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Intelligence for Better Decision Making
Erudite Risk takes an all risks approach to intelligence reporting. We categorize key intelligence into one of 40 different risk intelligence categories.
The goal is to provide intelligence that allows decision makers to avoid being blindsided by what they may have missed, while informing them to make better decisions as well.
Erudite Risk also includes operations categories so you can monitor the environment for better decision making. Everything is tied together--what happens in risk affects operations and what happens in the market impacts risk profiles.
We categorize key intelligence into one of 30 different operations intelligence categories.
Different roles and functions within the organization can monitor different key issue areas. HR may monitor employment, wages, regulations, labor and management relations, etc., while P&L leaders may monitor overall developing trends.
Europe’s Crossroads: From Transatlantic Vassal to Eurasian Anchor – A Call for Humble Boldness
China-US Focus | English | AcademicThink | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes
In January 2026, Europe faces a critical choice between remaining a subordinate partner in a declining transatlantic alliance or becoming a key player in an integrated Eurasian economic bloc. The ongoing Ukraine conflict has turned unfavorably for Western ambitions, with Russian advances and widespread support among Ukrainians and Russians for peace negotiations signaling a shift toward diplomatic resolution. The United States is retreating from its commitment to Europe, focusing on Asia and demanding European countries take full responsibility for NATO's defense, while reducing support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Europe remains heavily dependent on costly U.S. LNG imports, undermining its industrial competitiveness and geopolitical independence.
Europe’s energy situation is framed as an urgent sovereignty challenge. The phase-out of Russian gas has left Europe reliant on expensive U.S. LNG, inflating industrial costs and risking deindustrialization. Although energy efficiency programs have reduced demand, Europe continues to face potential shortfalls in cold winters. Diversification of LNG imports from Qatar, Algeria, Norway, and others may offer a temporary reprieve, but true energy independence requires rapid electrification, expansion of renewables, and demand-side management. China’s dominance in clean energy technologies presents a pragmatic partnership opportunity, offering both supply of key components and potential investments in European manufacturing, provided Europe eases tariffs and balances protectionism with realistic supply needs.
Geopolitically, Europe is urged to overcome Russophobia and Sinophobia to assert genuine autonomy. Leading European politicians are advocating normalized relations with Russia and the establishment of a new pan-European security architecture, replacing NATO as US troop withdrawals signal diminishing American engagement in European defense. This includes direct peace negotiations with Russia acknowledging past provocations by NATO expansion. Simultaneously, stronger ties with China through cooperation on nuclear, renewable technology, and green hydrogen are seen as essential for energy security and economic revitalization. The recent EU-Mercosur trade deal enhances food security and trade diversification, reducing dependence on traditional partners.
Social and political pressures across Europe indicate a growing demand for bold leadership to break from outdated transatlantic loyalty. Rising populism, protests over energy costs, and war fatigue signal potential for a historical rupture in Europe’s trajectory if Brussels fails to act decisively. The proposed strategy emphasizes accelerating electrification with Chinese technology, LNG diversification for transition, pragmatic engagement with Russia, dismantling NATO in favor of a new security framework, and ensuring energy and food sovereignty. Europe’s future depends on embracing this courageous pivot to establish itself as the western anchor of a flourishing Eurasian economy rather than fading into geopolitical irrelevance.
Taiwan's leader Lai absent from first legislative review meeting of his impeachment
Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Political Scandal or Corruption
Taiwan's legislature held the first plenary meeting to review an impeachment motion against leader Lai Ching-te on January 21, 2026. Lai was invited to attend and provide explanations but did not appear. The impeachment motion, submitted by lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party, had been approved on December 26, 2025.
This meeting was the first of four scheduled sessions for Lai to respond in person, with the remaining meetings planned for January 22 and May 13 and 14. Lai declined the invitation in a letter, stating that the legislature had no authority to question him. The KMT caucus criticized Lai for his absence, interpreting it as a sign of guilt and cowardice.
During the meeting, lawmakers placed satirical cardboard cutouts of Lai to express their dissatisfaction. KMT lawmaker Fu Kun-chi accused Lai of lacking courage and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for allegedly harming Taiwan's interests in areas such as tariff negotiations with the United States and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s overseas expansion. The legislature is expected to vote on the impeachment on May 19, 2026.
China Coast Guard dismantles illegal fish traps to safeguard sailing security in South China Sea
Peoples Daily | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | South China Sea
On January 12, 2026, the China Coast Guard vessel Fuying dismantled illegally planted fish traps near Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea. These fish traps are characterized by buoyant materials such as tires, foam, or iron barrels visible above water, with ropes extending dozens to over a hundred meters deep, adorned with tree branches to attract fish.
The small above-water size of these traps makes them difficult to detect, but they pose significant risks to sailing, as their ropes and branches can entangle ship propellers. Additionally, the materials used in the traps release tiny particles that can be absorbed by fish, posing threats to marine life and the environment.
The China Coast Guard has pledged to continue vigilant patrols to identify and immediately dismantle illegal fish traps in the area to ensure the safety of navigation and protect the ecological health of waters under China's jurisdiction.
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