President Trump’s administration has escalated its anti-narcotics campaign by authorizing missile strikes against Venezuelan vessels allegedly tied to drug trafficking, invoking new executive powers that classify cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” While officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio argue the strikes were justified under a declared national emergency, critics contend that the administration has blurred the line between law enforcement and military action, raising fears of unchecked executive authority. The operation signals a pivotal shift in U.S. foreign policy, redefining terrorism to include criminal networks and setting a precedent that could expand presidential war powers far beyond traditional threats.
Read More“The Point of No Return: The Disturbing Change in Earth's Oceans” warns that the world’s oceans are undergoing rapid and potentially irreversible change driven by overfishing, pollution, warming temperatures, and acidification. These pressures are collapsing ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and putting coastal communities and economies at severe risk. Rising seas could displace millions, destroy property values, and strain government resources as entire neighborhoods become uninhabitable. The crisis extends beyond the environment, it's also a social and economic justice issue, as poorer nations will struggle the most to adapt without international aid. While some governments are beginning to respond with resilience and adaptation efforts, global cooperation and stronger policies are urgently needed. This article concludes that although we may be nearing ecological tipping points, humanity still has the chance to act.
Read MoreIn many ways, the United Nations remains humanity’s best-known experiment in collective responsibility. Its next decade will determine whether that experiment still has the power to inspire generations to come, or whether the world will let the scaffolding of cooperation crumble, just when it is needed most.
Read MoreOn Friday, September 26, the United States State Department announced it would cancel Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa. This decision came after Petro, who was in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, participated in a protest against the war in Gaza.
Read MoreThe Trump administration’s hike in H-1B visa fees has ignited debate over America’s approach to foreign hiring and talent. Critics warn it could hurt U.S. competitiveness, while supporters argue it prioritizes domestic workers. The policy has also strained relations with India, highlighting the global stakes of immigration reform.
Read MoreOver the last few weeks, European capitals have been grappling with drone intrusions from Russia. While government officials deliver strongly worded social media statements, Russia denies its deliberate involvement. In the absence of meaningful pushback from NATO, Russia's boldness is expanding.
Read MoreThe Nepalese Gen Z protests were sparked by a social media ban, carried out with the help of social media, and ended with an election held on social media. Whether the ideals of this digitally conceived government will remain reflected in Nepal’s political future remains unknown.
Read MoreChina appears to be moving away from collaborating with the United States on Korean Peninsula stability, instead leveraging North Korea as a strategic buffer to counterbalance deepening ties with Russia and promote a multipolar world resisting U.S. hegemony. The China–North Korea alliance illustrates that economic ties, military developments, and diplomatic positioning are now deeply intertwined, raising the stakes for the U.S. and the international community at large.
Read MoreBurkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced to the global community that they plan on immediately withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC). These three military-led countries stated that they felt the ICC was an "instrument of neo-colonialist repression.” The ICC has not yet issued an official response, and although these three countries stressed their urgent need to withdraw, the process will take up to a year before it is fully effective.
Read MoreThe language within Trump’s own executive order seems to suggest a repositioning of the United States as an aggressor on the global stage. The new name seeks to showcase the administration's commitment toward an “America First” agenda and dedication to securing what they see as rightfully theirs.
Read MoreThe Liberal Democratic Party has been ruling Japan since the post-war period, and after being plagued with scandals and low public opinion polls, Japan is struggling with stable leadership amidst a politically turbulent time. Despite reaching a deal on tariffs, U.S.-Japan relations remain rocky, with recent polls in Japan revealing citizens’ desires to cut ties and for the country to take a self-defense-centered approach to national security.
Read MoreThe decision made by the Brazilian Supreme Court will force Brazil to reassess its international alliances and confront the political discord domestically. Lula will need to figure out how to deal with the fallout by creating a new economic plan for Brazil and finding a way to slow the growing divide between Brazilian citizens. Lula has previously faced threats of violence in this politically volatile situation. If he wishes to avoid further violence, he must act decisively to establish new foreign relationships and to appease aggrieved right-leaning Brazilians.
Read MoreIn her State of the European Union address, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, joined by Parliament President Roberta Metsola, set out a vision of solidarity for a continent under pressure. From current events in Ukraine and Gaza to the significance of energy and technology, the speech revealed both the EU’s determination and its deep divisions. With MEPs pressing tough questions, the speech underscored Europe’s priorities, highlighting the uncertain path ahead.
Read MoreOn April 9, the North Korea state media reaffirmed that its status as a nuclear weapons state is “irreversible” and not open for negotiation regardless of how forcefully the United States or its allies push for disarmament. However, this message is likely more than a mere reiteration.
Read MoreLast Sunday, in an atmosphere coated in revolutionary temper, the Hôtel de Invalides in Paris became a rallying point for members of the National Rally (NR)–France’s far-right opposition party–to hear its leader, Marie Le Pen, speak after a Parisian criminal court found her guilty of embezzling public funds.
Read MorePeruvian President Dina Boluarte has called for general elections to occur on April 12th, a year early. Although hopeful that political instability will decrease as a result of the election, Boluarte’s decision comes amidst the extreme civil unrest caused by violent protests, the likes of which have sent Lima and the province of Callao into a state of emergency.
Read MoreThe long-term impact on NATO as a whole will likely depend on how the security situation evolves in Ukraine—and how other NATO members interpret the implications of U.S. disengagement. If Russia continues to make gains and the United States remains inconsistent in its support for Ukraine, more countries may view Estonia’s example as a necessary model for self-reliance.
Read MoreRwanda has every right to criticize Belgium’s neocolonial practices, especially in relation to mining companies. Rwanda has no excuse, however, to fund and prop up M23’s violent campaign against the people of the DRC.
Read MoreThree weeks ago, Canada saw a shift in leadership under the Liberal Party with the election of Mark Carney as the country’s next Prime Minister. On March 24th, Carney announced a snap election with a five-week campaign - the shortest time period allowed. Now, he has five weeks to persuade the country to continue backing his party under a “strong, positive mandate.”
Read MoreThousands of protestors lined the streets in Budapest, Hungry outside the Parliament building in reaction to the amendment of the “Child Protection Law” and against their Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s anti-LGBTQ legislation. This amendment unilaterally banned pride parades and allowed authorities to use facial recognition to identify attendees of a prohibited event.
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