German election creates tough path to stronger role in E.U. and NATO
The coalition Merz forms will greatly influence his ability to govern the country or to strengthen multilateral institutions.
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 accessAlready have an account? Log in
Trump and Putin usher out 80 years of U.S.-led security and cooperation
Trump's embrace of Putin and contempt for long-established transatlantic ties is an existential crisis for Europe and NATO.
Ukraine's shattered deal: nuclear weapons for security assurances
More than 30 years later, Ukraine is fighting for its survival as it laments the Budapest Memorandum's broken promises.
Scattered climate follow-through as more scientists offer grim updates
Record heat and rightward political shifts toward nationalist self-interest undermine efforts to cut fossil fuel dependence.
European leaders reject MAGA boost for far right as baseless interference
The German leader rebuked a suggestion the U.S. might not support Europe if it shuns far-right, anti-immigration parties.
E.U. rushes to increase defense spending as the U.S. steps back
The E.U. plans to trigger an emergency clause on deficit spending to allow for a huge boost in defense spending.
At NATO meeting, Europe demands to be part of Ukraine peace process
European defense leaders were indignant at U.S.-Russia talks that excluded Ukraine, saying it must be part of negotiations.
Greenland's international ties stand in way of Trump's strategic interest
The Arctic island's E.U. and NATO ties make it highly unlikely the U.S. would risk a move that could destabilize the region.
UNHCR forced to cut U.S.-related programs for refugees and migrants
Scoop: The cuts result from Trump abolishing Biden-era efforts to save lives through legal U.S. immigration options.
First weeks of Trump administration upend the international community
The impact of the abrupt U.S. foreign aid suspension has been quick and harsh for people and organizations worldwide.
UNHCR freezes $300 million of suspended U.S. aid, impacts 600 staff
Scoop: The budget freeze is part of almost $700 million the U.N. refugee agency already received from the United States.
ICC and dozens of nations rebuke Trump-ordered sanctions on court
Seventy-nine of the International Criminal Court's member nations and E.U. leaders blasted Trump's executive order.
Israel follows U.S. retreat from U.N. as Gaza faces 'ethnic cleansing' plans
Israel's brutal military campaign in Gaza has drawn direct criticism from all corners of the U.N. and its top officials.
Trump orders general review of U.S. funding and ties to United Nations
The U.S. president also withdrew the U.S. from the U.N. Human Rights Council and stopped funding for UNRWA.
After aid suspension, USAID's future is in doubt as website goes offline
Aid groups were in crisis as the U.S. aid agency seemed to lose independence and be put on the chopping block.
European minimum wages on the rise but are they enough to keep up?
Minimum wage workers in the E.U. had the most purchasing power in Germany and the least in Estonia.