NATO and Washington align on reduced U.S. role with guarantees
European allies assume greater defense responsibility as former U.S. officials stress alliance remains central to security.
China
China is a global power with the world’s second-largest economy and an increasing geopolitical rivalry with the United States. As the U.S. has reduced its engagement with certain multilateral institutions, China has increasingly sought to fill that vacuum by increasing its funding to the U.N. and placing its nationals in leadership roles.
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NATO launches Arctic Sentry to consolidate High North presence
Military alliance's new coordination framework links Allied drills as Russia expands military activity in the High North.
The last U.S.–Russia limits on strategic nuclear arms have expired
The treaty entered into force in 2011 and was extended by five years in early 2021, pushing its expiration to this week.
HRW says global rights under strain and warns of U.S. ‘authoritarianism’
Human Rights Watch urges rights-respecting democracies to coordinate as U.S. and other powers weaken global norms.
U.N. chief issues stern warning of financial collapse from unpaid dues
Cash shortages and widespread arrears cast doubt on the U.N.’s ability to execute its 2026 program budget.
U.S. allies seek more independence as Trump claims Greenland deal
European leaders move toward a historic break from Washington despite a late U.S. reversal on tariff threats.
U.S. announces new 'Board of Peace' and security force for Gaza recovery
A technocratic committee will handle civic duties, overseen by a U.S.-led board and a U.N.-backed security mission.
Earth marks one of three hottest years on record as warming accelerates
Scientists warn that the 1.5° C. climate threshold could be breached by 2029 following an intense three-year heat streak.
Science diplomacy takes a direct hit as U.S. withdraws from institutions
Trump's order signals further retreat from global cooperation and a dismantling of science diplomacy infrastructure.
U.N., European leaders alarmed at impacts of U.S. action in Venezuela
The action raised urgent questions on international law and regional stability as Venezuela turned to the U.N. in protest.
Trump calls U.S. the real U.N. after Thailand, Cambodia ceasefire
The comments were consistent with Trump’s long-standing hostility toward the U.N. and multilateralism more broadly.
Veto limits and aid overhaul urged as the remedy for 'new world disorder'
At the top of IRC’s agenda is a push to strip five veto-wielding nations of their ability to paralyze the U.N. Security Council.
U.N. chief urges Houthi rebels to release 59 staff detained in Yemen
The U.N. staff detained by Houthis in Yemen are in addition to dozens of staff from NGOs and diplomatic missions.
New U.S. strategy to target 'erosion' of sovereignty by multilateralism
The document rejects past U.S. policy that it says 'lashed American policy to a network of international institutions.'
AI 'capability' among countries could deepen the rich-poor divide
The rapid, unchecked proliferation of AI is set to trigger new inequities based on vast discrepancies in national readiness.
U.N. chief's selection enters public phase as calls for transparency rise
Since 1946, a woman has never been chosen for the top job, and four of the nine U.N. chiefs have been Europeans.