Commentary

Only seven countries meet the PM2.5 threshold recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), while more than 90% of countries exceed safe levels, according to the World Air Quality Report 2025 released by IQAir.

In 2025, South Asia remained a hotspot of conflict and instability on the global map, marked by confrontations between neighbouring countries, political crises, and the growing imprint of major-power strategic competition.

At the Summit of the Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue (CA+JAD), the Tokyo Declaration was issued, setting out an ambitious roadmap to promote cooperation across multiple fields between one of Asia’s leading economies and a region rich in potential. Japan and the five Central Asian countries agreed to enter a new phase of cooperation, elevating their ties to a broad and multidimensional strategic partnership.

France has officially taken over the chairmanship of the Group of Seven (G7) from Canada. As the country assuming the role of G7 chair in 2026, France is carrying a dual challenge on its shoulders.

In 2025, strategic autonomy has become an urgent requirement for the European Union (EU) across multiple fields, from security and defence to economics, trade, and technology. Amid a world marked by volatility, the EU’s desire to reduce dependence, strengthen internal capacity, and enhance its standing is understandable. However, the path to autonomy is not an easy one, as a gap remains between ambition and actual capability.

In an effort to strengthen the European Union’s (EU) energy self-sufficiency, the European Parliament (EP) has just approved a plan to completely eliminate imports of Russian gas. However, this decision has met with opposition from some member states, who fear that “shutting off” the flow of gas from Russia could trigger a price surge in the energy market, harming the economy.

A consultative workshop to review Africa’s strategic counter-terrorism action plan recently opened in Algeria.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has forecast that the global oil market will remain stable in 2026, with supply expected to stay closely balanced with demand amid moderate macroeconomic risks facing the world economy.

The prospect of Ukraine joining the European Union (EU) by early 2027 is generating significant interest, reflecting Europe’s evolving strategic calculations. Yet a considerable gap persists between strong political commitments and the practical conditions required, making this timeline both a strategic aspiration and a major test for the EU itself.

As Timor Leste officially becomes the 11th member of ASEAN, alongside warm congratulations, a number of concerns have emerged regarding the prospects of integration into the “common home”.

In early December 2025, Syria welcomed several positive signals on its path towards reconstruction and reintegration. From a country devastated by war and isolated diplomatically and economically, Syria is taking steps that demonstrate its determination to pursue stability, while maximising foreign aid and striving to balance relations with major powers and regional countries.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has warned that the European Union’s pursuit of a green agenda and its enforcement of regulations against American technology companies are undermining the transatlantic alliance.

Although lasting only two days, the State visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to India — the world’s most populous nation — drew intense international attention, as it sought to consolidate the Asia–Europe strategic alliance at a time when both countries are under considerable pressure from the West.

The European Union (EU) has recently issued a Joint Communication on its strategic approach to enhancing the economic security of its 27 member states.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) assessed that the world economy in 2025 still maintained its endurance and ability to withstand shocks. Positive indicators from major economies, especially the US and Europe, have added bright colours to the world economic picture.

The “Pact for the Mediterranean: One Sea, One Pact, One Future” has just been officially launched, marking a historic step forward in the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the countries of the southern Mediterranean. The Pact is considered an important foundation for creating a cohesive, peaceful, and prosperous Mediterranean space.

The Gaza peace plan proposed by the US once kindled hopes of ending the conflict that has dragged on for more than two years in the Gaza Strip. Yet, despite the international community’s efforts, the plan is now clouded by suspicion, fuelled by political clashes of interest and a profound lack of trust between the parties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India next week is receiving a lot of attention, in the context of a rapidly shifting world order.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly and has become a key factor shaping the global technology landscape. As the AI craze intensifies with no sign of slowing down, the tech world is sparking a debate: whether the AI market is becoming overvalued and showing signs of an emerging bubble.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has just published its annual report, advising many countries to act quickly to prevent slowing population growth from seriously damaging their long-term economic prospects. An ageing population also has many complicated social consequences.