China and Russia view the latest Washington intervention in the Middle East as a further decline of the United States’ global power.
Begos’ Friends by Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani, painted in the 1910s. At a keipi or festive supra, the tamada holds a kantsi (horn) and introduces a toast.
Wikiuka/Wikimedia
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union came rapid societal shifts. In Georgia, people called for the end of the Russification of their country and their culture.
One of the young TV Rain journalists, Elena Kostyuchenko.
Evgeny Feldman
Washington has been championing long-time incumbent, Viktor Orbán. But there’s a good chance that Donald Trump’s endorsement might prove a handicap.
In March, members of the UN Security Council voted in favour of a sanctions resolution for encouraging states to co-ordinate defensive naval actions against Iran through the Strait of Hormuz. On April 7 Russia and China blocked a vote on “use of force” backed by 11 members, drawing two abstentions. The vote came a day before Donald Trump’s announcement of a conditional ceasefire with Iran.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP
Once again, in a crisis, the UN and the EU seem to pale into insignificance. Multilateralism may not be dead, but it’s currently at an all-time low…
Amid global energy disruption, the EU’s pledge to procure US oil, LNG, and nuclear energy products worth $750 billion by 2028 is a strategic response to lessen reliance on Russian fossil fuels through diversifying its sources and increasing its energy security.
by-studio / Shutterstock
A gas crisis could challenge Europe next winter if its gas reserves are not replenished. The phaseout of Russian gas and LNG by late 2027 is a major part of the EU’s gas diversification strategy but it exposes the continent to price volatility.
As Iranian missiles fly, Israel’s sophisticated Iron Dome air defence system is under strain. A potential collaboration with Volkswagen to manufacture key components of the Israeli rocket interceptor could expose both the carmaker and Germany to a breach in International law if it produces arms for Israel.
Hamara / Shutterstock
If Israel possesses a nuclear arsenal, while Iran is denied that possibility, what do the international norms on accepting, producing or acquiring nuclear weapons have to say about such double standards?
A man watches at an exchange office sign showing the currency exchange rates of the Russian ruble, U.S. dollar, and euro in Moscow, Russia, in November 2024.
(AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)
Cut off from the world’s main financial messaging system, Russia turned to a domestic alternative. But research shows it fell far short of replacing the global financial network.
A Nigerian soldier stands between armoured vehicles donated by the United States to the Nigerian military, 2016.
Stefan Heunis/AFP via Getty Images
Beyond simple survival, Moldova seems to have emerged stronger from the challenges it has faced.
Simona Bubenickova of Czechia (left, with guide David Srutek) and Germany’s Leonie Maria Walter (right, with guide Christian Krasman) pose next to Russia’s Anastasiia Bagiian (centre, with guide Sergei Siniakin) during the medal ceremony for the women’s 10-kilometre vision-impaired cross-country skiing race at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Tesero, Italy, on March 11, 2026.
(AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)
Russia’s return to the Paralympic Games exposes the tension between the movement’s commitment to inclusion and the geopolitical realities of war, doping scandals and ethical accountability.
European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, are at loggerheads over the Iran war.
Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa
Richard Whitman, University of Kent; Royal United Services Institute and Stefan Wolff, University of Birmingham
The two wars are forcing the EU to take a more assertive role in defence and security affairs, leading to arguments between senior officials.
Firefighters put out the fire in a multi-storey apartment building following a Russian missile attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on March 7, 2026.
(AP Photo/Andrii Marienko)
The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran is helping advance Russian interests as it prepares for a spring offensive against Ukraine.
A banner reading, ‘Regrettably, Putin did not die today. We are waiting …’ hangs in the City Garden of Odesa, Ukraine, on April 1, 2023.
Viacheslav Onyshchenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images News