United States (U.S.)

The U.S. is a major global power and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. It is a founding member of NATO and a key participant in a vast network of international organizations, including the G-7, G-20, OECD, and World Bank. It is currently re-evaluating its alliances and relationships, particularly with China and Russia, while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war and addressing new trade tensions with key partners like India.

Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter

Start your free access

Already have an account? Log in

The treaty is nearing the 60 nations needed to take effect.

Energy & Environment

Negotiators debate funding and governance for high seas treaty

2 min read

Paid

The U.N.-brokered treaty is close to becoming law, with 52 countries signed on and eight more needed to make it official.

The U.S., along with China, Israel and Russia, are not members the ICC, which was founded in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

Justice & Accountability

ICC slams U.S. sanctions as "flagrant attack" on judicial independence

2 min read

Paid

The Trump administration targeted two judges from Canada and France and two deputy prosecutors from Fiji and Senegal.

The U.S. and the E.U. account for 44% of the global economy.

Sustainable Development Goals

Framework for a new U.S.-E.U. deal confirmed to rebalance trade links

2 min read

Paid

A 15% U.S. tariff rate on most European goods is a key point, with specifics on the auto tariffs tied to E.U. lawmaking.

European leaders court the U.S. president for support for Ukraine.

Security & Geopolitics

NATO leader sees 'breakthrough' in White House stance on Ukraine

2 min read

Paid

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described U.S. President Donald Trump's shift toward security guarantees 'a big step.'

Heni Unwin, a Māori marine scientist with the Aotearoa Plastic Pollution Alliance, speaks at a rally outside the U.N.'s Palais des Nations in Geneva during the plastic treaty talks.

Energy & Environment

Advocates see human rights path forward for stalled plastic treaty

4 min read

Free+

Leaders argue any successful treaty must be built on partnership with and respect for Indigenous communities.

After a 5:30 a.m. plenary was announced, the chair of the global plastic treaty talks was still waiting for delegages to fill the assembly hall inside the U.N.'s Palais des Nations at 6 a.m.

Energy & Environment

Back to Busan: Global plastic pollution treaty talks end in disarray

5 min read

Paid

The U.N.-hosted talks failed to overcome opposition to reducing plastic production among oil and gas producers.

Human rights experts and scientists say a lack of transparency by the plastics industry prevents people from making informed decisions about their exposure.

Energy & Environment

Study indicates global involuntary exposure to toxic plastic chemicals

3 min read

Paid

A global network of nonprofit groups advocating for stronger regulation underscored the need for a plastic treaty.

Climate & Health

Washington vows retaliation over U.N. shipping emissions plan

2 min read

Paid

The move comes ahead of a critical vote to adopt a new fuel standard and global carbon pricing mechanism for emissions.

A homeless person's tent at the busy intersection of K Street and 21st St., near lobbyng firms, the IMF and World Bank, in downtown Washington.

Justice & Accountability

Trump's D.C. crackdown draws fire weeks after U.N. rebuke on policy

2 min read

Paid

The U.N. official's position directly clashes with the Trump administration, an indicator of a potential legal battle.

The U.S.-China clash highlights how the world's two largest economies are extending their competition into global trade.

Security & Geopolitics

Panama Canal's future a point of contention at U.N. Security Council

3 min read

Paid

The U.S. warns of Beijing’s growing influence, while China accuses Washington of fabricating a pretext to seize the canal.

Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of South Africa's Gauteng Province, at right, briefs South Africa's Minister of the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, at left, and other officials.

Security & Geopolitics

U.S.-South Africa rift complicates Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg

5 min read

Paid

Pretoria's ambitious agenda for the G-20 focuses on inclusive growth, food security, AI, debt relief, and climate finance.

Midway through the final Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, campaigners says nations are not on track to deliver a treaty that will protect people and nature.

Energy & Environment

U.N. plastic treaty talks face deep divisions as deadline nears

5 min read

Paid

Ecuadoran diplomat Luis Vayas Valdivieso, who chairs the proceedings, said 'progress made has not been sufficient.'

The World Trade Organization says it expects higher tariffs over time will weigh on trade, bringing next year’s expected trade volume growth down to 1.8% from 2.5% previously.

Sustainable Development Goals

WTO forecasts trade headwinds as U.S. tariffs soar to century high

2 min read

Paid

Asian economies are projected to remain the largest positive driver of world merchandise trade volume growth in 2025.

Swiss National Day celebrations on Aug. 1 in Bern's Federal Square.

Sustainable Development Goals

Trump tariffs widen trade war, threatening allies and global rules

4 min read

Paid

The U.S. tariffs for about 90 countries further undermine the global trade system led by the World Trade Organization.

Preah Vihear Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Security & Geopolitics

International monitors to de-escalate conflict by UNESCO site

2 min read

Paid

The ceasefire provides a much-needed pause but a definitive resolution has eluded Thailand and Cambodia for decades.

A concept image of NASA’s Fission Surface Power Project.

SciTech Diplomacy

NASA fast-tracks lunar nuclear reactor amid new space race

4 min read

Paid

NASA's plan is governed by a complex framework of international accords including the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.