Geopolitical Summary

The US struck trade deals with the Philippines and Indonesia ahead of an August 1 tariff deadline. Both will face a 19% tariff on exports to the US, while American goods enter their markets tariff‑free.  The Philippines may remove tariffs on US cars. Indonesia will eliminate…

Clashes broke out between Thailand and Cambodia near the disputed 11th-century Preah Vihear temple.  At least 15 people were killed in Thailand and one in Cambodia, with many others injured. Fighting began after a landmine injured a Thai soldier.  Both sides used heavy weapons,…

The EU and China held their 25th summit in Beijing, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties.  EU leaders met with President Xi and Premier Li to discuss trade, climate, and Ukraine. The EU raised concerns about a record $360 billion trade deficit and urged China to help end the war…

Singapore says a China-linked hacking group, UNC3886, attacked its critical systems using stealthy tools like zero-day exploits.  The government responded by involving the military and the defense ministry to counter the threat. China denies any role and claims it is also a…

Switzerland is deepening engagement with Africa by partnering with the African Union on peace efforts, financial initiatives, and dialogue.  It's the new Africa Strategy 2025–28 covers diplomacy, security, economics, governance, and climate. Africa’s growing population,…

Zelenskyy signed a bill giving the Prosecutor General control over Ukraine’s top anti-corruption bodies, NABU and SAPO, to remove alleged Russian influence.  The move sparked rare wartime protests across major cities. Critics, including the EU, G7, and watchdog groups, say it…

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview aired Monday that Tehran will not abandon its uranium enrichment program despite extensive damage from US and Israeli airstrikes last month. He described enrichment as an achievement of Iranian scientists and a matter…

The United States has announced it will withdraw from UNESCO once again, accusing the United Nations cultural and education agency of promoting a “globalist, ideological agenda” and backing “woke” and divisive causes.  A White House spokesperson said the decision reflects the…

Russian lawmakers have advanced a controversial bill that would punish people for deliberately searching online for information labeled as “extremist,” intensifying the country’s ongoing crackdown on dissent.  Approved Tuesday by the State Duma, the legislation is expected to…

Hundreds of migrants arrived on the Greek island of Crete over the weekend, with the Coast Guard rescuing 74 people on Monday alone. Officials say these journeys are part of a growing trend, as smuggling networks shift from shorter eastern routes to longer and riskier crossings…

South Korea is exploring the possibility of allowing its citizens to visit North Korea on individual tours, a move officials say would not breach international sanctions. The idea is being reviewed as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula and improve…

Ukraine has intensified its drone strikes deep inside Russia, targeting Moscow for the second day in a row. Flights were cancelled, airports shut down, and Russian media reported chaos for travelers as dozens of drones were intercepted over the capital. Moscow has retaliated…

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group have signed a provisional ceasefire in Qatar. Both sides agreed to stop hate propaganda, avoid taking new territory by force, and work toward a final deal by August 18. The ceasefire comes after years of fighting, with…

The US has imposed new restrictions on flights from Mexico and is threatening to break up the long-running Delta–Aeromexico partnership. The move comes after Mexico forced airlines to shift flights from Mexico City’s main airport to the newer Felipe Angeles airport, which US…

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition has lost its majority in the upper house after a key election for control of 248 seats. Voters expressed frustration over rising living costs and the looming threat of US tariffs, but Ishiba said he will remain in office despite…