The United Nations in Today's World Foreign Policy Brief #169 | By: Ibrahim Castro | December 6, 2024 Photo by Hugo Magalhaes __________________________________ The United Nations (UN) is the world's largest international organization, it was founded on October 24,...
Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank have intensified amidst global concerns, with statements from senior officials indicating potential annexation and permanent displacement of Palestinians. Meanwhile, the G20 Summit in Brazil launched a global initiative to fight hunger, and Southeast Asia faces climate vulnerability as Typhoon Man-Yi devastates the Philippines. Ukraine marks 1,000 days of war as Russian airstrikes cause severe damage to its power infrastructure.
Foreign Policy #167: Losing the Other Georgia – Democracy is on Defense
The recent parliamentary election in Georgia has sparked international outcry, with allegations of voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and violent activity undermining the legitimacy of the results. Western nations, including the U.S. and EU, have rejected the outcome, calling it a significant blow to democratic values. Meanwhile, pro-Russian policies by the ruling Georgian Dream party signal a potential shift toward authoritarianism, threatening Georgia’s path to EU membership and further consolidating Russian influence in the region.
Brief #166 – Foreign Policy Brief
by: Ibrahim Castro
In this week’s global news review, we focus on the BRICS summit in Kazan, where leaders like Putin and Xi discussed alternatives to the U.S. dollar. North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia raises geopolitical tensions, while Israel’s airstrikes on Iran escalate the ongoing conflict. In Cuba, a nationwide power outage follows a hurricane, and elections in Chile and Uruguay signal potential political shifts. As these critical developments unfold, stay informed on the changes shaping our world.
Trump on Putin. “I’m going to hit you…”
Former US president and incumbent Republican candidate for the presidency, Donald Trump has never hidden his enthusiastically warm attitude towards Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The United States finds itself in a tumultuous time. Both at home and abroad, our country’s staying power is being tested. As we prepare for an election that is days away, the world is watching as we choose one of two very different views of foreign affairs to lead us through the next four years.
Mexico swore in its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. Israel’s invasion of Lebanon has led to over 2,000 civilian deaths. The UK agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Record-breaking fires continue to devastate the Amazon.
In 1863, the Confederate States of America was in an untenable situation. The Union blockade had suffocated the CSA’s economy. Vicksburg was under siege. Its fall would cut the Confederacy in two along the Mississippi River.
Mars exploration offers the tantalizing possibility of extending human life beyond Earth, but the journey to colonize the Red Planet is fraught with immense technical, ethical, and financial challenges. As excitement grows over private ventures like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, critics question whether the pursuit of Mars distracts from addressing the urgent crises facing our home planet.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the U.S. aims to secure ongoing support and approval for expanded military actions, including strikes deep into Russian territory. As Ukraine intensifies drone attacks and pushes into the Russian Kursk region, the stakes are rising, with Zelensky urging American leaders to maintain their commitment amid shifting political dynamics and ongoing investigations into Russian war crimes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ambitious plan for victory hinges on securing U.S. support as the war with Russia escalates, with critical battles like the Kursk offensive shaping the future of the conflict. As Ukraine faces relentless missile strikes and prepares for high-stakes peace negotiations, the world watches to see if Zelensky’s strategy will succeed in ending the war.
From Israeli military raids in the West Bank to the rise of far-right politics in Germany, this week’s global news highlights the escalating tension in conflict zones and democratic shifts across Europe. Meanwhile, China’s deepening ties with Africa and Venezuela’s political crisis remind us how rapidly the global landscape is changing, with lasting impacts on international relations.