Diplomacy
Trump’s stated reasons for taking Greenland are wrong – but the tactics fit with the plan to limit China’s economic interests
Trump’s stated reasons for taking Greenland are wrong – but the tactics fit with the plan to limit China’s economic interests US President Donald Trump has been trying to acquire Greenland for years, but his stated reasons are questionable. In 2019, he offered to buy the island, which was rejected by Denmark and Greenlanders. Since […]
🏛️ Politics
Trump’s insistence on personal loyalty from ambassadors could crimp US foreign policy
Trump’s insistence on personal loyalty from ambassadors could crimp US foreign policy President Trump’s mass firing of career ambassadors has sent a clear signal that loyalty to him takes precedence over diplomatic expertise, potentially crippling US foreign policy. Trump has appointed fewer than 10% of his nearly 70 ambassadors as career professionals, instead relying on […]
🏛️ Politics
Trump’s Greenland ambitions could wreck 20th-century alliances that helped build the modern world order
Trump’s Greenland ambitions could wreck 20th-century alliances that helped build the modern world order President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland from Denmark has sparked outrage among leaders of countries considered allies for decades, including France and Norway. The move has also unnerved NATO leaders, who are concerned that it could affect the functioning and […]
🏛️ Politics
How is China viewing US actions in Venezuela – an affront, an opportunity or a blueprint?
How is China viewing US actions in Venezuela – an affront, an opportunity or a blueprint? China’s response to the US capture of Nicolás Maduro has been one of condemnation, but behind closed doors, Beijing is likely weighing the implications for its policy in Latin America and considering how to counter US actions. China has […]
🏛️ Politics
Global power struggles over the ocean’s finite resources call for creative diplomacy
Global power struggles over the ocean’s finite resources call for creative diplomacy The world’s oceans are becoming increasingly important for global power struggles, with issues like Arctic shipping, seafloor mining, and overfishing driving tensions between countries. Arctic shipping poses complex challenges due to declining sea ice, overlapping claims, and competing strategic aims among nations, making […]
📰 News
Can the US ‘run’ Venezuela? Military force can topple a dictator, but it cannot create political authority or legitimacy
Can the US ‘run’ Venezuela? Military force can topple a dictator, but it cannot create political authority or legitimacy The US cannot “run” Venezuela through military force alone, as it cannot create political authority or legitimacy. The Trump administration’s move to govern Venezuela by force reflects a broader trend in US foreign policy that relies […]
🏛️ Politics
Trump tariffs and warming India-China ties have silenced the Quad partnership … for now
Trump tariffs and warming India-China ties have silenced the Quad partnership … for now The Quad partnership between the US, India, Australia, and Japan has been on hold due to disagreements over trade tariffs and warming ties between India and China. The US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in August 2025, which was […]
🏛️ Politics
From truce in the trenches to cocktails at the consulate: How Christmas diplomacy seeks to exploit seasonal goodwill
From truce in the trenches to cocktails at the consulate: How Christmas diplomacy seeks to exploit seasonal goodwill Christmas diplomacy refers to the use of the holiday season to foster peace and warm relations between nations through statements, efforts, and cultural practices. The tradition of Christmas diplomacy has deep roots in history, dating back to […]
🏛️ Politics
Pope Leo XIV’s visits to Turkey and Lebanon were about religious diplomacy
Pope Leo XIV’s visits to Turkey and Lebanon were about religious diplomacy Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey and Lebanon (Nov. 27 – Dec. 2, 2025) was a gesture of interreligious dialogue and support for local minority Christian communities, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The trip highlighted the challenges faced by […]
🏛️ Politics
Peace plan presented by the US to Ukraine reflects inexperienced, unrealistic handling of a delicate situation
Peace plan presented by the US to Ukraine reflects inexperienced, unrealistic handling of a delicate situation The US has presented a 28-point peace plan to Ukraine, which critics say heavily favors Russia and puts Ukraine’s sovereignty at risk. The plan includes significant concessions for Russia, such as being released from economic sanctions and rejoining the […]
🏛️ Politics