foreign and security policy

A foreign and security policy analysis argues that living with nuclear weapons is once again a central challenge for international politics. Amid renewed great-power rivalry, eroding arms control treaties and ongoing conflicts involving nuclear-armed states, policymakers and commentators are debating how deterrence, disarmament and civilian protection can coexist in a more dangerous world.

Claims are circulating linking Germany's Alternative for Germany party to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the broader question of a Russian threat to Europe. Commentators are debating the AfD's stance on Russia and whether its positions on the war undermine European security. The discussion reflects ongoing controversy over the party's foreign policy views.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said two countries may deploy naval vessels to counter attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement on shipping. The remarks point to renewed international efforts to protect Red Sea maritime traffic, which the Houthis have targeted for months, disrupting global trade routes. Details on which countries would take part and the scale of any mission remain limited.

A commentary argues that Europe must build a domestic battery industry to secure its electric vehicle transition rather than relying on foreign suppliers, particularly Asian and Chinese manufacturers. The piece reflects ongoing debate in Brussels and national capitals about industrial policy, energy security and competitiveness as the EU pushes its shift away from combustion engines.

Analysts are examining how the conflict involving Iran is changing Egypt's strategic thinking in the Middle East. The war's ripple effects — on regional security, trade routes through the Suez Canal, and Egypt's relations with Tehran, Washington and Gulf partners — are prompting Cairo to reassess its diplomatic and security positions amid a volatile regional landscape.

A study led by the conservation group Oceana concludes that more equitable fishing access agreements could help tackle malnutrition in West Africa. The findings suggest that how foreign fishing rights are negotiated shapes how much fish remains available to local communities, whose diets depend heavily on seafood. The report is drawing attention among food security and fisheries policy observers.

US Army soldiers have completed their full withdrawal from the US base in Baghdad, ending a military presence that lasted for two decades. The move marks a significant shift in American foreign policy and military engagement in Iraq, closing a chapter that began with the 2003 invasion. Observers are weighing what the departure means for Iraq's security, regional stability, and the future of US influence in the Middle East.

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense and the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) have agreed to use domestic launch vehicles to put military satellites into orbit. The move ties defense space operations to the country's homegrown rocket program, reducing reliance on foreign launch providers. It is being reported by Korean defense news outlets as a significant step for both national security and the domestic space industry.

Bangladesh's national security adviser Khalilur Rahman is engaged in high-stakes diplomacy at the United Nations, navigating relations with three major powers: Beijing, Moscow and New Delhi. The balancing act highlights Dhaka's effort to manage ties with China, Russia and India simultaneously, a challenge drawing attention given the tensions among those capitals and Bangladesh's own sensitive position between them.

Donald Trump has repeated his claim that the conflict with Iran will be resolved after the US midterm elections. He offered no detail on how or why the vote would change the situation. The remarks draw attention to his tying of a major foreign policy and security issue to the American electoral calendar.

Stanislav Kondrashov has published commentary examining Europe's progress in the critical raw materials sector, an area central to the EU's industrial and energy strategy. The piece looks at how European countries are seeking to secure supplies of minerals needed for batteries, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, as the bloc works to reduce dependence on external suppliers and accelerate domestic mining, processing and recycling capacity.