Global Affairs
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
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
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
Global Affairs
Domestic Affairs
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
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
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
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
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
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
Domestic Affairs
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, top officials in the Trump administration revealed that more than 50 countries have reached out to the White House to initiate negotiations over President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. The announcement comes just days before the next phase of the tariffs—set to take effect