South Africa hid evidence from Israel in Gaza genocide case, International Court of Justice finds, leading the court to push off the trial by an additional six months. The post ICJ case against Israel delayed until 2026 over South African violations appeared first on World Israel News.

IDF also kills Islamic Jihad terrorist who was released as part of November 2023 hostage deal, only to return to terrorism after his release. The post Terrorist behind deadly Samaria shooting attack killed by IDF appeared first on World Israel News.

On Holy Wednesday, the day prior to the Last Supper, Jesus lodged in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper on the southern slope of the Mount of Olives. While there, a woman, probably Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anointed Jesus with spikenard—gesturing to and declaring Jesus’ messianic and kingly character. There’s some confusion as to precisely who all the key players are, including the actual identity of the woman and whether Simon and Lazarus are really one and the same. There are also questions as to just how many anointings Jesus enjoyed—or was subjected to—in Bethany over the course of his various sojourns there and how—and also whether-—to reconcile similar accounts across the gospels of what might be the same events. Whatever the truth of the various details, one of Holy Wednesday’s most significant features is that it is the day Judas decided to betray Jesus. Also, and because of this, Holy Wednesday provides a profound testimony of the depths of Divine love. Because of this betrayal, Holy Wednesday is also known as Spy Wednesday, gesturing to an apparent etymological correspondence between “spy” and “ambush,” or “ensnarement” and highlighting Judas’ clandestine designs. The woman’s anointing of Jesus appears to have been a trigger for Judas. Indignant, perhaps, at what he perceived Jesus’ indulgence of Mary and the wasteful misuse of precious oil—or, maybe more likely, because of his annoyance that he wouldn’t be able to embezzle the proceeds—Judas slipped away to the chief priests and offered to help them arrest Jesus. Jesus knew all this of course. That he knew this is evidenced in several things he will say at the Last Supper, indications that he knows Judas has already decided to turn him over, despite surely knowing that the chief priests would have Jesus killed. That Jesus knows all this and yet will still clean Judas’ feet prior to their last meal together is striking. No, staggering is probably closer to the mark. I stressed in Holy Monday’s reflection that Jesus is no pacifist, but he surely is, as many warriors are, a man of peace. Taking this further, or rather all the way back, we realize we’ve seen such things before. In the beginning, as wrought form and content from what was formless and void, it is shocking to consider that God—omniscient—would nevertheless choose to bring humanity into being despite knowing human beings would betray his son, slander him, condemn him, beat him, flail the flesh from his frame, and torment him in near-countless other ways before finally, almost mercifully, nailing him to a tree until dead. I have always found the depths of that kind of love difficult to comprehend. Outside of depictions drawn directly from the gospels, possibly the best comprehensive depiction of this aspect of divine love that I have encountered is found in an unexpected place: Denis Villeneuve’s 2016 film Arrival. The storyline is straightforward: gigantic, watermelon-seed-shaped spaceships touch down at 12 locations across the globe and a team of linguists race against time to unravel the purpose of the aliens’ arrival before increasingly panicked world governments lash out in a global conflagration. I accept that on the surface this seems a strange vehicle for the depiction of divine love. Sure, Arrival is a sci-fi flick about squid-like inter-planetary visitors who come to earth and try to communicate with humanity for the purpose of bestowing upon us some kind of gift—whether some wonderous technology or terrible weapon we do not know. But that’s only a gross description of its major plot devices. Arrival is no more about those things than The Martian was about a poor chump who missed his ride home. Arrival is about grief—an asphyxiating, crippling, overwhelming kind of grief—and about time, communication, empathy, free will, and, most emphatically, love. A love so profoundly abiding that it breaks your heart. Given its source material is a Ted Chiang short novella, it might not be entirely inadvertent that the film provides a God’s eye view of the world. It’s a difficult film to discuss without spoilers—and the great reveal of Arrival really deserves to be experienced raw. I will only say that at center stage is the brilliant heroine Louise Banks, a linguist tasked with communicating with the visitors sufficiently enough to answer a simple question: What do they want? And while it turns out that the aliens have no interest in colonizing or harvesting or harming us in any way, Louise really is a heroine: as in, for a reason I won’t reveal, she’s possibly the most courageous character I’ve ever seen portrayed in film. In the course of interacting with the aliens, Louise’s efforts to learn their language re-wires her brain and gives her an extraordinary capacity to slip beyond sequential time. She doesn’t gain omniscience exactly, but a profound kind of foreknowledge—though that is probably exactly the wrong word. She develops something more like…precognitive memories of things that haven’t happened yet. In any case, she discovers enough—remembers enough—about what lies ahead that she knows she will someday confront a terrible choice. On offer will be the extraordinary joy of a relationship with someone who will mean so very much to her and who will then be terribly ripped away. Faced with the prospect of such an admixture of intoxicating joy and soul-shattering sorrow, Louise bravely chooses to enter into that joyful grief rather than to spare herself—deprive herself really—and walk away. She chooses the Good over the secure. While we already have it on good authority that not all tears are an evil, I cannot reflect on her courage without swallowing hard on the grief that threatens to rise in my throat. I flatter myself to hope I could have such courage within me. This is the point of connection. In the cradle garden, God created human beings so that we might love as He loves—both one another and God Himself. To make this love possible, God was required to construct humanity with moral freedom—for love is free or it is not love. Because the actions of free beings can never be perfectly determined by anything else, this love came with a cost: risk. The risk was the possibility that human beings might revolt against God’s love. Spoiler: we did. I did. So did you. That we did is mirrored in the ongoing tug between two fundamentally conflicting kinds of human desire: cupiditas, which enshrines a form of self-love and tends toward the domination of others, and caritas, an orientation to the good and love of the neighbor. As Jean Elshtain used to put it, this latter kind of love includes a recognition of one’s own interdependencies, an admission able to be made without fear by also recognizing that dependence on others is not a diminution but rather an enrichment of self. To love anything is to risk heartbreak. To love deeply is to hazard being busted in half and to choke in despair. Augustine knew this. He knew that human relationships are fraught with peril. “Who would be capable of listing the number and the gravity of the ills,” he rhetorically asked, “which abound in human society?” These perils, Augustine understood, quoting from a then-popular comedy, maximize within the family sphere: “I married a wife; and misery I found! Children were born; and they increased my cares.” It is not that a wife and children jeopardize happiness. It is that the wife and the children help create that happiness and the prospect of their loss means the carting away of that happiness as well. To love is to risk. And the willingness to risk is a measure of love. At the heart of The Origins of Totalitarianism, Hannah Arendt posits her fundamental claim that the opposite of totalitarianism is love of the other; not a love that loves the value of the object in view—nor only so long as it remains valuable—but a love that simply loves absolutely. She attributes the insight to Augustine: This mere existence, that is, all that which is mysteriously given to us at birth and which includes the shape of our bodies and the talents of our minds, can be adequately dealt with only by the unpredictable hazards of friend-ship and sympathy, or by the great and incalculable grace of love, which says with Augustine, ‘Volo ut sis’ [I want you to be], without being able to give any particular reason for such supreme and unsurpassable affirmation. “I want you to be” is a profound affirmation of love. It endorses the ontological distance between subject and object. I want you to be. Love is not satisfied with a replication of the self. Love desires that the other exists, independent and free. It is a heavy mandate not just for personal relationships, but for the character of pluralistic political communities as well. In antipodal opposition to this is the totalitarian will. Elsewhere in her book, Arendt will describe totalitarianism as a will to “domination” striving to “make people anonymous” and “interchangeable.” It is a solipsistic hunger seeking the “destruction of individuality.” In the totalitarian appetite, there can be no “you” to love. Holy Week confirms that Divine Love isn’t sentimental. God “wants us to be” whatever the costs—even as He knew the costs. Of course, He also loves us far too much to let us “be” just any old way. He knows that human beings require a particular kind of moral ecology in order to flourish. In his ruminations on 1st John, Augustine makes this assertion this way: You must above all avoid thinking of love as a poor, inactive thing, wanting no more than a sort of gentle mildness for its keeping, or even a careless indifference…. You are not to suppose that you… love your son when you relax your discipline over him, or love your neighbor when you never find fault with him. That is not love. From this we gather that correction—punishment—can be consistent with love. All of classical Christian just war thinking hinges on this. War can be an expression of love in the last resort. How we fight those we fight can express this love as well. The Eastern Orthodox theologian Thomas Hopko put the same thoughts this way: “The almighty God reveals Himself as an infinitely humble, totally self-emptying and absolutely ruthless and relentless lover of sinners.” And yet it remains the measure of this love that God will not overrule us. He wants us to be and He wants us to want Him to be. But he will not force it. The great Czech priest, philosopher, and dissident Tomáš Halík—who stood against the totalitarian will—says it well: [God’s] respect for the gift of freedom—the greatest gift that we receive from our nature—means that his explicit presence in my life (my encounter with him in faith and dwelling with him in love) presupposes and requires that yearning “I want.” God has no wish to break his way into our hearts like an uninvited guest. He wants to enter through the gate of freedom, the gate of yearning love. As the mystics would say: God himself yearns for our yearning. The catechetical inquiry regarding the chief end of man is properly resolved with the assertion that man’s primary purpose is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. We can safely presuppose however that this is only true when humanity is the subject. When we are speaking of the Divine perspective it is surely more true to say that our chief purpose—the end for which we were created—is, in the first place, so that God might enjoy us and know us forever. A part of me trembles to say this, lest the lighting strike—I know it might smack of blasphemy—but I cannot see it any other way. This has nothing immediately to do with our own worth—we do not directly deserve this Holy regard (though the fact of the crucifixion suggests God finds us very valuable indeed). Rather, God loves us because God loves to love. And His love makes us worthy of being loved. I think that’s just how love works. I do not know how much divine omniscience makes any of this easier to bear. Precisely how all-knowingness and human freedom intersect is a mystery too deep for me to plumb. And I cannot know what can be known for certain and how much is only an endless knowing of all the near limitless possibilities. In any case, whether Jesus had any certainty in Judas’ final end when they broke their embrace in the Garden—or for that matter, whether he had any certainty in my own when he hung on that cross for me—we are not told. But I can only conclude that while we have it on good authority that there is no greater love than when a man lays down his life for a friend, Christ’s treatment of his enemies suggests that strictly speaking this might not be precisely true.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) was founded on September 12, 2000, in St Petersburg by Iran, Russia and India. Linking ship, rail, and road routes, the 7,200-kilometre project is aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity among its members. But why does it matter? And what role has India played in it?

In the past year, BRICS+ has quietly positioned itself as a dominant force in global agricultural trade, a shift that could have profound implications for food security, trade, and economic sovereignty

The Bolshoi Theater School in Joinville, Brazil Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

After Trump envoy toughens position, insisting Iran must halt all nuclear activities - including civilian program - Tehran fires back that its uranium enrichment efforts are not up for negotiation. The post ‘Nonnegotiable’ – Iran rejects US demand to freeze uranium enrichment appeared first on World Israel News.

The shopfronts are decked out in white, blue and red, with Chinese and Russian flags hanging side by side from the ceiling

Donald Trump’s plan for blanket global tariffs isn’t just roiling the stock market and triggering international upheaval — it’s also opening the door for Trump to relaunch the tariff corruption game of his first term, in which the White House used the trade levies to punish opponents and reward donors. And this time around, Trump’s

“The bond market is very tricky. I was watching it. But if you look at it now, it’s beautiful.” These were the words with which President Donald Trump accompanied his surprising decision on April 9 to “pause” the previously announced “reciprocal tariffs” for ninety days. Instead of the spuriously calculated rates on imports from surplus

President Donald Trump’s choice for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) director just had his six-figure debt paid off by campaign donors whose firms have significant, often contentious business before the tax agency he would lead, according to federal records reviewed by the Lever. The revelations come as lawmakers call for a criminal probe of how tax

Israeli Defense Minister announces plans to set up system to for reintroducing aid to Gaza while circumventing Hamas – but draws harsh criticism from government. The post Israel backtracks on plan to withhold Gaza aid appeared first on World Israel News.

While many countries in Africa are suffering fallout of US tariffs, this is a chance to reduce dollar dependency

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited northern Gaza with top defense officials, praising Israeli forces for their relentless operations against Hamas. The post WATCH: PM Netanyahu visits the northern Gaza Strip appeared first on World Israel News.

Mitchell had come under fire earlier this year after praising Adolf Hitler, denying the Holocaust on his 'ArkanSanity' podcast, and spewing hate toward the Jewish community. The post Dave Portnoy trolls Hitler-praising UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell by wearing kippah, waving Israeli flag appeared first on World Israel News.

Steve Witkoff issues clarification after he appeared to suggest in interview that Iran could keep its civilian nuclear program. The post Witkoff clarifies US position on Iranian civilian nuclear program appeared first on World Israel News.

Over the past decade, however, the PA and Hamas have been deliberately and falsely been exploiting visits by Jews in order to incite Palestinians and other Muslims against Israel and Jews. The post Palestinians: Slaughtering Jews while falsely using Al-Aqsa Mosque as a pretext appeared first on World Israel News.

There’s a moment in chapter 12 of Capital where Karl Marx describes a critical phase of glassmaking in a manufacturing workshop. Five workers gather at “the hole” of the furnace, each focused on an individual task that, taken together, will produce a bottle. “These five specialized workers represent the individual organs of a working organism

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and green card holder, was detained by ICE during a citizenship interview in Vermont due to his leadership in the anti-Israel protests. The post WATCH: Anti-Israel protest leader arrested by ICE agents after leaving citizenship interview appeared first on World Israel News.

Time is what the Iranian regime needs above all now, and what it hopes the US’s desire for a renewed nuclear deal will provide. The post Iran is playing for time in the U.S. nuclear talks – opinion appeared first on World Israel News.

Jerusalem is raising red flags over Washington's planned troop reduction in Syria. The post Israel ‘seriously concerned’ by US withdrawal from Syria appeared first on World Israel News.

The university’s Jewish president, Michael Schill, wrote that the vandalism took place hours after his own Passover seder, and that it was being fully investigated by the university. The post ‘Death to Israel’ scrawled on Northwestern University building during Passover appeared first on World Israel News.

Iranian leader Ali Khamenei posted a graphic titled 'Why Israel Must Be Eliminated from the Region,' which Netanyahu pointed to as proof of Iran's duplicity. The post WATCH: Netanyahu responds to Iranian threat – ‘Israel will never be eliminated’ appeared first on World Israel News.

Bharmal was captured on camera accosting an Israeli business school student, surrounding him and making it difficult for him to walk freely as keffiyeh-clad onlookers shouted, 'SHAME!' The post Harvard Law publishes fond reminiscence from student facing criminal charges for assaulting Jewish classmate appeared first on World Israel News.

On April 9, Donald Trump reeled in his attack on the global trade system, ordering a ninety-day pause on the steep “reciprocal tariffs” announced one week prior. Targeting many of the United States’ leading trading partners, the so-called “liberation day” tariffs threw financial markets into mayhem and was the object of rare criticism from right-wing

French authorities are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime, with the investigation focusing on death threats motivated by religion, theft, and intentional violence. The post ‘Dirty Jew’: Jewish man brutally attacked in France appeared first on World Israel News.

The April 13th attack marked the first time Iran directly targeted Israel, launching 300 missiles and various drones, which caused minimal damage. The post WATCH: Iran releases footage of ‘Operation True Promise 1’ from last April appeared first on World Israel News.

During the BRICS summits in 2022, 2023 and 2024, member countries engaged in serious discussions about ways to reduce their dependence on the US dollar

There’s a lot of uncertainty about what this moment holds for the working class. We’re in the middle of two massive transformations. One is in our economic system, where the rules of global trade are being upended, with huge implications for workers everywhere. The other major transformation is in our political system, where fundamental rights

Russian aluminium giant Rusal said it had agreed to buy a 26% stake in an Indian alumina refinery owner for $243.75 million and to acquire up to 50% in stages, a move that should reduce its reliance on third-party raw materials

Despite the US' hyperbolic threats of 100 percent and 150 percent tariffs on BRICS, the group's enlargement in Asia highlights its resilience and the growing desire among countries to collaborate in building a prosperous and secure future

The Ukrainian people are hostages of NATO puppets who keep sending them to certain death. Whether it's the "Abrams", "Leopard" or "Challenger" tanks, fighter jets such as the "Mirage" 2000-5s or F-16s, young Ukrainians keep dying in these NATO-sourced steel coffins, while their country withers away in a pointless fight with a global superpower that also happens to be their closest kin.

President Donald Trump and his defenders claim that his recent tariffs will usher in “a new Golden Age of American industrialization and prosperity.” As the president put it, “Tariffs are not just about protecting American jobs. They’re about protecting the soul of our country.” But there are two major flaws in this vision of a

Yesterday marked the ninety-fifth anniversary of Vladimir Mayakovsky’s suicide. It is particularly significant today that World War I played such a key role in shaping him. This war led to the revolution in the former Russian Empire, which determined the poet’s future life — and death — as well as the history of his country

According to Kaja Kallas, European countries have “different opinions” about the future of Ukraine assistance.

Xi recalled that China and the EU are “firm defenders” of free trade and that “there are no winners in a tariff war.”

To tariff or not to tariff? Today’s tweet-length political discourse pretends this is a binary choice. President Donald Trump has pitched across-the-board import levies as a panacea to rebuild American manufacturing, while Democrats insist that Trump’s proposals are an attempt to crash the economy, and that their party should tout their opposition to all tariffs.

The events of Holy Tuesday follow directly from Monday’s temple clearing, during which, among much else, Jesus manifest his messianic claims. Questioning his right to do such things, the Pharisees strove to discredit his authority. Holy Tuesday depicts the multiple conspiracies to entangle Jesus, efforts to find him in contempt of legal, theological, or scriptural norms. Jesus dealt deftly with each. On the question of to whom allegiance is owed—Caesar or God—Jesus reminded his challengers that spheres of authority, both political and spiritual, had long been established by God thereby giving the people of God duo obligations, concrete responsibilities in each sphere. On other questions touching doctrinal issues, Jesus turned the tables to reveal his challengers’ own lack of theological understanding and their basic ignorance of scripture. At every turn, Christ proved that it was these Pharisees, and not himself, who were the baddies, peddling a false faith focused on individual piety and privilege to the neglect of loving God and neighbor. I have written elsewhere of the idea of sonship in scripture. T,L,D,R: sonship in the Hebraic mind suggests that someone possesses the characteristics of the thing signified. When in the Sermon on the Mount peacemakers are called the “sons of God,” the idea is that peacemakers manifest the character of the Divine. With this in mind, and in view of the aggression of Jesus’ detractors on this day, Holy Tuesday can be understood as the beginning of the final demarcation of sides, separating those who in their love of God could genuinely be called His people, and those who in their intractable devotion to self-love could, finally, only be understood as His enemies. That anyone would choose enmity against him was a source of grief to the Messiah, as clearly evidenced by his lamentation over the capital city: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Christ understood that the people’s lack of faith would render them subject to a judgment they were neither prepared to endure nor capable of imagining. He prophesied to his disciples that his own clearing of the temple was nothing compared to what the Romans would do a short time hence. On that grim day—it would be in the year 70 AD—the Romans would besiege the city of Jerusalem. It would be a catastrophe for the people of God. When the city finally fell, the historians tell us that the triumphant Romans rushed through streets in which the Jewish dead were stacked like cordwood. The looting, and raping, and killing were devastating. If the Jewish historian Josephus’ tally is accurate, more than 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed. Bitterly, a part of the reason so many were killed is that destruction took place over Passover when, once again, and despite ongoing war between the Romans and the Jews, pilgrims from the Jewish diaspora nevertheless journeyed to Jerusalem to visit the temple and were trapped by the siege. When the city was subdued, armed rebels and frail citizens alike were put to death. Nearly 100,000 were enslaved. The temple would be taken down stone by stone and the entirety of the Temple Mount set ablaze. In the aftermath, of the city itself, Josephus writes: And truly, the very view itself was a melancholy thing; for those places which were adorned with trees and pleasant gardens, were now become desolate country every way, and its trees were all cut down. Nor could any foreigner that had formerly seen Judaea and the most beautiful suburbs of the city, and now saw it as a desert, but lament and mourn sadly at so great a change. For the war had laid all signs of beauty quite waste. Nor had anyone who had known the place before, had come on a sudden to it now, would he have known it again. But though he [a foreigner] were at the city itself, yet would he have inquired for it. And thus began a second period of exile. For the next 1900 years, no Jewish authority would hold sway over the land given to Abraham. Of the catastrophe, a traditional Jewish prayer recognizes—consistent with biblical precedence—that the punishment of Rome was but a proxy for Divine judgment: “Because of our sins we were exiled from our country and banished from our land.” Following this dire prophecy, Jesus and his disciples retreated to the Mount of Olives, where he instructed them through a number of parables, each illustrating the need for his disciples to be prepared for what was facing them, both in the immediate days to come and in the longer—if truncated—reach of their own lives. Despite the horrors that were to befall them, Jesus implores them to endure, anchoring their hope in the prospects of his own future return. After these parabolic exhortations, and lest they not fully apprehend the criticality of what he is saying, Jesus finally makes plain to them his own impending death: “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be delivered up for crucifixion.” In the shadow of this terrible news, his purposes this day are revealed: preparation, endurance, and hope are three of the great themes of Holy Tuesday. These have been enduring themes throughout Jewish history. One might think of the prophet Jeremiah. More than 500 years before the destruction of the second temple of Jesus’ day, the first was about to fall. Jeremiah was in besieged Jerusalem, only this time it was Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian army surrounding the city. They had overrun the countryside and would soon overrun the city. Jerusalem would burn, its walls and temple brought down. The Jews would be scattered. Jeremiah knew all this. The Lord had spoken the judgment clearly. And so, with the din of the invading hordes growing closer just beyond the city walls, what did Jeremiah do? Well, in obedience to a Divine command he bought land in Anathoth, a stone’s throw from Jerusalem and already in Chaldean hands. Entirely sober, Jeremiah agreed to the terms of the purchase, signed the deed, put his seal on the contract, paid his shekels, and sealed the deed in a clay jar. Yes, God had promised Jeremiah that the Jews would someday return to the land. No, God did not promise Jeremiah he would. And he never did. The imagery surrounding Jeremiah’s purchase reminds me of the revolt of Sonderkommando—or special detail—in Auschwitz-Birkenau. The special detail was a group of Jewish prisoners forced to work in the gas chambers and crematoria. In the fall of 1944, Auschwitz was operating at its greatest capacity as it strove to engulf the final remnants of Hungarian Jews, the last of European Jewry to be given up to the Nazis. In October of that year, the Sonderkommando responsible for the Krematoria IV decided to revolt. “Secret bearers,” they knew they would follow the last victims in certain death. And, so, like Jeremiah, they sealed documents in jars and buried them in the earth. In this case, the documents were important descriptions of camp life and records of Nazi atrocities. They then gathered together stolen explosives they had stockpiled and destroyed their crematorium. Over 250 prisoners would be killed, in relatively quick fashion, in the brief revolt that followed. Another 200 were killed in reprisal. Krematoria IV would never operate again. Not incidentally, a transport of Jews who were at that moment of the uprising being crammed into the gas chamber of Krematoria III were removed from the chamber and put on lockdown. At least some of those Jews survived the holocaust (a story told here). Some time after the war’s end, the buried jar was uncovered. Some time shortly after that, a Jewish nation again returned to the promised land. Salient in both cases is the quality of hope on display. Hope is a compound, made up of both expectation and desire. To expect something to happen but to have no desire for it is not, of course, hope—it is something more like dread. On the other hand, to desire something but to have no real expectation that you will ever possess it is also not hope, but either despair or wishful thinking. Nor is it a matter of hope to strive for something easily gotten. Hope, according to Thomas Aquinas, is born from the desire for something good that is “difficult but possible to attain.” Thomas further observed that the prospects for hope on these narrow terms are amplified when we do not strive alone. Sometimes, friends make attainment of our aspirations possible in ways we that might not have been possible if we were on our own. Everything depends on the power of the thing in which we set our hope to deliver. For Jeremiah, his hope was rooted in a God who keeps His promises. Because the Lord had promised Abraham land and a people, Jeremiah knew—whatever the seemingly contrary testimony of the events around him—that there would indeed be a land and a people to inhabit it—however far off in the future. Hope, in this sense, is very nearly synonymous with faith. C.S. Lewis touches on something like this in Christian Reflections. There, Lewis is discussing how it is possible to continue believing things when reasonable testimony seems to render such things patently impossible. About the role of faith in this Lewis writes: When we exhort people to Faith as a virtue, to the settled intention of continuing to believe certain things, we are not exhorting them to fight against reason. The intention of continuing to believe is required because, though Reason is divine, human reasoners are not. When once passion takes part in the game, the human reason, unassisted by Grace, has about as much chance of retaining its hold on truths already gained as a snowflake has of retaining its consistency in the mouth of a blast furnace. The sort of arguments against Christianity which our reason can be persuaded to accept at the moment of yielding to temptation are often preposterous. Reason may win truths; without Faith she will retain them just so long as Satan pleases. There is nothing we cannot be made to believe or disbelieve. If we wish to be rational, not now and then, but constantly, we must pray for the gift of Faith, for the power to go on believing not in the teeth of reason but in the teeth of lust and terror and jealousy and boredom and indifference that which reason, authority, or experience, or all three, have once delivered to us for truth. Christian realism is rooted in precisely this kind of hope, this kind of faithfulness. We know, for instance, that we will not eradicate evil in our time. To believe that we can make a paradise on earth on our own is, on Lewis’ terms, to believe something that neither reason, nor authority, nor the experience of history can give us any reason to believe. But, on the witness of those same terms, we can reasonably believe we can eradicate some evils and at least diminish others. And so there is work to be done. There’s a story that goes around that Martin Luther was once asked what he would do if he were absolutely certain the world was going to end the next day. Supposedly he said, “Probably plant a tree.” I suspect Jeremiah would smile at that. Looking back on the Tuesday of that first Holy Week, I do not know what confidence the disciples had, nor what comfort they could rely on as they sat on the Mount of Olives listening to their teacher proclaim his own coming slaughter. It does not seem any of them had yet seen enough to rest securely in the hope of a future day when all things would be made right. That steel would not enter their spines until Easter morning. Jesus for his part, it’s important to remember, would rest everything on his own hope. As we will see, the agony he experienced in the garden was very real. It would take everything he had faith in to see himself through. The writer of Hebrews tells us that it was this hope alone that readied him to endure the cross. As we will see, the content of this hope is extraordinary. In light of all this, how might the Christian live despite the horrors that seem, always, to array around us, poised to strike loved ones and strangers near and far, and that, seemingly, are increasing by the day? Well, one way is probably to not get too dramatic and overstate the case. The world has always been a perilous place. To turn again to Lewis, he was once asked how Christians ought to live in an age in which atomic weaponry, newly arrived in the human story, could snuff out life in an instant. His answer, still apropos to the present times, would be glib were it not true: Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents. In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to death before the atomic bomb was invented: and quite a high percentage of us were going to die in unpleasant ways. We had, indeed, one very great advantage over our ancestors—anesthetics; but we have that still. It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty. This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds. Meanwhile, our minds can meditate on that future day when, all these things past, we will rest in the shade of trees we did not plant in promised soil we did not dig.

In December, Luigi Mangione was arrested for shooting health insurance executive Brian Thompson. Last week, Trump’s attorney general, Pam Bondi, announced that she was seeking the death penalty. It’s a highly unusual announcement, since Mangione hasn’t even been indicted yet on a federal level. (He has been indicted in Manhattan.) By intervening in this high-profile

On Monday morning, El Salvador’s right-wing president, Nayib Bukele, visited Donald Trump in the White House in a symbolic show of strengthening the link between the two countries. Bukele is the first Latin American president to receive such an invitation since Trump’s election. The visit comes as the two leaders have identified how they can

Advancing Cross-Border Transactions with Blockchain Technology

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In its splendor, the second temple in Jerusalem that Jesus would have seen was far more magnificent than the more modest edifice—however miraculous in provenance—constructed by those Jewish exiles whose return to Jerusalem from Babylon is retold in the closing chapters of Second Chronicles and in Ezra and Nehemiah. The temple of Jesus’ day was one element of a reconstruction plan of astonishing ambition undertaken by Herod the Great, the polarizing—at least some think his monstrous rule was offset by positives—client king of Rome. Herod’s expansion of the temple wasn’t exactly a study in pious magnanimity. Rather, he wanted to possess a capital city worthy, as he said, of his own “dignity and grandeur.” Apparently the significance of even the modest temple being the dwelling place of God was lost on him. In any case, the building project and completed structure were by all accounts extraordinary. The engineering marvels began with the massive expansion of the Temple Mount itself, which was more than doubled in area from seven to fourteen-and-half hectares, or about thirty-five acres. Of the completed temple complex, it was said in the ancient world that if you had not seen the Temple of Herod then you had never truly seen a beautiful building. Set within an array of courts and structures, the holy place or sanctuary, within which was the Holy of Holies, formed the heart of the Court of the Priests. Here, with the altar and butchering place, the conflicting odors of the sacred and profane would have clashed into a marbled thing of incense, roasting flesh, and the humid-iron scent of slaughtered animals. From there, three additional courts extended out toward the entry. Israelite men could enter the court nearest the Court of the Priests. Israelite men and women together could occupy the next, much larger, court. Known as the Court of the Women, the bulk of New Testament stories described as taking place within the temple area would have happened here. Beyond this, was the Court of the Gentiles, the largest court of all and the only place non-Jews could come. By design they came in order to pray to the God of Israel. It did not always work out this way and, for this reason, it is here that a great drama observed on the Monday of Holy Week occurred. From near and far, first-century Jews came to the temple at Passover to sacrifice to the Lord. Impractical as it was to travel significant distances with sacrificial animals, provision was made to allow their acquisition in Jerusalem. Enterprising vendors set up shop in the Court of the Gentiles. The court was filled with merchants selling animals to worshippers and money changers who exchanged Roman coins for shekels that had no image of the emperor on them and thus were fit for payment of the temple tax. Giving us some sense of the scale of the operation, the first-century historian Josephus reports that a quarter-million lambs alone might be sacrificed during the Passover. Exorbitant sums would sometimes be charged for both animals and exchange rates, placing additionally gratuitous burdens on the poor. Because of the activity and the crush of stalls, creatures, and humanity, anyone with any intention of praying in the court would have found the prospect, well, a beast of a challenge. Whether by simple disregard or by design, the merchants, and the temple authorities who allowed their activities, seemed to care nothing for the unhindered worship of neither the destitute Jew nor the devoted gentile. The Messiah wasn’t good with any of this: Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you making it a den of robbers.” Photo Credit: Cleansing of the Temple, by Edward Knippers, 1991 (please visit: www.edwardknippers.com). The concerns at play in the temple cleansing are multiple. Among them, the sheer chutzpah of Jesus claiming the authority to judge and purify the activities in the temple would presumably have shocked those who witnessed it. A clear proclamation of messianic purpose, Jesus’ actions would have confirmed the opposition of the Sanhedrin against him. Christ’s demands for pure worship, for the unimpeded witness of the people of God to the gentile world, and for the care of the poor would all have been motivating factors in his kinetic zeal. I don’t (quite) want to suggest that the temple cleansing can also provide the Christian with any kind of comprehensive statement on the use of force. It doesn’t. But this isn’t to say that nothing on the subject can be gleamed from it. At the risk of making too much out of very little, I want to ruminate on a few things.   First, while it might describe another, earlier, temple clearing, the version of the event written about in the Book of John provides a few interesting details not described in the synoptic gospels: The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” Possibly, the fact that Jesus took the time to make a whip of cords suggests at least some level of premeditation that dismisses any notion of a purely spontaneous act. While no one should imagine the Messiah at risk of flying off the handle, and while the assembly of a whip made of cords might have been a simple and crude design, the obviously intentional use of force is notable. Excursus: if I were I were to film the scene, I’d have Jesus sit in the midst of the throng with his cords and braid the thing—at least a handle—all the while casting his eyes over the obscenities around him and visibly growing in (controlled) wrath. While I’m not going to pretend that we have here a gospel-based argument in favor of a military industrial complex, I only want to emphasize that the Christian use of force is characterized by deliberation, preparation, and control. If it’s right to use necessary, proportionate, and discriminate force, in the last resort, when nothing else is likely to successfully defend the innocent, right wrongs, or punish evil, then it is also right to build the capacities—including materiel, training, and virtue—to do so. NOTE: While I’ve failed to see it in time for this year’s Holy Week Reader, I have it on good authority that the temple clearing scene in part one of The Chosen: The Last Supper depicts the event in a manner very close to my cinematic fantasy. If so: huzzah! These values are also suggested in the discrimination Jesus displays. It’s interesting that in the midst of the overturning tables and whipping, he takes a minute to tell those selling the pigeons to “take these things away.” Now, again, this might be making much of out nothing, but while he drove out the sheep and oxen, he apparently does not shatter the cages that contain the birds. Why? I’ve heard it suggested that whereas it would be a relatively easy matter to recover a stock of sheep or cattle, the recovery of lost birds would have been another matter. Perhaps it was not so much the selling of the animals that was the problem—the provision of sacrificial animals presumably was a genuinely valued service. If Jesus’ anger was focused more on the manner of or intent behind the sales and the fact that they inhibited gentile worship, perhaps he did not want to disproportionality harm the dove sellers or overly-handicap the ability to purchase them in a more appropriate manner elsewhere and later. By telling them to grab their stock and leave, Jesus perhaps purposefully avoided destroying both their own source of income and their ability to render needed services—especially because the doves would have been all the very poor could have afforded. NOTE: I’m told The Chosen gives the scene a sharper edge than I’m suggesting here. Apparently Jesus does release the birds and vendors can heard begging him to stop with cries of “This is my livelihood.” Regardless of the contingency of certain details, what I find most reassuring in the whole temple-clearing narrative, is the simple and obvious fact that we worship a God who is willing to overturn tables when tables need to be overturned and who knows that the controlled application of force is sometimes necessary to protect the innocent and to vindicate justice and to punish wrongdoing. The presence of a similar understanding among those who worship that God is not always quite so obvious. We too often fail to be properly angry at sufficiently gross injustices so as to be moved to action, or we allow our anger to boil over into uncontrollable rage and so cause a disproportionate degree of destruction rather than restoration. Another excursus: I wrestled with my kids throughout their early childhood (and sometimes still–if less successfully). By the time my daughter was a scrappy seven, she had pretty well mastered the tactic of punching for the solar plexus. On more than one occasion, I started to wonder whether I’d over-taught her. By the time my son was eleven, he was really making me work hard at not getting maimed or permanently disabled. Apparently as boys grow, they start pumping all kinds of bio-chemical cocktails through their bodies that result in things like muscle, the capacity for efficacious aggression, and a healthy dose of cocksuredness that would humble Han Solo. That I considered then, and consider, now all of this absolutely fantastic is a problem for some. I once heard a sermon about the third chapter of Colossians in which husbands are commanded to love their wives and to “not be harsh with them.” Somewhat oddly, the preacher’s message focused on the idea that husbands shouldn’t use their physical strength to threaten or intimidate their wives—neither willfully nor unintentionally. Well, okay, fair enough. Taken in itself there’s nothing in that message to complain about. But it’s what wasn’t said that bothered me. The preacher said nothing about the better purposes for which the husband’s physical strength might be rightly employed. He said nothing about the protection and defense of the family or the greater good of the surrounding community or nation. I imagined what my son—thankfully tucked away in Sunday school and safely protected from the pulpit—might have picked up from the message had he been sitting with me. Just beginning to become aware of his own growing strength and that strength’s potential, he would have learned only that a man’s strength is something to be feared and stowed away. He would have been unintentionally deprived of both the great things that the Hebraic tradition has to say about power and its uses and of the great joy he could take in the tradition saying so. God did not create men with muscles only to tell them to mortify their ambitions to use them—he created them to use their strength properly. Why did the pastor not expound on that? That would have been a sermon worth hearing. Instead, from the pulpit to the classroom and so many other places, boys, we too-often hear it said—implicitly or explicitly—are problems. This once caught me flat footed. When I first heard the phrase “toxic masculinity” I assumed it was a clever bit of sarcastic snark coined to mock those few who sincerely seemed to think boys are weapons of mass destruction that pose existential threats to humanity unless they are gelded. But, of course, I was wrong. An essay a few years back at The Federalist—an excellent reflection about raising boys to be ready for war—turned my attention to a series of less-excellent articles posted at The Cut, a magazine for women “with stylish minds” intersecting the focal categories of “Style, Self, Culture, and Power”. The series is all about how to raise boys. It’s a fascinating series, mostly because it’s a primer on how people I really disagree with think about a subject of not just personal passion but that resonates with the charter of Providence as well. The series was written as a response to the #metoo movement, the Parkland shootings, and, well, then-president later-former-president now-president-again Donald Trump. There’s a desperate honesty in the pieces, they really do think everything is at stake in how we raise our boys. Of course, on that point we are in agreement. There’s a wonderful anecdote that I’ve retold many times that was originally told in the conclusion of When Character Was King, Peggy Noonan’s biography of Ronald Reagan. She tells of the time when one of the staffers was walking his three-year-old son through the halls of the White House. The boy had brought with him a plastic sword—which, it occurs to me now, might never be allowed past security these days. But, as Noonan tells it, back then at one point in the tour of the hallway a secret service agent stopped the little boy and playfully inquired, “What’s the sword for?” Without missing a beat, the little man said, “I want to fight bad men.” Noonan approves the zealous sentiment. She reflects: The little bodies of children are the repositories of the greatness of a future age. And they must be encouraged, must eat from the tales of those who’ve gone before, and brandished their swords, and slayed their dragons. That children are constantly being encouraged in any way isn’t, of course, the problem. The problem is that they are not being encouraged toward the good things of Noonan’s prescription. In one of the essays at The Cut, the writer Will Leitch appears to want his sons to know that this world “is a zero-sum game.” He laments his own “aggressiveness and entitlement” by which he means the advice he’s given to his children “to be whatever they want.” This advice, he insists, has been “weaponized over the generations” and comes “at a cost, someone else’s cost.” He explains: This lesson of self-reliance is not only an illusion, it brings with it its own privilege. I can tell myself that any “success” I’ve had has been because of “hard work” and “perseverance,” but I’m kidding myself. I’m a middle-class white kid who was encouraged to go his own way, to be his own person, in a way nobody even bothered to question; being America’s default on the form meant I was never expected to stand in or up for anything other than myself. I do not know the America this guy grew up in. When I was a child, no significant authority figure in my life—I’d be hard-pressed to think of any authority figure at all—ever told me the American default was to fight for yourself and no one else. The most relevant men—and women—in my life would have pounded me into sand if I suggested aloud that looking out for number one was worthy of a life or an appropriate philosophy for jus ad vim.   The America I grew up in was formed by the consciousness found in the great Westerns. The convention of the genre is usually some take on the necessary—and typically reluctant—use of force in defense of some great good. Often enough, a weary gunslinger enters into a community struggling to become a civilized place of law and order but hamstrung in doing so by the self-serving ambitions of a remorseless villain. The gunslinger, trying to leave behind a life of violence, avoids getting involved until it is made plain that remaining aloof will mean that the innocent will be destroyed by the violent, and that only the application of a greater and more lethal counter-violence will save them. The greatest Westerns do not celebrate the violence. They only celebrate that which the violence defends. Indeed, the greatest Westerns are nothing like carnage-as-entertainment, rather they meditate on the terrible price exacted by even the just deployment of force—not centrally on those who suffer that violence, but on those who necessarily have to deploy it. My three favorite Westerns, in no particular order, are Once Upon a Time in the West, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and Logan—the 2017 film concluding the Wolverine franchise. If you doubt whether Logan is a Western, read my review and rejoice in being corrected. Germane to our current topic, one of the themes of Logan, and the particular Westerns that helped inspire it, suggest that violence—force—is not something that most be stowed away in order to prevent reckless harm. Rage, in fact, is something that can be nurtured. A peripatetic virtue that is taken up and clarified in the Hebraic tradition, proper rage can be cultivated. One can learn to be angry at the right things, in the right way, at the right time, to the right degree, and with the right intention. Lit up by that kind anger, one can learn to act accordingly—that is to say justly, with proportion, with discrimination, and for peace. That’s to say, one can learn to be angry in love. Moreover, films such as Logan further insist that this love, too, can—and must—be nurtured. In bringing violence and love together, such films follow the just war tradition’s chivalric grounding. Chivalry molded men into composite beings: ferocious to the nth degree, and gentle to the nth degree—each manifest in its proper time and, in proper proportions sometimes very hard to see, always qualified by the other. I expand on all this in an essay on C.S. Lewis and chivalry, which is a reflection of the characteristics necessary for the cultivation of just warriors—hint: they’re knights! Hint, hint: knights slayed dragons! Indirectly, the essay is a meditation on raising sons for war. Yes, yes, it’s a mediation on raising sons and daughters tout court; but, it’s a particularly salient message for boys struggling to grow up in an emasculated culture that no longer seems to know what to do with them. (Hint: channel them.) The cleansing of the temple, then, is one small reminder, among many, that Jesus did not save us from the Old Testament God. To be sure, the cleansing does not render plain a great many complex questions—such as discerning the mind of Christ on war. Questions regarding war and peace conceived as social and political issues were never the specific topic of his ministry. The cleansing does display the Messiah’s concern for justice, mercy, and the love and unfettered worship of God. It ought also to put to rest any question, as the theologian DA Carson puts it, of “God as implacably opposed to us and full of wrath, but somehow mollified by Jesus, who loves us.” It is continually important to recall that themes of extraordinary mercy, grace, gentleness, and unabashed love are found throughout the Old Testament in God’s dealing both with those within and those without his Covenant. Additionally, we must observe the aspects of divine wrath found throughout the New Testament–where even a Savior overturns tables. Regarding the divine response to evil, the Testaments are a continuum, Carson notes: Both God’s love and God’s wrath are ratcheted up in the move from the old covenant to the new. These themes barrel along through redemptive history, unresolved, until they come to a resounding climax—in the cross. Do you wish to see God’s love? Look at the cross. Do you wish to see God’s wrath? Look at the cross. And then rejoice—and tremble—in the zeal of our Lord.

In addition to Christ’s entry into Jerusalem this Passion Week, there’s reason to believe that at least one other significant procession—that of Pontius Pilate—took place at nearly the same time. Some suggest that Jesus planned his own arrival to correspond directly with Pilate’s. As prefect of the Roman province of Judea, Pilate, who normally resided in Caesarea, would likely have seen it necessary to be in Jerusalem over the Passover—a celebration with not just deep religious significance for the Jews, but one often accompanied by nationalistic zeal as well. Pilate would be on hand to personally oversee the keeping of civic order. Thousands upon thousands would converge upon Jerusalem during the Passover festival. Beyond the typical petty brawls and squabbles over religious differences or merely overcrowding that might erupt anytime so many of the zealous are crushed together, Pilate would have been cognizant of more dire threats. Commemorating the Hebrew’s liberation from slavery in Egypt and God’s smiting of the enemies of His people on the eve before the exodus, it would be reasonable that Pilate would worry the gathered mass of celebrants might work themselves into a frenzy and imagine themselves again a free and independent people, waiting only for their God to work another wonder and wipe the Romans into the sea. Pilate knew that if a spark were handy, a fire might be lit. Jesus, meanwhile, had rather bigger fish to fry. Comparing these two processions results in interesting juxtapositions. One worth making here is of the two very different kinds of authority processing into the dusty capital. Both bore the basic attributes of authority, which includes legitimacy, responsibility, and the power to exercise that responsibility. Whatever the similarities, of course, Jesus was a very different kind of authority than any of his earthly counterparts. Too often, however, acknowledging this difference centers attention on the issue of divine power and proceeds from there to misconstrue how Jesus wielded that power and what it might mean for us. We see the gross injustice of Christ’s execution, seize upon his going to that death as a substitutionary sacrifice on our behalf, and thereby claim from it a personal mandate to go and do likewise. In doing so, we very often get ahead of ourselves. Wrong facts beget bad ethics. While it’s true that Christ “humbled himself by becoming obedient even to the point of death, even to death on a cross” it would be wrong to claim that this kind of self-sacrifice in the face of injustice is now incumbent on followers of Christ, tout court. But some do make this claim. Some time back, Brian Zahnd, the popular pastor and writer, provided an example of this when he draws the wrong lessons from his, rather breathless, proclamation, “Jesus not only died on a cross, he called his disciples to take up their cross and follow him!” While the excited punctuation makes me nervous, you can’t disagree with the basic point. Jesus after all used those very words. Disagreement does come when Zahnd ventures to pronounce what all this must mean. He writes, “We take up our cross because in following Jesus we are prepared to choose suffering over security.” Though this willingness to choose suffering over safety is true as a contingency, Zahnd intends it to be the Christian preference: “How can you be a Christian when there is no risk? How can you take up your cross and follow Jesus if there’s no danger of suffering? Removing all risk makes Christianity incomprehensible.” But this is absurd. To be sure: Christians acting Christianly in the context of this world will, almost without doubt, suffer for it. But neither suffering nor the risk of suffering is the esse of Christianity—neither describes it’s essential nature. Christian suffering, however much it can be expected, is an accident of Christian history, not it’s purpose or end goal. To say otherwise is to make a hash of our image of paradise and hamstrings any sense of urgency in the here-and-now to alleviate the plight of the poor, the orphan, or the widow. Per Zahnd, their suffering, after all, is simply makes their Christianity comprehensible. Stanley Hauerwas, happily Zahndian, brings our attention back to the two processions. Reflecting on the events of Passion Week, Hauerwas writes: “We (that is, we Christians) have now been incorporated into Christ’s sacrifice for the world so that the world no longer needs to make sacrifices for tribe or state, or even humanity.” He continues: Constituted by the body and blood of Christ we participate in God’s Kingdom so that the world may know that we, the church of Jesus Christ, are the end of sacrifice. If Christians leave the Eucharistic table ready to kill one another, we not only eat and drink judgment on ourselves, but we rob the world of the witness necessary for the world to know there is an alternative to the sacrifices of war. Hauerwas concludes from this that “the sacrifices of war are no longer necessary. We are now free to live free of the necessity of violence and killing. War and the sacrifices of war have come to an end. War has been abolished.” How can this be? For “the church is the alternative to the sacrifice of war in a war-weary world. The church is the end of war.” Bless Stan’s heart, but the world hasn’t gotten the memo. But that is the point. The only way that Hauerwas can live in his alternative Kingdom is because the Earthly Kingdom of Pontius Pilate remains. Predominately military in nature, Pilate’s primary tasks would have involved using his forces to maintain order, justice, and peace. The Pax Romana—the peace of Rome—was not perfect, not by a longshot. But Rome did a better job at keeping neighbor from eating neighbor—which is always good news for the poor—than any of the alternatives then on offer. The belief that the power of Christian witness will end human conflict is something that history, a rudimentary understanding of human nature, and lived experience will not affirm. This is what makes Christian pacifism anathema, including that species of Christian pacifist who asserts the classic Anabaptist position that while the government’s use of force to punish the wicked is ordained by God, that is not the role of the Christian faithful who are, instead, to provide a peaceable alternative. But this distinction, as Nigel Biggar has often affirmed, is incoherent. If God Himself believed that Hauerwas’ peaceable kingdom was currently practicable as an alternative to the more coercive kingdoms of this world, then presumably He—being a good God—would have ordained that peaceful alternative kingdom over the coercive kingdom. A good God would not, after all, ordain unnecessary coercion. As it is, were it not for this coercive kingdom, Hauerwas’ kingdom would be overrun by the beasts. But, I suppose, at least this would make Christianity comprehensible. This latter point is the worse one. The implication of the fact that God has indeed ordained the coercive kingdom is that the just expenditure of force is actually necessary to prevent hells on earth and that, therefore, the peaceable kingdom of Hauerwas’ inebriated imagination cannot be a true alternative; it can only be parasitic. As Biggar puts it, pacifist believers are forced into “contradicting in principle what they depend upon in practice.” Christian pacifists are able to keep their own hands clean only because others—who, in the Christian pacifist view must be non-Christians—are willing to get their hands dirty. Ultimately, such a view is a crime against charity. That’s to say, it is morally abhorrent. Nevertheless, Zahnd asserts that the constant rival to the kingdom of Christ is empire and that “the supreme obsession of empire is security.” Empires, he tells us, “always justify their violence in the name of security.” That may be. But for Zahnd to decry the Christian support for the sovereign’s sword as a concession to empire is unjust, slanderously so. The Christian justification for the necessary, proportionate, and discriminate use of retributive violence—just force really—has never been simply security. It has always been grounded in love. The Palm Sunday processions into Jerusalem, then, best signal not the entry of the peaceable kingdom over and against the coercive kingdom but, rather, of the Heavenly Kingdom and the Earthly Kingdom. In aspiration, these two kingdoms largely match Augustine’s “two cities.” Each was created by different kinds of love—the earthly city by self-love reaching the point of contempt for God, the Heavenly City by the love of God carried as far as contempt for self. Christians, however, presently live in both cities. Our dual citizenship is a calling. Each of these kingdoms have discreet concerns and, therefore, discreet mandates to meet those concerns. This doesn’t mean the concerns never overlap. But a great deal of harm comes from confusing the purposes—the ends—of one kingdom with the other. The incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ had particular concerns: the immortality of the soul, divine judgement, salvation and damnation, moral formation and sanctification, and so forth. This week we confess that one of Christ’s purposes was to reconcile humanity with God. From the stealing of the fruit forward, humanity has displaced God with idol after idol. We grasp at that which is not ours—or not yet ours. The crisis for those yearning for the heavenly kingdom was how to bridge the chasm we have dug between ourselves and the Divine. Christ bridged that gap. He satisfied the Divine Character when we could not. If the cross was not substitutionary, then it was merely circus. This reconciliation with God means nearly everything to us. But not, quite, everything. The cross saved me from my sin, but it didn’t do much directly to protect my neighbor from it. Saved from sin is not saved from sinning; and, meanwhile, I—and my beleaguered neighbor—continue to pay the everyday costs of that. And so, as one temporary remedy, God gave us the sword of the government. One need only read the litany of rape, unleashed cruelty, wanton slaughter, and sexual enslavement that make up the 18th-21st chapters of Judges—a period in which Israel had no king—to realize the great grace that is Romans 13. The start of Passion Week marks the beginning of the end of Christ’s great plan to make us fit for eternity. Meanwhile, between the end of that first Passion Week and the beginning of the end of time, there is much living to be done. But because the condition of the human soul make this living precarious, the conditions to make it possible must sometimes be compelled. Life must be fought for. God mandated, not suggested, that human magistrates do just that—and to do that justly. That is something else to be passionate about.

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Former Azov Brigade commander accuses General Syrskyi of deadly tactics, highlighting internal military strife. Despite Western aid, Ukraine faces resource strains and far-right controversies, risking a prolonged conflict that could become the Europe’s “Vietnam” in the West’s proxy war against Moscow.

Ukrainian troops continue to desert in huge numbers.

China’s new Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, DeepSeek, went live earlier this year, shaking the tech sector, markets and national security apparatus. The Chinese open-source model shocked the industry with its suspiciously low costs and claims of high performance despite using fewer microchips.  DeepSeek’s hype is likely overblown. Elon Musk and Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang insist it relies on at least 50,000 Nvidia chips, not 10,000 as claimed, and OpenAI believes its model was stolen to train the Chinese model. Still, the threat of an authoritarian state being at the forefront of AI development is sobering. To safeguard a free and open society, the U.S. must lead in AI development and ensure the technology’s future upholds American values of free expression and not the CCP’s censorship and propaganda.  Illustrating the sharp contrast between American-developed large language models (LLMs) and China’s DeepSeek, censorship on topics considered sensitive by the CCP was immediately obvious. One user asked, “What famous picture has a man with grocery bags in front of tanks…” DeepSeek started answering seemingly accurately, typing out, “The famous picture you’re referring to is known as ‘Tank Man’ or ‘The Unknown Rebel.’ It was taken on **June 5, 1989 during the-” While generating its response, it is abruptly cut off and replaced with, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.” Another user, also asking about Tiananmen Square, was met with a similar non-response. In contrast, in the same chat thread, he asked, “What happened in Ohio in 1970,” and was met with a response detailing the “Kent State shootings.”  The Guardian also took a look, asking the China-based chatbot questions about several heavily censored topics in China, including asking if Taiwan is a country. It responded by falsely asserting that, “Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China’s territory…”  Large language model AI is only going to become more important. It is rapidly and widely being adopted across sectors, being used in research, law, government, healthcare, finance, media and other industries. AI is here to stay and so if America fails to lead, the West will open itself up to widespread censorship, malign influence, and manipulation. It is not the first time the CCP has used technology to inflame tensions in American life.  Rutgers University’s Network Contagion Research Institute researchers found TikTok “significantly downplayed negative content related to China,” describing the app as, “an example of ‘persuasive technologies’ China is using to shape public opinion in the West.” We’ve seen how TikTok, which China falsely claims it does not manipulate, is being used as a thought weapon. Imagine how DeepSeek, which is blatant and open about it, will be used.  An analysis by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also uncovered troubling data, in this case, for the experience of American teenagers on the app. WSJ investigators created test account bots, registering as 13-year-old users, and browsed TikTok’s “For You” feed. Within hours, the app began showing “highly polarized content” relating to the Israel-Hamas war. Of the eight test accounts created, five were described as falling into a war content-related rabbit hole within the first 100 videos after the first instance of that content appeared, and two others after 250 videos, the majority of it pro-Palestinian.   While the WSJ report is not evidence that TikTok’s breakdown of pro-Israel vs pro-Palestinian content is significantly different from that of similar platforms, it does highlight the app as being, “uniquely powerful at picking up which videos get users’ attention and then feeding them the most engaging content on the topic.” The concern here is not that young teenagers are being exposed to political content generally, but that they’re being inundated with highly polarized, divisive narratives by an algorithm with opaque inner workings, subject to the whims of a revisionist dictatorship.  To win the AI Race, America must harness the innovative power of free enterprise.  While much more is needed to bolster the industry, President Donald Trump’s executive order cutting AI regulations, which will help get the government out of the way, and his announcement of a $500 billion private sector AI infrastructure investment are a good start. On the other hand, newly announced tariffs in Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” speech are creating new uncertainty and disruption for the industry.  At the same time, the malign influence of China cannot be overcome without convincing Americans to reject deceitful, CCP-controlled platforms and embrace American-owned LLMs instead. TikTok’s influence on Gen Z is astronomical, with polls showing the app as their primary news source. And in the days leading up to TikTok’s divestiture deadline, three million Americans joined the Chinese app RedNote, translating literally to “Little Red Book,” the nickname for Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung, perhaps the best known work of Chinese propaganda ever. The app is designed for China-based users and heavily censored. Despite this, many American users signed up without a second thought.  These are symptoms of a deeper issue, and those leading America’s institutions must effectively make the case for why the proliferation of platforms controlled by repressive governments are a danger to our way of life. Consistency would be a good start.  Despite many in Washington backing a much-needed TikTok divestiture proposal, several of those same politicians have gone on to soften their positions or even use the app in their political campaigns. American leadership must not only be consistent in highlighting the threat posed by these platforms, but also unwavering in championing the values of intellectual freedom. American politicians must be united on not using TikTok unless it is under new ownership.   Besides consistency from our elected leaders, the American tech industry must also commit to less censorship. Years of inconsistency relating to content moderation has sowed understandable doubt in much of the tech industry, and for the free world to win the battle for AI, this trust must be rebuilt. By upholding the values of free thought, expression, and transparency, US tech companies can work toward reestablishing confidence in their platforms.  To secure a free and open future, America must lead in artificial intelligence. AI’s prominence in our lives will only continue to grow, becoming central to how we seek information, communicate, and think. As the CCP continues its war on free minds everywhere, we must rise to the occasion to counter it. By empowering the private sector, speaking honestly about our adversaries, and being unapologetic in defense of our values, America can win the AI Race. 

In recent years, the term "de-dollarisation" or trade in non-dollar currencies instead of the US Dollar has begun to draw attention in discussions on international affairs

The BRICS-established New Development Bank has planned to raise its lending to Bangladesh development projects to one billion US dollars this year, a vice president of the Shanghai-based multilateral lender said

In a decisive step toward advancing gender equality, the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women’s Empowerment Vertical (BRICS CCI WE) unveiled a whitepaper titled ‘Accelerate Action for a Gender Equal World’ in New Delhi

In Routh's case, prosecutors presented evidence that he used an encrypted messaging app while communicating with "someone he believed to be a Ukrainian contact with access to such powerful military weaponry". Reports indicate that Routh's exchange with the Ukrainian contact showed that he requested "an RPG or 'Stinger'" and that he would "see what we can do... [Trump] is not good for Ukraine".

According to a former police chief, Washington used USAID to spread Russophobia in his country.

The European Commission continues to undermine democracy.

Danny Sriskandarajah on the power of collective action

While peace talks in Saudi Arabia grapple with Russia’s war in Ukraine, Moscow and its junior partner Belarus are already planning their next military collaboration as Russian convoys are reportedly congregating in Minsk to prepare for Zapad-2025 exercises. Amid this shadow of negotiations and saber-rattling, let’s not forget Alexander Lukashenko’s iron-fisted Belarusian regime, a persistent threat to Central and Eastern Europe.  Among the victims of Lukashenko’s tyranny are members of Belarus’s Polish and Catholic minority, whose cultural identity has made them targets in an intensifying campaign of repression—a campaign that aligns with Russia’s hybrid warfare against NATO. Two cases stand out as stark symbols of this oppression: Father Henryk Okołotowicz, a Catholic priest, and Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist and activist. Their stories expose the regime’s deep-seated hostility toward freedom of speech and religion. Much the same way that Putin oppresses any religious leaders who oppose him, Lukashenko cannot tolerate anyone that might unite Belarusian Christians against him.  Father Henryk’s case vividly illustrates Belarus’s ruthless stance toward its Polish community. A priest serving the Polish minority, he was reportedly critical of Lukashenko’s government—a crime deemed severe enough to warrant 11 years in a penal colony for “treason against the state.” His health remains a mystery, shrouded as a “state secret.” The regime offered leniency if he confessed guilt and sought Lukashenko’s pardon, but he has steadfastly refused. Lukashenko appears intent on using him as a political bargaining chip. The Catholic Church, a cornerstone for Belarus’s Polish minority, has long irritated the authorities, and Father Henryk’s arrest sends a message: even religious leaders are fair game, and the West will do nothing.   Andrzej Poczobut’s story, though different, has garnered greater international attention. A Belarusian-Polish journalist and human rights advocate, Poczobut was sentenced to eight years in prison on February 8, 2023. His “crime” was reporting the truth about the fraudulent 2020 presidential election and championing the rights of Belarus’s Polish minority. Branded a terrorist by the Belarusian KGB (still the name of Belarus’s security service) and accused of inciting hatred, his sham trial was held in secret. He endures torture and prolonged confinement in a punishment cell within a penal colony.  Beyond these cases, fifteen journalists from Belsat—a Belarusian television outlet based in Poland—also languish in prisons and penal colonies, most facing sentences of eight years or more. These examples reveal a deliberate, systematic effort to erase all traces of Polish culture in Belarus, including the Roman Catholic religion that many Belarusian Poles adhere to.  This is not merely a byproduct of post-communist chauvinism; Poland, in Belarus and beyond, symbolizes democratic success and resistance to Russian dominance. By obliterating Polish influence, Lukashenko tightens his authoritarian grip on society. Since the contested 2020 election, this anti-Polish crusade has escalated: Polish-language schools have been shuttered, cultural landmarks vandalized, and figures like Poczobut and Father Henryk have been imprisoned. State propaganda casts Poland as a destabilizing force, alleging it seeks to topple the Belarusian regime.  This crackdown serves both domestic control and geopolitical ends. Lukashenko projects strength to his populace while, in tandem with Vladimir Putin, orchestrating provocations against NATO by targeting Poland and its minority in Belarus. The US State Department estimates that 1,300 political prisoners are currently held in Belarusian jails.   Yet the international response remains inadequate. Sanctions from the EU and US have stung regime officials but failed to free prisoners like Father Henryk and Poczobut. Though some argue that defending human rights abroad, like freedom of speech and religion, is secondary to the promotion of American national self-interest, this could not be further from the truth. In reality, Lukashenko knows that if civil society is allowed to unify around freely-chosen leaders and ideas, religious or otherwise, it would pose an intrinsic threat to the stability of his regime. Just as Pope John Paul II played a crucial role in the overthrow of the Communist regime in Poland, religion could play a similarly pivotal role in Belarus.  Lukashenko’s alliance with Russia—highlighted by Belarus’s role in the invasion of Ukraine—further emboldens him, offering military support and a buffer against Western pressure. Sanctions alone are insufficient; Lukashenko has weathered economic isolation before, leaning on repression and Russian aid. The West’s lack of strategy has hindered efforts to protect those persecuted. Why not amplify these stories through global media? Why not exploit Belarus’s trade dependencies to force concessions? The silence of Western leaders risks normalizing this brutality.  Father Henryk and Poczobut embody more than the Polish minority’s struggle—they represent the universal fight for freedom. The Belarusian regime hopes their names will fade into the shadows of its prisons. We must not let that happen. Their courage demands action—be it grassroots advocacy, creative diplomacy, or louder demands for accountability. The best way to ensure a future Belarusian state that is friendly to American interests is to speak loudly and forcefully about the importance of liberty, and particularly religious liberty, for all Belarusians. As long as Belarusians do not have freedom of worship, Lukashenko’s grip on power will remain unthreatened. 

Russian specialists are preparing detailed information on the innovative technology of oil and oil spills collection from water surface and successful practices of plastic collection on Lake Baikal

Indonesia recently joined BRICS as a full member, making it the first Southeast Asian country in a grouping some observers consider to be the most powerful and potentially consequential framework not led by the United States. But Indonesia’s move should not be seen as choosing a side in an increasingly bifurcated world

The BRICS+ have been positioning themselves as advocates of the global south in the debate on global development financing. The changing role of the USA may indeed create room for the bloc to manoeuvre. However, continued expansion of BRICS+ is creating new challenges for collective action

The move can only exacerbate America's debt crisis, particularly after it reached $35 trillion last year and is expected to go over $40 trillion next year. Experts are warning that the latest increase in military spending will likely add at least another trillion to the already rapidly growing debt and that budget cuts are yet to affect the Pentagon, adding that the US military "does precisely nothing to defend the USA" and that it "exclusively interferes in other countries".

Turkey’s growing naval presence in the Black Sea, leveraging the Montreux Convention to limit Russia’s fleet while expanding operations in strategic areas, signals Erdogan’s ambition to dominate the region. Amid neo-Ottoman aspirations and the Ukraine conflict, this risks escalating tensions with Russia, potentially destabilizing the volatile region.

Estonian lawmakers are planning to approve a law aimed at allowing the armed forces to shoot civilian ships in the Baltic Sea.

NATO’s presence in Odessa would be a direct threat to Russia.

The Project for the New American Century, launched 28 years ago, offers a warning for current Trumpian world order

This journal is modeled on Christianity & Crisis, which Reinhold Niebuhr founded in 1941 to urge American Protestants to aid the Allies against the Axis. Its theme was that neither morality nor national interest justified continued isolation. That self-imposed isolation was military and economic, including neutrality towards foreign conflicts and high tariffs against foreign products. Niebuhr believed America must both engage and lead. We are at another point in the U. S. story with strategic and economic withdrawal. New high tariffs are unprecedented since the 1930s, Niebuhr’s era. Trade agreements are being abruptly renounced. And the U.S. is pulling back from support for Ukraine and for NATO, possibly from other longtime U.S. allies. Even Canada, our neighbor and longtime traditional friend, an ally in at least five wars, is now tariffed and derided. Denmark, our longtime NATO friend, is threatened with seizure of Greenland. Taiwan is tariffed and mocked, despite its vulnerability to China. Other potential victims of China, such as Vietnam, are tariffed, even though the U.S. has encouraged firms to relocate there from China. Israel is also tariffed. The U.S. may withdraw troops from eastern Europe. Agencies founded by the Reagan administration, such as the National Endowment for Democracy and the International Republican Institute, to promote pro-American democracy globally are defunded and near closure. Human rights and religious liberty are no longer major themes for U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. Institute for Peace, also founded in the Reagan era to mediate international conflicts, has been closed. Agencies like the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, with Radio Free Asia, which extolled American values internationally and helped win the Cold War, are shuttering. The virtual closure of USAID has ended most U.S. international humanitarian relief, with malevolent actors like China filling the vacuum. Unsurprisingly, polls shows America’s favorability ratings across the world are plunging. Even longtime allies no longer see us as reliable, much less admirable. There’s previously unthinkable talk of nuclear proliferation to replace America’s security umbrella. A world without America leading inevitably is more dangerous. A European friend recently told me that we are in a new reality, with the U.S. is no longer the promoter of democracy and human rights, or the protector of the West. Instead, in the new era, America will be more brutally transactional, focused on its own hemisphere, and its own material benefits, narrowly construed. Realpolitik is replacing American Exceptionalism and American leadership. I vigorously pushed back to my European friend. Yes, America is passing through a moment of retrenchment. We are withdrawing strategically, economically, and morally. The current position assumes that America has nothing to say to the world. America will now be its own green shade accountant, carefully counting its pennies and nickels, suspiciously engaging others when there is potential narrow material advantage. But this moment, I insisted, will not endure. It too intrinsically contradicts America’s core identity, shaped across centuries, which is outward looking, idealistic, internationally ambitious, and determined, where possible, to shape the world for the better. America’s ideals and ambitions were baked into our national soul from the very start. They were brought to our shores by religious dissidents who wanted to create a new, godlier society as a model to the world. They were encoded into our founding charters, above all the Declaration of Independence, insisting on equality for all people, and a “decent respect to the opinions of mankind.” Stanley Hauerwas, the anti-American theologian, once derided July 4 as his least liked holiday because he disdained its effrontery. Who was America to make these sweeping claims that would reshape the world? And yet audacious America has done so across its whole history.  Drastically altering its national character at this point would be nearly impossible. The era to which Niebuhr was reacting resembled our own.  America strategically withdrew from the world, which mainly meant Europe, after World War I, having convinced itself that it had been inveigled into war.  Even in its 1920s prosperity it obsessed over European debts, unconsciously contributing to German default, facilitating the Nazi ascension. The Depression compounded the myopia, with enormous tariffs enacted ostensibly to “protect” American industry. Instead, the tariffs accelerated the tailspin, as international trade collapsed. As a sea power bounded by two oceans, America was built on international trade. The American Revolution was fought partly over free trade, the War of 1812 even more so. Entrance into World War I was trip wired by German attacks on U.S. trade. American power and energy are built on international commerce, which reinforces its self-conception as a beacon to the world, economically, politically, and morally. Americans have often been selfish. But they don’t like to think of themselves as so.  Puritan idealism across five centuries has suffused our national persona. American international trade accompanies American ideals, supported by American military might. Human rights, democracy, cargo ships crisscrossing the seas with merchandise, and a strong U.S. navy with airpower and overseas military bases are all interlocking ingredients of American identity. Almost certainly Niebuhr understood this American stew when he called American Protestants to remember what their nation was. They had after all created this national blend of high-minded self-interest and missionary zeal for the kingdom. The isolationists and “America First” of the 1930s imagined America would stay within its hemispheric walls, ignoring the world in flames. Some even imagined the retreat of democracy at home. Perhaps economic and political crises need strong authoritarians. Niebuhr would have none of this. He was a Christian Realist, and second-generation German, who also understood longstanding American idealism, rooted in its Puritan founding, and amplified by the Second Great Awakening. His realism saw America’s enduring soul, not just its mendacious political fads of that moment. For Niebuhr, American idealism could be hubristic. But the unabashed pursuit of raw power and self-interest was even more prone to reckless hubris. Ideals, with all their flaws, at least could restrain avaricious ambitions, which typically crash in their lust for unreachable power and riches unmoored from principles.  Unsurprisingly, Niebuhr was right. And he was quickly vindicated by Pearl Harbor, only months after launching his magazine, which unleashed American ideals, leadership and power in ways the world had never seen from any other nation.   The current hubris imagines America can stand alone, transacting utilitarian deals, discarding friends in favor of occasional opportunistic trysts, focused inward. This perspective is unsustainable for a great nation that has always styled itself a lighthouse, not a black hole. Inevitably, America will return to its destiny, looking outward, leading, inspiring, and pursuing enlightened self-interest with a “decent respect to the opinions of mankind.” But as before with such breaks from our national character, many avoidable disasters may ensue, for us and for the world, before America recalls who it really is and always has been.

Ethiopia’s economic landscape has undergone significant transformation with its growing partnership with China, its main trading partner and source of foreign direct investment

India called for collective leadership to advance the 2030 Climate Agenda—a comprehensive set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all UN member states in 2015, with a target completion date of 2030

The global economic landscape is continuously shifting, and one of the latest disruptions comes from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs, including a 10% baseline tariff effective from April 9

The US is no longer interested in participating in Kiev’s media campaigns.

The political West thought that defeating Serbia/Yugoslavia would be a walk in the park and that it would demonstrate the power of NATO as the world's unquestionable hegemon. However, apart from the fact that this aggression turned into an embarrassment for the political West, it also became a wake-up call for sovereign nations to start building robust mechanisms that would prevent NATO aggression against the world. Thus, although Serbia was the first victim of this truly unprovoked and brutal attack, its people still stand and refuse to yield.

According to Kiev’s top spy, the ‘harsh reality’ of the war should not be disclosed to the public.

China files formal complaint with the WTO over new tariffs.

The far right has normalised much of its ideology within mainstream politics – and ‘body fascism’ is part of that

Indonesia, a vast archipelago with more than 17,000 islands and 281 million people, is often overlooked in global geopolitics despite its immensely important strategic position in the 21st century. As the world’s fourth-most populous nation and the largest Muslim-majority democracy, Indonesia isn’t just a passive observer—it’s a regional powerhouse trying to strike a delicate balance between two giants, China and the United States. But in its attempts to navigate these turbulent waters, the country faces a fundamental question: Can Indonesia remain true to its principles while also preserving its economic and security interests?  The Tightrope Between China and the U.S.  Indonesia’s economy is increasingly powered by Beijing. China is Indonesia’s largest trading partner, pumping billions into infrastructure projects through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). One of the most high-profile examples is the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway—marketed as a symbol of progress but, to critics, a concerning sign of increasing dependency on the CCP, dependency that will not come without future costs.  China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea has frequently brought it into conflict with Indonesia, particularly in the Natuna Islands, where illegal fishing by Chinese vessels continues to test Jakarta’s patience. In response, Indonesia has increased military patrols within its maritime exclusive economic zone, but has stopped short of direct confrontation. The reality is simple: Jakarta needs Beijing’s investment, but it doesn’t want to be swallowed by it.  At the same time, the United States remains a vital security partner. Washington has strengthened its military ties with Indonesia, conducting joint training programs and providing defense assistance. The U.S. has also encouraged Indonesia to take a firmer stance against China’s territorial claims, but Jakarta remains hesitant.  The moral question emerges—should Indonesia prioritize economic security even if it means turning a blind eye to China’s aggressive behavior? Or should it take a stand, risking economic retaliation? It’s a dilemma without easy answers.  ASEAN, Stability, and the Limits of Diplomacy  Indonesia, as the most populous nation in Southeast Asia, has long prided itself as the unofficial leader of ASEAN, championing regional stability through dialogue rather than confrontation. But the cracks are showing.  The ongoing crisis in Myanmar is a glaring example. Following the military coup in 2021, ASEAN attempted to enforce a peace deal known as the Five-Point Consensus, with Indonesia leading the charge. But the ruling junta in Myanmar ignored every attempt at negotiation, leaving ASEAN looking weak and ineffective. Jakarta found itself stuck between upholding its diplomatic principles based on nonaggression and the reality that this approach did little to help those suffering in Myanmar.  ASEAN’s divisions extend to the South China Sea as well. While the Philippines and Vietnam have been more adamant in their opposition to China’s maritime expansion, other ASEAN members—like Cambodia and Laos—are more than happy to side with Beijing in exchange for economic benefits. As the largest economy in the bloc, Indonesia is expected to be a unifying force, but its cautious approach has come to be seen as a sign of indecisiveness than anything.  At what point does diplomacy become an excuse for inaction? And how long can Indonesia claim to be a regional leader if it’s unwilling to take bold steps?  The Ethics of Indonesia’s Foreign Policy  Indonesia’s long-standing doctrine of Bebas dan Aktif (Free and Active) emphasizes independence from great-power influence. In practice, this means avoiding taking strong sides—a policy that has served Indonesia well in the past. But in today’s polarized world, remaining neutral is becoming increasingly difficult.  Consider Indonesia’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While many Western nations swiftly condemned Russia, Jakarta maintained its stance of neutrality. President Joko Widodo even visited both Moscow and Kyiv, positioning Indonesia as a peacemaker. Yet, many saw this neutrality as moral passivity—how can Indonesia claim to support peace while refusing to condemn such blatant aggression?  A similar contradiction arises with China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims. Despite outcry from Indonesian civil society and religious leaders, the government has largely remained silent, careful not to upset its biggest trading partner. For a country that often speaks about Islamic solidarity and human rights, the lack of action raises eyebrows.  Jakarta’s argument is always the same—pragmatism. Engaging with all sides ensures stability. But at what cost? Is there a point where pragmatism becomes hypocrisy? Pragmatism is well and good, but it begs the question of pragmatism towards what ends?   The Road Ahead  Indonesia’s foreign policy challenges aren’t going away anytime soon. If anything, the pressure will only grow stronger.  To maintain its strategic autonomy while protecting its interests, Jakarta must make some difficult choices:  Diversifying Economic Partnerships – While China will remain a major player, Indonesia needs to deepen trade ties with other regional powers like Japan, South Korea, and India. This reduces dependency and provides leverage when negotiating with Beijing.  Strengthening ASEAN Leadership – Jakarta can’t afford to be a passive leader. A firmer stance on Myanmar and a more coordinated ASEAN approach to the South China Sea could boost its credibility. If ASEAN is to remain relevant, Indonesia must take charge.  Aligning Rhetoric with Action – If Indonesia wants to be seen as a moral leader, it must start acting like one. That means being consistent in standing up for human rights, whether in Myanmar, Ukraine, or Xinjiang. Selective morality undermines credibility.  Modernizing Its Defense Posture – A stronger national defense strategy, combined with enhanced partnerships with Australia, France, Japan, and the U.S., would send a clear message that Indonesia is capable of protecting its own interests.  Indonesia’s Defining Moment  As the world grows more divided, Indonesia’s balancing act is becoming increasingly precarious. It must choose between continuing to play the role of the neutral mediator or taking a stand on the global stage. The decisions made in the coming years will determine whether Indonesia remains a cautious middle power or emerges as a true leader in the Indo-Pacific.  Will Jakarta find a way to maintain its independence without sacrificing its morality? Or will it become just another pawn in the game of global superpowers? The answer will not only shape Indonesia’s future but the stability of Southeast Asia as a whole.  One thing is certain—Indonesia is at a crossroads, and the path it chooses will echo far beyond its borders. 

Egypt holds a 2,2 percent share, while Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates own 1,7 percent and 1,1 percent, respectively

On January 18, Brazil announced the admission of Nigeria as a partner country to the BRICS bloc of developing economies, adding one of Africa’s largest economies to the growing alliance of emerging market countries. With this admission, Nigeria became the ninth partner country and the second African nation to achieve this status after Uganda

The expansion of BRICS — now known as BRICS plus with the inclusion of countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — has raised concerns in Washington, because the grouping seeks to reduce its member states' reliance on the dollar by using local currency in intra-BRICS trade and possibly creating an alternative global currency

Both Israel and the defense sector will benefit from further Yemen strikes, the problem is that those could be dangerous steps towards further escalation with unpredictable results—and we have seen enough of those since 2022 at least.

"No war, no NATO!" - Professor Michel Chossudovsky

Argentina’s economy cannot simply detach itself from China.

Defense Secretary John Healey justified the "need" to advance this type of research by stating that the world is increasingly "dangerous".

Hindustan Times spoke with Lord Jim O’Neill—the British economist who coined the term BRIC, formerly chaired Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and served as Commercial Secretary to the Treasury in the Second David Cameron Ministry (2015–2016)

Tariff escalation policy, intended to bolster American industry, is instead hastening the decline of American economic dominance. By pushing nations like China, Japan, and South Korea to band together, the U.S. is inadvertently creating the conditions for a consolidated multipolar world to flourish.

"Bomb Serbia back to Stone Age! Flatten Serbia! Force the Serbs to get on their knees and beg for mercy! Diminish, degrade, destroy!” - US/NATO General Wesley Clark.

In 2024, Gallup reported results from a survey carried out across 34 countries. Fifty-four percent of respondents had a “favorable” view of the US, against only 31 percent with an “unfavorable” one. Opinions were mostly positive in six of the nine Asian states included, seven of the ten European ones (plus a draw in the Netherlands), all four of the African ones, and all six of the Latin American ones. Only among the three Middle Eastern nations was the picture reversed: attitudes were overwhelmingly negative in Tunisia and Turkey, overwhelmingly positive in Israel.  One may also be cautiously optimistic that the US’ approval rating will improve in the future, since millennials and gen-z tend to be more sympathetic than older respondents―although, naturally, this is no justification for complacency. Furthermore, respondents professed significantly more trust in both Joe Biden and Donald Trump than in Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.  Though the Middle East breaks the pattern of worldwide American popularity, in recent years the US has made gains there, too. One team of pollsters explains that the Arab world’s opinions of the United States were growing more positive, and its attitudes towards China more negative, before the war between Israel and Hamas reversed that trend. That issue has driven US favorability down again, to China’s benefit. Still, as the authors note, this shift  does not translate into a desire to see the United States adopt neutrality or exit the Middle East. Despite their anger at the United States’ policies toward Gaza, Arab publics made it clear that they want the United States to be involved in solving the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.  Especially striking are the views which Vietnamese hold of the US. Given the Vietnam War, one might expect widespread antipathy. Yet the opposite is true. According to a 2014 survey by the Pew Research Center, 76 percent of Vietnamese viewed the United States favorably. Even “those ages 50 and older,” old enough to remember the Vietnam War, expressed favorable attitudes by over 60 percent. The high overall approval appeared due to Vietnamese enthusiasm for capitalism as well as the perception that the US was “a dependable ally.” Although the Gallup data cited above indicate that Joe Biden is more popular worldwide than Donald Trump, Vietnamese strongly preferred Trump over Kamala Harris prior to the 2024 presidential election.  Other states in the region likewise put great stock in strategic relations with the United States. A 2023 report found that “experts and opinion-makers” in Southeast Asian countries exhibited “a growing preference to align with the US” when presented with a binary choice between the United States and China. Notably, however, “respondents from the three Muslim-majority states – Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei – picked China over the US.” The report also concluded that “many ASEAN countries” likely wished for Washington to show “stronger leadership” and balance growing Chinese power. Unfortunately, doubts about whether it would do so had brought about a certain amount of “disillusionment.”  In sum, people around the world tend to be sympathetic towards the United States. This impressive popularity should hardly be surprising since, on the whole, American foreign policy is well suited to win other countries’ approval. According to political scientist Lawrence Mead, “Anglo” societies, including the United States, generally act on the world stage in ways which others appreciate. Consequently, “[t]raditional realists would expect that a nation as dominant as the United States is today should provoke counter-alliances. But Anglo power is used mostly for ends others perceive as disinterested, so it is tolerated.” Clearly, this is less true now than when Mead wrote it in 2005. An anti-American alliance has emerged, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Yet even this is hardly a straightforward expression of popular will. Freedom of expression is tightly constrained in these countries, and in Iran the population is unequivocally hostile to the regime.  As Mead explains, Anglo states do not merely pursue their own interests, but tend to use military force against “widely recognized threats” and to “defend the international order.” Furthermore, their actions arouse relatively little international suspicion because outsiders can observe and understand how Anglo countries arrive at their policies. By contrast, the Chinese government’s aversion to “open debate” constrains “its capacities to lead and to build support.”  This assessment sheds light on the role of morality in foreign policy. As James Diddams rightly argues, nations are “defined by shared moral concerns that propel them in ways that cannot be explained by material necessity.” Accordingly, there is more to foreign policy than material self-interest. Idealism and morality also play a role, and can be a sufficient reason for pursuing a goal. Examples like the American efforts “to fight human trafficking and eradicate diseases abroad do not accord with appeals to pragmatism.” This is surely true. And yet, in the long run, acting idealistically can serve the nation’s pragmatic interests, too.  Moreover, Mead’s analysis is a reminder that it is in US foreign-policy interests to keep American political institutions functioning smoothly, not least because democratic accountability is good for foreign relations. Sadly, the Gallup study indicates that foreigners have come to see American democracy as much less deserving of emulation over the past few years. While international politics is endlessly complex, it seems clear that the US can be globally popular provided that American power be exercised idealistically, considerately, and comprehensibly. 

Nigeria recently joined BRICS countries as a partner, a move that could redefine regional trade, development, and geopolitical strategies

South Africa is a key member of the BRICS economic bloc, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and it has long been a world leader in gold production

Bodies were found a week after Civil Defense and Palestinian Red Crescent crew members went on rescue mission to Rafah

Given that Zelensky fails not only to deliver on the promise of capturing Crimea, but is likely to lose even more territory whilst sustaining over a million casualties, the Ukrainian president might pounce on this opportunity.

Which religious traditions have most impacted nuclear policy? In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Christian faiths of Russia and America, the two original nuclear superpowers, might come to mind. Neither apocalyptic Evangelicals in the US nor the Kremlin-friendly Russian Orthodox Church have been shy in voicing their opinions on nukes. Another obvious contender might be theocratic Iran, where the Ayatollahs are purportedly just weeks away from acquiring the material needed for a bomb, believed by many to represent a victory for Islam. But historical research into the question of religious influence on nuclear arms yields another rather unexpected answer: the Hindu tradition has one of the strongest cases to make for influencing the history of nuclear decision-making.   Hindu-inflected political worldviews animated India’s approach to nuclear weapons in two highly consequential periods. In the decades following China’s successful nuclear tests in 1964, the legacy of Gandhian non-violence was instrumental in keeping India from fully arming when doing so was a clear strategic necessity. Yet in 1998, when the geopolitical costs of arming had risen above the benefits in most strategists’ estimations, India’s newly-elected Hindu nationalist government launched nuclear weapons tests—inspired in no small part by parallel Hindu religious perspectives that stood in opposition to those that restrained India from building nuclear weapons decades before.  To be sure, these worldviews weren’t the only or even the primary consideration in India’s decisions on nuclear armament: China’s nuclear capabilities, Pakistan’s nuclear prospects, and American opposition to proliferation all established the strategic context within which India operated. But as the country’s leaders weighed their options within these constraints, Hindu political theologies profoundly shaped their calculus—overriding conventional assumptions about national security and power projection.  Both decisions complicate the realist theories that aim to explain the dynamics of nuclear proliferation and represent cautionary tales of the power of ideas to shape nuclear policy in unexpected ways. As humanity returns to a world of greater nuclear uncertainty, the surprising lessons offered by Hindu politics’ tryst with nuclear armament are more important than ever.   Satyagraha & Nuclear Aversion  Rewind about 60 years ago, and New Delhi had every incentive to take up nuclear arms: Two years after India lost a brief yet consequential border war to China, Beijing successfully fired off its own nuclear missiles—an ominous sign given the two countries’ continued territorial disputes. India’s strategic community demanded nuclear capabilities to rebalance their new, glaring vulnerability—an imbalance so severe that even then-US Secretary of State Dean Rusk privately conceded that it should compel India to arm.   India’s scientific establishment, meanwhile, had come to possess the material and know-how to develop a nuclear bomb and was pushing political authorities aggressively towards that end. A 1971 public opinion poll further revealed that 63% of Indians supported armament, yet nuclear proliferation was still postponed. The only partial exception was a single, half-hearted “peaceful nuclear explosion” detonated in 1974, which both underscored India’s capability to develop full nuclear arms and its resolve to not fully weaponize. Why?  The answer has much to do with Gandhi’s nonviolent legacy. Inspired by the moral vision of Hindu renunciants, Gandhi’s religio-political doctrine of satyagraha, or “truth force,” dictated that resisting the bomb—or even suffering a blast with nonviolent resolve—would eventually win over aggressors to the truth of nonviolence. In the short two-and-a-half years that Gandhi was alive to see the nuclear age, he exhibited an unflappable faith that the spiritual victory of resisting the allure of the bomb would ultimately mark a triumph for India and humanity—regardless of the risks of remaining unarmed, or the suffering that a nuclear blast could inflict.   In contrast to many of Gandhi’s more unusual political ideas, his stridently idealistic aversion to nuclear arms would have a surprisingly strong influence on India’s nuclear policy—if serendipitously. Gandhi’s successor and India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, staked India’s claim to influence nuclear affairs to the country’s role as a voluntarily-unarmed moral compass for the world, deliberately drawing on Gandhi’s moral authority. The tactic was successful, earning goodwill and a powerful international platform for New Delhi for several years. But it also limited India: as its strategic calculus evolved after China’s acquisition and indications of Pakistani ambitions for the same, India could not acquire arms without undermining the basis of its international influence on the matter.   For soft power credibility if not for conviction, several of Nehru’s successors—including Indira and Rajiv Gandhi—maintained this pattern of nuclear restraint to varying degrees. However, at the most crucial juncture in India’s history of nuclear restraint—immediately following China’s successful nuclear test after the humiliating Sino-Indian War—Gandhian principles proved decisive. In the face of intense pressure from the opposition, his own party, and India’s nuclear establishment—and lacking a viable strategy to address China’s massive new strategic advantage—then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shashtri took an impassioned, public stance to uphold Gandhi’s ideals. His unpopular, politically risky plea blunted the considerable momentum towards armament, declaring to India’s parliament that “India does represent to some extent the desire to save humanity from wars and annihilation. We cannot give up this stand.” Nor was he the only national leader for whom Gandhi’s legacy had direct impact: this principled restraint was echoed years later when Morarji Desai, though governing during a less strategically critical moment, used his first press conference as prime minister to emphasize his own unyielding Gandhian convictions on the matter, asserting that “Even if the whole world arms itself with the bombs, we will not do so.”  The Hindu Bomb  Now fast forward to 1998 when, in a stunning reversal of a half-century of Gandhian nuclear abstention, India shocked the world with a series of nuclear tests that seemed to defy explanation. For one, India’s relationship with China was more stable than it had been in years—active nuclear threats from Beijing were off the table. India also enjoyed significant conventional military advantage over Pakistan. Adding nukes to the equation would only invite Pakistan to do the same—which, of course, it did—diminishing India’s strategic edge and exposing it to needless existential risk. India’s relationship with the US was also at a relative high, and testing could only jeopardize that increasingly important rapport. For all these reasons, most of India’s major political parties, public intellectuals, and even military officials opposed the tests in the late 1990s—again begging the question: Why?   Here, again, the answer stems in large part from the thought of a Hindu religio-political figure, in this case the ascetic-turned-organizer M. S. Golwalkar. Throughout the mid-20th century, Golwalkar was arguably the most influential leader of Hindu nationalism, a movement dedicated to reviving Hindu cultural and political authority across India. As the longest-serving head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Golwalkar led the organization from the margins to a large, influential force in Indian society at the center of the Hindu nationalist cause. He also oversaw the creation of a number of powerful affiliated spin-off entities resonant with his and the RSS’s viewpoint. This included the creation of a Hindu nationalist political party, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), which was the first to call for a nuclear India and forerunner of the currently governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party to ultimately achieve nuclear weapons for India.  For Golwalkar, a former monk of Vivekananda’s renowned Ramakrishna Mission, realizing a nuclear India was a religious injunction. In a telling exposition of the Hindu epic the Bhagavad Gita, Golwalkar preached that it was the cosmic duty of the Hindus to take up nuclear arms with faith in the “ultimate triumph” of their spiritual strength over “demoniac forces of evil” in the world. Not unlike Gandhi, Golwalkar believed that immaterial moral forces shape history and would work with the Hindus so long as they fulfilled their duty. But contra Gandhi, Golwalkar saw that duty as a mandate to acquire material power commensurate with the Hindus’] spiritual might: as he put it, “the world worships only the strong.” Only through a union of spiritual and material power could India fulfill its sacred mission for humanity—a nuclear vision that Golwalkar would help enshrine as one of the leading political ambitions of the Hindu nationalist movement through the range of organizations he led, founded, and influenced until his death in 1973.  Golwalkar’s behind-the-scenes organizing efforts were slow to bear fruit. But by the time the BJP formed its first stable government in 1998, the party had spent decades advocating for nuclear arms. Within weeks, the newly-elected Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a Golwalkar acolyte, ordered India’s inaugural nuclear weapons test—a hasty decision made not so much out of geopolitical necessity as a fulfillment of one of the core aspirations of the Hindu nationalist movement.   In an echo of Golwalkar’s thought, the tests were christened “Operation Shakti,” a religiously-charged Sanskrit term for cosmic power, which Vajpayee proclaimed was the “greatest meaning” of tests, rather than strategic interests. Shortly after the tests, the Universal Hindu Council, a powerful pan-Hindu religious organization founded by Golwalkar in 1966, campaigned to erect a temple to the Hindu goddess of power above the detonation site—a fitting tribute to Golwalkar’s vision.  Realism & Idealism in Nuclear Decisions  To be clear, it was never religious inspiration alone that drove Gandhi’s successors to avoid arming, nor Vajpayee’s administration to launch. Far from it: a host of other factors—international prestige, material and diplomatic costs, and bureaucratic structures to name a few—played large roles in the complex decisions that led up to 1998. Nonetheless, India’s divergent paths on nuclear weapons in the 20th century drew their intellectual foundations from two decidedly religious Hindu political philosophers, both of whom proposed spiritual realities as essential elements of their respective nuclear rationales.  This is remarkable insofar as nuclear deterrence, as understood by most American theorists, assumes that the grave, existential risks posed by nuclear weapons should compel nations toward hard-nosed, unsentimental realism. Both Gandhi and Golwalkar’s legacies defy that strategic orthodoxy: Gandhi’s by averting armament even in the face of clear nuclear threats, and Golwalkar’s by advocating for nuclear weapons when their strategic benefits were least apparent.  With Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea all posing renewed nuclear threats, India’s perplexing nuclear decisions should give the world pause. Gandhi and Golwalkar’s shared belief that transcendent moral forces in history would tilt circumstances in their favor is hardly unique to either of their traditions of Hindu thought.  Unabashed idealism, embodied by Gandhi and Golwalker, has already triumphed over the pragmatic realism that was expected to determine nuclear decisions on the international stage—twice. It may well do so again. 

In his third term in office, President Lula da Silva is trying to regain the global prominence of Brazilian foreign policy that characterised his previous terms (2003-2010) and those of President Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016). However, a lot has changed on the domestic and international scenes since 2016, posing complex challenges for Brazil’s capacity to resume its leading geopolitical role

In order to transform opportunities into tangible benefits, it is necessary to adopt an approach that combines national and regional strategies, while respecting the cultural and economic specificities of each country

Next July, the BRICS Summit will take place in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil, one of the founding members of the bloc that represents an important alternative to an unjust international economic order

The Arctic’s transformation into a geopolitical chessboard reflects the US/NATO Cold War reflexes, ill-suited to an emerging multipolar world.

The new terrorist "government" is complaining about the "encroachment on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity". Obviously, the very idea that those exist after December 8 is simply ludicrous. These terrorists in suits are merely proxies of various foreign interests.

This move could significantly escalate the security crisis.

Formation of military alliances in the Balkans increases possibility of war.

Cuts will push hundreds of thousands of women into poverty or force them out of workforce

The state visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, marked a pivotal moment in India-Indonesia relations

Foreign Minister Fidan speaks on EU membership talks, BRICS

The center of gravity of the global economy is gradually shifting towards new alliances. In the face of the waning influence of Western institutions, another bloc is consolidating its power

Although the new administration is looking to refocus on the Asia-Pacific, the policy of expanded nuclear sharing makes sense, as it could ameliorate NATO’s growing conventional inferiority against the battle-hardened Russian military.

Trump’s instincts about the proxy nature of the war are grounded in reality, as the NYT exposé confirms. Yet his “cavalier” style, so to speak—bypassing Zelensky to chase a grand bargain—ignores the local complexities of the region. Once the horses are out, ending a war is way harder than pouring gasoline on a fire, and Trump may be about to learn that.

Syrians in Greece are stuck between a rock and a hard place, with asylum suspended and their country in ruins

The measure is aimed at boycotting negotiations on a Black Sea agreement.

Iran will have “no choice” but to acquire nukes if “pressure” is maintained: Khamenei adviser.

It’s no wonder that COP28 and COP29 reduced trust in climate diplomacy. But we could rebuild it by shifting priorities

The contemporary world order is Multipolar, where geo-economics has taken precedence over geopolitics in the policy formulation of many nations. Moreover, emerging economies are cooperating for shared economic prosperity. A shift from geopolitics to geo-economics is not as sudden as it seems

Professor emphasises the importance of cooperation between BRICS members, especially in the field of environment, finance, and food security

He said that India-Russia diplomatic engagements continue to be marked by frequent high-level exchanges, robust institutional mechanisms, and a commitment to each other's core interests

Tehran has already warned that its missile forces are ready to retaliate in case of escalation. All this sets the stage for yet another US-orchestrated destabilization of not just the Middle East, but the world as a whole.

Ukrainian officials and politicians do not believe there will be new elections in the coming months.

Efforts made today in the Arctic are critical for Russia’s security and prosperity tomorrow.

Malaysia's decision to join BRICS as a partner country will enhance its role in South-South cooperation and bolster its influence in international, political and economic affairs, said Xu Qingqi, chairman of the New Asia Strategic Studies Center in Malaysia

In order to counter data colonialism, BRICS countries have to prioritise strategies and policies that assert digital sovereignty while facilitating indigenous technological growth

After decades in which the United States has been economically, politically and culturally dominant, the world is drifting into a new era

Washington apparently cannot resist the temptation to turn disputed territories into military outposts. History warns us that such interventions rarely end well—least of all for the people caught in the crossfire.

European countries are fomenting political crisis against autonomous Moldovan regions.

Spain refrains from taking a position in favor but does not exclude involvement.

Undercover at Reform UK’s biggest ever rally, I saw white men bond over fury at migrants, trans people and politicians

It is no longer news that Nigeria is now a partner-nation of an intergovernmental organisation better known by its acronym, BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

Cuba became a partner country of BRICS on January 1, 2025 after the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. At this summit, 13 nations, including Cuba, were invited to join as partner countries

Egypt’s membership in BRICS has opened up “greater horizons”, expanding opportunities to benefit from China’s “inspiring” experience in high-quality development and modernisation, Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk has said

Reports suggest King Charles wants the US to join the Commonwealth, with Trump onboard. As the US pivots from Europe and NATO toward the Pacific, it would make sense to focus on the QUAD, AUKUS, and the UK. As a declining superpower, America might find appeal in this symbolic shift, while Charles aims to mediate US-Canada tensions.

Zaluzhny desperately trying to pressure European partners.

US-Russia negotiations led to the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative.

After Indonesia became a full-fledged member of BRICS in January 2025, it was only to be expected that the largest ASEAN economy would also join the BRICS New Development Bank

The St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) may become a pilot platform for the creation of the BRICS grain exchange. This is stated in the exchange's message with reference to Alexey Gerasyuk, Vice President of SPIMEX

The 10th BRICS Policy Planning Dialogue concluded on Tuesday, in Brasilia, convening policy planners from the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with senior representatives from the newly expanded BRICS membership, covering pressing global geopolitical issues and regional developments

Indonesia is the latest country to join the NDB

The goals are to show goodwill in order to advance the diplomatic process in Ukraine.

How Modi’s government went from trying to improve its global democracy rankings to redefining democracy itself

With AI regulation at the forefront, Brazil emphasizes joint efforts for sustainable development among member nations

Moscow enterprises mainly supply aviation equipment, chemicals, and construction-related goods to China, and technical instruments, mechanical engineering goods, and microelectronics products to India

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet that approved Pakistan’s membership in the New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS member countries

Zelensky wants to expand the number of young people on the front lines.

Mongolia tends to balance its relationship with Great Powers and neighbors. Its role in the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project could be a game-changer, so it would not be surprising to see lots of different actors trying to exploit the intricacies of ethnopolitics to fuel tensions, the Mongol ethnic groups of Russia being a likely target, as we have already seen in the recent past.

As the migrant barge left Dorset, openDemocracy explored life on board the Bibby – and the failed policy that cost millions

Romania and Bulgaria fear Odessa’s reunification will unbalance power in the region.

Malaysia needs to look beyond the differences and uncertainties which characterise international conflict instead of seeing them as a negative aspect, and seize opportunities to establish global balance in this multipolar world, Abdul Haziq Kongid writes

The future of the world economy that is transformed by BRICS rests not solely on the dynamics within this hierarchy of the largest economies, but also on the qualitative changes brought about by BRICS initiatives and policy coordination

Reorientation of exports to geopolitically aligned countries grows in global trade

Ordinary Europeans do not want to go to war with Russia.

Anglo-ally Britain is also facing major naval issues.

The erosion of democracy happens bit by bit and then all at once

Indonesia's joining BRICS as a full member underlies its growing importance and influence

Russia and India, both part of Brics, are taking a big step in the worldwide trend of dedollarization. Almost 90% of their direct transactions are now in their national currency, which greatly reduces dependence on the US dollar. What consequences does this have for international financial markets and geopolitical power relations?

At a time when a group of countries relying on an aggressive and expansionist military alliance is pushing humanity towards unbearable destruction, the BRICS nations are striving to ensure a more just, democratic and participatory world order with а vision of delivering everyone general peace and security, shared benefits, and long-lasting stability

COP ignores reality on the ground in Latin America and wrongly assumes governments are key drivers of climate policies

The US believes Ukraine peace deal can be reached by Easter.

USAID had been a key player in shaping Moldova’s pro-EU trajectory, bankrolling civic education and media campaigns to sway public opinion. Without this machinery, the referendum’s momentum feels fragile—it seems less a grassroots victory than a somewhat manufactured outcome now teetering on shaky ground.

Europe is replacing USAID in the role of financing sabotage activities in the post-Soviet space.

JimmyTheGiant on how the right is appealing to a new generation

Russia has been a longstanding and time-tested partner for India. Development of India-Russia relations has been a key pillar of India's foreign policy

Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS marks a new chapter in its diplomacy. Brazil, as the current BRICS Chair, announced Indonesia’s BRICS membership effective January 2025. This decision was undoubtedly accelerated, with all BRICS member countries agreeing to Indonesia’s inclusion in less than three months

Russian-Indian relations are distinguished by their strategic empathy, as consistently demonstrated by both sides at the state level, and the sincere disposition of the peoples towards each other. This creates huge, albeit largely untapped, potential for development

After the F-16 took off, it was detected by the Su-35's X band monopulse N035 "Irbis" hybrid ESA radar. The Russian pilot illuminated the US-made jet, relaying this information to the S-400 crew which then fired one of its missiles on the target.

Expansion of military measures would be absolutely useless as it would not change the final outcome of the conflict.

Macron strives to create a situation in which a conflict between Russia and NATO is inevitable.

As Keir Starmer cuts benefits in the UK, openDemocracy readers discuss social security where they live

Labour government has repeatedly aided and defended assault on Gaza – but opinions may be shifting as war intensifies

The contrasting conditions of the two informal federations have focused public attention on the nature of the rivalry between them. BRICS vs. G7? Which is stronger in terms of economic growth?

The dragon and the elephant can move in tandem, provided they commit to mutual respect and equitable partnership, Maj. Gen. RPS Bhadauria writes

The BRICS summit in Kazan was about making the first steps towards the reforming of the international financial system so that it promotes, rather than hinders, the economic development of countries while de-risking transactions between them. If the existing international financial system does not serve its principal purpose of facilitating financial transactions between nations and compensating for the disbalances in international trade then a growing number of countries will seek to establish additional pillars in the financial architecture

The move would substantially worsen the regional security crisis.

By escalating its role, Norway inevitably invites Russian retaliation, whether through economic pressure, or military posturing along their shared Arctic frontier. Large-scale arms supplies entrench a proxy attrition war at the expense of Ukrainian lives and European security.

Ankara is seeking to expand its influence in Southeast Europe. To that end, it's preparing to ratify military agreements with several countries, including Albania, North Macedonia and the narco-terrorist entity in the NATO-occupied Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohia. For its part, Greece sees this as an attempt to encircle it with enemies, with Ankara establishing a strategic presence and expanding influence behind Athens' back.

Witkoff says there is “amazing progress” made in the normalization of US-Russia ties.

BRICS is set to dominate 40% of the global economy by 2030, while the West’s share shrinks to 27%, Russian Economic Minister Maksim Reshetnikov said

BRICS seeks to reduce dollar dependence, but economic and geopolitical hurdles hinder a common currency

Now representing nearly half the world’s population and 40% of global GDP at purchasing power parity, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), BRICS holds significant sway over global markets BRICS wields considerable influence in global markets

Ukraine has failed to comply with an infrastructure ceasefire agreement hours after both sides reached a consensus.

The two new "Rafale" squadrons are to be armed with the upcoming ASN4G hypersonic missiles, but won't be ready before 2035. This timeframe is not exactly reassuring for either France or other EU/NATO members. Meanwhile, Moscow has at least a dozen hypersonic weapons already in service.

Europe is unable to meet US demand for eggs.

Secretive new political firm set up by ‘posh’ George Cottrell raises ‘real red flags’, anti-corruption expert warns

In another sign of changing power relations in the 'post-Western' world, the BRICS group of emerging economies could frustrate the United States' bid to sink communism in Cuba by strangling its economy

South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa heads G20, an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries, the European Union, and the African Union, while Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva chairs BRICS+, an association made of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with four new members and 13 partner states in a category mostly from developing countries

Global economic stability cannot be maintained in the interests of all when one country or group of countries continues to dominate major global financial institutions with global mandates

According to the former German chancellor, it is necessary to engage in discussions to understand Russia’s reasons.

Local sources report that the HTS killed several citizens of Lebanon. According to Annahar, "on Monday, two Lebanese youths were found dead in the Matraba area near the border". They were reportedly kidnapped from their homes inside Lebanon by the new terrorist "government's" security forces and subsequently killed. Meanwhile, Germany just pledged an additional €300 million ($326 million) in "foreign aid" for the new terrorist "government".

European middle classes are materially and financially exhausted by the Ukrainian war.

A landmark ruling brings to light part of the blind spot within the Western narrative on the matter of Ukraine: Kyiv's blind eye to the far-right and to violations of the civil rights of Russians and minorities isn’t just strategic; it’s structural.

Maybe they aren’t as popular as the Big Brother contestants, but in their own way they say that we are closed in a cage: that of an economic system jammed with balances destined to change quickly. The game is played mainly in Africa, the scenario is a deglobalized world

The country, along with India, has no desire to see one hegemon replaced by another

The drastic changes in the landscape of the global economy that set in starting from January of 2025 with the coming of the new US administration create new challenges for the Global South, including the BRICS+ grouping. The re-configuration of global alliances, growing protectionism and a rise in uncertainty will all generate strong headwinds for globalization, with developing economies likely to increasingly seek solutions in greater South-South economic cooperation

Hungary’s economy would suffer from Ukraine’s membership in the EU.

The hard truth is that the Caucasus doesn’t reward rigid alliances. As Azerbaijan’s spat with Russia shows, even close partners (however complex that partnership is) can clash without upending the board. Armenia’s future lies not in choosing a camp, but in mastering the art of balance.

London is adopting practices similar to those of Islamist terrorist groups.

If the US wants peace with Russia, it will have to be far more transparent regarding its weapons programs being realized near the Russian border. Otherwise, we'll only get more of the same.

Israeli prime minister is realising that you can’t rely on Trump, no matter how much he says what you want to hear

India is set to launch two Indonesian satellites in 2025, marking a significant milestone in India-Indonesia space cooperation. This collaboration enhances ASEAN-India relations and furthers BRICS space initiatives

Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that Nigeria attracted $1.27bn in foreign capital from BRICS countries by June 2024, marking a significant rise from the $438.72m recorded during the same period in 2023

The BRICS+ group has undeniably emerged as a formidable bloc on the global economic stage, signalling a significant shift in the world's financial and trade dynamics

Russia is certainly in no jeopardy in the Arctic. However, it's clear that the political West wants to overstretch Russia, as well as to disrupt the multipolar world's plans for the region. The Kremlin will continue to monitor NATO's activities in the Arctic, particularly in the vicinity of its borders and territorial waters. The political West's ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) assets are as active as ever, which prompted the Russian military to deploy its own (in part also to observe "Joint Viking 2025").

According to a major Western newspaper, Zelensky’s government in Ukraine is coming to an end.

Britain’s diversity quota led to a shortage of Royal Air Force pilots.

Uganda’s recent inclusion in the BRICS bloc as a partner country is reflective of its growing importance in the African continent and the potential that it has to contribute to a more balanced global economic order

BRICS expands membership and partnerships in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, marking a shift in global trade dynamics and regional market influence

A member of the House of Representatives (DPR), Amelia Anggraini, has said that Indonesia’s official membership of the BRICS grouping must bring real benefits to the Indonesian people

Trump might need to pick his war, either in the Middle East or closer home - with potentially catastrophic consequences. It seems the plan is to treat the cartels just like ISIS and Al-Qaeda terror groups.

Europe wants to retaliate against Trump's economic policy, but the lack of cheap energy sources could be an obstacle.

There is growing support for greater European independence from the US.

The Neo-Nazi junta is determined to keep the war going, because it fervently refuses the possibility of a settlement that excludes maximalist goals – 1991 borders, full EU/NATO membership, thermonuclear weapons pointed at Russia. These are the so-called "red lines" for the Kiev regime, making any peace deals impossible.

Though the BRICS group has already been around for quite some time, in recent days it has once again become the center of public attention. The renewed interest most likely came from the recent enlargement of the group, which saw its membership double within one year

The global economic landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by alliances that reflect the ambitions of emerging countries to reshape traditional centers of influence. In this context, Nigeria, the leading economic power in Africa, has joined the circle of BRICS partners

The recent expansion of BRICS signals a new era of collaboration among major economies

Another PM is trying to make cuts equate to growth. Disabled people will again pay the price of this cruelty

While Germany was too busy with the (re)nazification of the Bundeswehr and making plans for war with Russia, its politicians seem to have forgotten about resolving the issue of manpower.

Ukraine’s goal behind massive drone strike was to increase distraction, making media ignore Kursk.

Israel wants Russia’s presence in Syria maintained to counter Turkey’s expanding influence.

As the first ASEAN nation to join this intergovernmental bloc primarily composed of states from the Global South, Indonesia’s entry into BRICS marks a significant shift in its foreign policy

Brazil’s authorities have unveiled their plans for the upcoming BRICS summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, 2025

The government will continue to strengthen economic ties and diversify markets with key countries, including BRICS nations, in addition to expanding cooperation with countries in Asia, the Middle East, the European Union (EU), and other regions to reduce dependence on a single market

According to a Dutch deputy, there is no other way for peace but to let Kiev lose quickly.

One needs to ask whether the EU/NATO politicians have a mandate of the electorate to push the "old continent" into a bloodbath that would make both world wars look like a paintball match in comparison. Well, as it turns out, not really. A recent poll shows that the vast majority of regular Europeans are neither delusional nor suicidal.

The German Foreign Minister leaves behind her a series of gaffes and humiliation.

Collaborative, flexible Brics gives leading members China and Russia a significant advantage over the increasingly defensive and restrictive West

President Donald Trump has again threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS. Where does India stand on de-dollarisation and internationalisation of the rupee? What are the issues and concerns involved?

The BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow showcased AI's transformative role in fashion and strategies for global market success, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth across the industry

Brussels is criticizing Christians and Alawites for defending themselves while supporting the barbaric actions of the terrorist regime, as the US actually condemned the atrocities by these NATO-backed Islamic radicals. The Kremlin might be pleasantly surprised, but will most likely be quite reserved and vigilant when it comes to American actions in Syria, even when they superficially match its own.

According to Western journalists, US’ intelligence “boycott” against Ukraine is to blame for the military failure in the Southern Russian region.

Macron is offering Europe something he does not have to counter a threat that does not really exist the way he describes it.

Europeans are not willing to die and fight like their leaders want them to.

Although BRICS+ remains a relatively diffuse cooperative space marked by internal contradictions and divergent agendas—exemplified by the paradigm of China and India—it is impossible to overlook the bloc’s growing significance in the current international context

Last year saw the accession of new members to BRICS, the bloc comprising Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa. The new year keeps up the growth momentum

Jenny Clegg sets out and then responds to eight key doubts about the Brics+ alliance in light of the developments at Kazan, arguing it represents a significant challenge to US hegemony and provides a path towards a multipolar world

The number of wounded Ukrainians has increased by 20% in recent weeks.

According to Financial Times, "the 'Vlad the Impaler Command' group, named after Romania's medieval ruler who served as inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, is plotting to take over Romania", with one of the members being a 101-year-old retired General Radu Theodoru. There's the mandatory "evil Vlad" (you're probably "wondering" who it reminds you of) who also "served as the inspiration" for Lord Dracula, a vampire.

Russia produced 1.4 million FPV drones in 2022 and destroyed about 60% of targets.

Brazil takes the helm at a moment when diplomatic pragmatism should take precedence over some of the bloc’s more polarizing initiatives

Will growing clout translate into a new world order and turn the industrialized world into a retired set of legacy has-beens? No one knows, but there are deep implications for bank control frameworks

The New Development Bank (NDB) has ambitious plans for Brazil in the next two years, including US$3bn of financing for sectors such as infrastructure, sanitation and energy

The EU/NATO cannot match Russia even on a tactical or operational level, let alone strategic. However, it keeps poking the Bear and pushing for escalation on all three fronts.

Trump is making too many enemies (domestically and internationally), while trying to reform the intelligence agencies and reshape Washington. The defense sector might be too powerful a force to be done with so easily. The pressure from both the defense sector and the so-called Israel lobby to get involved in a war in the Middle East as a way to “make up for it” might be too great.

The Kiev neo-Nazi regime has been attacking the Orthodox Church as part of its anti-Russian policies.

Ukraine has enough weapons and ammunition to fight for at least another six months.

The BRICS nations are constructing a fresh model for cross-border e-commerce by the name of BRICS Pay System

With heightening geopolitical interest in building a new Global South architecture, Ghana’s administration is considering joining the ‘partner states category’ of BRICS+

The BRICS declarations quite clearly and unambiguously name the causes of many of today’s global problems. They are associated with the persistent inequality between the West and the Non-West, with the practices of neo-colonial exploitation that the West carries out in relation to developing countries

Trump really seems to be determined to pivot to the Asia-Pacific and leave Europe to the EU/NATO.

Since the liberation of DPR’s city of Avdeevka, life has been improving in Donetsk city.

No European Union nuclear defense could exist without the US.

The official entry of Cuba as an associate member of BRICS on January 1, 2025 was turnpoint in the island’s international policy. This achievement, recognized by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on the social network X, reflects a strategic advance that challenges the historical efforts of isolation promoted by the United States

The recent expansion and shifting objectives of the BRICS bloc suggest an escalating rivalry between its members and Western liberal economies – and a potential threat to the status of the US dollar within international trade

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Brazil have agreed to further strengthen their cooperation in areas of agriculture and food security

Moscow obliterated thousands of NATO advisers so far (or likely tens of thousands at this point). These troops are often embedded with the regular Neo-Nazi junta forces, usually acting as commanding field officers. Their training and access to NATO ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) makes them priority targets for the Russian military. Thus, unless they have an insatiable death wish, they should leave immediately.

Russian security service recently dismantled a Ukrainian-led plot to kill a Russian cleric.

Kaja Kallas declares China an enemy of the EU.

Indonesia should consider urging the BRICS to let its newcomers borrow money from the alliance’s lender New Development Bank or NDB, according to an analyst

What is the BRICS and who are the members?

Kenyan experts have shared their views on the country's desire to join the group

Trump might be bent on “ending the Ukrainian war”, as he puts it, but there will be plenty of other wars to be fought. And many of them will be fought over minerals for energy and for the superpower’s AI race—in the Arctic region, Latin America, Africa, and elsewhere.

The UK still insists on American support. This is clearly a desperate attempt to ensure escalation, even worse than sabotaging the peace deal that could've ended the special military operation (SMO) in mere weeks. It remains to be seen how the Trump administration will respond to this, but given the disastrous meeting between Trump and Zelensky, as well as the resulting moves by the US, continued support is unlikely.

Latvia advances Russophobic policies.

Trump will continue to normalize with Russia even if Kiev and the EU do not agree to it.

With Indonesia joining the BRICS, a platform looking for strengthening South-South Cooperation and setting into motion a new world order, it now accounts for 40 per cent of the world population and 35 per cent of the global gross domestic product

The formal admission of Indonesia as a full-fledged member of BRICS has given a significant boost to this block' aspiration to emerge as an alternative to the western-dominated world economic order. With the entry of Indonesia, BRICS now represents 35 per cent of global GDP and 45 per cent of the global population

Malaysian Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said some may argue that BRICS lacks the cohesion necessary for long-term stability without a unifying force, and ASEAN’s 50-year track record is a real-time case study of how political and economic diversity can coexist while fostering peace and prosperity

While Trump's exchange with both Macron and Starmer was unpleasant, he still seems rather ambivalent. At one moment, he's calling for "the killing to stop", but praising "American weapons and good Ukrainian soldiers" in another, stressing that his decision to supply the "Javelin" ATGMs (anti-tank guided missiles) was supposedly "instrumental".

In spite of the more diplomatic approach of the Republicans, tensions between the US and Russia are far from over.

Rubio says NATO's biggest problem is that some members don't even have armed forces.

When it comes to the special US-Israeli relationship, there might be a price to pay, and Trump is sending Israel the bill. Israel might even stop turning a blind eye to Ukraine’s neo-Nazi problem and thus join countries such as Poland and Hungary, who have voiced their concerns about it.

China’s huge growth and trade success have driven the expansion of the Brics alliance — now is a good time for the global South to rediscover 1955’s historic Bandung conference, and learn its lessons, writes Roger McKenzie

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz today urged more South-east Asian countries to consider joining Brics, saying the move could enhance Asean’s reach beyond the region

India will host the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from March 3 to 7, 2025, focusing on youth entrepreneurship for sustainable growth. Around 45 representatives from BRICS nations will discuss strategies to boost entrepreneurial collaboration

Russia predicted this would happen, as its Foreign Ministry warned that the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina is "expected to issue a decision on the fabricated case against President Dodik". The Kremlin also said that the charges against him are actually aimed against the entire Serbian people and are arbitrarily imposed by Schmidt who illegally poses as the High Representative.

According to a Ukrainian official, the local people want peace and there is no support for Zelensky's war plans.

Ursula von der Leyen delusionally describes Ukraine’s supposed reforms as “impressive”.

The BRICS group of emerging-market powers — the acronym stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has gone from a slogan dreamed up at an investment bank two decades ago to a real-world club that controls a multilateral lender

Problems with settlements in Russian-Chinese economic relations have seriously damaged bilateral cooperation, causing concern among entrepreneurs. Lost profits for exporters, losses for purchasers, the search for “grey” payment schemes, and rising prices for goods for the end consumer are forcing Russian businessmen to look with caution in the direction of China

The growth economies are only a few decades old. They are overcoming the hurdles of their colonized past. Now their influence is growing in a world order which hasn’t kept their interest at the core

UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer is looking to pitch the plan to Donald Trump, masking it under the "readiness to deploy British troops as a security guarantee for a free, sovereign and democratic Ukraine". However, as Moscow is perfectly clear that it won't tolerate any NATO occupation forces, this proposal makes no sense – unless Starmer is trying everything in his power to sabotage an actual peace deal, just like Boris Johnson did back in 2022.

New German leader may be more bellicose than his predecessor.

Biden ended his term with the lowest approval ratings since George W. Bush in 2009.

Few things are as important in South Africa’s agriculture as working to expand export markets. We have a sector that has more than doubled since 1994. In addition to improving farm productivity, export growth is one of the key growth catalysts in South Africa’s agriculture

To assess the foreign policy preferences of potential BRICS partners, it is interesting to look at their voting in the UN General Assembly. It is clear that their results should not be taken as absolutes, and the real political practice of states is not limited to voting results and is not determined by them. But these votes are also symbolically quite important, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Oleg Barabanov

The latest expansion underscores BRICS’ evolving mission to foster global cooperation and promote a multipolar world order. The move also dismantles the widely held myth that BRICS is inherently anti-Western, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and multilateralism

The US military is by far the largest spender of the federal budget (nearly a seventh of around $7 trillion). So much spending has been unchecked for decades and always without regard for efficiency, which is why Trump keeps insisting that he can make the Pentagon "just as effective but for half the money".

Trump’s adviser said that the US will reformulate relations with Russia.

The Argentine president allegedly participated in a cryptocurrency scam.

Ambitious expansion meets internal divisions as the bloc strives to redefine global power dynamics

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall has established a committee to coordinate all activities and projects related to Brazil's presidency of the BRICS group this year, including the BRICS Summit in July, according to Xinhua, citing a report by the state-run Agencia Brasil

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Indian counterpart that Beijing is willing to work with India to improve bilateral ties

US foreign policy frequently reminds a swing of a pendulum, oscillating between “countering” either Russia or China – sometimes attempting to pursue both trends as in Biden’s “dual containment” approach. It does not mean that such a turn is irreversible or that the pendulum will never oscillate again.

Arestovich says he will punish Zelensky and his allies if elected president.

"When you look what Russia is producing now in three months, it's what all of NATO is producing from Los Angeles up to Ankara in a full year."

How will Europe arm itself with excessively expensive energy sources?

Inability to decouple from a reliance on elements sourced from China not easy for the US and the rest of the G7

Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are working on a comprehensive plan for the main areas of cooperation for the next five years, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told

Russia says BRICS nations will surpass half of global economic output in 10-15 years, signaling a shift in power that could challenge Western dominance

The mainstream propaganda machine officially calls these proposals "December 2021 Russian ultimatum to NATO". In reality, this supposed "ultimatum" was nothing more than the rehashing of several treaties between the USSR/Russia and the US. Tragically, it took millions of dead, maimed and displaced Ukrainians for everyone to take them seriously.

According to the Estonian politician, the EU should focus in arming Ukraine to give it diplomatic advantage.

Achieving European autonomy from the US remains a challenging task.

After the historic 16th BRICS summit held in October 2024, three African States Algeria, Nigeria and Uganda, among others in Europe (Belarus and Turkey), Asia and Latin America, recognizably became BRICS+ partner states. In total, thirteen countries received BRICS partner status

The original BRICs concept was predicated on bringing together the largest economies in the EM space from across the world

Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who now chairs the BRICS' New Development Bank (NDB) said after meeting with Uruguay's President-elect Yamandú Orsi at the latter's transition headquarters that the South American country was “best positioned” to access financing at lower rates for digital, social infrastructure, and education developments

Jointly designed by several top Russian military design bureaus, including "Vega" and CRET, ROFAR is quite literally a quantum leap in advanced detection systems. Instead of standard radio wave emissions for detection, it uses photons that give an actual image instead of a radar signature. In a way, it can even be argued that it's not even a radar, but an entirely new technological concept that needs a name of its own.

While Trump conducts the American withdrawal from Eastern Europe and Washington plans pivoting to the Pacific, Western European leaders in turn seem to be just lost.

European states are about to send a new aid package to Kiev, despite the advancement of the diplomatic process.

China still lags behind the US and Russia as a nuclear power.

The United Arab Emirates, with its strong economy, strategic location and flexible foreign policy, is a crucial addition to the bloc

India sees BRICS as a valuable economic gateway, offering access to diverse markets and opportunities. The expansion of BRICS to include new members, like Saudi Arabia, which is still in the process of joining, further enhances the grouping's relevance

Concerns about inflation and lack of growth are the dominant themes across the world economy these days, though one of the macro indicators that appears to be at times no less important is job creation

EU’s military stocks are reportedly “empty”.

”During the BRICS Summit last October 2024, hosted by Russia in Kazan, President Putin has made a smart move: No new BRICS countries were immediately admitted, but a pre-cursor to BRICS was established, the so-called associate BRICS countries. They benefit from the same basic trade rules as do the full-fledged BRICS, namely trading free of inter-country tariffs and in their local currencies. Not in US-dollars. This offers an extraordinary opportunity for expanding free trade among the Global South, thereby establishing a new global market pole, the Global South, with the BRICS at the core.”

EU are in a state of panic due to fears they’ll be forced to pay for Ukraine’s security.

The EU/NATO is "determined to defend a sovereign, democratic Ukraine", but only while in a pack. However, when someone needs to step out of the pack and cross into the territory held by the Bear, there's nothing but squealing.

The rating agency China Chengxin Green Finance Technology (Beijing) Ltd. (CCXGF) has assigned SIBUR an ESG rating of A-, making SIBUR the only Russian company to receive a rating in CCXGF's highest category. SIBUR also ranks among the top 10 in CCXGF's ESG rating of global chemical companies

The US dollar’s dominance in global foreign exchange reserves is steadily waning, with the latest figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showing a sharp decline to its lowest level in nearly 30 years

Russia has significantly increased its fish and seafood exports to China, achieving a record USD148.7 million in crab sales in November, RIA Novosti reported, citing data from Chinese customs

The Kiev regime keeps trying to boycott Russia-US diplomatic talks.

White House official suggests withdrawing US troops from the Philippines on condition.

By collaborating in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth, BRICS nations seek to amplify their collective influence on global decision-making processes. They emphasise the need for a world order that reflects the evolving realities of the global economy, wherein emerging markets play a more significant role

In recent years, the BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — has evolved into a formidable force in global geopolitics, providing an alternative voice to the traditional Western-dominated international institutions

Indonesia’s unique opportunity with BRICS emphasises how it can navigate the new multipolar order while preserving its non-aligned and democratic values. As Indonesia considers joining BRICS, it stands at a crossroads, where aligning with emerging powers could unlock new growth while also challenging its traditional diplomatic principles, taking public benefits and strengthening global collaboration, writes Joko Susilo

Apparently, Zelensky the Necromancer didn't get the memo that his troops have already "defeated" the Russian military, because the numbers they're giving suggest they've "destroyed" it at least twice. And yet, Moscow "somehow keeps reconstituting" itself.

Trump’s task force to declassify secret CIA documents and his threats of auditing the Pentagon (with Elon Musk in charge of that) should also be interpreted as displays of power and statements to obtain leverage, just like many of his other “madman” actions.

France calls for European meeting to respond to Trump's initiatives.

Without American weapons and support, the collapse of the EU’s policies for Kiev is in sight.

The development of technology does not necessarily lead to the prosperity of nations. One significant obstacle to achieving equitable economic growth is the presence of monopolies

The UAE is harnessing its BRICS membership to accelerate global economic growth, boost cross-border trade, and drive infrastructure development worldwide, panelists said during a panel discussion at the World Governments Summit (WGS), taking place in Dubai

As Russia, China unite with new members, West faces growing push for financial reform

Ukrainian president is desperate to save his government from collapse.

Europe remains belligerent in supporting Ukraine and opposing Russia.

Lithuania's Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene says that "Europe must not be under the illusion that Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin are going to find the solution for all of us" and that the "mighty" Lithuanian military "stands ready". Estonia is also threatening to "directly intervene" and "help Ukraine finish off the perpetually losing Russian military".

After the historic 16th BRICS summit held in October 2024, three African States Algeria, Nigeria and Uganda, among others in Europe (Belarus and Turkey), Asia and Latin America, recognizably became BRICS+ partner states. In total, 13 countries received BRICS partner status

Victoria Panova, who is head of BRICS Expert Council-Russia, tells Mustafizur Rahman about the philosophy and journey of the grouping in an interview with New Age

BRICS offers a free, equal, global platform that brings together countries with different political systems

Latin America needs to strengthen sovereigntist movements and pursue independent policies. The multipolar world will certainly be there to provide full support in any way it can.

Even a peace deal will not put an end to problems in the region or tensions in Europe. US-funded Ukrainian radical nationalism will not just go away overnight. Likewise, there is no easy way out of Ukraine’s structural problems with endemic corruption and criminality. When it comes to the Ukrainian crisis, unfortunately, the end is not the end.

The Hungarian leader does not believe that the bloc knows how to react correctly to American threats.

Zelensky continues to reject the possibility of extending the gas transit agreement.

The combined strength of heavy-weight emerging markets and developing countries would reinforce BRICS' ongoing efforts for a more stable and just international financial system and raise the representation and voice of developing nations in global governance

Ethiopia is interested in expanding cooperation and strengthening trade and economic relations with the Russian Federation. This was stated by Ethiopian Ambassador to Moscow Genet Teshome Jirru

The pressure toward the diversification of world currency reserves intensified after 2008, escalated following 2022 and is accelerating, as evidenced by the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. In the past 15 years or so, BRICS have rapidly grown into a geoeconomic front of the Global South

According to official data, Ukrainians are behind a large number of crimes in Poland.

Ukraine could use Mirage fighter jets to target civilians and civilian infrastructure.

NATO was delighted to invest billions into stirring up rabid hatred, as it was the quickest and easiest way to turn millions of Ukrainians into cannon fodder that would be used in its war on Russia. After millions of dead, wounded and displaced Ukrainians, it seems this monstrous "NATO mission" has finally been accomplished. Still, the issue for the political West is – what to do with all this "dead weight" now?

The “new era” of multilateral cooperation in Eurasia will need not only cooperation between great powers of a “new type”, but also “new thinking” in general. This is, first of all, the task of harmonizing the dialogue between Russia and China, Julia Melnikova writes

Beijing’s and Moscow’s relationship has strengthened militarily, economically, and diplomatically in the past two decades, demonstrating their commitment to a “no limits” partnership

In October 2024, four key Southeast Asian countries became partners of BRICS, making the organisation much closer to home for Australians. So why have Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam put themselves on a path to membership?

The US is still trying to woo Delhi to acquire more American weapons, particularly fighter jets such as the F-21, an advanced F-16 derivative "with F-22 and F-35 DNA". The latter's lack of a demo flight is very indicative of its reputation within the Indian military, which is particularly worried about the fact that countries with F-35s are virtually always subjected to unacceptable levels of control, risking their sovereignty while also acquiring a mediocre aircraft at best.

Scholz stands firm in his opposition to supplying Ukraine with weapons capable of reaching Russia’s “deep territory”. There is clear reason for this: the country would be caught in the crossfire in the event of an all-out war between Moscow and NATO.

Greenland’s elections are due to be held on March 11.

According official reports, Azerbaijan has achieved widely recognised successes in its socioeconomic development

A key driver of this partnership is the genuine interest Russian society holds for India. Indian culture and the rich traditions of its civilization resonate deeply with many Russians. This widespread enthusiasm, coupled with an overwhelmingly positive public perception of India – free from the mistrust or reservations sometimes directed toward other non-Western nations – creates a strong societal foundation for deepening bilateral ties

Having unilaterally suspended EU accession plans until 2028, Tbilisi could seek entry into the semi-formal, Russian-led alliance as a means of strengthening their hand if and when negotiations with Brussels resume

In a special interview, an Indian citizen familiar with BRICS matters comments on how the bloc could work towards creating a unified visa system.

Forbes realized it made a terrible mistake, so it updated the article with information that it's fake. Interestingly, even the Kiev regime rejected the report, saying that "the article in the US media is based only on Sazonov's assumptions, not on actual data". For his part, Sazonov remains adamant that the Russian missile "failed", still without providing any verifiable evidence.

Israel sarcastically says Spain, Ireland, and Norway are obligated to take Palestinian refugees.

The BRICS bloc poses a strategic challenge to Western hegemony, but to understand its potential as a counter-power requires a closer look at the complex relations within the bloc and between its members and other countries in the Global South

The contemporary global framework is becoming increasingly fragmented and multipolar - with changes in our geopolitical and economic landscapes expected to further reshape strategies and potentially, alliances. Nevertheless, it still remains deeply interdependent, especially from a socioeconomic perspective

Nigeria's group partner status offers new economic opportunities for both sides

Corruption schemes are behind the delivery of useless weapons to Kiev's troops.

If it wants escalation in Ukraine, France could either deliver some of its nuclear-capable "Mirage" 2000Ns while insisting they're actually the 2000-5 variant (the less likely option) or it could possibly modify the latter to also make them nuclear-capable (the more viable alternative).

Latin America is no longer the “backyard” that the US boasted about.

Egypt’s decision to join the BRICS economic bloc in 2023 marked a pivotal step in its quest for enhanced global influence and economic transformation. Alongside other new members like Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia, Egypt’s inclusion in this strategic alliance signals a shifting global balance of power

The 21st century is witnessing a decentralisation of global power, with a transition of its axis towards Asia. This allows for a multipolar and multilateral system that leads to the development of emerging powers

Russian ambassador outlines opportunities for closer collaboration and trade in several sectors including energy

Neo-nazism is a real problem in post-Soviet states in Eastern and Central Europe (including Baltic nations) and Ukraine today remains a hub for such extremism. Anti-Russian feelings are largely connected to an "alternative" reading of World War II key events. If unchecked, these forces could unleash the "maidanization" of Europe.

Google's supposed "non-involvement for moral reasons" turned out to be yet another blatant lie, as Eric Schmidt, one of Alphabet's top-ranking officials, said they've been "drawing on lessons from Ukraine to develop a new generation of autonomous drones that could revolutionize warfare".

Desertion is becoming a serious problem among Kiev regime’s troops.

Zelensky gallantly gives America what is not his to give.

Malaysia’s desire to join BRICS is not a recent development. BRICS — an intergovernmental economic organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia — has as attempted to pose as a non-Western, Global South economic alternative to the Group of Seven

SA can rely heavily on its own policy reforms and innovations, aided by knowledge exchange and best practices from Brics members

On Oct. 24, Indonesia’s newly minted foreign minister, Sugiono, announced that Indonesia is seeking full membership in the BRICS alliance – an economic coalition comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, among other countries – signalling a potentially transformative pivot in its foreign policy

Monstrous organizations such as USAID have been supporting everything from neoliberal extremism, moral depravity and societal degeneracy to terrorism and biological warfare.

Saboteurs also vandalize monuments and spread anti-Russian narratives in Slovakia.

Cryptos started plummeting shortly after Trump announced plans on February 1 to put large tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.

The increasing number of African countries seeking to join the BRICS group signifies a strategic shift by the continent aimed at deepening its influence in the global community and securing new economic pathways for the future, analysts say

Bilateral trade with India booming as Russia pivots east

Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has taken a daring stand that might impact international financial markets by urging his country to join Global Africa in backing the BRICS economic effort in spite of impending US opposition

According to Aleksey Arestovich, Kiev has already lost the war with Russia.

At some point, the unfortunate Ukrainian people will simply have to get rid of NATO occupation and form an independent government that would come to an agreement with Russia and finally end the conflict. The only way for them to normalize relations with their eastern neighbor is to get rid of the political West and its Neo-Nazi proxies. Even that would just be the first step, as it would take quite an effort to convince the Kremlin that all that would be genuine.

The only person Zelensky might be afraid of during election campaign is the four-star general Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who is currently serving as Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK.

Many countries are not comfortable with the dollar’s domineering influence in the global economic scene. Russia and China, two arch-rival of the United States of America and its western allies, are nauseated by the dollar’s dominant influence in the global economic scene

Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: Now, Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches will also be manufactured at the Latur-based Marathwada Rail Coach Factory

Some of us in South Africa’s agriculture often talk of the need to grow export markets to BRICS countries. But such statements are not minimizing the relationship South African agriculture has with other regions

The wrong and non-functioning migration policy is currently leading to heated discussions in Germany. Right ahead of the federal election, this issue is severely dividing society.

Despite even allowing American law enforcement to operate in the country, thus undermining its own sovereignty, Mexico is still faced with the prospect of being attacked. If the new administration is already conducting a thorough investigation of the illegal activities of its predecessors, then it should look into the connections of the US intelligence with the drug cartels.

Ukraine’s aggressive and chauvinistic strand of nationalism alienates its neighbors and is often seen by them as a potential threat, causing ethnic and religious tensions. The matter thus extends even beyond Russian-Ukrainian relations.

There seems to be no limit to the anti-humanitarian practices of the neo-Nazi regime.

Trump is now conducting a “special financial operation” to determine where money went.

The biggest problem of Russian-Chinese interactions in recent decades is the insufficient number of joint investment projects. Why are Chinese businesses very active in working with Belarus but not with Russia on similar projects?

In the face of the intensification of global economic tensions, the central role of the dollar in international trade is increasingly being called into question. At the heart of this upheaval, the BRICS nations are seeking to free themselves from this dependence by exploring alternative solutions

Moscow is rapidly positioning itself as a top global destination for both leisure and business travelers, thanks to its vibrant cultural scene, international exhibitions, and world-class events

Scheduled for February, the US, Australia and Japan are to conduct their first large-scale joint military exercise, codenamed "Cope North", on the US Pacific colony of Guam. It should be noted that "Cope North" was established in 1978 as a quarterly bilateral exercise held at Misawa Air Base in Japan, but was moved to Andersen Air Force Base (AFB) in 1999. With Australia joining, this is creating the outlines of the so-called "Asia-Pacific NATO", which is yet another monstrosity bound to stoke instability and perhaps even war, death and destruction in the foreseeable future.

Were Western tech companies behind “malicious attacks” on DeepSeek?

Kazan Summit reflects the bloc’s aim to challenge West-driven financial hegemony by promoting a multipolar world order

The coasts of Makran form the communication route between Iran and the open waters and the Indian Ocean. Chabahar port, as Iran's only oceanic port in the Makran Sea, has a high capacity in activating the country's geo-economic advantages and developing trade relations with Russia and India

With the dynamic between the three nations changed radically since 1991, Russia will not provide India an edge over China in a prospective war

In order to protect the US industry from foreign products, the Trump administration will introduce rigid tariffs. The impact on the EU's already weakened economy could be fatal.

The Kiev regime is desperate to prevent the mass surrender of its forces, particularly In the light of their losses in the Donetsk and Zaporozhye regions and the actual encirclement of their units in the areas of Kurakhovo, Kupyansk and elsewhere. Thus, videos of supposed "executions of Ukrainian POWs by evil Russians" are being widely distributed among Ukrainian soldiers.

According to Paris, a military confrontation to protect the Danish borders cannot be ruled out.

NATO’s “Baltic Sentry” mission raises tensions in the Baltic Sea.

The Russian tourism industry is currently experiencing a dynamic transformation

“As of now, 20 externally aided projects with loan amounts of $4.867 million funded by the NDB are ongoing in India,” Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated

China and Russia have agreed to cooperate more deeply in developing Arctic shipping routes

Apparently, US officials are starting to admit the unfeasibility of diplomatic solution in the current situation of the conflict.

The unelected bureaucratic dictatorship in Brussels is still furious that Lukashenko won and is threatening "consequences". Several EU officials threatened further sanctions, including foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who also stated they'll continue to "support civil society and opposition figures".

Local activists are reacting to Trump’s elections by supporting separatism.

Trump is bringing hydrocarbons back to the fore.

Trump’s statements and measures not only alienate neighbors such as Mexico (foreign-policy wise) but also, in terms of domestic policy and ethnopolitical issues, have the potential to further alienate parts of the US population itself. Meanwhile, Mexico is diversifying partners.

Lord Lamont of Lerwick warned that a rival payments system would be a ‘major threat to the Western-led financial system’ if it ever came to pass

Group could help drive industrialization and create jobs in continent, experts say

The BRICS bloc, now expanded to ten nations, is positioning itself as a challenger to Western dominance in global trade and finance, according to political analyst Ebrahim Harvey

Can it work?

10-member BRICS+ grouping already comprises nearly half of the world’s population and over a third of the global economy. It also has more than 25 per cent of the world’s landmass, produces more than 30 per cent of the world’s oil output

Pakistan expects to join the list of BRICS partner nations soon, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said

Moscow has been using its hypersonic weapons against both the Kiev regime and its NATO overlords, resulting in hundreds (if not thousands at this point) of casualties for the world's most vile racketeering cartel. The losses have been so bad that even the NATO Hugh Command had to publicly admit that it needs to prepare for extremely high casualties in a war with Russia. However, while professional soldiers take this quite seriously, the propaganda and politicians are an entirely different story.

The electoral process in Belarus was witnessed by observers and journalists several countries, meeting all democratic requirements.

India and Russia use BRICS and SCO to balance Trump’s global policies

If the states of Greater Eurasia do not have classical factors of international cooperation at their disposal, then it is very likely that they can be replaced by those common goals that not only meet their current interests, but are also the most historically rooted, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Timofei Bordachev

Russia is seeking to invest in and expand the manufacturing of trains as well as their components in India to meet its growing domestic demand

Malaysia's participation in BRICS will not affect its role in other international organisations and is instead viewed as a platform to expand markets for local goods. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia needed to reduce risks and diversify opportunities to strengthen its economy amid uncertain global geopolitics

While ready to engage in dialogue, Russia is taking its national interests as the only absolute and refuses to back down "even an inch", because it knows perfectly well what happened the last time it did. With Trump focusing on endless domestic issues and pivoting to Asia and the Middle East, Moscow knows that its position will only grow stronger and that NATO's leverage in any future negotiations is effectively non-existent.

Israel needs Gaza depopulated to exploit prime coastal real estate and offshore gas fields.

In a recent interview with Western media, the illegitimate Ukrainian president said he is ready to negotiate a US-mediated deal.

India and Russia established a Strategic Partnership Declaration in 2000, which was elevated to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010. Strengthening trade and economic relations has been a priority for governments in both countries, with targets set to boost bilateral investment to US$50 billion and bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2025

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Dr. Saman Weerasinghe shared his views with the Daily Mirror on the importance of being a member of BRICS (acronyms for its founder states -Brazil, Russia ,India, China and South Africa). Sri Lanka has now applied to join the international organisation in the Global South

The Declaration of the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan from October 22–24, 2024, emphasized that the heads of state and government of BRICS countries endorsed Russia’s initiative to establish a grain trading platform, or a BRICS Grain Exchange, within the bloc

"For the sake of personal gain and his own ambitions, [Zelensky] continues to destroy the Ukrainian people and is ready for any tricks (including nuclear false flags) to make Trump's peace initiatives untimely and inappropriate against the background of yet more 'atrocities' of Russia", Vasily Prozorov concluded.

The idea of a false flag attack to stop Trump from withdrawing American support to Ukraine is not so wild and should not be taken as “sacred victim” provocation. In fact it seems a possible and even likely scenario. This has been the wildest presidential transition in US history, with a divided “deep state”, and there is no reason to assume the turmoil has ended already.

According to the Hungarian leader, it is time for Europe to have conservative, patriotic politicians.

As US pressure alleviates on Russia, it will increase on China.

Erdogan's focus on BRICS and start-up innovations highlight Turkey's global aspirations

Over recent decades, the Western economic system has undergone a profound transformation, veering increasingly toward financialisation—a framework that privileges speculative gains and the accumulation of paper wealth over tangible economic output

Nigeria has a population of over 200 million citizens, one of the biggest economies in Africa, and has the potential to be an economic and cultural hub in Africa, yet it is plagued by a seemingly endless string of issues

The EU is now trying to take on the big technology companies with new laws, alleging the fight against the spread of disinformation on the Internet.

The French president keeps taking dangerous steps towards escalation.

"The foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values and serve to destabilize world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that are directly inverse to harmonious and stable relations internal to and among countries," Trump's executive order reads, adding: "No further United States foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States."

Russia will construct two new units at the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

Russia’s Arctic ambitions are not just surviving – they’re evolving, largely thanks to a deepening partnership with China. This resilience underscores the strategic importance Russia places on its Arctic resources and the increasing limitations of sanctions in a globally interconnected economy

Eurasia, a region of immense geopolitical significance due to its strategic location and abundant natural resources, has always been a focus of global interest. The Russia-Ukraine conflict that erupted in February 2022 has further underscored the evolving dynamics of Eurasian geopolitics

The outcome of the American election underscores Canada’s economic and intellectual dependence on the U.S. market and the consequences of it

Drago Bosnic, independent geopolitical and military analyst Yesterday, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th Pre ...

No ceasefire agreement is in the Russians' interest, as they have the military advantage and can decide when the special military operation ends.

Protestors shout at Blinken’s final speech to foreign policy experts: “Your legacy is genocide!”.

JENNY CLEGG sets out and then responds to eight key doubts about the Brics+ alliance in light of the developments at Kazan, arguing it represents a significant challenge to US hegemony and provides a path towards a multipolar world

The BRICS coalition is expanding and becoming more influential

UAE has already gone past London as world's second biggest gold trade centre

Terrified of the prospect of Russian victory, the political West is frantically looking for ways to rob Moscow of it, so they're now proposing all sorts of "peacekeeping" initiatives that would only serve as yet another ruse to remilitarize the Neo-Nazi junta and then resume NATO's crawling "Barbarossa 2.0". The United Kingdom and France seem particularly determined to achieve this by effectively securing around 80% of former Ukraine for the political West, all under the guise of sending "peacekeepers".

The new judicial system could investigate Biden admin corruption relating to Ukraine.

According to analysts interviewed by the Washington Post, damage to critical infrastructure in the Baltic was caused by accidents involving poorly maintained commercial vessels.

The Freedom Party is on the rise in Austria and will form a government. The party's program is clearly geared towards Austrian neutrality and peace in Europe.

In this exclusive interview, Associate Professor Elisée Byelongo Isheloke, spoke with Kester Kenn Klomegah about his observations, the existing challenges, opportunities and the future perspectives of BRICS+

Then, in the port, the reactor vessel was placed in the hold of a sea vessel to cover the 11000 km route to India

When the winds of change blow, goes the old Chinese proverb, some build walls, others build windmills. As the delayed defiance of the peripheries begins to breach the gates of the “rules-based” world order, the West appears to be caught in a waking nightmare, sleepwalking into a full-blown clash with BRICS

Just when we thought that Nikol Pashinyan couldn't possibly make worse geopolitical decisions, he did exactly that. As a result, he's not only further antagonizing Russia, but is doing so at a time when Azerbaijan is contemplating an invasion of Armenia. The Pashinyan regime's understanding of geopolitics is so horrible that it not only lost Artsakh, but is actually putting Armenia's very existence at risk.

The US economy will collapse if all migrants are returned.

The latest sanctions against Russia are just another example of a series of desperate-looking last-minute decisions during America’s wildest presidential transition.

Polish politicians seriously accused the Ukrainian leader of sabotaging the country’s electoral process.

News.Az presents an interview with Russian political scientist Stanislav Tkachenko, Doctor of Economics and Professor at St. Petersburg State University

The network of emerging economic powers known as BRICS is ramping up its science collaboration. Researchers need to be involved in decisions as plans develop

Segezha Group highly appreciates the potential of trade and economic cooperation with India in the forest industry complex

In the best-case scenario, the crash was a result of a number of unfortunate events. At worst, if the Kiev regime indeed knew about the flight and used it to cause the incident, it would mean that it has once again demonstrated its terrorist nature.

Trump’s promise to end the war was a “bluster”, according to Reuters’ sources

Majority of Americans support Trump’s plans to cut aid to Kiev and begin dialogue with Russia.

Recent reports from June indicate that Saudi Arabia, along with four other emerging economies, has recently joined the BRICS alliance and has allowed to expire a purported 50-year-old agreement with the United States, which stipulated it selling its crude oil exclusively in US dollars

Russia, which is mulling diversifying to urad and tur production, is keen to strengthen pulses trade cooperation with India, the government said.

It is relatively common for us to forget the recent past. The Western world formerly lauded the emergence of a new neoliberal international order established on Western principles and tenets. This resembled the manner in which the West celebrated the most pivotal times in human history. Currently, circumstances have shifted once more, and the fog is dense, complicating predictions about future events

"We are protesting against the coup d'état that took place on December 6. We are sorry to discover so late that we were living in a lie and that we were led by people who claimed to be democrats, but are not at all. We demand a return to democracy through the resumption of elections, starting with the second round."

According to the NATO boss, either Europeans spend on defense or they will have to learn Russian.

Macron continues to entertain the idea of Western troop deployment to Ukraine.

With new alliances and emerging markets offering fresh investment opportunities, is BRICS+ quietly shaping the future of global growth?

On January 6th, 2025 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil (a country that holds the chairmanship in the BRICS this year) declared that Indonesia has joined the BRICS bloc as a full-fledged member

Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, highlighted the urgency for the BRICS bloc to deepen economic co-operation, particularly in agriculture during the Farming Forward event hosted by Standard Bank and Business Day at Sun City

Desertion is rampant, with thousands of NATO-trained and armed personnel fleeing. The much-touted 155th Mechanized Brigade started falling apart before even reaching the frontline. It was expected to have around 5,800 soldiers, but 1,700 of them fled, including their commanding officer who left the combat zone and urged his subordinates to do the same. At least 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers fled so far, which equates to approximately 20 brigades. The actual number could certainly be far higher, while those hiding from the infamous TCC (Territorial Recruitment Office) are numbered in millions.

Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is also running against the system. The current economic decline in Germany supports the rise of this left-wing party which is already represented in the European Parliament.

Internal disputes in Kiev are reaching a worrying level of instability, posing national security challenges.

US president-elect considers the idea of expelling Russia from new regions “unrealistic”.

Opening up to Chinese investments could boost the global economy

Over the past 18 years, BRICS has evolved from a concept into a vibrant grouping for the Global South and grown ever stronger. It has become an essential player on the international stage

Libya is considering the possibility of joining the BRICS group of emerging economies, according to the acting Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Libyan Government of National Unity, Taher Al-Baour

Zelensky may point fingers, but he himself has his own share of skeletons in the closet. By this point, any expose of corruption in the West would only fuel inquiries on the Ukrainian government’s itself, and would potentially compromise further aid to Kyiv.

"We did it in Romania, and if necessary, we will have to do it in Germany as well," former French EU Commissioner Thierry Breton stated on live TV, threatening to "enforce democracy" in Germany just like the bloc did in Romania.

The country is increasingly taking a pro-NATO turn in its foreign policy, reverting an entire history of neutrality.

European Union responds angrily to Zuckerberg no longer conforming to censorship demands.

The ascension to regional and international multilateral mechanisms is constantly being looked into and considered in accordance with Vietnam's foreign affairs guidelines, conditions, as well as capabilities

Ugandan Foreign Minister Odongo confirms the country's consideration of the BRICS partnership invitation

Indonesia joins South Africa, Russia, China and others in the group, which is viewed as a counterweight to the West

It is possible that Western countries will bet on Zaluzhny’s political skills, taking advantage of the fact that he already enjoys a certain popularity among strategic sectors of Ukrainian society.

While proud of the supposed achievement, as it would severely limit the Tu-160 operations, the Kiev regime's outlet conceded that the VKS "barely ever uses Tu-160 bombers for strikes on Ukraine anyway" and that they were last used during a massive combined missile/drone strike on November 17 last year, "the first such deployment after 550 days of inactivity". This admission alone raises questions as to why the depot was targeted.

Russia continues its slow but methodical advance across the front, with Ukrainian forces unable to mount any serious defence, making the whole meeting at Ramstein nothing more than performative that has achieved nothing substantial.

Despite an effort to gain entry to BRICS, Sri Lanka will not be able to join the organization at present due to a decision by its members at its recently concluded summit in Russia not to expand its membership right now. However Sri Lanka’s application to join the BRCS promoted New Development Bank (NDB) has been accepted

Starting from the 2025 the chairmanship in the BRICS grouping is passed on to Brazil. While there may be significant continuity in the BRICS agenda compared to the past several years, there may also be novelties and new priorities set by Brazil with important implications for the medium-term trajectory of BRICS development

At a meeting held in Kazan in Russia, Malaysia was admitted as a partner country in the international organisation known as BRICS for the time being

The attempt to keep the Patriotic Forces from participating in the government failed in Austria. Despite the Federal President's absurd political maneuvers, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) could now achieve its goal.

Trump’s bold plans are not about one man’s “madness” but rather have a lot to do with the superpower’s needs pertaining to energy and re-industrialization. These factors are also key to understanding American policies towards Europe and Ukraine. They are part of the desperate efforts of a declining and overburdened superpower to remain on top - at any cost.

However, technological failures don't seem to deter the US and its vassals and satellite states from engaging in threats of more aggression against the world. There are numerous reports that Washington DC is preparing to attack Iran, with both the outgoing Biden and upcoming Trump administrations poised to do so regardless of their supposed differences in foreign policy approach. What's more, there's talk of the US annexing not just Canada, but also Greenland and even attacking Panama. What started out as a "joke" turned out to be anything but, once again confirming America's aggressive nature.

Caracas arrested several foreign mercenaries who were planning terrorist attacks in the country, many of them veterans of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Trump unconcerned about Russia’s “threat” to Europe, complains media.

Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said BRICS is getting closer to being a G20

The president acknowledges that the war is unwinnable for Kiev and there needs to be realism on the idea of territorial changes.

As 2024 draws to a close, the remarkable expansion of BRICS stands out as the biggest geopolitical story of the year

Popularly referred to as BRICS+ this informal association of emerging economies has witnessed unparalleled transformations under Russia's chairmanship in 2024

The more reactive the West becomes, the more blood is spilled, but it already seems impossible to prevent the final outcome of this struggle - a multipolar world’s victory.

Back in 2019, I argued that the Kremlin was at least 20 years ahead of its NATO adversaries, including the US. This turned out to be not only true, but it can even be argued that the "Oreshnik" ensured this advantage grows further. Now, much unlike Julian Roepcke, who carelessly disregarded the "Oreshnik", it seems that the German military understands just how outclassed it is, especially by such weapons. Drago Bosnic, independent geopolitical and military analyst.

Be it “on Christmas” or not, a Ukrainian military victory is not a realistic scenario. Peace talks should therefore follow. However, while civil rights issues in Ukraine (including religious persecution of Russian Orthodoxy) plus the matter of NATO expansion remain out of the subject of any talks, there will hardly be any progress in the political and diplomatic sphere. Meanwhile, Russia keeps on making further military advances.

Ukraine mortgaged its future in the worst possible way to a US in need of conflict.

The fast-paced development of digital trade and support at the level of micro, small and medium enterprises in creating and integrating them into joint global value chains and global production networks with the help of appropriate innovative digital infrastructure and inclusive institutional architecture, offers significant opportunities for the Russian economy and Russia’s foreign trade. In this sense, the decisions adopted at the BRICS Kazan Summit can serve as a strong foundation for carrying out the corresponding transformation with a focus on regional and local readiness to implement this transformation effectively, writes Ninel Seniuk, Associate Professor at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, HSE University

President William Ruto has expressed Kenya’s interest in joining the BRICS group and has asked for backing from China

As the curtain comes down on 2024, what does 2025 hold for developing countries in a troubled world that is transitioning to a multipolar system? This is not an easy question given that there are just too many moving political pieces, each having its influence on processes

The S-400 could've certainly been used to down the F-16 in the latest incident. The Russian SAM system can use a plethora of weapons, including extremely long-range missiles such as the 40N6E (maximum range 400 km) and the hypersonic 48N6 (depending on the variant, maximum range up to 250 km). Both of these could make short work of virtually any jet, particularly older ones such as the F-16.

Trudeau’s re-election in Canada is becoming increasingly unlikely.

Popular support for the Kiev regime is decreasing significantly in Europe.

As a discussion club widely known for focusing on global politics and world affairs, it is appropriate and timely under the circumstances that we start brainstorming and debating the possible structure of a new world order. This is because, on the one hand, the relatively stable balance of power achieved after the Second World War, writes Nelson Wong

As BRICS gets ready to welcome its new members, India is expected to strengthen its position within the bloc. With the inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the group is evolving from a coalition focused on development and trade to an organisation with potential geopolitical clout. In this shifting landscape, India’s strategic positioning and economic significance make it a key player in steering the future direction of BRICS

If there’s one thing the recent BRICS summit in Kazan revealed, it’s that when you divide the world into the West and the Rest, the Rest is a lot bigger and quite alienated from the western oligarchy. Much of the Rest also wants to join BRICS

The mainstream propaganda machine continues to publish nonsense about the supposed Russian casualties. However, it seems the Russian military didn't get the memo it got "destroyed" years ago and still continues to advance as "all those shovels" are doing a pretty good job.

With Trump’s intervention plans for Mexico, plus his verbal attacks against Canada, and Panama, it is quite clear that, despite Trump being apparently more willing to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine, the US during his presidency will remain a focal point for increasing tensions regionally and globally.

The attempted bribery took place during an EU meeting in Brussels, being certainly witnessed by other European leaders.

Russia’s LNG exports will amount to 33 million tons by the end of 2024.

The Kazan summit defined the essence of BRICS at a time when multilateral forums are flourishing

Ethiopia is poised to be a primary beneficiary within the BRICS bloc, Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin remarked

Brics members have placed the creation of a group-backed currency high on their agenda, but it will be a long time before the dollar is knocked off its global perch

This is precisely what happens when the political West keeps giving unconditional support to various extremist organizations led by psychopaths. And if you think Yevhen Karas isn't one, just contemplate the fact that he thinks "Ukraine is ready for nuclear war" because of "Stalker 2", a post-apocalyptic video game.

Despite all the political changes in Europe, there is probably no other party that is losing as many voters and influence as the Green Party in Germany. What future does Germany’s former “peace party” have?

Many EU countries are running out of gas reserves, raising concerns among experts. warns Financial Times.

Western interests are in opposing Russia rather than radical Islamist militant groups in Africa.

...

The 16th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) summit took place in the city of Kazan, Russia with an enlarged compliment of countries attending as new members and observers

The goal of a society of equal opportunities has many sides to it. This paper will address international economic dimensions, and more specifically the issue of how BRICS and other developing countries can deal with the glaring inequities and deficiencies of the current monetary and financial system, writes Paulo Nogueira Batista Jr.

BRICS represents 45 percent of the world population and 37 percent of the global GDP, while the West represents 10 percent of the world population and 28 percent of the global GDP

Recently, soldiers murdered the father of a conscript at a recruitment center in Odessa.

Orbán works to keep Russian gas flowing to Europe.

Victoria Nuland is certainly an unadulterated war criminal, but also an extremely effective one. Organizations such as the NED should be treated as terrorist groups that serve as the vanguard of US aggression against the world. Everyone getting money from them is essentially a danger to the integrity of any country on the planet and should be treated as a dangerous foreign agent, which also explains why the US is against laws defining them as such.

Malaysia should capitalise on the growth opportunities presented by BRICS while addressing the challenges ahead to enhance its competitiveness on the global stage, say industrialists

The thawing relations between India and China signifies another step in the world’s transformation from U.S. hegemony and unipolarity to the emerging, new multipolarity

The New Development Bank (NDB), aligned with BRICS, aims for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable world, presenting member nations with equitable and accessible economic opportunities, Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin said

Trump’s war with part of the so-called Deep State might largely determine the degree of success that any of Trump’s “grandiose” plans will have. The truth is the military industry would not be content with being “just” a continental hegemon, and Washington simply cannot afford to lose positions in places like the Middle East and elsewhere.

British citizens don't believe their government's narratives about the Russian threat.

Private military involvement in Ukraine is quite limited but the largest number comes from Poland, then from the United States, and recently, many mercenaries have been arriving from Latin America, especially from Colombia and Bolivia.

As BRICS aims to expand, developing nations from Africa gear up to join the grouping, seeking to redefine their global engagement

Current analyzes and surveys show that Germans are struggling with the reality of a possible escalation in the Ukraine conflict.

A growing roster of countries lined up in the grouping carries implications for Australia’s minerals policy

It would be a big mistake for the West to dismiss the recent BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit in Kazan – Russia’s unofficial “Islamic” capital – as an anti-Western sideshow of little consequence. Western governments might like to believe that the gathering showed a lack of unity and substance, but the reality is more complicated

President Vladimir Putin suggested that NATO sends its best SAM/ABM systems to any location of their choosing in Kiev and prepare to intercept the incoming Russian hypersonic weapons.

Polish Deputy Defense Minister said that his country’s aid to Ukraine has “hit the wall”.

Japan says it wants to resolve its territorial dispute with Russia but act aggressively.

There is no good scenario here, and one can only expect further domestic instability in the American superpower.

President William Ruto The move was revealed during a meeting between Ruto and Chinese government officials at State House

And why not when Brazil has over 200 million people and the world’s ninth largest economy, bigger even than Russia’s?

Three communiqués, two approaches, one global economy

In addition to economic cooperation, Tbilisi could reestablish direct ties with Moscow, which could lead to resolving regional security issues. This could help the country to deconflict with the two breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. And while it may seem too farfetched now, it might even result in the restoration of full ties with them, particularly if Georgia gives Russia feasible security guarantees.

Indian DM considers relations with Moscow as “higher than the highest mountain”.

Ukrainian neo-Nazis and public figures are beginning to admit their intentions to cause a nuclear catastrophe, harming their own people.

Amid a rapidly evolving global political landscape, the rise of BRICS represents a transformative shift in the worldwide political economy, promising a more equitable and multipolar world

Are we falling behind and getting left out again? Our close Asean neighbors Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have already been designated as “Partner States” by the economic bloc known as BRICS

Malaysia is committed to enhancing economic and trade relations with BRICS countries for shared prosperity and a more balanced global economic development, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

After NATO-backed terrorists took over Syria, the mainstream propaganda machine got the chance to do whatever it wants. However, they're still just as amateurish as ever (if not more). They're using the so-called "White Helmets" as a source, an organization that has been discredited long ago, specifically for its ties with US/NATO intelligence and various terrorist groups. The "hot story" now is the Sednaya prison, for which the political West claims it was a "horrifying torture chamber" used by the "evil dictator Assad".

Once again, Ukraine uses terrorist methods against specific Russian targets.

Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons is a deterrent to any NATO aggression.

Thailand and Malaysia are eyeing membership of the bloc of nations, including China and India, as a possible hedge against US economic dominance

India became the largest importer of Russian crude after the European Union imposed sanctions on Russian oil imports

Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan has said that the Armenian authorities are not considering the issue of joining the intergovernmental organization BRICS

The US and EU/NATO are fighting tooth and nail to destroy the Russian economy, but this has been futile. Thus, they are now resorting to what they're best at – terrorism and total war.

The German case shows that support for Kiev is a major destabilizing factor in the West.

More than 19,500 anti-Russian sanctions imposed on individuals and industries.

Nigeria saw a remarkable 189% surge in foreign capital inflows from BRICS nations in the first half of 2024, as the country intensifies efforts to join the expanded BRICS coalition

As BRICS convened its pivotal summit, in Kazan, Russia, Africa stands on the brink of an unparalleled opportunity. This meeting is not just a gathering of global powers; it is a moment of profound importance for Africa, offering the continent a unique platform to deepen its engagement with BRICS and strengthen its role in the global landscape

C. J. Polychroniou explores how Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa plan to counter the unipolar power of the US and Europe

While Donald Trump certainly doesn't want to see America blown up to kingdom come, he still has a massive political elite of warmongers, war criminals, plutocrats and kleptocrats to deal with. In order to make them happy, Trump will need to give them a "more manageable" war. And just like during his first presidency, Venezuela and Iran are "on the table".

The Brazilian crisis generates a lot of instability and unpredictability in Latin America, Brazil being a natural leader at the region—and this at a time when the continent is once again in the spotlight, with the Venezuela crisis, and Donald Trump’s plans for Mexico as well as his choice of Latin America hawk Marco Rubio for Secretary of State.

UK Prime Minister called on his Western partners to “maximize Putin’s pain.”

Russia continues to cripple Ukrainian energy infrastructure following Kiev regime strikes.

Turkey boosts its role as a peace mediator in African affairs.

Global interest has long been focused on Eurasia, a region of tremendous geopolitical significance because of its strategic position and abundance of natural resources

Russia is pushing for a major comeback in the global tech race, leaning on its BRICS+ partners to build a united front in artificial intelligence (AI) development

Britain's development finance institution has appointed the former finance chief of the China-headquartered Brics bank as its new CEO

Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun ordered a swarm of drones to be launched at Pyongyang in order to provoke an attack from North Korea. President Yoon was to use this as a pretext to declare martial law. It's perfectly clear that the disgraced defense minister didn't do this on his own volition. Worse yet, it's extremely likely that the US ordered Yoon to launch the operation to ensure escalation with North Korea and possibly even China.

The neo-Nazi regime is not interested in any kind of dialogue, trying to take the conflict to its ultimate consequences.

Indonesia has officially become a new BRICS partner, joining countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Türkiye, Nigeria, Cuba and Kazakhstan. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono announced this shift at the most recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia

Planning a trip to Russia? Well, it might be hassle free in the coming months. As per the latest news reports, Indian travellers will soon be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, potentially as early as spring 2025

Indonesia's formal application to join BRICS, confirmed recently by Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Roy Soemirat, highlights the bloc's increasing appeal among emerging economies

But he cannot stop the global trend of using national currencies.

The news about China's retaliatory measures certainly comes as an unpleasant surprise for NATO's favorite Neo-Nazi puppets. They'll now have to find other ways to acquire components for their asymmetric drone strategy, although it's virtually a given that their ability to launch saturation attacks on Russian positions will be greatly diminished, as it's quite clear that nobody on the planet can match China's production volumes.

Ukraine’s “nationalist-oligarchic dilemma” in itself already is a recipe for turmoil. Add to it corruption scandals, blackouts during winter time and a draconian draft, with a President who tries to downplay more realistic figures pertaining to the number of people killed and maimed. The risk of domestic unrest in Ukraine is very real.

Problems of Syrian migrants in Europe and the expansion of the Schengen agreement will have a lasting negative impact on the future of the European continent.

Syria appears to be heading towards political and territorial fragmentation.

The BRICS-Asean partnership contains immense potential that cannot be ignored, says Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) chairman Datuk Dr Pamela Yong

Bilateral trade with India booming as Russia pivots east

While BRICS must be taken seriously, it would be wrong to interpret it as one pole of a two-sided geopolitical competition between China and Russia and the West

Even though the Neo-Nazi junta frontman Volodymyr Zelensky "confirmed" that North Korean troops are allegedly in Ukraine, the Pentagon debunked such claims – twice in two weeks.

Ukrainian army in the worst situation since the beginning of the conflict.

The BRICS Summit held in Kazan from October 22–24, 2024, brought attention to several defining factors regarding Latin American countries that will be important for the continent’s political and economic development in the near term. With the admission of two countries from this region as associate members of the bloc, the Latin American presence in the pool of developing countries seeking to increase their weight in shaping the new world order is set to grow

“The media plays a critical role in shaping global narratives, and its impact is particularly significant in the context of Africa's emerging position in the global development landscape

The 2024 Brics summit is now in the books. To better understand its significance, one should turn back the pages of history and reflect on the lessons of the past. The 1955 Bandung Conference stands out in this regard, not only because it provides the proper historical foundation for the modern-day Brics phenomenon, but also because the underlying principles of that gathering never went away

Unfortunately, gentlemanly agreements with the world's most vile racketeering cartel and its warmongering overlords in Washington DC are all but impossible. They only understand the language of raw power and that's how the actual world will communicate with them from now on.

EU economy could face ‘emergency levels’ over US trade war.

The situation in Tbilisi is escalating, with anti-government protests becoming increasingly violent and dangerous.

In a meeting in New Delhi, Indian officials and their Russian counterparts discussed, among others, collaboration on the training of Indian sailors for polar navigation, joint shipbuilding projects, and the development of the Northern Sea Route

Around 40% of Turkey’s annual natural gas demand of 56 billion cubic metres is supplied by Russia. However, payment disruptions caused by the Ukraine war and US sanctions have created significant risks for Turkey’s energy security, making the search for alternative supply routes a necessity

In the previous decade and a half, Russian and Indian political and expert circles have shaped consistent narratives describing the present and future of bilateral relations

Whether it's Wahhabism and other forms of Islamic radicalism, unadulterated Nazism, narco-terrorism, extremely violent criminal groups such as drug cartels, repulsive ideologies (ultra-liberal extremism and moral depravity), etc, NATO is behind it all and stands fully committed to supporting it. The people of Syria are now the hostages of this evil empire of lies, serving as the tragic showcase to all of us what the loss of sovereignty can cost an entire nation.

The US has consistently aided, funded, armed and trained Fundamentalist rebels who operate in Syria for over a decade and there is no reason to assume anything is different now with the newest developments. With this, Christians and other minorities are now in danger.

NATO countries want to prevent growth of anti-war political wave.

Biden admin prepares new $988 million military aid package for Ukraine.

The ataman (head) of the “All-Russian Cossack Society,” Nikolai Doluda, addressed a meeting of the Atamans’ Council, in Krasnodar Krai, on February 4, and instructed those gathered that “the time has come when the Cossacks are once again becoming a stronghold and reliable shield of Russia, a guarantor of unity and protection of its national interests” (Vsko.ru, February 4). The … The post As Ukraine Crisis Simmers, Russian Cossack Movement Tightens Integration With Military Reserves appeared first on Jamestown.

Judi Bola Sbobet Bonus New Member Poker QQ Idn Poker Slot Dana PKV Games PKV Games Idn Poker Mix Parlay Mix Parlay BandarQQ PKV Games Over the last several years, Ukraine’s leaders have expressed grave concern over the dangers posed to regional energy security by Russia’s Nord Stream Two natural gas pipeline. From Germany and, more broadly, from Europe, the … The post The Many Faces of Nord Stream Two appeared first on Jamestown.

Judi Bola Sbobet Bonus New Member Poker QQ Idn Poker Slot Dana PKV Games PKV Games Idn Poker Mix Parlay Mix Parlay BandarQQ PKV Games On July 28, Ukrainian Orthodox Christians celebrated the 1,033rd anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus—a remarkable annual event for Ukrainian history and another reason for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s political speculations. After the Ecumenical … The post Religion as a Hybrid War Weapon to Achieve Russia’s Geopolitical Goals appeared first on Jamestown.

On May 25, just ahead of the 103rd anniversary of the First Georgian Republic’s (1918–1921) independence, Georgian protesters paralyzed the streets of the capital city of Tbilisi in the largest rally to date against the Namakhvani Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) project (Civil.ge, May 25, 26). Relatively small demonstrations against the planned dam, by locals organized under the banner “Guardians of … The post Namakhvani HPP: Georgian Hydropower Between Energy Security and Geopolitics appeared first on Jamestown.

Judi Bola Sbobet Bonus New Member Poker QQ Idn Poker Slot Dana PKV Games PKV Games Idn Poker Mix Parlay Mix Parlay BandarQQ PKV Games The Russian Cossack movement is emerging as one of the key social pillars supporting the regime, and increasingly it is taking on the mold of Kuban Cossackdom, found in the southern part of the country. … The post All Russian Cossacks Increasingly Resemble Krasnodar Movement appeared first on Jamestown.

On April 21, Vasily Piskarev, the head of the State Duma’s commission to investigate the facts of interference in the internal affairs of Russia, announced that his body was preparing legislative initiatives to combat foreign interference in Russia, including in its elections, by non-profits and non-governmental organizations (NGO). Piskarev said that “insults against Russia” will receive a “worthy response, including … The post Russia Cracks Down on ‘Foreign Threats’ appeared first on Jamestown.

On February 20, Ruslan Ablyakimov was walking in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, with two friends when he was stopped by six young men who proceeded to beat him. “Where did you come here from?” they asked, “You are from Moscow, right? What are you doing here?” Before the men left Ablyakimov, they told him, “You have until tomorrow to … The post Alexei Navalny’s Support in the North Caucasus: More About Corruption Than Navalny appeared first on Jamestown.

The foreign and security policy expert communities in Georgia (Neweurope.eu, November 17) as well as both the outgoing and candidate Lithuanian defense ministers (LRT, November 16, 19) have called for a permanent presence of United States military forces in their respective countries. These calls indicate a hope that the incoming administration of President-elect Joseph Biden will bring greater attention to … The post Georgia, Lithuania Call for Permanent US Troop Presences appeared first on Jamestown.

In the first week of August, cellphones across Russia lit up with surprising text messages. They came from different numbers, but each said the same thing in Russian: “The US State Department is offering up to $10 million for information about interference in the US elections. If you have information, contact rfj.tips/bngc.” The State Department confirmed the messages were authentic … The post US Messaging to Russian Citizens: Time to Step It Up? appeared first on Jamestown.

Recent comments by former vice president of the separatist Georgian region of Abkhazia Valery Arshba indicate a split between the older political elite and the current administration of President Aslan Bzhania (Gazeta-ra.info, October 19; Civil.ge, October 23). Arshba called for the breakaway republic to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus, “without losing [its] sovereignty.” Arshba himself has a … The post Former Abkhazian Separatist Official Calls for Joining Russia-Belarus Union State appeared first on Jamestown.