U.S. senators split over U.N. reform through budget cuts and nationalism
Senators agreed the U.N. needs revamping to align with American interests but diverged over precisely how to do that.
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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The Global South is rethinking AI but not yet controlling it
As governments reframe AI around justice and sovereignty, control over infrastructure and governance is elsewhere.
Leadership race for U.N.'s top job narrows ahead of public hearings
Withdrawals and regional divisions unsettle the field, while closed-door straw polls and veto power shape the outcome.
Governments turn to AI firms as new layer of governance emerges
Direct agreements with developers reflect a shift toward operational oversight as regulatory systems lag behind.
Europe drives surge in global arms transfers as U.S. dominance expands
New data show Ukraine as world’s largest arms importer while Russian exports collapse and NATO members rearm.
U.N. holds Iran emergency session as Trump says Khamenei 'is dead'
'We are witnessing a grave threat to international peace and security,' the U.N. chief told the U.N. Security Council.
Strikes on Iran derail nuclear track as U.S. takes U.N. council presidency
Oman-mediated talks pointed toward technical talks in Vienna days before the U.S. assumes the Security Council presidency.
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.
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.