foreign policy

Foreign Policy has published a piece examining why the war in Ukraine remains deadlocked despite ongoing diplomatic talk. The argument is that neither Kyiv, Moscow, nor outside powers currently have both the incentive and the leverage to force a settlement, leaving the fighting to grind on with no credible path to peace on the horizon.

President Donald Trump spoke before world leaders at the United Nations summit in New York. The address drew wide attention as viewers watched live coverage of his remarks to the General Assembly. Interest is focused on what Trump told international leaders and how his message will land amid ongoing global tensions and US foreign policy debates.

Australia is being forced to reconsider its longstanding dependence on the United States as a security partner, according to DW News. The report reflects growing debate in Canberra about whether the US alliance remains reliable, prompting discussion about Australia diversifying its defence and diplomatic ties in an increasingly uncertain strategic environment.

A new commentary argues that major powers selectively invoke universal human rights norms to serve their own geopolitical interests rather than genuine humanitarian concerns. The piece contends that human rights language is used as an instrument of foreign policy, deployed against rivals and ignored when applied to allies, undermining the credibility of the international system meant to protect them.

America.gov, the US government's public-facing website about American policy and society, is drawing fresh attention this week. The site explains US government institutions, foreign policy, and American culture to international audiences, and is trending in Google searches in the United States.

An event or discussion titled 'A World Without Secrets: International Politics in an Era of Eroding Secrecy' is being held at Middlebury, examining how states, intelligence agencies and diplomats operate as secrecy becomes harder to maintain. The topic focuses on the consequences of leaks, surveillance and open-source intelligence for international relations and diplomacy.

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.

Charles Trueheart, the American journalist and former diplomat known for writing about the diplomatic 'betrayal' surrounding the US experience in Vietnam, has died at the age of 75. The New York Times reported his death. Trueheart served in diplomatic roles and wrote extensively about American foreign policy, with his work on Vietnam drawing attention to contested chapters of US diplomacy in Southeast Asia.

A former home secretary and foreign secretary deflected questions about a proscription issue during questioning, according to commentary circulating online alongside Palestine ceasefire and Free Palestine hashtags. The remarks have drawn criticism from pro-Palestine voices who view the evasiveness as a refusal to account for government policy on Palestine-related matters.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October, according to Reuters. The report notes that in foreign policy Vucic has pursued a balancing act, seeking closer ties with China, a major investor, and Russia, Serbia's principal supplier of natural gas, while maintaining long-term relations with Western partners. His departure comes at a sensitive political moment as Serbia prepares to vote.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is leading Iran's diplomatic push around the UN General Assembly in New York, centering his messaging on the recent war, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear rights. His outreach frames Tehran's positions on these issues as the core of its engagement with the international community during the high-level gathering.

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.

Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood appeared on the 21st Show to defend US military action against Iran, while also laying out his positions on tariffs and potential immigration solutions. The interview touched on three of the most contested issues in current American politics, with LaHood offering a Republican defense of the administration's approach to foreign policy and trade.

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.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has travelled to Damascus as the European Union prepares a new agreement with Syria and additional support for the country's recovery. Thirteen outlets have covered the visit, reflecting attention to the EU's shifting stance toward Syria's post-conflict government and questions over sanctions relief and reconstruction aid.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, is in Damascus, with coverage framing her visit as a marker of how far relations between Syria and Europe have moved in the two years since dramatic political change in the country. The trip signals the EU's renewed engagement with Syria's new authorities and a possible turn toward restoring diplomatic and economic ties after years of isolation.

Mayoral candidates' stances on Gaza are expected to take center stage at a forum hosted by the Jewish Federation, according to the Los Angeles Times. The event gives voters a chance to hear how hopefuls address one of the most divisive foreign policy issues in local politics, and the topic has drawn attention as the race heats up.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency reports that the number of foreign workers in the country under the Specified Skilled Worker visa has reached a record high of 444,256. The program, created in 2019 to address severe labor shortages in sectors like caregiving, construction and agriculture, continues to expand as Japan's population ages and shrinks.

The European Union is weighing measures to tighten rules on imported electric vehicles. The move would affect foreign-made EVs, including models from manufacturers like Tesla, which produces vehicles in China for the European market. Officials are reportedly examining options such as tariffs or stricter compliance requirements, though no final decision has been announced. The issue touches on trade tensions, local industry protection, and the EU's push for electric mobility.

Donald Trump spoke at a White House event about the war with Iran and about a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The remarks tie together two of the biggest foreign policy questions facing his administration: the conflict with Iran and the state of US-China relations. Further details of what was said were not immediately available beyond the report of the event.

Rival factions within Iran's political establishment are reported to be openly clashing over the country's approach to negotiations and regional diplomacy. The dispute reflects deeper disagreements over how far Tehran should engage with the West and its neighbours, with hardline and more pragmatic camps pushing conflicting lines. The infighting comes at a sensitive moment for Iranian foreign policy.

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.