, the supply chain stretched—proudly—until it wrapped around the planet. Executives optimized. Governments applauded. Consumers got used to abundance that felt normal, even permanent. Then the world started to feel brittle. Not ...