All Topics

United Nations (818)

The United Nations is the world's primary forum for diplomacy and peace. Founded in the wake of WWII to prevent global conflict, this organization of 193 member nations now serves as the stage for addressing our most pressing challenges — from climate change to human rights. We cover the U.N.'s policies and efforts to build a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world.

United States (U.S.) (754)

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.

Global Issues (735)

Global issues are complex challenges that require international cooperation, from mitigating climate change to addressing global poverty and geopolitical conflicts. Of the U.N.'s 169 targets for sustainable development, only 35% are on track or making moderate progress toward their 2030 deadline.

Europe (559)

Europe serves as a major hub for global governance and international organizations, hosting a unique concentration of key bodies. The continent is home to the headquarters of the E.U. and NATO in Brussels, a major U.N. hub in Geneva, and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Americas (480)

The Americas is the combined landmass of North, Central, and South America and is home to 35 countries. The region has a combined population of more than 1 billion people and a collective GDP of over $32 trillion, making it a major force in the global economy.

Climate & Health (467)

Melting glaciers. Rising sea levels. Wildfires. Food shortages. Widespread species extinctions. Global pandemics. Every other issue is secondary. The climate crisis is a health crisis — a reality highlighted by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who points to the links between extreme weather, disease, and noncommunicable diseases. Science, politics, and economics are all at the heart of this urgent global issue.

Russia (440)

China (439)

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.

Switzerland (422)

Switzerland is a landlocked nation in Central Europe, known for its mountains, lakes, and highly developed economy. The country has a long-standing policy of armed neutrality, which has allowed it to host the headquarters of many international organizations, including the U.N. office in Geneva.

France (409)

The French Republic is a nation in Western Europe with a central role in international relations. France is a founding member of the E.U. and holds a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, hosting the headquarters of several international organizations, including UNESCO.

United Kingdom (391)

European Union (E.U.) (314)

The European Union, a political and economic union of 27 nations, is a major global actor and a key proponent of multilateralism. The E.U. has deep ties with other international organizations, holding observer status at the U.N. and acting as a full member of the G-7 and G-20.

Asia-Pacific (300)

The Asia-Pacific is a vast region that encompasses Asia and the nations of the Pacific Rim. It is home to over 4.3 billion people and is the world's fastest-growing economic zone. Its economic dynamism and geopolitical importance make it a critical hub for global trade.

World Health Organization (WHO) (295)

Germany (288)

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in Central Europe and a founding member of the E.U. With a population of over 84 million people, Germany is the most populous member of the E.U. and a major economic and political leader in the G-7 and G-20.

Security & Geopolitics (282)

The dynamic landscape of global security is defined by diplomatic efforts and international frameworks that strive to maintain peace. It is the role of nations and international organizations, such as the U.N. Security Council and NATO, to navigate geopolitical tensions, address emerging threats like liminal war, and work to uphold the post-World War II rules-based order.

Middle East (266)

U.N. Security Council (UNSC) (251)

Africa (235)

Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, home to 54 recognized countries. With the world's youngest population, over 60% of its inhabitants are under the age of 25, creating both opportunities for innovation and challenges for job creation.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (219)

The 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals are a universal blueprint for a better world. Adopted by all 193 U.N. member nations, these goals provide a roadmap to address the most urgent global challenges — from ending poverty and hunger to improving health, education, and climate action. The diplomatic and international efforts to achieve these goals by 2030 depend on global cooperation and are essential for peace and prosperity.

Ukraine (217)

U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) (210)

Paris Agreement 2015 (207)

Israel (188)

Israel, a key U.S. ally and a major player in the Middle East, is a member of the U.N. and has a highly advanced technology sector. The country's foreign policy is currently defined by the ongoing war in Gaza, which has drawn international scrutiny and led to a severe humanitarian crisis. While seeking to defeat Hamas, Israel is also navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, including heightened tensions with Iran and its allies, and maintaining a key security relationship with the U.S.

India (165)

A parliamentary republic and the world's most populous democracy. As a rising economic powerhouse and member of the U.N., G-20, and BRICS, it has a diverse economy driven by a large service sector, a growing manufacturing base, and a significant agricultural industry. Its strategic autonomy and influence in international affairs are key to its foreign policy.

Canada (165)

Canada is a vast nation in North America that is the world's second-largest country by total area. It has the longest coastline in the world and is a founding member of the G-7 and NATO, placing it among the most significant developed nations.

Japan (159)

As a major global power and a leading member of the G-7, G-20, and OECD, Japan is a key player in international economic and political affairs. Its economy is a high-tech powerhouse known for its innovation in industries like automotive, robotics, and consumer electronics. The culture, a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern pop culture, is globally influential and celebrated for its art, cuisine, and emphasis on harmony.

Human Rights (151)

Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to every person. Their modern legal foundation is the International Bill of Human Rights, which consists of three key documents: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The U.N. and its agencies work to protect and promote these rights globally.

Palestine (148)

U.N. Human Rights Council (HRC) (146)

Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (131)

Iran (128)

Iran's foreign policy is dominated by its contentious nuclear program and its strained relationship with the international community. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Iran nuclear deal, and inspections by the IAEA are central to global concerns. While Iran insists on a peaceful program, its enrichment activities and withdrawal of cooperation with the IAEA have heightened tensions and triggered sanctions from the U.S. and E.U.

Justice & Accountability (127)

Justice and accountability are the bedrock of peace. We report on the global efforts to hold perpetrators of violence and atrocities responsible, exploring how international courts and the rule of law work to restore trust and break cycles of conflict. This coverage is essential to building strong societies and preventing future human rights violations. Follow our reporting on @aretenews.bsky.social.

Netherlands (127)

Italy (126)

Humanitarians & Peace (122)

Humanitarian action and peace are closely intertwined. Humanitarian organizations alleviate suffering in crisis, while also creating conditions for long-term peace. Through neutral and impartial aid, they help save lives and protect civilians. The international community, led by the U.N. and other organizations, works to bridge the gap between emergency aid and sustainable peacebuilding efforts to rebuild societies shattered by conflict.

Turkey (118)

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (115)

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, started with 12 countries in 1949 and has since grown into a military alliance among Canada, the United States and 27 European nations. It requires members to commit to helping each other defend against any attack. NATO's initial purpose was to defend Western Europe from the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

SciTech Diplomacy (114)

The strategic use of science and technology in diplomacy is increasingly shaping our lives and helping nations navigate geopolitical tensions and address global challenges. Its modern framework, adopted by leading nations, focuses on using scientific evidence to inform diplomacy and using diplomacy to manage international cooperation and research security as a tool for geopolitical influence.

Brazil (112)

Brazil is the largest nation in both South America and Latin America. The country is a major emerging economy and a founding member of the BRICS group of nations. It is also home to a significant portion of the Amazon rainforest, a vital part of the global ecosystem.

Nuclear Security & WMD (111)

International organizations are central to combating WMD proliferation. The U.N. Security Council has passed resolutions to deter this threat, while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) serves as the world’s nuclear watchdog, implementing safeguards to prevent the diversion of nuclear material. This global framework of treaties and cooperation is vital for maintaining peace and stability.

Syria (110)

Saudi Arabia (107)

World Bank Group (103)

Founded in 1944, the Washington-based World Bank Group provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Its mission is to fight poverty and to help people help themselves and their environment.

European Commission (E.C.) (99)

The European Commission is the executive arm of the E.U., responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the union's day-to-day business. A key fact about the Commission is that it is the only E.U. body with the power to propose new E.U. laws.

South Korea (91)

U.N. Environment (UNEP) (89)

U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) (86)

Australia (85)

Australia is a sovereign nation that comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. As the world's sixth-largest country by total area, it is a major exporter of natural resources, including iron ore and coal.

In Depth (83)

In-depth and investigative journalism that goes beyond the daily news. Extensive research projects that delve into complex topics through interviews with multiple sources, data analysis, and document review. Longer, multi-platform stories to provide a complete picture and shed light on intricate issues.

Norway (82)

South Africa (80)

UNICEF (80)

Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (79)

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (78)

Sweden (78)

Belgium (77)

Belgium is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy in Western Europe. As the host of the E.U. and NATO headquarters, the nation is a crucial center for international politics and diplomacy.

World Food Program (WFP) (77)

Austria (77)

Austria is a landlocked nation located in the Eastern Alps of Central Europe. A federal republic with a long-standing policy of military neutrality, Austria is a member of the E.U., but not NATO. This neutrality has significantly influenced its foreign policy.

Ethiopia (77)

Ethiopia is a landlocked nation in the Horn of Africa with a historically unique past, as it successfully defended itself against formal European colonization. Its capital, Addis Ababa, is a major diplomatic hub, hosting the headquarters of both the A.U. and a U.N. economic commission.

United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) (76)

U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1994 (76)

UNESCO (75)

Mexico (75)

Egypt (75)

Egypt is a transcontinental nation located in the northeast corner of Africa and the Sinai Peninsula. The nation is home to a rich and ancient history, as well as a modern-day strategic importance due to its control of the Suez Canal, an artificial waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea.

World Trade Organization (WTO) (71)

Pakistan (70)

Sudan (68)

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (68)

The International Atomic Energy Agency is an autonomous U.N. organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and prevents its use for military purposes. Through its safeguards system, it verifies that nations' nuclear programs are exclusively for peaceful uses. The IAEA also works on nuclear safety, security, and the application of nuclear science to help solve global challenges.

Yemen (67)

Yemen is a nation in the Middle East, located at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. While modern Yemen was formed in 1990 by the unification of two separate nations, it is embroiled in a civil war that has caused one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) (67)

The IMF is a cooperative institution of member countries that lends money to members having difficulties meeting financial obligations to other members. The loans are handed out on condition that economic reforms are undertaken to eliminate these difficulties for their own good and that of the entire membership.

Kenya (67)

Afghanistan (66)

Afghanistan is a South Asian country facing one of the world's most severe humanitarian and human rights crises. In 2025, the UN estimates that 22.9 million people, including 12.4 million children, will require humanitarian assistance. This includes widespread food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.

Myanmar (66)

Group of 20 (G-20) (65)

The G-20 is the premier international forum for economic cooperation, bringing together the world's major economies to address global financial and economic challenges. Its members represent over 80% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population, making it a critical body for policy coordination on issues from trade to climate change and sustainable development.

Spain (65)

Poland (65)

Work, Education, Culture & Sports (64)

The way we work, learn, and engage with our world is being transformed by global forces. We cover the international policies and trends that are reshaping the future of labor, education, cultural heritage, and sports, exploring how innovation and diplomacy are building a more connected global society. Follow our reporting on @aretenews.bsky.social.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) (62)

Human Rights Watch is a leading international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. With a global presence, it investigates abuses and exposes facts to hold governments and non-country actors accountable. The organization publishes detailed reports and engages in advocacy to promote human rights and justice worldwide, often working closely with the U.N. and other international bodies.

Refugees & Migrants (62)

We cover the journeys of millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes due to war, violence, and other threats. Our reporting examines the international laws and humanitarian efforts that govern the global response, and we tell the human stories of those seeking safety and a new future. Follow our reporting on @aretenews.bsky.social.

International Criminal Court (ICC) (61)

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 2015 (57)

Charter of the United Nations (57)

The Charter of the United Nations is the foundational treaty of the U.N., serving as its constitution. Signed in San Francisco in 1945, it establishes the purposes and principles of the organization and provides the legal framework for the conduct of international relations among member nations.

Nigeria (55)

Congo (55)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second-largest country in Africa and is rich in natural resources. The nation is home to a U.N. peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) that has been in place for decades to help protect civilians and stabilize the region amidst ongoing conflict.

North Korea (55)

World Economic Forum (WEF) (54)

Group of Seven (G-7) (53)

The Group of Seven is an informal forum of seven of the world's most advanced economies and the E.U. It discusses major global issues from economic policy to security and climate change. The G-7's communiqués influence international standards and policy, and its members are united by shared values of liberal democracy and human rights.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (53)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the U.N. body for assessing the science related to climate change. Established in 1988 by WMO and UNEP, the Nobel Prize-winning panel provides policymakers with regular, comprehensive scientific assessments on the causes, impacts, and future risks of climate change, informing international climate negotiations.

Energy & Environment (51)

Energy and environment are centrally linked in the global effort to combat climate change and its devastating impacts. The most critical modern challenge is the rapid transition of the global energy system away from fossil fuels toward clean, renewable sources.

UNRWA (51)

International Court of Justice (ICJ) (50)

African Union (A.U.) (50)

The African Union is a continental body of 55 member countries with the mission of achieving an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. A key diplomatic success for the A.U. was its achievement of permanent member status in the G-20 in 2023, giving the continent a stronger voice in global affairs.

Iraq (50)

Denmark (49)

Denmark is a Scandinavian nation and a member of the E.U. with a strong social-democratic model. It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government, and its monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, with a lineage that can be traced back over 1,000 years.

U.N. Development Program (UNDP) (49)

New Zealand (48)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (47)

The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized U.N. agency that leads international efforts to defeat world hunger and improve nutrition. The FAO's headquarters are located in Rome, and it provides expertise and policy advice to help developing nations improve their agricultural practices.

South Sudan (47)