A Parade to Shake the World Order: China, Putin, and Kim Unite in Beijing
10 September 2025 @ 4:00-5:30 p.m. (GMT+3), Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy, Greece
Between Power and Paradox: Militarisation, Defence Ambitions, and Turkey’s Strategic Struggles
This online event explores Turkey’s paradoxical role as both a regional stabiliser and global mediator while deeply tied to NATO. The panel will examine its multi-vector foreign policy, the rise of its defence industry as a diplomatic tool, and the economic contradictions shaping its choices. Discussion will focus on how Turkey can balance strategic ambitions with democratic resilience and economic security, ensuring it sustains influence regionally and globally amid complex crises and shifting international dynamics. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy].
10 September 2025 @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Bruegel, Belgium
European Data Union Strategy: how to write a new rulebook for Europe's digital values
This panel will consider data as a primary facilitator of productivity in virtual economies and review the EU's wide-ranging regulatory code, from the GDPR through the Data Act. As Digital Commissioner Henna Virkkunen's European Data Union Strategy looks to harmonise and consolidate the rules in place, the conversation will delve into methods for boosting coherence and efficiency throughout existing regulations. Panelists will also discuss the strategy's placement in the upcoming Digital Omnibus package for advancing Europe's future digitally. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Bruegel].
10 September 2025 @ 2:00-3:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Bruegel, Belgium
The Sound of Economics Live: The State of the European Union
In this episode of The Sound of Economics we bring you a real-time debate in the run-up to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's upcoming State of the Union address on 10 September. As a "once in a generation" event, the address will set out Europe's future plan. Rebecca Christie, Simone Tagliapietra, Reinhilde Veugelers and Jeromin Zettelmeyer from Bruegel debate a question of great relevance to Europe's future prospects - is the EU set to seize the event and deliver on its political, economic and strategic objectives? For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Bruegel].
10 September 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
A strategic horizon: US, Turkey, and Africa
This conference will analyse Africa's rising Turkish presence and the prospects for Turkish-American partnership in shaping the future of the continent. Since the start of the century, Turkey has expanded its presence through embassies, trade, military bases, and investment in education and healthcare ranging from involvement in Libya to a planned space facility in Somalia. The discussion will analyse cooperation with America as a plausible alternative to China, nurturing security and development, and African growth that is sustainable, transparent, and equitable. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Atlantic Council].
10 September 2025 @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT-4), The Heritage Foundation, USA
Senator Cruz on the Muslim Brotherhood Threat, National Security, and America’s Global Leadership
This fireside chat with Senator Ted Cruz and Dr. Victoria Coates will explore the Muslim Brotherhood’s role in advancing extremist ideology, fuelling terrorism, and undermining free societies. Senator Cruz will highlight his leadership on the “Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act” and explain why formally designating the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation is vital for U.S. security. The discussion will provide insights into the Brotherhood’s global and domestic threat and the strategic measures needed to counter it. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [The Heritage Foundation].
10 September 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Council on Foreign Affairs, USA
The Question of Palestinian Statehood: A Conversation with Representative Ro Khanna
This Council on Foreign Relations event, The Question of Palestinian Statehood: A Conversation With Representative Ro Khanna, will take place on September 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. The discussion will focus on the prospects and challenges of Palestinian statehood, exploring its implications for U.S. foreign policy, Middle East peace efforts, and regional stability. Representative Khanna will share his perspectives on pathways forward, the role of diplomacy, and how the United States might engage with international partners on this critical issue. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Council on Foreign Affairs].
11 September 2025 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
US-Iraq security partnership after Operation Inherent Resolve
This Atlantic Council event on September 11 at 12:00 p.m. EST, sponsored by Iraq Initiative, will examine the effects of ending the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve campaign in Iraq. As coalition action in Syria from Iraq continues, US-Iraq security cooperation's future, Iranian and related militia repercussions, Iraqi popular and political sentiment regarding the US presence, and more are on the agenda. Panelists also examine the future ISIS threat and the way Assad's death in Syria reshapes regional security paradigms. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [Atlantic Council].
11 September 2025 @ 2:45-4:00 p.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Senator Loren Legarda on Environmental Governance in the Philippines: Redefining Development and Sustainability in the Age of Climate Change
In this hybrid session, Senator Loren Legarda, a four-term member of the Philippine Senate, will highlight opportunities for advancing green growth in the country. She will reflect on key legislation she championed, such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and the Climate Change Act of 2009, and present forthcoming initiatives in the 20th Congress, including the Blue Economy Bill, Low Carbon Economy Bill, Plastic Regulation and Circular Economy Bill, among others. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [ISEAS].
11 September 2025 @ 3:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for a New American Security (CNAS), USA
Europe with Less U.S.: Preventing Russia Opportunistic Aggression in Europe
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) will host a live recording on September 11 to discuss its new report “Understanding Russia’s Calculus on Opportunistic Aggression in Europe.” The report explores how reduced U.S. military presence in Europe could create security gaps, undermine NATO deterrence, and present opportunities for Russian aggression. Experts will analyse these risks and their implications for European security. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [CNAS].
15 September 2025 @ 12:15-1:30 p.m. (GMT+10), Lowy Institute, Australia
Indonesia’s next chapter: Governance, leadership and reform
This webcast will explore how governance reforms can help Indonesia achieve sustainable development, strengthen democracy, and enhance climate leadership under its new administration. Experts will discuss Indonesia’s political and economic challenges, climate commitments, and the role of international frameworks like the OECD and CPTPP in driving reform. The event will provide insights into Indonesia’s path to escaping the middle-income trap while balancing industrial growth and climate goals. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Lowy Institute].
15 September 2025 @ 1:00–2:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, United Kingdom
Competing visions of the regional order in the Middle East
This webinar explores how key Middle Eastern powers conceptualise and advance competing visions of regional order, examining their core approaches, areas of conflict and convergence, and the influence of external powers. It also assesses what emerging minilateral and connectivity initiatives reveal about these actors’ strategic outlooks. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Chatham House].
15 September 2025 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT+2), Crisis Group, Belgium
Tracking Resources and Conflict in a Fracturing World
This International Crisis Group event will unveil the newly developed Early Action and Risk Tracking Hub (eEARTH), a pioneering early warning system developed specifically to predict threats of war. With presentations on how natural resources and climate threats are increasingly defining today's conflicts and eEARTH's use of satellite data and in-country political analysis, the event will feature presentations on employing the tool for real-time analysis and informing proactive responses and prevention strategies for the high-risk Horn of Africa region and beyond. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Crisis Group].
16 September 2025 @ 5:30–6:30 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, United Kingdom
Global Britain meets America First: What next for the ‘special relationship’?
This event will examine the future of the UK–US "special relationship" as President Trump's second term brings new uncertainties. As ideological divergence comes of age between a matured "Global Britain" and an emboldened "America First," the debate will scrutinise where London and Washington converge—if they do—at defense, commerce, NATO, and multilateral cooperation. Panelists will examine where friction is probable, including Gaza, Ukraine, and climate policy, considering possibilities for British cooperation with, leverage over, or counterbalancing an increasingly isolationist U.S. worldview. The debate will also illuminate aspirations for bilateral leverage on defining international security challenges. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Chatham House].
16 September 2025 @ 10:00–11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Understanding Trump’s China Strategy
This webinar will examine the inconsistencies in U.S. China strategy eight months into Trump's second term. Even widespread agreement that the U.S. and China are in a long-term strategic competition, the administration has been inconsistent in trade, security, and technology policy. Panelists will examine whether Trump's transactional, more pragmatic approach frees up space for pragmatic agreements with Beijing, or domestic factions maintain a tough stance. Panelists will examine the effects on Southeast Asia and regional strategic stability. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [ISEAS].
16 September 2025 @ 10:30-11:30 p.m. (GMT-4), The Heritage Foundation, USA
Taiwan’s Strategy for Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership with the United States
This Heritage event brings Taiwan's Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council Chiu Chui-cheng in conversation with Steve Yates on Taiwan's opportunities and challenges. It will shine a light on China's ascending threats to regional stability, Taiwan's endeavours for maintaining peace in the Strait, and why a strong U.S.–Taiwan relationship matters. Minister Chiu will highlight why a free, safe, and prosperous Taiwan not only bolsters regional resilience and peace but also enhances America's international prominence in an era of rising competition. For more information and to register for this online event, please see [The Heritage Foundation].
Recent Book Releases
Tim Gregory, Going Nuclear: How Atomic Energy Will Save the World, Pegasus Books, 384 pages, published August 5, 2025. For a review, see [The Guardian].
Pankaj Mishra, The World After Gaza: A History, Penguin Press, 304 pages, published February 11, 2025. For a review, see [The New York Times].
Sanjaya Baru, Secession of the Successful: The Flight Out of New India, India Viking, 320 pages, published June 23, 2025. For a review, see [Modern Diplomacy].
Justin Marozzi, Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Islamic World, Pegasus Books, 560 pages, published October 7, 2025. For a review, see [Asian Review of Books].
Dalai Lama, Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People, William Morrow, 256 pages, published March 11, 2025. For a review, see [Tricycle].
🌍 Top Stories of the Week 3/9 - 9/9
3 September
🇨🇳 🇷🇺 🇰🇵General Secretary and President of State Affairs Kim Jong Un of North Korea, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, arrives in China for Victory Parade. China welcomed the arrival of over 25 foreign leaders for the event to witness the grand military parade that has the potential to shake the world order. [Source]
In addition, to the reception China showcased great military strength. According to BBC, of these included:
Dongfeng-61: An intercontinental missile “capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads” with the possible range of 12,000 - 15,000 km, a range with the capacity to strike anywhere in the US - Washington Times reported.
AJX-002 the giant, unmanned nuclear capable submarine drone.
Robot Dogs: To transport weapons, supplies and carry out strikes. Clearly not for the emotional support.
GJ-11 Stealth Drone
🇨🇳 🇺🇸 It was quite clear that China’s main goal is showing strength to USA. Which from Trump’s twitter was unsettled. Trump says “warmest regards as you conspire against USA”. Recent BBC reports have stated China’s navy has now surpassed that of the US in warship capacity.
🇦🇺 Former Victorian Premier also attended this event. Some are believe Mr Andrews to be misguided in his actions however Andrews states this was his opportunity to “meet and engage with regional leaders” as Australia has a “constructive relationship with China – our largest trading partner”. Andrews still condemns Putins invasion of Ukraine “from day one” [Source].
🇺🇸 🇻🇪 US military strike on vessel “carrying drugs” from Venezuela killed 11 people. [Source]
Trump’s strike was a criminal act killing civilians - Pentagon official. [Source]
4 September
🇷🇺 🇺🇦 'Let him come to Moscow': Putin on meeting Ukraine's Zelensky amid Trump's peace bid. Putin is ready to meet Zelensky. [Source]
🇨🇳 🇵🇰 China, Pakistan to deepen security and defence cooperation, Xinhua says.
Beijing would advance the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship infrastructure project under the Belt and Road Initiative. [Source]
5 September
🇺🇦 🇦🇿 Ukraine now flying former Azerbaijani MiG-29 Fulcrum as it escaped from Russian airstrike. [Source]
Azerbaijan balances this with its close ties to Russia, a key partner and trade link for Baku.
6 September
🇩🇪 16 candidates dead ahead of elections due to online conspiracy theorist rife in Germany. [Source]
🇩🇪 🇮🇱 Germany Buys 1 billion euros in Israeli Drones despite Gaza friction. [Source]
7 September
🇺🇸 🇻🇪 JD Vance on the killing of Venezuelan civilians [Source]
Vance: “Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military.”
Brian Krassenstein: “Killing the citizens of another nation who are civilians without any due process is called a war crime.”
Vance: “I don't give a shit what you call it”.
🇮🇱 Israel backs off talk of annexing West Bank after UAE warning. [Source]
8 September
🇺🇸 🇷🇺 Trump says ready for 'phase two' of Russia sanctions and countries buying Russian oil. [Source]
🇷🇺 🇺🇦 Russia's Largest Drone Attack Yet Hits Ukraine Government Building. Seems that Russia doesn’t necessarily care about Trump’s threats. [Source]
🇳🇵 At least 19 dead in Nepal protests over social media ban. Police used live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons against protesters. Nepal banned 26 social media apps including facebook, youtube, and instagram. [Source]
9 September
🇳🇵 Nepal has lifted the social media ban. As result Nepal PM KP Oli resigns after the violent anti-corruption protests. [Source]
🇮🇱 🇵🇸 IDF issues an evacuation order for all residents of Gaza City. Strikes will intensify. People who don’t leave will be considered Hamas. [Source]
The days of resignation:
