States of the World Rally for Palestine
Upcoming Free to Join Online Events
6 August 2025 @ 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. (GMT-4), Center for New American Security, US
Virtual Event | Countering China’s Digital Silk Road: Kenya
This virtual event, hosted by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), will examine Kenya’s pivotal role in the U.S.-China tech rivalry. As East Africa’s digital leader, Kenya presents strategic opportunities for Washington to strengthen its tech partnership amid Beijing’s dominance in infrastructure. The event will coincide with the launch of the CNAS report Countering the Digital Silk Road: Kenya, exploring Nairobi’s cloud policy, digital ambitions, and how the U.S. can offer a compelling alternative to China's growing tech footprint in Africa. For more information, see [CNAS].
7 August 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT+5.5), Association of Democratic Reforms, India
Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Rolls: Enhancing the purity of electoral rolls or disenfranchising the electorate?
This webinar aims to critically examine the legal, political, and social implications of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) proposed identification exercise. It will explore whether the ECI is legally authorized to conduct it, its effectiveness in addressing illegal immigration, and concerns over potential mass disenfranchisement. The discussion will highlight its impact on marginalized groups—Dalits, Tribals, migrants, and minorities—and the feasibility of its implementation amid logistical challenges. The session will also address fears of it being a covert move toward the NRC. For more information see [ADR].
7 August 2025 @ 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. (GMT-4), CATO Institute, US
Ranked Choice, Election Reform, and the New York City Vote
This event will examine the outcomes of New York City’s mayoral primary, where Zohran Mamdani won through ranked-choice voting, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo. Panelists will explore how the system enabled coalition-building through second-choice votes, its impact on campaign dynamics, and implications for electoral reforms. The discussion will also address lessons for other cities and states using or considering ranked-choice voting, highlighting both its democratic potential and the practical challenges of voter education, system design, and political inclusivity. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [CATO Institute].
7 August 2025 @ 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, UK
How can carbon markets deliver fairer outcomes for Africa?
This webinar explores how Africa can build a just and transformative carbon market amid rising global demand for carbon offsets. It will examine the governance, pricing, and equity challenges surrounding carbon credits in Africa, particularly concerns about transparency, land pressure, and exclusion of local communities. Panelists will discuss the role of African governments, regulatory lessons from countries like Kenya and Zimbabwe, and strategies to link small-scale projects to global markets. The event also assesses the implications of COP29’s Article 6 standards for African carbon market integrity and agency. For more information and to register for this online event, see [Chatham House].
7 August 2025 @ 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (GMT+8), Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Anchoring Cooperation in Uncertain Times: ASEAN and Korea as Comprehensive Strategic Partners
This seminar, co-hosted by the ASEAN Studies Centre and the ROK Embassy in Singapore, explores the evolving ASEAN–Republic of Korea (ROK) Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Against a backdrop of global tensions and economic uncertainty, the event brings together scholars and policymakers to assess how ASEAN and the ROK can deepen cooperation to safeguard regional stability and resilience. Discussions will focus on enhancing collaboration in climate and energy, economic connectivity, and societal engagement to ensure the partnership remains robust and future-proofed in a volatile world. For more information and to register for this online event, see [Yusof Ishak Institute].
7 August 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Asia Society Policy Institute, US
Unpacking the Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict
This ASPI event brings together regional experts to examine the fallout from the recent Cambodian–Thai border conflict, which escalated from a minor skirmish into full-scale fighting, displacing over 300,000 people. With a ceasefire now in place, the panel will explore its fragility, Malaysia’s mediating role, and broader implications for ASEAN diplomacy. Speakers will also assess the U.S. involvement in negotiations, the political uncertainty following Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s suspension, and prospects for future Thai-Cambodian relations. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Asia Society Policy Institute].
7 August 2025 @ 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (GMT+11), Lowy Institute, Australia
How to defend Australia - a Lowy Institute Debate
This event brings together two leading Australian defense commentators—Jennifer Parker (ANU) and Sam Roggeveen (Lowy Institute)—for a debate on the future of Australia's defense strategy. Parker will advocate for a maritime-focused approach, while Roggeveen will present the case for a continental defense strategy less reliant on the U.S. alliance. The discussion, moderated by Susannah Patton, will cover key issues including AUKUS, regional security, and America’s role in Asia, concluding with a live audience Q&A session. For more information, visit [Lowy Institute].
7 August 2025 @ 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (GMT+-4, Center for New American Security, US
Virtual Event | U.S. Strategy for Conflict Prevention in Syria
This event, hosted by the Center for a New American Security, will explore U.S. policy toward the Middle East in the wake of President Trump’s May 2025 meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. With sectarian unrest in Syria and ongoing Israeli strikes, the discussion will assess how Washington can balance relations with both Israel and the new Syrian government. Featuring experts from CSIS, the Atlantic Council, and CNAS, the panel will examine strategic options for conflict resolution and long-term regional recovery. For more information, see [CNAS].
12 August 2025 @ 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (GMT+9), Stimson Institute, South Korea
North Korean Foreign Policy in Focus: Emerging Scholar Perspectives
This event showcases the work of the 2024–2025 Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program at 38 North, featuring presentations and discussions by fellows on their original research. Topics include the impact of economic policy on U.S.– North Korea relations, the growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, and North Korea’s diplomatic outreach to Southeast Asia. The event offers fresh perspectives from emerging experts and fosters dialogue on key issues shaping the future of Korean Peninsula and regional foreign policy. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [Stimson Institute].
12 August 2025 @ 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), The Heritage Foundation , US
The Future of Farming: Exploring a Pro-Health, Pro-Farmer Agenda
This event, hosted by Heritage in partnership with American Regeneration, explores the intersection of agriculture and public health amid rising chronic disease. It will examine how industrial farming impacts well-being and whether regenerative practices can be scaled affordably. Panels will discuss the potential of sustainable models, the role of innovation, and necessary policy tools to support farmers. The event aims to chart a path toward a pro-health, profarmer agenda that makes healthier farming accessible beyond niche markets. For more information and to register for this online event, visit [The Heritage Foundation].
Recent Book Releases
Didier Eribon, The Life, Old Age, and Death of a Working-Class Woman, Allen Lane, 256 pages, published March 25, 2025. For a review, see [LSE].
Fawaz A. Gerges, The Great Betrayal: The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in the Middle East, Princeton University Press, 384 pages, published April 29, 2025. For a review, see [LSE].
Austin Zeiderman, Artery: Racial Ecologies on Colombia’s Magdalena River, Duke University Press, 272 pages, published February 20, 2025. For a review, see [LSE].
Nan Z Da, The Chinese Tragedy of King Lear, Princeton University Press, 240 pages, published June 10, 2025. For a review, see [Asian Review of Books].
Sönke Iwersen and Michael Verfürden, The Tesla Files: A Whistleblower, a Leak, a Fight for Truth: The Inside Story of Musk's Empire, Steerforth, 368 pages, available September 9, 2025. For a review, see [Penguin Books].
🌍 Top Stories of the Week 29/7 - 5/8
30 July
PM Keir Starmer has announced the UK will recognise Palestine as a state in September, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. Also says 500 aid trucks daily needed to end starvation. [Source]
Russia kills at least 27 people in Ukraine after Trump pushed for ceasefire. [Source]
Magnitutde 8.8 earthquake strikes off Russia’s far east coast. US warns of over 3-4 metre tsunami waves for Ecuador, Russia and Hawaiian islands, 900,000 under evacuation in Japan, China, Indonesia, Peru and many countries issues warning, already damaged infrastructure, ship, port.. caused flood. [Source]
Trump announces 25% tariff on India, along with a "penalty" for buying Russian energy and military equipment. [Source]
31 July
Trump has signed an executive order implementing an additional 40% tariff on Brazil, bringing the total tariff amount to 50%. All for political reasons. Trump wants Brazil to drop charges on Former President Jair Bolsonaro. Jair Bolsonaro is also strong supporter of Israel. [Source]
Canada to recognize Palestine in September — Canadian PM. Following UK, France. [Source]
Trump don’t want Canada to recognise Palestine “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!” - X [Source]
US Navy F-35 fighter jet ️ crashes in central California near Naval Air Station Lemoore. [Source]
After UK, France, Canada, now Germany is considering recognising Palestinian statehood. “80 years after the holocaust, and Germany is returning to support Nazism” - Itamar Ben-Gvir (Israel’s far right politician). [Source]
Indian state refiners have stopped buying Russian oil in the past week as discounts narrowed this month and U.S. President Donald Trump warned against purchasing oil from Moscow. [Source]
2 August
Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to strategic locations near Russia. Trump is angry with Former Russian president and his “provocative statement”. [Source]
India says no formal talks with US on F-35 purchase amid tariff tensions. New Delhi denies negotiations after Washington imposes 25% tariff and extra penalties. [Source]
3 August
Tens of thousands turn out for Sydney pro-Palestinian march despite rain. [Source]
4 August
China welcomes 183 Brazil coffee sellers in wake of US tariffs. [Source]
EU faces $1 Trillion loss by terminating cooperation with Russia. Higher gas price. [Source]
PM Modi struck a defiant tone in the face of Trump's tariff threats, urging the nation to buy local goods. Possible India-US Trade War. [Source]
Trump is angry that India is making huge profit by buying cheap Russian oil and selling it to other countries. How about remove restrictions and let it buy Iranian oil, Venezuelan oil? And some words on China? [Source]
5 August
Huge statement !!! India responds: India has been targeted by USA and EU. India also points how US and EU are trading with Russia but doesn’t want India to trade with it. [Source]
Trump says US states and cities must pledge not to boycott Israeli companies in order to receive $1.9 billion in federal disaster preparedness funds. [Source]
Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu says decision made for full occupation of Gaza —Euro news. Trump supports the decision. [Source]
Trump threatens a 35% tariff on the European Union if they fail to fulfil investment commitments. Europe doubts it can fulfil $600 Billion commitment. [Source]
