Diplomacy Under Strain
🌍 Top Stories of the Week 3/12 - 10/12
3 December
Witcoff (US special envoy to the middle east) and Kushner (senior advisor to Trump) arrive in Moscow to meet with Putin regarding a peace deal with Ukraine. [The Washington Post]
A poll from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney found 56% of Australians, 54% of Indians and 59% of Japanese think Trump's presidency has been bad for their countries. [Reuters]
All four of these countries are mostly concerned with the domestic political violence and the spread of misinformation in the US.
A campaign initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron to fight online disinformation has prompted a backlash from right-wing opponents and the growing Conservative media empire of billionaire Vincent Bollore. [Reuters]
China will provide 100 million dollars in aid in order to mitigate the effects of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday. [Reuters]
4 December
ADB, World Bank launch Pacific islands projects under new co-financing model. [Reuters]
A Full Mutual Reliance Framework, agreed upon earlier this year, reduces replication and secures resources for implementation as it proposes a lead lender from one institution.
U.N. Warns of “Another Wave of Atrocities” in Civil War in Sudan. The U.N. has reported that it has “documented deaths from air raids, shelling, and summary executions,” but that it believes “civilian casualties are likely to be much higher” than reported. [New York Times]
Ukraine made a statement today saying "principles must be untouchable, and we need real peace, not appeasement" on peace deals with Russia. Peace in Europe in the past has been referred to as “unfair” so now all eyes point towards to the United States if a peace deal can actually be brokered with “real peace”. [Reuters]
5 December
Putin arrives in India, Prime minister Modi welcomes his arrival. The reason for Putin’s visit is potential talks on trade ties and energy supply with Russia and India. [Aljazeera]
🇮🇱 Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest, after Israel was allowed to compete. [BBC News]
Although not for the US as a couple of months ago 250 law makers from the US entered Israel to end boycotting and hence accountability for Israel. [See post]
🇺🇸🇪🇺 U.S. tells Europe to Take Over NATO by 2027. [Reuters]
US could withdraw from some NATO planning mechanisms if unsatisfied with progress.
European officials calls it unrealistic.
6 December
🇱🇻 Latvia faces a shortage of men with 15.5% more women than men, women are now hiring men by the hour for housework. [NDTV]
Japanese singers has been escorted offstage, comedy groups, even anime artists, have seen their gigs canceled for their support of Taiwan. the Chinese government has already called on millions of tourists to steer clear of Japan. [New York Times]
Fire at a Nightclub in Goa, India, Kills at Least 25. [New York Times]
7 December
US shifts the perspective on the EU in it’s new security policy. The policy states that Europe is facing a 'civilisational erasure’. [ABC]
The United States is set to unveil a long-awaited farm aid package on Monday, offering assistance of $12 billion to farmers hit by low crop prices and their own tariff policies. [Reuters]
8 December
Russia is happy that the new U.S. security strategy is “largely aligned” with Russia’s vision. [Daily Times]
Despite Trump’s 50% tariff on both India and China, recent reports show that this has had inverse effects. China and India beat GDP growth expectations:
China's trade surplus hits $1 trillion for first time despite Trump's tariffs. [ABC]
India's GDP rises by 8.2% in Q2 despite Trump tariffs, highest in six quarters. [The Economic Times]
9 December
Israeli surveillance targets US and allies at joint base planning Gaza aid and security, say sources. [The Guardian]
US military base asked the Israeli military to stop secretly recording them. The IDF called these claims 'absurd'.
7.6 magnitude earthquake hits Japan, tsunami warning issues evacuations underway. [ABC]
10 December
Zelensky said his country would not give up territory, not to hasten peace talks, not to satisfy Trump or Putin. Following Trump’s new security with Europe this poses problems as alliances are uncertain. [CNN]
The world watches the Australian experiment as the social media ban takes place for individuals under the age of 16. while the Australian government are pushing for the safety of children online and the harmful messages it may present, others are protesting that their “political freedom of communication” is infringed upon. In particular, two 15 year olds are taking the government to high court expressing their supposed infringed rights. [The Guardian] [ABC]
Tara: Controversial Events
5th of December 2025
🇺🇸 The Supreme Court reviewed President Trump’s calls for the end of birthright citizenship for some born in the United States after this suggestion was rejected by the lower courts. President Trump reasons that if parents are in the country illegally or temporarily, their children should not be entitled to citizenship. [Source] [Source] [Source]
7th of December 2025
🇺🇸 US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces public calls to quit after strikes on alleged drug boats and reports of improper Signal use to discuss an impending operation in Yemen. There is also controversy surrounding his new “media rules.” The New York Times sued Pentagon, stating that the rules “Constitution's freedom of speech and due process provisions, since they give Mr. Hegseth the power to determine on his own whether a reporter should be banned.” [Source] [Source]
8th of December 2025
🇹🇠🇰🇠Thailand, Cambodia border conflict tensions rise. Both sides have accused the other of attacking civilian areas. The death toll has risen to at least 10 people—7 Cambodian citizens and 3 Thai soldiers. [Source] [Source]
Elena: International Relations News and Diplomatic Meetings
3th of December 2025
🇨🇴 🇺🇸 Gustavo Pedro, Colombia’s president, warns Trump after his threats of military strikes toward any country producing narcotics. [The Guardian]
4th of December 2025
🇹🇼 Cheng Li-wun, Taiwan’s opposition leader, says Taiwan must embrace its Chinese heritage to avoid war. [Source]
🇨🇳 🇫🇷 Macron in Bejing, asking China’s cooperation on geopolitics, especially to end the war in Ukraine. [Source]
Upcoming, Free to Join, Online Events
11 December 2025 @ 9:30-10:30 a.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, United Kingdom
South Korea rethinks its foreign policy: Is it ditching the US for China?
This online panel explores how President Lee Jae-myung’s newly elected government will seek to stabilise a wobbly foreign policy in this tumultuous geopolitical world. With a lack of trust in American policy under Trump, a growing rivalry between the US and China, Chinese economic coercion, as well as a burgeoning nuclear threat from North Korean leader Kim, this panel looks into what it all boils down to in terms of motivations in Seoul’s foreign policies. For more information and registration, visit [Chatham House].
11 December 2025 @ 1:00-5:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Atlantic Council, USA
2025 Critical Minerals Supply Chains Summit
The 2025 Critical Minerals Supply Chains summit hosts government representatives, industry executives, and world experts to address the growing need for critical minerals. The summit discusses how innovative finance options and cooperation in America can improve critical mineral production, processing, and supply chains. At this summit, government representatives, industry leaders, and world experts will identify ways to develop a secure and robust mineral supply chain, which lays the foundation for a robust energy and manufacturing economy in America. For more information and registration, please see [Atlantic Council].
11 December 2025 @ 8:30-9:30 a.m. (GMT-5), Asia Society (New York), USA
U.S.-India 2025: Strains, Shifts, and the Road Ahead
This webinar examines the 2025 crisis in U.S.-Indian relations, shaped by a lack of progress in trade negotiations, India’s continued import of Russian oil amidst the Ukrainian conflict, and a rekindled U.S. overture in Pakistan post-May tensions. However, defence relations are in good shape, leaving both nations perplexed over how to move forward. Analysts will discuss the status of a pending trade agreement, Russia’s role in shifting India’s equations, the future of defence and tech engagement, the Quad, and 2026 and a potential reset in relations between the U.S. and India. For more information and registration, please see [Asia Society].
12 December 2025 @ 1:00-5:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Atlantic Council, USA
Analyzing stagnation and militarization in the Russian economy
This event marks the beginning of a new series of Russia Tomorrow, with a focus on a report that has been produced on the Russian economy in 2025, introducing a discussion of a new report on 2025’s Russian economy in the context of wartime conditions that, it claims, are “propelling this economy towards stagnation and militarisation, with increasing dependence on China, the military as a driver of the economy, and a growing divide between rich and poor regions.” For more information and registration, please see [Atlantic Council].
12 December 2025 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT+1), European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), Germany
Climate realism: Rethinking EU–South Africa engagement after COP30 and the G20 Summit
This webinar explores ECFR’s briefing paper on how a climate cooperation partnership can help reset the relationship between the EU and South Africa. In the wake of Pretoria's G20 presidency and associated AU EU and COP-30 diplomatic efforts, our speakers will look at how a reset of this relationship has become essential, and how a new pragmatic partnership around goals such as a green transformation, energy transition, and sustainable development could be established. These issues are also closely related to a review of South Africa’s role in multilateral politics, the strengths and weaknesses of their G20 leadership, and their prospects for practical action in a divided world. For more information and registration, visit [ECFR].
15 December 2025 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT+7), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Myanmar’s 2025 Elections: What’s at Stake?
This webinar assembles key thinkers and analysts to dissect the complex conflict circumstances in Myanmar, pressures on various stakeholders and electorates, as well as economic uncertainties that are shaping the course of this country. Presenters will discuss the nature of the State Peace and Security Commission’s electoral exercise, including its mechanics and political significance in this uncertain environment. With a range of expertise in conflict studies, macro-economics, and actual experience on the ground, presenters will provide a tough-minded briefing on what’s known, what isn’t, and how this will all play out for Myanmar’s political economy. For more information and registration, visit [ISEAS].
16 December 2025 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, United Kingdom
Yemen’s conflict: The Islah Party's evolving role, and vision for a post-war society
This event involves a panel discussion with Islah’s Acting Sec-Gen, Abdulrazak Al Hijri, in which the status of Islah now that it has been 35 years since it was established, as well as Islah’s position in the current political structure of Yemen, will be evaluated. The panel discussion will also cover how Islah’s position has changed as a result of the conflict, priorities in the legitimate government, and how relations with foreign powers affect such strategies. Another topic that will be covered in this discussion involves Islah’s plan for a post-conflict political settlement. For more information and registration, visit [Chatham House].
