Bhutan, situated between India and China, is nicknamed the “Hidden Kingdom,” given the lack of attention it receives from the media and policymakers abroad. However, a few weeks ago, Bhutan appeared in the news cycle for an odd reason: the American travel ban. This incident highlights the need for Bhutan to consider establishing formal diplomatic relations with the U.S. Having an embassy in Washington D.C will make it easier to handle these types of issues going forward.

The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as countries seek cleaner, more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Hydrogen has emerged as one of the most promising solutions, capable of decarbonizing industries, replacing natural gas, and powering the world’s future energy networks. As the global race for hydrogen leadership accelerates, the Gulf states—Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—are stepping up as major players in this emerging economy.

On November 5, 2024, Donald Trump was reelected the next president of the United States. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated “his friend” for winning reelection on X (Formerly Twitter). However, regardless of the cordial personal rapport between the two leaders, a Trump presidency has the potential to create issues for India, including human rights, China, Russia, and Iran, many of which stem from Trump’s erratic personality.

Lebanon’s new leadership under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam signals a potential shift from years of political deadlock and economic collapse. As they take office, they must confront deep-seated corruption, rebuild state institutions, and manage regional instability, all while balancing sectarian divisions and international expectations.

The imperial histories of Iran and Turkey have left an enduring imprint on their modern political identities, ideologies, and the public preferences of their citizens. Their similarities and distinctions present a unique case study of how historical grandeur informs modern governance.

Western weapons manufacturers, including Italy’s Beretta and Austria’s Glock, exploit loopholes to supply Russia despite sanctions. Companies use intermediaries in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia to smuggle arms. Embargo circumvention enables Russian forces to access Western-made weapons, prompting calls for stricter enforcement to curb illicit arms flows.

On February 28th, 2024, the Ghanaian parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Act, a bill intended to criminalize a wide array of LGBT activities. Even for a country with a poor record on LGBT rights, the bill is repressive: same-sex relations, heretofore vaguely defined as “unnatural carnal knowledge” by the law, are explicitly criminalized. Nevertheless, the bill is not yet law. While it has passed parliament, it does not go into effect until signed by the president of Ghana, which President Nana Akufo-Addo has not done. Why not?

In August 2021, the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan’s government, bringing with them a sweeping series of socio-political reforms that have instituted a system of gender apartheid on Afghan women. Since taking power, the Taliban has issued over 80 edicts aimed at suppressing women and girls in Afghanistan and erasing them from public life. Passed in August 2024, the latest in this series of edicts, a ban on women speaking in public, demonstrates just how cruel and draconian the Taliban regime is when it comes to women's rights. These gender-based restrictions have further complicated the establishment of the Taliban’s diplomatic relations, particularly with the Western world, which largely views the edicts as extreme. This widespread international condemnation has often had unintended negative effects, deepening the suffering of the Afghan people without weakening the Taliban’s grip on power.

Hungary’s nationalist policies under Viktor Orbán have strained EU relations, driven by historical resistance to foreign influence. This article examines Hungary’s ideological defiance, its shifting alliances, and the broader implications of its divergence from European democratic norms.

Russia has developed a comprehensive strategy to withstand and adapt to Western sanctions, involving immediate retaliatory actions, state support, and long-term efforts to reduce economic dependence on the West. By reviewing Russia’s sanctions response strategies, this article seeks to provide policymakers with insight into the strategies adversaries employ to counteract the effects of economic statecraft.

Germany’s ‘traffic light’ coalition collapsed in November, triggering an upcoming snap election in February. Many fear the rise of the radical AfD, and Germany faces an uncertain future as the election approaches.

Modi's France visit highlights Indo-French strategic ties, shared objectives of autonomy, historical links, and economic ties. France’s acceptance of India’s diverging stance towards Russia reaffirms the importance of bilateral diplomacy over multilateralism.

Is President Noboa’s response to Ecuador’s current narco-trafficking crisis threatening Ecuador’s potential to become a model democratic state?

One of the many things far-right parties across the West have in common is espousing xenophobic rhetoric. However, each far-right party differs based on the local context, such as the differences in religion between France’s and America’s far-right. The American far-right seeks to promote Christianity to protect American culture from immigrants, whereas the French far-right seeks to uphold secularism to preserve French culture.

The expiration of the Russia-Ukraine gas transit deal—which will cut Russian gas flow to Europe by 30%, from an already reduced 35% of 2021 levels—underscores Europe's structural and political challenges in fully eliminating reliance on Russian energy.

Brexit catalyzed the EU's climate policy evolution, fostering stronger internal cohesion and ambitious initiatives like the European Green Deal. Despite challenges like fragmented carbon markets, Brexit ultimately strengthened the EU's global climate leadership and innovation.

Greece’s victory over Italy in the Greco-Italian War (1940-1941) was driven by strategic use of geography, harsh weather, and national unity. Greek forces leveraged rugged terrain, adaptable tactics, and morale to counter Italy’s technological and numerical advantages, demonstrating the critical role of spatiality and logistical disruption in military success.

Putinism’s flexible, anti-Western system sustains Russian authoritarianism through contradictory narratives—religious conservatism and Eurasianism—while NATO’s failure to counter these narratives has emboldened Russian aggression. NATO must reject appeasement, delegitimize Putinism, and prioritize Ukraine’s defense to preserve Western security.

The fall of Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh’s Awami League party is a result of a civilian-led movement that challenged an increasingly authoritarian administration. As the country shifts into a new political era, the question remains “What happens next?”

A European Defense Force is needed to enhance EU autonomy amid geopolitical threats like Russian aggression and terrorism. Coordination challenges, reliance on non-EU suppliers, and diverging national priorities abound. Frameworks like PESCO and EDF can strengthen EU defense, complement NATO, and achieve strategic independence and global influence.