Global Affairs
Introduction In a move that marks a profound shift in Europe’s approach to the ongoing war in Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to assist Ukraine in producing long-range weapons, explicitly stating that there are “no longer” any range restrictions on weapons supplied by Kyiv’s Western allies.
Global Affairs
The first direct peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in over three years concluded in Istanbul on May 16, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the protracted conflict. While the talks failed to produce a ceasefire agreement, they resulted in a landmark prisoner exchange deal and exposed the entrenched geopolitical
Global Affairs
Introduction Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has entered its fourth year, but the Kremlin shows no signs of de-escalation. Instead, it is accelerating a dual-track strategy: reshuffling its military leadership to address battlefield inefficiencies while aggressively expanding its armed forces to sustain the war and prepare for potential conflict with
Global Affairs
Global Affairs
Global Affairs
Introduction In early May 2025, the world’s attention turned once again to South Asia, where India and Pakistan-two nuclear-armed neighbors with a long history of hostility-have entered their most dangerous military confrontation in nearly three decades. Over the past three days, intense fighting has erupted along the western border,
Global Affairs
Introduction On May 9, 2025, Moscow’s Red Square became the stage for a display of military might and diplomatic symbolism as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for Russia’s Victory Day parade. This year’s commemoration, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s
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,
Domestic Affairs
Introduction On May 8, 2025, the United States joined its allies and the world in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking eight decades since the Allied triumph over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe. President Donald J. Trump issued a
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
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
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