Emerging markets are growing rapidly as a share of global GDP. Between 2012 and 2015, global economic outlook is forecast to rise by $ 8.5 trillion. Emerging markets are expected to account for about 62 percent of that growth. In other words, emerging markets aren't just growing faster than developed markets; they are set to contribute a greater share to the absolute expansion of the global economy than developed nations. As an illustration, India will contribute more growth in the next five years that either Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, France or Canada.

Major multinational companies are now looking on how they can diversify in emerging developing markets be it in Africa, the Middle Esat, Asia, Latin America, Russia. High performers excel at identifying and managing risks; in fact they increasingly use risk management as a competitive differentiator.

The EU has three options. Either it turns into a con-federal or federal union. Or it reverts to a largely economic construct centred on free trade and a dose of common regulation. Or else it continues to forge a political system sui generis with hybrid institutions that reflect its idiosyncratic character and unique outlook.

1. Commonwealth of Europe

The European Commission is forecasting a negative growth for 9 EU countries in 2012. Belgium (-0.1%); Cyprus (-0.5%); Greece (-4.4%); Hungary (-0.1%); Italy (-1.3%); Netherlands (-0.9%); Portugal (-3.3%); Slovenia (-0.1%) and Spain (-1.0%).

Technically, BELGIUM, ITALY, NETERLANDS, GREECE AND PORTUGAL are now in recession.

The general assumption is that Putin will win the presidential election on 4 March 2012. But Russian's expectations about the aftermath vary greatly. Five alternative scenarios are possible.

Scenario 1:  Russia's economy and society have outgrown the country's obsolete political system and the country will experience a peaceful and gradual democratic breakthrough--evolution rather than, revolution. Putin's power will dwindle away, and a full democratic transition will occur within two or three years.

The following countries will show a 4% and above GDP growth rate in 2012. They are the countries that should capture increased attention in the next 2 years.

1. Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Thailand and Singapore
2. Central and South America: Argentina, Peru and Colombia. (Brazil will only show a 2.7% GDP growth rate in 2012)
3. Africa: Nigeria
4. Europe: No one country except Turkey

France... faced a dreadful politial and economic climate along with frustration, division, and disillusionment among its people. The economic situation was terrible as well as business and finance being very limited. France was deeply divided which caused frustration and commotion throughout the country. The people of France were extremely frustrated and disillusioned. France was greatly in need for a new leader who would escape them from their depressing situation and carry France forward. The French were severely divided which caused aggravation and disorder throughtout France.

India today is a trillion dollar market with an enviable rate of GDP growth. India's economy is fuelled by a combination of a large services sector, a strong and diversified manufacturing base and a significant agricultural sector that continues to provide a framework for the growth of the domestic economy. The country's resilience in weathering the recent global downturn and financial crisis has made governments, policy-makers, economists, corporate houses and fund managers believe that India can play a significant recovery of the global economy in the months and years ahead.

AALEP Chair- M. Christian D. de Fouloy was invited on 10 February by the Geneva-based Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies(GI) to deliver a presentation on Lobbying in the United States of America within the framework of the Executive Certificate "Advocacy in International Affairs".

The 9th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting Summit) will be held in Ventiane, Laos on 5-6 Novmber 2012. ASEM 9 will gather the leaders of 48 ASEM partners to share their thoughts and exchange views on current and global issues of common interest. The ASEM Dialogue addresses political, economic and cultural issues with the objective of strengthening the relationship between the two regions. ASEM 9 will chart out the future direction for ASEM cooperation under the theme "Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity".