Deep-sea mining emerges as a flashpoint in shift from fossil fuels
Mining the deep seas: The best way forward to a green energy transition, or a looming environmental disaster?
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.
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After talks with U.S., China rejects multilateral 'pathway' on climate
China's President Xi Jinping took an apparent swipe at mulilateral approaches to the climate crisis at the end of four days of high-level U.S.-China climate talks.
Groups warn of backsliding in nuclear security around the world
The biennial report noted the erosion of nuclear security coincides with growing nuclear security dangers and alarming increases in stockpiles of weapons-usable nuclear materials.
Diplomats examine AI risks to peace and potential for global oversight
British diplomats are leading a push at the U.N. that could be a starting point for a multilateral approach to regulating AI.
It’s here: Global warming takes center stage in season of records
Extreme weather events and new records are becoming the norm as Earth suffers warming oceans, fires and rising floods.
NATO makes Ukraine wait while Turkey clears way for Sweden to join
Ukraine failed to win a definitive timeline for joining the military alliance while Sweden's path to entry accelerated with plans to deepen counterterrorism cooperation with Turkey.
AI robots say they won't rebel but can run world better than humans
Nine social robots offered mixed responses to reporters' questions about how strictly they should be regulated.
Groups oppose U.S. equipping Ukraine with cluster munitions
The weapons are banned under a Geneva-based treaty adopted by 111 nations, but not the U.S., Ukraine or Russia. Certain types are still permitted if they can self-destruct.
U.S. rejoins UNESCO as countermove to China's growing influence
The United States signaled its intent to return to UNESCO and pay arrears to counter Chinese funding and leadership.
Macron calls for "public finance shock" to curb climate pollution
Speakers blamed major economies for a system that puts profits over fighting poverty and caring for the planet.
Just 1-in-5 countries keeping up with U.N. human rights reporting duties
The treaty body that gets the worst cooperation is the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
NATO secretary general's successor rises on agenda ahead of summit
The debate over who should succeed Jens Stoltenberg, a Norwegian former prime minister, has become complicated. It's also possible he could agree to a fourth contract extension.
U.N. chief backs creation of a new international AI watchdog agency
A new organization to supervise artificial intelligence could be modeled after the U.N. atomic watchdog agency.
Nuclear diplomacy suffers major setback in Russia’s war on Ukraine
The total number of nuclear warheads fell worldwide, but the amount of operational nuclear weapons started to rise.
For many of the world's poorest nations, economic outlook is bleak
As interest rates soar and the economy slows, the World Bank sees an 'enduring setback' for many developing economies.
Slovenia outdistances Belarus in U.N. vote that reflects war in Europe
The U.N. General Assembly's vote for the next five seat-holders on the powerful Security Council for 2024-25 delivered a resounding win to an E.U. member over a Russian ally.