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Putin's Limits: Russia's Power in an Anarchic World
23 days ago•Source: Foreign Affairs
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12.535 min•29 days ago
Border Brinkmanship: Afghanistan and Pakistan on the Verge of Conflict
Analysts warn that Afghanistan’s Taliban regime sheltering the TTP and Pakistan’s hardening stance could spark cross-border clashes, with airstrikes, local offensives, and stalled mediation pushing South Asia toward broader conflict. Despite mediation attempts by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—and calls for de-escalation from China—no durable agreement to curb the TTP has emerged, raising the risk of mass displacement, regional instability, and potential spillovers to global security.
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Russia’s Global Patronage Fails to Deliver, Maduro Exposed
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Rule of Law in Peril: Trump, Venezuela, and the End of the Postwar Order
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Trump's Latin America Strategy and Its Global Implications
The US is escalating its military presence in the Caribbean, including threats to bomb Venezuela and efforts to overthrow Nicolás Maduro, amid ongoing operations against alleged drug traffickers, reflecting a shift towards a more aggressive 'Americas First' doctrine under President Trump.
Erdogan's Ambitions in Syria: A Complex Web of Conflict
As Syria's regime collapses, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees an opportunity to strengthen Turkey's position against the Kurdish minority in Syria. Erdogan has long sought to persuade the U.S. to sever ties with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia, and allow Turkey to manage security in Syria's northeast. With the regime's collapse, Erdogan may push for this agenda with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, potentially presenting him with a fait accompli.
Putin's Naval Setback: Syrian Rebels Challenge Russian Ambitions
The recent collapse of the Assad regime in Syria threatens Russia's long-standing naval presence in the Mediterranean, particularly at the port of Tartus, which has been a strategic asset for Moscow since 1971. This development could significantly diminish Russia's influence on NATO's southern flank, despite the Kremlin's efforts to manage an orderly withdrawal.
Geopolitical Tensions Flare on Remote Island Outpost
The Spratly Islands in the South China Sea are at the center of a geopolitical conflict, with China expanding its territorial claims, leading to heightened tensions. A recent aerial view of Thitu Island, which hosts a Filipino community, highlights the ongoing disputes over ownership in this strategically significant region.
EU Faces Challenges in Regulating Musk Amid Trump Dynamics
Elon Musk's confrontational exchanges with European politicians, including calling the German chancellor a "fool" and clashing with EU commissioners, are straining relations between Europe and America. These public spats, often played out on social media platform X, highlight the tensions between political leaders and corporate figures, potentially deepening geopolitical rifts.
"The Phantom Chinese Base"
Despite denials from both China and Cambodia, the construction of a large pier and drydock at Cambodia's Ream military base, along with the frequent docking of Chinese warships, suggests a growing Chinese military presence. This development raises significant geopolitical concerns and could prompt strategic adjustments from the U.S. and other nations. The situation reflects China's broader strategy of expanding its naval capabilities and influence through overseas bases.
US Lawmakers Push for Stronger Taiwan Defense Amid Rising China Tensions
Amid escalating tensions, China has simulated an invasion of Taiwan and released intimidating animated footage, signaling its intent to coerce Taiwan into a peace deal by 2028. Despite its military capabilities, experts believe an actual invasion would be too costly and likely met with significant resistance from Taiwan, the US, and regional allies. US think tanks predict China will increase pressure on Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te through coordinated actions across various domains, aiming to force a unification agreement.
"Middle East Tensions Simmer as Oil Markets React to Iran-Israel Conflict"
The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel are likened to a frog in boiling water, with markets feeling the heat as the situation intensifies.
Geopolitical Tensions Rise as China Asserts Sovereignty Over Pagasa Island
The ownership of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea is a longstanding point of contention, with recent tensions escalating due to China's attempts to expand its claims in the area. A Filipino community resides on one of the islands, providing a rare glimpse into the ongoing geopolitical struggle for control over these remote outposts.
"Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea: Ship Attacks and International Agreements"
The recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, are not only a protest against Israel's war in Gaza but also a strategy to strengthen their control of Yemen. After nine years of civil war, the Houthis are vying to establish themselves as Yemen's legitimate leaders, despite doing little to alleviate the country's humanitarian crisis. The attacks, which have garnered significant support among Yemenis, may serve as a means to achieve this goal amidst a devastating conflict that has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.