Commentary

After nearly 80 years of development, the UN peacekeeping force has left a significant mark on efforts to build a better world. However, the combined pressures of financial shortages, geopolitical tensions and declining troop numbers are confronting the force with serious challenges.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on a visit to India in an effort to stabilise and warm up bilateral ties, which have been marked by a number of disagreements.

The prolonged conflict in the Middle East has had a profound impact on labour markets, aviation, tourism, public finance, and growth prospects across many major economies in Asia and Europe. Experts warn that even if the conflict comes to an end, the scars it leaves behind may take years to heal.

Turbulence in relations between the US and its European allies cast a shadow over the recent meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is entering what is being described as its most dangerous phase, as global oil inventories fall rapidly, seaborne oil shipments remain disrupted, and pressure spreads across the entire energy supply chain.

The historic trade agreement between the UK and the six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is being hailed as a major victory for British businesses and workers, with the value of the deal estimated to be double the original projections.

At the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Hanta virus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are only the latest crises facing a world in a dangerous period, with divisions due to conflict, economic turmoil, and climate change.

The US cancelled its planned attack on Iran on May 19 following requests from three Gulf countries. Tehran also urgently sent Washington a 14-point peace proposal through Pakistani mediation. These positive moves by the parties involved have given observers reason to hope that the conflict in the Middle East may soon come to an end.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae began her visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) on May 19 to attend a bilateral summit with host President Lee Jae Myung. In contrast to the previous period of strained ties, both sides are making efforts to overcome differences and jointly address a series of pressing strategic issues.

A glimmer of hope for an end to the conflict in Ukraine in the near future has faded following a series of escalating military actions on the battlefield by both Russia and Ukraine. Prospects for peace in the Ukraine conflict remain distant.

The expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has just concluded in New Delhi. The meeting underscored the need to continue reforming the global governance system and strengthening the voice of developing countries in addressing global challenges.

With strategic maritime routes facing the risk of being “weaponised”, with any disruption capable of triggering chain reactions across the energy, logistics, and trade sectors, many countries are stepping up their energy diplomacy policies.

Taking place at a pivotal moment in US-China relations, this visit to Beijing by the White House leader offers an opportunity for both sides to narrow differences and open the door to cooperation across multiple fields between the world’s two largest economies.

The European Union (EU)’s Pact on Migration and Asylum — Brussels’ most comprehensive reform in migration management in recent years — is set to officially take effect in June. However, this marks only the beginning of a long and difficult journey.

The visit by French Minister Delegate for the Armed Forces and Veterans Alice Rufo also marked the return of French Ambassador to Algeria Stephane Romatet to his post after about a year of being recalled during a period of bilateral diplomatic tensions.

UK’s 2026 midterm local elections, held on May 7, sought to elect more than 5,000 councillors across 136 councils, including all 32 London boroughs, six mayors in England, 129 members of the Scottish Parliament, and 96 members of the Welsh Parliament.

Concerns are mounting across Europe, Africa, and South America after the cruise ship MV Hondius, carrying around 150 passengers, was identified as the source of a Hanta virus outbreak that has claimed three lives in regions previously visited by the vessel.

The number of armed conflicts globally has risen sharply to levels not seen since the end of the Second World War, driving global military spending to a record high of nearly 2.9 trillion USD.

New developments related to the conflict in the Middle East, together with rifts within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), have confronted European countries with an unavoidable reality: being protected by a security umbrella does not necessarily mean enjoying sustainable safety.

More than 1,500 delegates from 48 countries recently gathered at the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, united in their search for solutions to the continent’s development challenges.