International

A war or political conflict thousands of miles away can raise the price of everyday goods at home through a chain of economic and logistical links. Modern supply chains are tightly interwoven, and essential inputs such as energy, metals, food, and shipping capacity are concentrated in a relatively small number of producing regions. When conflict disrupts production, trade flows, insurance, or finance in those regions, the cost of inputs rises and producers pass those costs on to consumers.Key transmission channelsCommodity supply shocks — Conflicts that disrupt the export flow of oil, gas, wheat, fertilizers, or metals cut global availability and…

Bulgaria’s Nickolay Mladenov, a seasoned diplomat, has taken on one of the most challenging assignments of his career: overseeing the delicate implementation of a US-brokered plan to stabilize Gaza and guide its administration. His experience, relationships, and reputation will all be tested as he navigates the complex political terrain of the region.Mladenov’s journey to this point has been marked by decades of diplomatic service. Early in his career, he held key positions in Bulgaria’s government, including defense minister at 37 and later foreign minister. His international experience expanded with appointments to the European Parliament and as the UN’s Special Representative…

Venezuela’s extensive natural resources have reemerged within Washington’s strategic agenda, with its potential mineral reserves now portrayed as matters of national significance, although specialists caution that transforming these aspirations into tangible results is considerably more intricate than political discourse implies.When Donald Trump announced that U.S. companies would be allowed to tap into Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the spotlight swiftly broadened far beyond petroleum, and policy discussions increasingly began to encompass minerals, metals, and even rare earth elements thought to lie beneath Venezuelan territory, resources considered vital across sectors such as defense, aerospace, clean energy, and consumer technology, and now central…

Artificial intelligence has moved from academic labs into every sector of the global economy, creating a rapidly shifting policy landscape. International AI governance debates focus on how to balance innovation and safety, protect rights while enabling economic opportunity, and prevent harms that cross borders. The arguments center on definitions and scope, safety and alignment, trade controls, rights and civil liberties, legal liability, standards and certification, and the geopolitical and development dimensions of regulation.Definitions, scope, and jurisdictionWhat qualifies as “AI”? Policymakers continue to debate whether systems should be governed by their capabilities, their real-world uses, or the methods behind them. A…

Even amid political strains and economic unpredictability, the US stock market has continued to outperform projections, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average nearing unprecedented peaks.Investors find themselves moving through a complicated environment marked by international conflicts, domestic tensions, and conflicting economic indicators, creating a setting where typical market behavior feels overturned, yet the Dow, which reflects the performance of 30 major publicly traded American corporations, continues advancing toward record territory, prompting analysts and observers to wonder why the market seems to maintain its strength despite clear signs of volatility.Political news narratives contrasted with real economic conditionsRecent events have painted a…

Essential infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment facilities, transportation networks, healthcare systems, and telecommunications forms the backbone of contemporary society, and when digital assaults target these assets, they can interrupt essential services, put lives at risk, and trigger severe economic losses. Safeguarding them effectively calls for a balanced combination of technical measures, strong governance, skilled personnel, and coordinated public‑private efforts designed for both IT and operational technology (OT) contexts.Risk Environment and ConsequencesDigital risks to infrastructure span ransomware, destructive malware, supply chain breaches, insider abuse, and precision attacks on control systems, and high-profile incidents underscore how serious these threats can…

Venezuela awoke Saturday to an uneasy blend of reassurance, jubilation, and dread after U.S. forces took President Nicolás Maduro into custody in the aftermath of a night marked by blasts and precision assaults throughout the Caracas Valley.As residents cautiously returned to the streets, reactions split sharply. Some Venezuelans expressed hope that Maduro’s removal could open a path toward change after years of repression and crisis, while others condemned the operation and rallied to demand his release, calling the arrest an abduction and denouncing a breach of national sovereignty.Despite a few scattered moments of celebration, a sense of uncertainty permeated many…

The Holy See has voiced apprehension regarding the increasing embrace of polyamorous arrangements, emphasizing that transient connections are no substitute for the steadfastness found in exclusive, dedicated relationships.Religious leaders have issued cautions regarding the societal and spiritual ramifications of polyamory, underscoring the distinction between fleeting romantic connections and lasting partnerships. Ecclesiastical figures stress that the custom of maintaining several romantic relationships concurrently erodes the principles of fidelity, dedication, and mutual accountability that are fundamental to domestic existence.The conversation around polyamory has intensified as societal norms shift, with increasing numbers of people experimenting with open or non-monogamous arrangements. The Vatican’s position…

Facing a decline in local recruitment, Moscow reportedly sought foreign fighters, often through deception or pressure, enticing them with financial incentives and citizenship to participate in the conflict in Ukraine.Reports indicate that Russian authorities are intensifying their drive to bolster military personnel by enlisting foreign combatants for the conflict in Ukraine. Instead of exclusively depending on nationalistic volunteers, Moscow is reportedly growing more reliant on individuals hailing from nations throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Numerous recruits are enticed by pledges of substantial salaries, citizenship, or civilian job opportunities—only to find themselves dispatched to active combat areas…

Ukraine's appeal for a top-tier gathering arrives as diplomatic efforts intensify and global hopes for a revitalized peace approach steadily grow. This timing underscores both the immediate need and the evolving landscape of international discussions.As Ukraine renews its appeal for direct talks between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict has entered a new and complex phase. The call for a bilateral meeting underscores Kyiv’s growing desire to realign diplomatic channels, stabilize military assistance, and ensure that its strategic priorities remain visible on the global stage. Meanwhile, the White House has emphasized that…