United States of America
Introduction On May 8, 2025, the white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that the College of Cardinals had chosen a new leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. The man who emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introduced with the
Global Affairs
Introduction On May 7, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a closely watched policy address in Washington, D.C., marking a significant recalibration in the Biden administration’s approach to transatlantic relations. Vance’s remarks, delivered at an event organized by the Munich Security Conference, signaled a more
Global Affairs
Executive Summary The Middle East faces a dual crisis of escalating military tensions and domestic instability. Yemen’s Houthi movement, backed by Iran, has clarified that its recent ceasefire agreement with the United States does not extend to Israel, vowing to continue attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Concurrently,
Global Affairs
Introduction In a bold escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region on May 5–6, 2025, breaching defenses near the village of Tetkino and advancing into Russian territory. The operation, supported by armored vehicles and drones, marks Kyiv’s most
Global Affairs
Introduction On May 6, 2025, the United States announced a major step forward in its Arctic strategy: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved full-rate production of the nation’s first Polar Security Cutter (PSC). This decision marks the most significant modernization of the U.S. icebreaker fleet in nearly
Global Affairs
Introduction Argentina’s receipt of its first F-16 fighter jets in early 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the country’s military modernization and signals a broader recalibration of Latin American security dynamics. This delivery, part of a $300 million deal with Denmark and supported by the United States, is
Global Affairs
Introduction In a landmark move for regional development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a sweeping expansion of its food and nutrition security support in Asia and the Pacific. The bank’s new commitment raises total funding for food security initiatives to $40 billion for the period 2022–2030, adding
Global Affairs
Introduction On April 5, 2025, Rome became the epicenter of a major political demonstration as tens of thousands of Italians took to the streets to protest the European Union’s proposed €800 billion rearmament plan. Organized by the populist Five Star Movement (M5S) and joined by a broad coalition of
Global Affairs
Executive Summary In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel’s security cabinet has unanimously approved a plan to “capture” the entire Gaza Strip, signaling the most ambitious military operation in the enclave since Israel’s withdrawal in 2005. This decision comes on the heels of a Houthi missile
Global Affairs
Germany’s parliament has recently approved a landmark constitutional amendment that fundamentally alters the country’s fiscal framework to allow a dramatic increase in military spending. This decision marks a seismic shift in Germany’s post-World War II defense policy and reflects a broader European effort to enhance collective security
Global Affairs
Colombia and Peru, two of Latin America’s most consequential nations, are grappling with intersecting crises that threaten regional stability. In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro’s ambitious “Total Peace” policy has faltered amid resurgent violence between armed groups, while Peru faces a devastating crime wave and authoritarian governance under President
Global Affairs
The Asia-Pacific region faces a critical juncture as tensions between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir reach their most dangerous levels in decades. A deadly terrorist attack in April 2025 ignited a chain of military, diplomatic, and economic retaliations between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with both nations mobilizing