Africa has long been central to the development of world and intercontinental trade as we know it; yet for centuries, it has been a major player in global economic development without being officially included in world economic forums and trade agreements. Since its decolonization in the late 20th century, African countries have worked restlessly to develop themselves, but face the continued obstacle of not being allowed to make decisions about their own economic fates. However, as the world has moved into the 21st century, African leaders have refused to be left behind economically, having signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement to conduct international and intercontinental trade on their own terms. 

The Japanese economy and its trade are very complicated subjects with numerous aspects to it, but one way to look at them is through the lens of key figures. By analyzing the Japanese Prime Minister, Governor of the Bank of Japan, and the Minister of the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, it shows how they focus on different areas of the economy and how they can influence Japanese economic and trade policies. Through their individual qualities, it is possible to see how these figures compliment and contrast each other in their attempts to rejuvenate the Japanese economy.

The growing trade deficit is often cited as a leading example of America’s industrial decline, but this view is problematic. However, the continued framing of industrial health as a trade issues has had various negative consequences. This article seeks to address said consequences and highlight alternative proposals for bolstering American manufacturing.

Since 2009, BRICS, originally comprising of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has evolved from a bloc of 10 of the world’s largest developing economies to a growing adversary of the West. With the recent inclusion of 5 new countries—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, BRICS now accounts for a quarter of the global economy and nearly half of the world’s population. This article explores BRICS’ progress towards its two primary goals—reducing global reliance on the US dollar and challenging Western hegemony and the US-dominated global order.