Trump-Zelensky Clash
— A fiery Oval Office clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky led to a diplomatic rift, with Europe rallying behind Ukraine as the U.S. considers halting military aid, reshaping transatlantic alliances.
Ukraine
War in Ukraine
— As Ukraine’s war nears its third anniversary, Western support is crumbling. Donald Trump’s abrupt policy shift leaves Europe scrambling, while Russia gains the upper hand. With diplomacy stalled, bloodier battles loom.
UK Defence
— Britain lacks the military capability for a prolonged conflict, yet Keir Starmer has proposed deploying troops to Ukraine. However, years of defence cuts have left the UK unable to deter aggression, despite NATO’s growing security concerns.
US Politics
— Donald Trump’s unpredictability, as demonstrated during his first presidency, leaves global leaders uncertain about his potential actions in his second mandate. His approach mirrors game theory’s “chicken game,” where risk-taking can deter adversaries.
UK Foreign Policy
— The UK government’s foreign policy in 2025 will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, EU relations, Trump’s presidency, and defining “progressive realism”. Challenges include conflicts, alliances, and economic considerations.
Ukraine
— Kyiv’s termination of Russia’s gas transit to Europe ends a historic energy dependency, symbolising Europe’s energy resilience. Russia now faces economic losses, but Moldova and Transnistria confront severe energy crises and instability too.
War in Ukraine
— Donald Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping for his inauguration aims to involve China in Ukraine peace talks, but Beijing’s interests likely align with prolonging the conflict, favouring its geopolitical dominance.
COMMENT
— Donald Trump’s global impact is divisive, with world leaders expressing mixed reactions. Europe grapples with populist surges; Russia sees opportunity; Ukraine fears abandonment; China anticipates trade clashes, while India remains cautiously optimistic.
War in Ukraine
— Donald Trump’s reelection raises questions about his pledge to end the Ukraine War. Europe must prepare for reduced U.S. support, while Ukraine faces difficult choices to secure sovereignty and stability.
UK-US Relationship
— Britain faces urgent defence challenges, from poor readiness to unclear strategy. With Trump’s return, reliance on the US for nuclear deterrence and NATO commitments demands reassessment. Britain must redefine its role.
Long-Read
— Chris Grey critiques Trump’s victory and Brexit’s deepening incoherence, highlighting Labour’s state-driven budget as a shift from neo-liberalism. Yet, Brexit’s financial toll limits Britain’s capacity to navigate these challenges.
Eastern Europe
— Moldova faces intense Russian-backed disinformation ahead of its October 20 referendum on EU membership, as pro-European President Maia Sandu campaigns to align Moldova with the EU despite entrenched divisions.
Geopolitics
— Russia’s frustration with China’s limited support for its Ukraine war led to a North Korean peace treaty aimed at pressuring Beijing. Meanwhile, Western criticism of China’s role intensifies, urging it to reconsider its alignment.
2024 US Presidential Election
— Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as running mate could shift US focus from Europe to China, sparking European fears of diminished American support. Vance’s stance might weaken transatlantic security ties.
Disinformation
— Canada faces challenges in countering foreign disinformation, particularly from Russia. Efforts include blocking Russian media and improving internal resilience, but inconsistent policies and potential backfires complicate the issue.
Slovakia
— Slovakian PM Robert Fico is in serious condition after a May 15 assassination attempt. His divisive policies, political history, and controversial stances have created significant tensions, prompting widespread protests.
