The Xayaburi project and other hydroelectric dams planned along the Mekong River represent one of the most promising prospects for Laos' economic future.

New infrastructure is opening up markets for Russian energy exports in the east.

Brasilia hopes the promotion of ethanol will ease pressures on state-owned energy company Petrobras.

Russia is already the Balkans' main energy provider, and South Stream will allow it to fortify that position.

Rising demand for natural gas in Egypt is threatening the country's already delicate political and economic situation.

Stratfor's Vice President of Global Analysis Reva Bhalla discusses the key geopolitical developments for 2013.

Azerbaijan has been able to maintain relative independence from Moscow due to its oil and natural gas resources.

Stratfor Eurasia Analyst Eugene Chausovsky discusses the dynamics of Russia's plan to form a Eurasian Union and reactions of the United States to Moscow's goals.

Stratfor explains how Saudi Arabia's difficulty in maintaining its territory and the need to export its natural resources will continue to be a challenge.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a diplomatic campaign aimed at Russia's key foreign partners.