Monday - December 8, 2025
Think Tanks

Here's a look at documents from think tanks

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Ifo Institute: Tax Exemption on Overtime Bonuses in Germany is of Little Benefit
MUNICH, Germany, Dec. 6 (TNSxrep) -- ifo Institute issued the following news release:

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Tax Exemption on Overtime Bonuses in Germany is of Little Benefit

The tax exemption on overtime bonuses planned by the German government achieves hardly any positive employment stimulus, according to a study conducted by the ifo Institute on behalf of the New Social Free Market Initiative. As a result of the planned reform, the state would earn between EUR 11 and EUR 45 million less. Although between 3,000 and 12,000 full-time jobs could be created, it would not offset the shortfalls in tax revenue. "The ... Show Full Article

Hudson Institute Issues Commentary to Arab News: Arctic Region Becoming Increasingly Contested
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- Hudson Institute, a research organization that says it promotes leadership for a secure, free and prosperous future, issued the following commentary on Dec. 5, 2025, to Arab News:

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Arctic Region Becoming Increasingly Contested

By Luke Coffey

In a surprising move at this time of year, a tanker from Russia's Arctic LNG 2 project on Wednesday traveled along the Northern Sea Route to markets in Asia even as winter conditions were beginning to set in. Russia transporting liquefied natural gas to Asian markets, particularly China, along its northern coast is hardly unusual. ... Show Full Article

Jamestown Foundation Issues Commentary to Terrorism Monitor: Militias Assist PRC-Based Ventures Mining Rare Earth Elements in Myanmar
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- he Jamestown Foundation posted the following commentary on Dec. 4, 2025, in its Terrorism Monitor:

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Militias Assist PRC-Based Ventures Mining Rare Earth Elements in Myanmar

By Khandakar Tahmid Rejwan

Executive Summary:

* PRC-based firms are expanding rare-earth mining in Myanmar's Shan and Kachin States by partnering with militias that lease mines, provide security, and tax exports.

* Satellite imagery shows a rapid increase in REE sites since 2015, turning militia-held enclaves into major suppliers of dysprosium, terbium, and other critical minerals for the PRC.

* ... Show Full Article

Jamestown Foundation Issues Commentary to Eurasia Daily Monitor: Abkakhzia Expels Russian Political Technologists
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Jamestown Foundation posted the following commentary on Dec. 4, 2025, in its Eurasia Daily Monitor:

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Abkakhzia Expels Russian Political Technologists

By Giorgi Menabde

Executive Summary:

* Abkhaz officials expelled Russian political technologists, following confrontations with opposition figures who accused the specialists of election interference during Abkhazia's November 8 local elections.

* Several issues remain between Sokhumi and Moscow, and the Abkhaz elite are not willing to meet all the Kremlin's demands despite the breakaway region's overwhelming economic ... Show Full Article

Ifo Institute: Business Climate in Germany Stagnated in 2025
MUNICH, Germany, Dec. 5 -- ifo Institute issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:

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Business Climate in Germany Stagnated in 2025

The business climate in Germany saw hardly any movement over the course of 2025 and remains significantly below the figures in previous years. From January to November, the index only rose by around 2.8 points overall, which is practically tantamount to a standstill. The business situation scarcely changed (minus 0.4 points), while expectations rose slightly over the course of the year (plus 5.9 points). "Companies are taking a sober and concerned view ... Show Full Article

Consumers Feeling Less Than Jolly, Pulling Back on Holiday Shopping as Prices Rise and Confidence Plummets
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 [Category: ThinkTank] -- Groundwork Collaborative, a think tank and progressive advocacy group, posted the following news release:

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Consumers Feeling Less Than Jolly, Pulling Back on Holiday Shopping as Prices Rise and Confidence Plummets

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This year, Black Friday put many shoppers in the red. The latest data from the biggest shopping day of the year shows that while Americans' spent more in 2025, they went home with less as prices continue to climb due to President Trump's tumultuous economic agenda. Paying more for a smaller gift haul isn't exactly filling consumers ... Show Full Article

Arkansas Supreme Court Strikes Down City's Illegal Trash Monopoly
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 5 [Category: ThinkTank] -- The Goldwater Institute posted the following news:

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Arkansas Supreme Court Strikes Down City's Illegal Trash Monopoly

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In an important victory for the right to earn a living, the Arkansas Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Goldwater Institute client Steven Hedrick, striking down efforts by the city of Holiday Island to bar him from running his dumpster business.

Steven started his company to serve his rural Northwest Arkansas communityrenting dumpsters to customers and picking up the trash when they're done. However, leaders in Holiday ... Show Full Article