A World on Edge: Assassination, Protests, and Power Struggles to Redefine Global Order
Upcoming Free to Join, Online Events
17 September 2025 @ 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), USA
Expanding ROK-U.S. Defense Industry Cooperation for Advanced Technology Partnership and Supply Chain Resilience
CSIS-DAPA 2025 Conference is jointly hosted by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Center for the Industrial Base (CIB). It is a platform to enhance defense industrial cooperation between U.S. and ROK. It is an annual gathering to highlight possibilities to accelerate technological partnership as well as supply chain resilience. It has an agenda to pursue a possible Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement, shipbuilding and MRO cooperation, as well as development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, which aligns with U.S. objectives to enhance defence industrial base and to hasten capability procurement. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [CSIS].
17 September 2025 @ 4:00–5:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, United Kingdom
Yemen - Iran’s last proxy battleground or case study for regional de-escalation?
This panel considers Yemen's changing role amidst the war over Gaza, Israeli-Iranian hostility, and changing regional alliances. Just as most of Tehran's proxies have lost strength, the Houthis have grown stronger, undermining Red Sea trade routes and posing a challenge to Iran's continued reach. In a season of Saudi-Iran rapprochement and Israeli attacks against Houthi leaders, the discussion will investigate whether Yemen can be converted into a hub of regional cooperation or is destined to be a theater for outside conflict with a resultant huge impact upon sovereignty and Gulf security. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Chatham House].
17 September 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
Implications of Middle East security trends for Latin America and the Caribbean
This conference hosted by the Atlantic Council–Florida International University will explore how Middle Eastern security trends have reverberations across Latin America and the Caribbean. As war and proxy rivalry reshapes international oil markets and security patterns, the region is vulnerable to second- and third-order effects from energy demands to transnational organizational activity. Assembling area experts, the analysis will shed much-needed light on often overlooked connective tissues between the Middle East and the Americas and explore how Latin America and the Caribbean respond to a complex international security landscape delineated hundreds or thousands of miles beyond their borders. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Atlantic Council].
18 September 2025 @ 9:15-11:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), USA
The Growing U.S.-Netherlands Innovation Partnership: How Local Innovation Ecosystems Play a Global Role
In an era of intense global competition in advanced technologies, a strong innovation system is a national security priority. The Netherlands, a longtime U.S. ally, has leveraged its semiconductor expertise and pragmatic international partnerships to strengthen research, development, and global cooperation. This online panel will explore strategies to sustain and deepen U.S.-Netherlands collaboration in innovation and economic security for the twenty-first century. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [CSIS].
18 September 2025 @ 9:30-10:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for a New American Security (CNAS), USA
Countering China’s Digital Silk Road: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 seeks to transform the kingdom into a regional hub for AI and emerging technologies, but its ambitions hinge on foreign partnerships amid U.S.-China competition. The 2025 landmark U.S. deal granting Saudi access to advanced AI chips has sparked debate in Washington over technology security and Riyadh’s growing ties with Beijing. This online panel will discuss Saudi Arabia’s technological trajectory, the Digital Silk Road, and U.S. strategies to provide a viable alternative. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [CNAS].
18 September 2025 @ 2:00-3:30 p.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The Upcoming Sabah Election: Perspectives from Kinabalu to Semporna
This webinar will take a look at future elections within Malaysia's state of Sabah and how they impact Malaysia's changing political landscape. It will look at whether or not Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is successful in establishing itself as a formidable locally-based coalition such as Sarawak's GPS, look at grass roots support for GRS's anchor party Gagasan Rakyat Sabah compared to its challengers UMNO and Warisan, as well as look at increasing calls for local-based politics by parties from within Sabah itself and recent street protests led by Malaysian youths impact upon election results. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [ISEAS].
18 September 2025 @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Bruegel, Belgium
Rethinking global supply chains: insights for a changing world
This event will present findings from the Horizon Europe project ReThinkGSC, which investigates the structure, resilience, and wider impacts of global supply chains. Conducted by over 30 researchers across 11 institutions, the project explores how supply chains affect the economy, environment, and society, while also highlighting the critical role of services and knowledge flows. The discussion will share insights into vulnerabilities and strengths exposed by recent shocks, offering new methodologies and policy-relevant lessons for managing and strengthening global supply chains in a changing world. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Bruegel].
22 September 2025 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Multidimensional Deprivation and Emerging Policy Challenges in Indonesia’s Extreme Poverty Alleviation Efforts
Despite Indonesia’s major progress in reducing poverty, around 2.4 million people still live in extreme poverty as of March 2025. With a goal to eradicate extreme poverty by 2026, the government is relying on social assistance, fiscal transfers, and livelihood support, but faces headwinds from slowing growth, limited formal employment, regional disparities, fiscal constraints, and climate-related shocks. This webinar will review recent poverty trends and examine policy challenges, including inter-ministerial coordination. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [ISEAS].
22 September 2025 @ 1:00–2:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, United Kingdom
From protest to parliament: Lessons from Iraq four years on
Following Iraq’s 2019 protests, the election of protest-linked and independent MPs raised hopes that parliament could channel demands for accountability and reform. Four years later, structural barriers, political pressures, and limited cohesion have curtailed their impact. This panel will explore why some MPs withdrew or joined traditional parties, the challenges facing independents in the 2025 elections, and lessons for enhancing legislative influence in Iraq and comparable regional cases. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Chatham House].
23 September 2025 @ 1:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
Atlantic Council Africa Energy Forum
The Atlantic Council's Africa Center will be hosting its Africa Energy Forum on 23rd September at the occasion of the UN General Assembly in New York. As Africa is struggling with the globe's most massive energy access gap—more than 600 million people being without electricity—while emitting less than 4 percent of global emissions, the forum will be discussing opportunities and challenges for tapping into the huge gas resources of the continent amidst the transition to a low-carbon energy future. Shaped by changing U.S. foreign policy, the occasion will look into strategies for sustainable, people-centered energy development in Africa. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Atlantic Council].
23 September 2025 @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Bruegel, Belgium
Tariffs in a world of large global capital flows—implications for central banks
This event will include discussing how recent episodes of trade disruption are reshaping the global economy with a focus on the role that financial markets can play to cushion their impact. Andréa M. Maechler, Deputy General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), will kickoff with remarks about the interconnection between trade shocks and financial flows around the world. A subsequent panel moderated by André Sapir of Bruegel will feature Maechler alongside Peter Praet, former member of ECB's Executive Board, to discuss implications for resilience, stability, as well as economic policy. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Bruegel].
23 September 2025 @ 2:30-4:00 p.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The Price of Friendship: Trump’s Tariffs and the Philippine Economy
U.S. President Trump’s newly announced tariffs have strained U.S.-Philippine trade relations, with Manila facing a 19% tariff despite President Marcos Jr.’s direct negotiations. The tariffs, particularly the 100% duty on non-U.S. semiconductors—Philippines’ main export—pose significant risks to the country’s economy and development trajectory. This webinar will assess the implications of the tariffs, explore mitigation strategies, and discuss policy reforms to strengthen resilience, diversify exports, and enhance the Philippines’ role in global supply chains. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [ISEAS].
23 September 2025 @ 5:00–6:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, United Kingdom
Is this a new age of nuclear proliferation?
The global nuclear order faces mounting strain, with North Korea expanding its arsenal, uncertainty over Iran, renewed India-Pakistan tensions, and faltering U.S.-Russia agreements, all while P5 disarmament efforts stall. Rising interest in nuclear capabilities by allies such as South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia reflects eroding confidence in U.S. nuclear protection under the Trump administration. This discussion will examine the future of the non-proliferation regime, challenges to international trust, and the risks of a renewed arms race. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Chatham House].
Recent Book Releases
Mirca Madianou, Technocolonialism: When Technology for Good is Harmful, Polity, 256 pages, published January 13, 2025. For a review, see [LSE].
Suraj Milind Yengde, Caste: A Global Story, C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd, 360 pages, published June 30, 2025. For a review, see [LSE].
Erin M.B. O'Halloran, East of Empire: Egypt, India, and the World between the Wars, Stanford University Press, 334 pages, published, March 11, 2025. For a review, see [Asian Review of Books]
Joseph Torigian, The Party’s Interests Come First: The Life of Xi Zhongxun, Father of Xi Jinping, published June 3, 2025. For a review, see [Los Angeles Review of Books]
Robert L. Suettinger, The Conscience of the Party: Hu Yaobang, China’s Communist Reformer, Harvard University Press, 488 pages, published October 15, 2024. For a review, see [The Business Standard].
Andrew Hussey, Fractured France: A Journey Through a Divided Nation, Granta Books, 336 pages, published September 11, 2025. For a review, see [Book Blast].
🌍 Top Stories of the Week 10/9 - 16/9
10 September
🇮🇱 🇶🇦 Israel carries out strike on senior Hamas leaders in Qatari capital. [Source]
🇺🇸 “White House officials confirmed that the US had been informed in advance of the attack, which took place on the soil of an important regional US ally and a key mediator in attempts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza”. [Source]
🇶🇦 Qatar denies White House claim Trump sent warning before Israel’s attack. [Source]
🇺🇸 🇪🇺 🇨🇳 🇮🇳 Trump tells EU to hit China and India with 100% tariffs to pressure Putin. [Source]
🇵🇱🇷🇺 Poland shoots down drones in its airspace during Russia’s Ukraine attack, calls violation act of aggression. Poland is considering invoking Article 4. [Source]
🇬🇧 🇮🇱 'Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza,' UK government concludes. [Source]
🇪🇹 ⚡️ Ethiopia opens Africa's largest hydro-electric dam, resisting years of international pressure. Providing electricity to villagers for the first time. Possibility for Ethiopia to export electricity to boost national wellbeing. [Source]
11 September
🇺🇸 Conservative and Pro-Israel influencer Charlie Kirk has been pronounced DEAD following a targeted shooting today at Utah. The video is everywhere not linking here though. [Source]
Tyler Robinson from Utah confirmed to be his killer after surrendering to the police outside of his parents house. [Source]
🇫🇷 ‘Block Everything’ protests in France to respond to the government budget cut of €43.8 billion from public spending. [Source]
🇸🇪 Sweden pledges another $7.5 billion military support for Ukraine. [Source]
12 September
🇺🇸 🛩️ American aerospace and defence manufacturer Northrop Grumman celebrates the second successfully tested B-21 Raider stealth bomber. [Source]
🇪🇺 European parliament declines to hold a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk. [Source]
13 September
🇺🇳 🇮🇱 🇵🇸 UN General Assembly backs two-state push for Israel and Palestine (both states benefitting slightly). [Source]
142 in favour including India, 12 abstained, 10 opposed, including the US, Israel. Hungary, and Argentina.
🇮🇱 🇶🇦 Israeli intelligence agency unwilling to accept Netanyahu’s strike in Qatar. [Source]
🇷🇺 🇺🇦 G7 finance ministers discuss options to increase pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine. [Source]
Could involve sanctions on countries in trade with Russia and weaponising Russian frozen funds.
🇮🇱 Israel army says over 250,000 residents have ‘left’ Gaza city. [Source]
14 September
🇺🇸 🇷🇺 🇺🇦 Since Trump took office, Russia has intensified its air campaign against Ukraine, launching 6,300 drones in July 2025 compared with 426 in July 2024. [Source]
Trump promised to stop the war in 24 hours although it only intensified during his term.
🇺🇸 🇮🇱 🇵🇸 Rubio to discuss with Netanyahu Israeli plan for possible West Bank annexation (to join or add to their territory). [Source]
🇺🇸 The US Senate voted 51–49 to BLOCK the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. [Source]
People were busy with Charlie Kirk’s death meanwhile lot of bills and decision were taken silently.
One of these is a bill that would allow Marco Rubio (US Secretary of State) to revoke the passports of US citizens if they criticise Israel. [Source] - 15/09
15 September
🇳🇵 Death toll from Nepal’s anti-corruption protests raised to 72. [Source]
Since September 10, the protests have arisen and have led the protestors to burn down parliament house. Currently, Nepal is electing a new prime minister through the gaming platform, Discord. [Source 1] [Source 2]
📉 Losses were estimated at 25 billion Nepali rupees ($266 million), with more than 2,000 workers affected. [Source]
🇬🇧 150,000 activists took the march in London organised by far-right, anti-immigration, anti-Israel activist Tommy Robinson. To counter this a "Stand Up to Racism" protest also occurred. [Source]
🇹🇱 Students have rallied in Timor-Leste amid anger at plans to buy new cars for MPs. [Source]
16 September
🇺🇸 🇨🇦 U.S. warns Canada of potential negative consequences if it dumps F-35 fighter jet. [Source]
Almost as if to say your my friend but you gotta keep buying my super expensive fighter jets.
🇵🇸 🇮🇱 Gaza casualties over 200,000+ confirms ex-IDF chief. 86% said to be civilians. [Source]
🇺🇸 🇨🇳 Trump says US and China have agreed on TikTok sales, avoiding nationwide ban. [Source]
🇦🇺 🇵🇬 Australian PM Anthony Albanese visits Papua New Guinea in celebration of their 50th year of independence. On this day a defence treaty was signed between Australia and Papua New Guinea to defend each other with concerns of security. [Source]
🇨🇳 🇵🇭 China accuses Philippines of 'illegal' intrusion at its new nature reserve. [Source]
🇺🇸 Donald Trump files defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times for US$15 billion. [Source]
