Domestic Affairs
Global Affairs
Global Affairs
Houthi Escalation in the Red Sea: Attacks on U.S. and Israeli Targets Ahead of U.S.-Iran Talks
Introduction On April 9, 2025, Iran-backed Houthi forces launched drone strikes against the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and an Israeli military site in Tel Aviv, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. These attacks, framed as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, occurred days before scheduled U.
Global Affairs
Venezuela Resumes Oil Exports Amid U.S. Tariffs: A Test of Sanctions and Strategic Alliances
Introduction Venezuela has resumed oil exports after a week-long hiatus triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on countries purchasing its crude. Tankers are once again loading at Venezuelan ports, with shipments bound for major consumers like India and China, defying ongoing U.S.
Global Affairs
Russia’s Oil Price Crisis: Trade War Fallout and the Ukraine War Funding Dilemma
Introduction The global oil market has plunged into turmoil following U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, with prices dropping 15% since April 2, 2025. For Russia, which derives 30% of its state budget from oil and gas revenues, this collapse threatens its ability to sustain military operations
Domestic Affairs
Divergence in Bond Yields: U.S. 10-Year Treasury vs. German Bund
Global Affairs
Delphi Economic Forum 2025: Europe’s Strategic Realignments Amid Global Shifts
Domestic Affairs
Trump’s Escalation in the U.S.-China Trade War: Implications of 104% Tariffs and Beijing’s Retaliatory Measures
Introduction On April 9, 2025, President Donald Trump implemented sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports, raising duties to an unprecedented 104%. This escalation marks a critical juncture in the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, which has already destabilized global markets and strained bilateral relations. In response, China announced retaliatory
Global Affairs
North Korea’s Missile Test: Escalating Regional Tensions and Strategic Implications
Introduction On April 9, 2025, North Korea conducted its third ballistic missile test of the month, launching a missile into the Sea of Japan. This latest provocation underscores Pyongyang’s growing assertiveness amid deepening military ties with Russia and China. The test has heightened regional tensions, drawing condemnation from South
Global Affairs
Russia’s Pacific Military Buildup: Nuclear Submarines and Indo-Pacific Ambitions Amid the Ukraine War
Introduction Despite mounting resource constraints from its protracted war in Ukraine, Russia has intensified efforts to bolster its military presence in the Pacific, prioritizing nuclear submarine capabilities to assert itself as an Indo-Pacific power. This strategic pivot underscores Moscow’s ambition to counterbalance U.S. influence, secure energy-rich Arctic routes,
Global Affairs
U.S. Strategy to Reshape Caribbean Energy Geopolitics: Guyana and Suriname as Rising Oil Powers
Introduction The Trump administration has unveiled a bold strategy to transform the energy landscape in the Caribbean by positioning Guyana and Suriname as key oil suppliers, aiming to reduce the region's reliance on Venezuela. This initiative marks a significant shift in U.S. influence over regional energy markets,
Global Affairs
U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks: A High-Stakes Diplomatic Gambit Amid Escalating Tensions
Introduction The Middle East faces a pivotal moment as the United States and Iran prepare for nuclear negotiations this weekend, with President Donald Trump announcing "direct talks" while Tehran insists discussions will remain indirect and mediated by Oman. This diplomatic maneuver follows months of heightened military posturing, including
Global Affairs
Japan’s Response to U.S. Tariffs: Navigating Economic and Diplomatic Challenges
On April 7, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing the economic fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently imposed tariffs on Japanese automobile imports. The 25% tariff on vehicles, coupled with an additional 24% tariff on other Japanese goods, has sent