A Russian soldier at a checkpoint in Tiraspol, Transnistrian region, Moldova.

Efforts to explain why relations between Russia and the EU collapsed over the past decade have taken a closer look at previously neglected historical factors. But one development that perhaps represented the first step toward the current crisis between Moscow and Europe is overlooked: the Moldova-Transnistria war over 30 years ago.

Elderly people in China.

There are many negative consequences of China’s accelerated population decline. But while China’s demographic crisis looks like that of other neighboring countries, it is coming at a lower level of economic development, and the problems it poses are exacerbated by some of the unique characteristics of China’s political system.

Abu Dhabi’s then-Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan greets Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

East Africa has long been a region of great geopolitical importance and, as a result, the object of fierce competition. Now, recent developments, including Sudan’s brutal civil war and Ethiopia’s port access deal with Somaliland, have shone a spotlight on the United Arab Emirates’ influential role in regional affairs.

A giant billboard of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Ayodhya on Monday to ceremonially open a controversial Hindu temple, the latest illustration of the ties between Modi and India’s Hindu nationalist movement.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Six months before Mexico’s presidential election, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s approval rating is sitting at 55 percent. But a string of corruption allegations against his family and party have put AMLO on the defensive in recent weeks, chipping away the teflon coating that has protected him during his five years in office.

An oil tanker moored off the coast of Cyprus.

The war in Gaza and the Houthis’ de facto blockade of the Suez Canal have both imperiled the Mediterranean’s recently regained status as a nodal point of global trade. But at the same time, the European movement toward de-risking trade with China and adopting shorter supply chains provides an opportunity for Mediterranean nations.

Argentine President Javier Milei.

Since taking office Dec. 10, Argentine President Javier Milei has launched a flurry of initiatives to implement his pro-market agenda. But his decision to push through a massive package of reforms all at once and his insensitivity toward the social costs of his policies risk alienating key supporters and dooming his administration.

Houthi supporters protest against U.S.-led airstrikes.

At a time when the global order is in flux, it is notable that the drivers of many of the core security challenges in the world today are not, in fact, states. From Hamas to the Houthis movement, to Taiwan and Kosovo, the world is dotted by “quasi-” or “de facto” states. What does that mean for the role of the nation-state?

Taiwanese Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te.

Given Taiwan’s pivotal position as a flashpoint in global security, most of the coverage of its recent presidential and legislative elections viewed them through the lens of its relations with China. The relationship matters to be sure, but the campaign was also driven by domestic concerns that didn’t make the international headlines.

Supporters of Guatemalan President-elect Arevalo.

Attempts to subvert democracy have become a staple of our time. But amid this deeply worrisome trend is an encouraging development: Those attempts appear to be failing, as those who support democracy get better at defending it. Consider Guatemala, where a soft coup was defeated by the country’s citizens and international pressure.

Farmers protest against Germany's ruling coalition.

The coming year looks to be one of continued headaches and reactive crisis management for Germany’s ruling three-party coalition. A budget crisis, which triggered mass farmers protests, has compounded the country’s existing challenges, testing the durability of the ruling coalition and the political skills of its leaders.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Cairo has been unable to do anything more than react to crises around Egypt’s borders. With concerns growing over Egypt’s own stability, that has created a vicious cycle, increasing the likelihood that the chaos around it further exacerbates Egypt’s own internal problems.

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