Global patent filings jump 5% to record high, trademarks stabilize
The shift cements Asia’s position as the world's leading innovation hub, led by China, Japan, and South Korea.
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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Climate lead shifts to Global South as rich nations show lost 'enthusiasm'
As COP30 opened, its president said high-income countries are retreating from their Paris Agreement climate obligations.
Trump escalates racial claims to boycott of G20 summit in S. Africa
As the first African country to hold the G20 presidency, South Africa said its focus is framed around Nelson Mandela's legacy.
Climate summit opens in Amazon without the three biggest polluters
Fractured talks highlight a deep divide over who pays as Indigenous leaders gain unprecedented access to U.N. venue.
Power struggle over U.S. tariffs case jeopardizes WTO's core principles
The outcome could test the stability of global trading and compound the crisis at the World Trade Organization.
U.S. ambassador unveils 'MUNGA' plan to force massive U.N. cuts
After an interview, Waltz offered a U.N.-colored blue-and-white 'MUNGA' hat – short for 'Make the U.N. Great Again.'
Mayors urge decisive climate action, seeking global 'decade of delivery'
Calling themselves 'climate doers,' city leaders criticized a lack of ambition among some nations toward the Paris treaty goals.
China seeks global AI body as APEC shapes technology, demographics
At APEC, China pushed to create a new rules-based global organization on AI, possibly headquarted in Shanghai.
Trump orders new testing of nuclear weapons, sparking arms race fears
The directive, using the stronger language of an 'instruction' rather than a threat, undermines decades of arms control.
Gates urges strategic climate pivot to prioritize health amid decline in aid
Ahead of the U.N. climate summit, the hugely influential philanthropist argues against taking a "doomsday outlook."
'Systemic backsliding' seen in fight to eliminate violence against women
An estimated 736 million women — almost 1-in-3 — suffer from gender violence, most often from an intimate partner.
ASEAN Summit exposes anxiety as U.S. deals new critical minerals front
In response to global trade uncertainties, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to rules-based trading with WTO at its core.
U.N. cybercrime accord signed in Hanoi draws concerns over rights
The agreement establishes the first universal legal framework for international cooperation against digital offenses.
U.N. top court says Israel must let UNRWA supply critical aid for Gaza
The International Court of Justice noted that the population of the Gaza Strip has been "inadequately supplied" with aid.
As U.N. staff depart Sanaa, 53 others still arbitrarily detained in Yemen
The arbitrary arrests intensify the humanitarian crisis, threatening aid cutbacks for over 19 million people.
Lampedusa's ghosts: A political choice, not a crisis of numbers
Europe's decades-old policies have transformed the Italian island's irregular migration role into an invisible haunting.