Ceasefire Shaken: Israel, Syria, and Gaza Under Fire
Upcoming Free to Join Online Events
23 July 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for a New American Security, US
Virtual Event | The Future of U.S. Foreign Assistance
The CNAS event on July 23 will feature a discussion on the future of U.S. foreign assistance amid global instability and rising strategic competition. Representative Ami Bera and Lisa Curtis will examine how aid advances American values and interests while addressing recent funding cuts that threaten global development efforts. The event will explore how U.S. aid policy must adapt to domestic constraints, rebuild credibility, and maintain leadership in a changing world. Audience members can participate with live questions. For more information, see [CNAS].
23 July 2025 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, US
An inside look at Russian abuses against Ukraine’s frontline communities
This Atlantic Council event will feature the premiere of Being near: Faith in the frontline city of Kherson, a short film documenting Russian persecution of civilians and religious communities in occupied Ukraine. Produced by filmmaker Zachary Tarrant, the film highlights the harsh realities in Kherson, including drone attacks, torture, and repression. Following the screening, a panel of experts will discuss Russia’s systematic efforts to erase Ukrainian identity through violence and religious persecution. The event aims to raise awareness and promote accountability. For more information, and to register for this online event, see [Atlantic Council].
24 July 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Foreign Policy Research Institute, US
AUKUS Under the Microscope: Successes, Setbacks, and Strategic Stakes
This Foreign Policy Research Institute event offers a timely evaluation of the AUKUS security partnership. Experts will assess its foundational goals, progress since launch, and key achievements, including advancements in undersea capabilities and defense innovation. The discussion will also address ongoing challenges such as industrial capacity limits and alliance coordination. Providing a balanced analysis, the event aims to clarify AUKUS’s strategic impact and future prospects as a landmark trilateral initiative among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. For more information, and to register for this online event, see [Foreign Policy Research Institute].
24 July 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Asia Society Policy Institute, US
Unpacking the Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict
Join ASPI for a timely discussion on the escalating Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, its political fallout, and regional implications. The panel will examine the roots of the dispute, the suspension of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the breakdown of bilateral diplomacy. Experts, including Professor Sophal Ear, will explore how the standoff threatens ASEAN unity at a crucial moment. Moderated by ASPI’s Bryanna Entwistle, the event will assess potential outcomes and regional responses to the unfolding crisis. For more information, and to register for the online event, see [Asia Society Policy Institute].
24 July 2025 @ 10:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, US
Strengthening the resilience of the Caribbean services sector
This Atlantic Council event will explore the growing importance of the Caribbean services sector for U.S. and regional interests. Featuring a panel of experts, the discussion will highlight investment opportunities in tourism, outsourcing, and telecommunications, while addressing the challenges posed by global volatility. Speakers will examine policies and incentives to boost investment, and how regional and international collaboration can support innovation, financial access, and development. The event aims to strengthen U.S.-Caribbean cooperation in building a resilient, future-ready services sector. For more information, and to register for this online event, see [Atlantic Council].
24 July 2025 @ 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Cato Institute, US
Presidential Tariff Authorities and the Need for Reform
This event will feature a fireside chat with Rep. Suzan DelBene and the Cato Institute’s Scott Lincicome on the growing use of executive authority to impose tariffs without congressional oversight. Though the Constitution grants tariff powers to Congress, modern laws have allowed the president broad discretion in trade policy, raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and constitutional balance. The discussion will explore the implications of this shift and how Congress can reassert its role in shaping U.S. trade policy. For more information, see [CATO Institute].
24 July 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Cato Institute, US
Libertarianism vs. Conservatism Intern Debate
This event will feature a lively debate between interns from the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation, examining the key philosophical and policy differences between libertarianism and conservatism. While both ideologies champion individual liberty and limited government, they often diverge on issues like trade, immigration, and national security. The discussion will explore which worldview offers more effective solutions to today’s most pressing challenges, providing insight into the evolving relationship—and tensions—between these two influential strands of American political thought. For more information, and to register online, see [CATO Institute].
25 July 2025 @ 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (GMT+8), Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
In Search of Thailand’s New Industrial Strategy
This webinar revisits the evolving role of industrial policy in Thailand, tracing its journey from the Thailand 4.0 initiative to current efforts in electric vehicles and semiconductors. As global trade tensions and China's rise reshape economic models, the discussion will assess whether manufacturing still matters in Thailand’s future and how its strategy compares with Korea and Taiwan. Panelists will also debate the relevance and risks of industrial policy in today’s economy and explore how Thailand can adapt amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. For more information and to register for this online event, see [Yusof Ishak Institute].
25 July 2025 @ 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (GMT-8), Hoover Institution, US
The Milk Tea Alliance: Inside Asia's Struggle Against Autocracy And Beijing
This Hoover Institution event features historian Jeffrey Wasserstrom discussing his new book, Milk Tea Alliance: Inside Asia's Struggle Against Autocracy and Beijing. Focusing on youth-led movements in Burma, Thailand, and Hong Kong, Wasserstrom will explore how activists across Asia have built transnational solidarity against authoritarianism and China’s regional influence. The talk will examine the origins, strategies, and symbolism of the Milk Tea Alliance, highlighting how digital activism and shared resistance narratives are reshaping the landscape of democracy and dissent in Asia. For more information, and to register to join online see [Hoover Institution].
28 July 2025 @ 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Institute for Policy Studies, US
The Transformation of Industrial Politics
This event explores the evolving relationship between industrial policy and civil society amid a global climate crisis. Panelists will examine how trade unions, community organisations, and environmental NGOs have engaged with or resisted state-led industrial strategies—especially when these harm labor standards, communities, or ecosystems. The discussion will also consider whether the current revival of industrial politics can produce a more inclusive, just, and sustainable model that transforms traditional power dynamics between the state, economy, and society. For more information, see [Institute for Policy Studies].
29 July 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), The Dailogue, US
China’s Global Security Initiative in Latin America
This event will examine China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) and its emerging role in Latin America, where Beijing promotes it as an alternative to the U.S.-led security order. Though the GSI has gained limited traction in the region, it was prominently featured by Xi Jinping at the May 2025 China-CELAC Forum, calling for a “Zone of Peace” in the Americas. The discussion will assess how the GSI frames China’s security engagement—addressing terrorism, organised crime, cybersecurity, and disaster relief—and its strategic implications. For more information, see [The Dialogue].
Recent Book Releases
Lauren Benton, They Called It Peace: Worlds of Imperial Violence, Princeton University Press, 304 pages, published February 13, 2024. For a review, see [LSE].
Eric Storm, Nationalism: A World History, Princeton University Press, 496 pages, published October 29, 2025. For a review, see [LSE].
James DJ Brown, Cracking the Crab: Russian Espionage Against Japan, from Peter the Great to Richard Sorge, Oxford University Press, 360 pages, published May, 2025. For a review, see [Asian Review of Books].
Rory Stewart, Politics on the Edge: A Memoir from Within, Penguin Books, 464 pages, published July 15, 2025. For a review, see [Penguin Books].
Ernesto Che Guevara, Guerrilla Warfare: Authoritative, Revised, New Edition, Seven Stories Press, 176 pages, published July 15, 2025. For a review, see [Penguin Books].
🌍 Top Stories of the Week 15/7 - 22/7
Israel, Syria, and Netanyahu in the Spotlight
Netanyahu Trial Adjourned (17 July): Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial was paused as Israel launched airstrikes on Syria. [Source]
Gaza Church Bombing Condemned: An Israeli raid hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza, prompting condemnation from Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, who called the civilian targeting “unacceptable.” [Source]
Ceasefire Announced (19 July): The U.S. brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Syria, easing regional tensions, at least temporarily. [Source]
Trial Postponed Again (21 July): Netanyahu’s court appearance was delayed again due to food poisoning, according to his office. [Source]
Pakistan Declares State of Emergency
Flood Crisis in Punjab (17 July): Over 60 people were killed in severe monsoon floods. A state of emergency was declared, with the military deployed to assist in relief operations. [Source]
UK Expands Youth Participation in Democracy
Voting Age Lowered (17 July): The UK government announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 by the next general election, expanding democratic inclusion for youth. [Source]
Trump Health and Foreign Policy Updates
Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Condition (18 July): Former President Donald Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, sparking speculation due to visible bruises on his hand. [Source]
Trump’s Peace Plan Challenged: Despite his 50-day deadline for a Ukraine peace deal, Putin dismissed U.S. pressure, stating peace is only possible after Russia’s goals are met. [Source]
EU Cracks Down on Russia
New Sanctions Announced (18 July): The EU unveiled its toughest sanctions package in years, targeting Russia’s banking and energy sectors in coordination with expected U.S. measures. [Source]
Tragedy in Bangladesh
Fighter Jet Crash in Dhaka (21 July): A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 jet crashed into Milestone College, killing 19 and injuring over 100, sparking national mourning. [Source]
U.S. Targets Russian Oil Trade / Other Global News
Tariff Threats to Major Economies (22 July): A U.S. Senator warned India, China, and Brazil over importing cheap Russian oil, threatening to “crush your economy” with tariffs if they continue undermining Western sanctions. [Source]
Russia's stock market rose 2.7%, and the value of the Russian rouble actually strengthened after Trump warned of the possible 100% secondary tariffs. [Source]
Trump is forcing European countries to buy weapon from US and send it to Ukraine. However multiple countries like France, Italy, Hungary etc has denied to do so.. instead Macron is reportedly pushing for European-made weapons. [Source]
