
A New U.N. Leader
As of this week, four candidates have auditioned to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations. In 2016, there were thirteen candidates. This drastic change led leaders and members of the assembly to call for more people to audition. Why are so few candidates entering the race? Leaders

The Environmental Frontline: How The War In Iran Is Poisoning The Middle East
In the days after the first airstrikes of the war in Iran, residents of Tehran reported seeing an eerie black rain falling from the sky. Dr. Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, told The Guardian that on March 9, the bombing of Iran’s oil depots created

UK To Vote On Re-Alignment With European Union
On April 13, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that moves to re-align Britain with the European Union would be subject to a parliamentary vote and approval. It has been almost ten years since Britain voted to leave the bloc, and Starmer has voiced his desire to improve relations with

Zelenskyy’s Recent Involvement in the Middle East
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently toured the Middle East in response to the current war in Iran to provide strategic consulting, help intercept Iranian drones, and send military personnel to offer guidance. Zelenskyy aims to “promote Ukraine military expertise across the middle east region following the outbreak of the

Taiwanese Opposition Leader Visits Beijing: The Future Of China-Taiwan Diplomacy
On April 7, Taiwanese opposition leader Cheng Li-Wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, visited Nanjing and Beijing, making her the first KMT leader to visit China in a decade. In Nanjing, Cheng laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary who founded the KMT and the

North Korea’s Succession Uncertainty And Boundaries Of External Response
Recent assessments by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) suggesting that Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, may be viewed as a potential successor have reignited debate over North Korea’s future leadership and the risks of a potential succession crisis. Although Pyongyang has not officially designated an heir,

Will Fans Be Safe At The FIFA World Cup In The U.S.?
Ten weeks before the FIFA World Cup, Amnesty International has released a report regarding the current safety of international fans and local communities. The FIFA World cup is an international soccer tournament spanning six weeks. This summer it is being held in Canada, Mexico and the United States. However, Amnesty

Japanese PM Takaichi Pursues Diplomacy With North Korea
On March 23, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong announced at a summit that current talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi would stall if Japan sticks to its “anachronistic approach.” In November 2025, Takaichi announced ideas of meeting with Kim Jong Un—which has been

Inside The “Shield Of The Americas”: Security Strategy Or Strategic Control?
While ongoing conflicts in the Middle East continue to raise concerns about the United States’ diplomacy, recent developments suggest that Washington is seeking to strengthen its relationships in South America. Earlier this March, President Donald Trump met with 12 Latin American leaders to discuss establishing the “Shield of the Americas.”

Africa’s Critical Minerals Boom: Opportunity Or Another Resource Trap?
The demand for vital minerals like lithium, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements has increased as the world economy moves toward low-carbon technologies and renewable energy. Solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries for electric vehicles all depend on these minerals. Africa is at the forefront of the world’s transition to

The Cost Of The Iran War For The U.S. Taxpayer
In a closed-door briefing on March 10, Pentagon officials informed lawmakers that the first six days of the war on Iran cost the U.S. at least $11.3 billion. This figure does not accurately represent the total cost of the war – it excludes the cost of operating the military and

U.S. Responsible For Deadly Strike On Iranian Girls’ School, Investigation Finds
The United States is now determined to be the perpetrator behind the Feb. 28 bombing of an Iranian’s girl’s school, according to an internal U.S. military investigation reported by the New York Times. The bombing comes amidst continued U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. The strike killed 150 students at

Trump’s Rwandan Sanctions– Arbitration Or Imperialism?
On March 2, The United States announced sanctions on Rwanda, alleging the Rwanda Defense Force and top military officials supported the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s government has denied involvement, saying the true facts of the conflict have been distorted. These sanctions come just

China And The Iran Crisis: Diplomacy, Constraints, And Search For Change
On Feb. 28, a jointed United States and Israeli military strike on Iran resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. This triggered sharp geopolitical tensions, renewing debate over sovereignty and intervention. For Beijing, the crisis raises diplomatic questions about opposition to unilateral military force, defense of state

Nigeria’s Naira Stabilization Measures: Market Confidence Or Temporary Relief?
Nigeria increased its efforts to stabilize the naira in February 2026, following months of sustained volatility, inflationary pressure, and diminishing consumer purchasing power. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) implemented new liquidity controls, tightened monetary policy, and expedited the clearing of foreign exchange backlogs due to foreign investors. These steps