Terror attacks in Europe over past 20 years should offer stark warning as US aids Israel in displacing Palestinians

Huge payouts are sign of “discrimination and misogyny” in British military, warns former Tory defence minister

Two decades in, Anti-Trafficking Review’s editor says maybe activists still don’t understand social change

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff says updated offer includes 10 hostages and a temporary truce; Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warns against “madness” of partial agreements. By David Brummer, World Israel News In a surprise announcement from the Oval Office on Wednesday, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said a new proposal for The post US envoy to propose new ceasefire and hostage deal to Israel appeared first on World Israel News.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff says updated offer includes 10 hostages and a temporary truce; Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warns against “madness” of partial agreements. By David Brummer, World Israel News In a surprise announcement from the Oval Office on Wednesday, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said a new proposal for The post US envoy to propose new ceasefire and hostage deal to Israel appeared first on World Israel News.

Iran proposed a one-year freeze on uranium enrichment in return for the release of billions in frozen assets and U.S. recognition of its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. The post Iran floats enrichment freeze in exchange for US release of assets, recognition of nuclear rights appeared first on World Israel News.

Iran proposed a one-year freeze on uranium enrichment in return for the release of billions in frozen assets and U.S. recognition of its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. The post Iran floats enrichment freeze in exchange for US release of assets, recognition of nuclear rights appeared first on World Israel News.

Former Hamas hostage Liri Albag is set to return to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to complete her military service The post Former hostage plans IDF return, settle accounts with captors appeared first on World Israel News.

Former Hamas hostage Liri Albag is set to return to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to complete her military service The post Former hostage plans IDF return, settle accounts with captors appeared first on World Israel News.

Israel’s Defense Ministry revealed that laser-based interception systems were successfully used in combat for the first time during the ongoing “Swords of Iron” war. The post Defense Ministry: Laser-based missile defense system downed drones during war appeared first on World Israel News.

Israel’s Defense Ministry revealed that laser-based interception systems were successfully used in combat for the first time during the ongoing “Swords of Iron” war. The post Defense Ministry: Laser-based missile defense system downed drones during war appeared first on World Israel News.

Russian state development bank VEB plans to provide around 3.5 trillion roubles ($42.74 billion) in funding for joint projects with Chinese businesses

During the Iron Swords War, Israel’s Defense Ministry, Air Force, and Rafael fast-tracked groundbreaking laser interception systems that successfully took down dozens of enemy targets—marking a major leap in energy-based defense technology. The post WATCH: IDF announces laser air defense system was successfully deployed against Hezbollah appeared first on World Israel News.

During the Iron Swords War, Israel’s Defense Ministry, Air Force, and Rafael fast-tracked groundbreaking laser interception systems that successfully took down dozens of enemy targets—marking a major leap in energy-based defense technology. The post WATCH: IDF announces laser air defense system was successfully deployed against Hezbollah appeared first on World Israel News.

Ethiopia's accession to the BRICS is serving the country as a significant impetus for both economic growth and enhanced global standing

ASEAN and BRICS find new path as trade challenges mount

When radical activists are no longer in power, their hatred for conservative governments and their leaders apparently transcends respect for democracy. The post ‘Foxes in the vineyards’: Israel’s very own subversives appeared first on World Israel News.

When radical activists are no longer in power, their hatred for conservative governments and their leaders apparently transcends respect for democracy. The post ‘Foxes in the vineyards’: Israel’s very own subversives appeared first on World Israel News.

President Trump stated that nuclear negotiations are progressing well and that a military strike would be inappropriate at this time, while clarifying that military action remains on the table—saying that one phone call could change everything. The post WATCH: ‘Yes, I did’ – Trump confirms warning Netanyahu about attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities appeared first on World Israel News.

President Trump stated that nuclear negotiations are progressing well and that a military strike would be inappropriate at this time, while clarifying that military action remains on the table—saying that one phone call could change everything. The post WATCH: ‘Yes, I did’ – Trump confirms warning Netanyahu about attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities appeared first on World Israel News.

The letter, sent hours before Operation Gideon’s Chariots was launched, is a signal of growing internal skepticism about government and military leaders’ commitment to wrest control of Gaza from Hamas. The post Netanyahu’s Gaza war plan shows lack of ‘serious intent’ to defeat Hamas, say coalition lawmakers appeared first on World Israel News.

The letter, sent hours before Operation Gideon’s Chariots was launched, is a signal of growing internal skepticism about government and military leaders’ commitment to wrest control of Gaza from Hamas. The post Netanyahu’s Gaza war plan shows lack of ‘serious intent’ to defeat Hamas, say coalition lawmakers appeared first on World Israel News.

Over the past 600 days since the October 7th massacre, the IDF has systematically crippled Iran’s Axis of Terror across the Middle East, eliminating dozens of high-ranking terror leaders and dismantling key operational networks. The post WATCH: IDF wartime achievements in 600 days of war appeared first on World Israel News.

Over the past 600 days since the October 7th massacre, the IDF has systematically crippled Iran’s Axis of Terror across the Middle East, eliminating dozens of high-ranking terror leaders and dismantling key operational networks. The post WATCH: IDF wartime achievements in 600 days of war appeared first on World Israel News.

Climate change used to be a bipartisan issue. So did abortion rights. Ditto immigration. In each case, the earlier bipartisan consensus was much more liberal than the current conservative credo. The Right gained ground, both achieving issue-specific policy outcomes and advancing electorally, by turning each issue into a culture war and then winning it. The

Weapons and a range of equipment such as computing devices, safes, banknote counters, and office supplies were also seized. The post Israeli forces continue crackdown on Palestinian terror funding appeared first on World Israel News.

Weapons and a range of equipment such as computing devices, safes, banknote counters, and office supplies were also seized. The post Israeli forces continue crackdown on Palestinian terror funding appeared first on World Israel News.

Despite unwarranted international criticism of the new Gaza aid plan—which has so far been executed nearly flawlessly—it is being deeply appreciated by thousands of Gazans, some of whom have even posted messages of gratitude. The post WATCH: Gazans thank America, President Trump for humanitarian aid appeared first on World Israel News.

Despite unwarranted international criticism of the new Gaza aid plan—which has so far been executed nearly flawlessly—it is being deeply appreciated by thousands of Gazans, some of whom have even posted messages of gratitude. The post WATCH: Gazans thank America, President Trump for humanitarian aid appeared first on World Israel News.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said four Israeli Arabs are currently in advanced stages of the deportation process, with proceedings initiated against hundreds of other security prisoners. The post ‘It’s a no-brainer’: Legal expert backs deportation of Palestinian Authority-funded terrorists appeared first on World Israel News.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said four Israeli Arabs are currently in advanced stages of the deportation process, with proceedings initiated against hundreds of other security prisoners. The post ‘It’s a no-brainer’: Legal expert backs deportation of Palestinian Authority-funded terrorists appeared first on World Israel News.

The Colombian diplomat Jorge Iván Ospina indicated that it is still uncertain whether he will carry out his duties from Ramallah or operate from a neighboring country. The post Colombia appoints first ambassador to ‘State of Palestine’ amid deepening rift with Israel appeared first on World Israel News.

The Colombian diplomat Jorge Iván Ospina indicated that it is still uncertain whether he will carry out his duties from Ramallah or operate from a neighboring country. The post Colombia appoints first ambassador to ‘State of Palestine’ amid deepening rift with Israel appeared first on World Israel News.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the IHRA International Conference on Combating Antisemitism stated that as antisemitic regimes continue to fall, Israel and the Jewish people stand resilient, thriving through strength, innovation, and an unshakable moral foundation. The post WATCH: Rubio at antisemitism conference – ‘There can be no coexistence with evil’ appeared first on World Israel News.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the IHRA International Conference on Combating Antisemitism stated that as antisemitic regimes continue to fall, Israel and the Jewish people stand resilient, thriving through strength, innovation, and an unshakable moral foundation. The post WATCH: Rubio at antisemitism conference – ‘There can be no coexistence with evil’ appeared first on World Israel News.

The strike, involving approximately 40 bunker-buster bombs, each weighing about a ton, was designed to disrupt Hamas’s command structure and pave the way for future ground operations. The post ‘We got him’ – Netanyahu confirms death of Mohammed Sinwar appeared first on World Israel News.

The strike, involving approximately 40 bunker-buster bombs, each weighing about a ton, was designed to disrupt Hamas’s command structure and pave the way for future ground operations. The post ‘We got him’ – Netanyahu confirms death of Mohammed Sinwar appeared first on World Israel News.

It’s something beyond tragedy, beyond farce. The Trump administration and its Republican congressional allies are trying to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which would, among other measures, make Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent. The total cost of the bill’s revenue-slashing provisions is expected to come in at $3.8 trillion over ten years.

Former hostage Keith Siegel described the traumatic experience of being kidnapped by Hamas and what he endured in captivity. The post Taken by Hamas: 600 days of captivity in Gaza appeared first on World Israel News.

Former hostage Keith Siegel described the traumatic experience of being kidnapped by Hamas and what he endured in captivity. The post Taken by Hamas: 600 days of captivity in Gaza appeared first on World Israel News.

After years of claims that the "Patriot" SAM systems are "invincible", Yuri Ihnat changed the tune, raising the issue of their reliability, particularly against the 9M723 missiles. Ihnat specifically highlighted the "Patriot's" shortcomings, as it's unable to counter the "Iskander-M's" missiles that can perform high-G evasive maneuvers, rendering any intercept course calculations useless.

Violence against Whites in South Africa is a serious issue, but no genocide. By downplaying Palestine’s humanitarian disaster while amplifying exaggerated South African claims, Trump selectively ignores evidence for political gain, thereby undermining genuine genocide and persecution concerns.

All is not well in the world of MAHA. The announcement of Donald Trump’s second nominee for surgeon general, Casey Means, has sparked considerable outrage within and beyond the MAHA/MAGA universe. Mainstream commentators have largely focused on her lack of qualifications — she did not complete her medical residency and no longer holds a license

This measure deeply hurts the bloc’s unity.

Against the tide of protectionism, BRICS raises the banner of inclusive trade: the group’s trade ministers reach agreement on WTO reform, the digital economy, and the 2030 Economic Partnership

Brussels once again places Spain as economic engine of EU despite doubts.

I brightened up over the The Final Reckoning part of the new Mission: Impossible title, figuring if it really is the final reckoning, we all have something to celebrate. After all, retirements are happy occasions. And Tom Cruise is finally showing his age a wee bit, looking in certain shots as if his face had

The recent release of Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander was the product of direct negotiations between the United States and Hamas. Presented as a confidence-building measure to establish a wider cease-fire, Israeli representatives were not party to the discussions. This was seen as a historic departure in US-Israeli relations and precipitated serious debate over the

BRICS ministers advance cultural alliances as a pillar of sustainable development, advocating for the repatriation of cultural assets, creative economies, and cultural efforts in response to the climate crisis

This month, Die Linke met for its congress in Chemnitz, under the motto “Organizing Hope.” Such a slogan would have seemed out of touch the last time it held such a meet-up in October 2024. Back then, activists were surely hopeful for Die Linke’s future, despite a damaging split by the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW).

The toughest question facing US foreign policy isn’t about Ukraine, Gaza, or Taiwan. It’s about who we are and how we should respond to a changing world. In a period of great power competition, should we double-down on our global responsibilities? Or give up the Sisyphean task of upholding a liberal international order for a narrower set of interests? That’s the million-dollar question at the heart of Statecraft 2.0: What America Needs to Lead in a Multipolar World (Oxford, 2025), a new book from Ambassador Dennis Ross. Written to supplement a previous work entitled Statecraft: And How to Restore America’s Standing in the World (2007), Ross’s new book starts from a painful new fact: We live in a multipolar world—no more business as usual. “There is a different political, military, and economic landscape internationally than when I was writing in 2005 and 2006,” he says. “The United States is no longer the uber-power; the world is no longer unipolar. America is challenged from without and within. And statecraft done well has become even more important as a result.” So begins an extended meditation on statecraft, built on historical case studies and the author’s own experience. As a foreign policy practitioner, Ross is less interested in the philosophy of statecraft than in the practical skills it requires. The core task is “knowing how best to integrate and use every asset or military, diplomatic, intelligence, media, economic, organizational, and psychological tool policymakers possess (or can manipulate) to meet their objectives”—in other words, balancing ends and means in pursuit of the national interest. America, for all its achievements, has a spotty track record on statecraft. Reviewing past blunders, Ross identifies poor threat analysis, ideological distortion, and ignorance of the situation on the ground as common denominators. Prioritizing ends over means (George W. Bush in Iraq) or means over ends (Barack Obama in Libya), we arrive at the same result: a massive expenditure of American power with little to show for it, and a population skeptical of those at the helm. Readers will appreciate Ross’s clear prose and sage insights, but will be fascinated by his theme of “national self-image” as it relates to foreign policy. In a liberal democratic republic like ours, statecraft is shaped by (and ultimately limited by) the people’s shared sense of identity and purpose. This shared identity, which constitutes the national self-image, will dictate ends and means alike. Policymakers and presidents can’t do statecraft in a vacuum. When policies are out of sync with the collective mind, they will fail for lack of popular support. Ross’s argument turns on a simple, if controversial, point: America’s self-image is unique. “Deeply engrained in the American psyche is a belief in exceptionalism,” he writes, locating the essence of that belief in the “theme of providence placing special favor upon the United States.” Steeped in an Anglo-Protestant narrative derived from the Bible, the founders saw themselves as strangers and pilgrims fleeing Babylon to build a City on a Hill in the Promised Land—a city which would radiate light to the nations. Americans have long bickered over how to achieve this end—Should we hold the light aloft so the nations can see it? Or bring it proactively to foreign shores? And what exactly is the light?—yet Americans have agreed that theirs isn’t just another nation-state. America has a mission. America is exceptional. Such assumptions no longer hold. Of the five foreign policy schools Ross identifies, he lumps the “America First” school of Donald Trump and the “Progressive/Restrainer” school of Andrew Bacevich in the same category. Though different in politics, the two agree on one thing: America may be great, but it’s not exceptional. Our sole foreign policy objective is to look out for ourselves, which usually means leaving well enough alone. Why would we be expected to—or presume to—do anything else? That the US should minimize its commitments abroad and focus on its own prosperity is accepted doctrine among large segments of the right and left; but Ross remains an exceptionalist, multipolarity be damned. The world has indeed changed, and we can’t afford to make the mistakes of the past. But strong US leadership is more critical than ever. Ross’s argument is credible and compelling, but falls short on the very question he so helpfully puts in the foreground: Will Americans keep seeing their nation as exceptional? Unfortunately, his case for American exceptionalism is usually framed in the negative (i.e., If we don’t lead, who will? China?) or in the tired language of democracy that no longer resonates. He insists that “an American self-image of selflessness on the world stage…still permeates an important part of the public,” but fails to explain how to re-evangelize the rest. “No approach to the application of American statecraft is going to be sustainable if it is divorced from the American self-image and the traditions that shape it.”  If Ross is right, the most important task in 2025 is to reunify America’s collective psychology; for no nation-state can long endure without a clear sense of self. It was no accident that Samuel P. Huntington wrote his last book to answer the ultimate question facing any nation: Who are we? It’s impossible to defend the national interest without first reaching consensus on national identity. The real problem today is how to restore America’s self-image for a distracted and divided populace that lacks the biblical imagination of their ancestors. Because it touches on matters of religion and belief, this problem transcends the typical business of statecraft. It also raises a related issue of time. A nation’s mind takes years to develop; once unraveled, it won’t quickly renew. And here we arrive at America’s most pressing dilemma: While better statecraft is imperative, better statecraft is impossible without a robust public vision to drive it. Ross offers no solution to this dilemma, but performs a valuable service in exposing it. The only sure takeaway is that the foreign policy now en vogue—“Eat, drink, be merry, and let the world burn”—isn’t enough to protect us. More fundamentally, it isn’t who we are.  

The current dynamics of the trade relationship between Russia and China highlight the unequal nature of their partnership, says Filip Rudnik in his analysis in his analysis for the China-Russia Dashboard

This marks the first official participation of the New Development Bank in a formal event in Morocco, despite the North African country not being a member of the organization

The event highlights innovative partnerships and financing solutions for sustainable development among BRICS nations

Event in Brasilia to bring together Speakers of Parliaments from BRICS member states and partner countries

The helicopter carrying Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Kursk oblast (region) was "at the epicenter of a Ukrainian drone attack".

Against the tide of protectionism, BRICS raises the banner of inclusive trade: the group’s trade ministers reach agreement on WTO reform, the digital economy, and the 2030 Economic Partnership

The Temporary Protection Directive is expected to end in early 2026.

Throughout decades of often disastrous American military interventions abroad, Washington has also claimed to support affected populations through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), promising some baseline level of survival. This relationship of dependency has served as a way for the United States to avoid accountability for its interventions. Yet now Donald Trump’s administration

On Europe’s Balkan periphery, there is constant dispute over what space this region truly belongs to. It’s neither quite the West nor truly the East — let alone part of the Global South. In times of war, economic recession, and globalization, the Balkans are rarely mentioned: a “desert of post-socialism” left off the map. A

Senate Majority Leader slams Trump for allowing El Chapo’s family to enter the US.

‘Decent work’ isn’t always possible. Advocates should stop shying away from criminal justice in anti-trafficking

A saga that ended with the rebel preacher Thomas Müntzer beneath an executioner’s axe in Mühlhausen on May 27, 1525, began not with his radical Protestant preaching or his apocalyptic visions, but rather a year before with snails. Helix pomatia, better known as the Burgundy snail, is common throughout Europe and found in the town

Today, King Charles III will deliver his first throne speech in Canada, a gesture that, as the Prime Minister emphasized, “underscores the sovereignty” of the Crown. There will be pageantry: glimmering jewels, oaths recited in ritual cadence, and the quiet solemnity of kneeling before the throne. To many, such gestures may appear archaic and superficial—relics of another age, perhaps even indulgent flourishes of a constitutional monarchy whose authority is largely symbolic. Nevertheless, these acts endure. They are not mere theater. They are symbols that echo across time, inviting us, if only momentarily, to recall the gravity that once accompanied public authority. These rites are not hollow. They are posture rendered meaningful. In an era dominated by acceleration, procedural governance, and technocrats, the throne speech appears almost anachronistic: a public moment in which power is not improvised or informal but carefully staged. It reminds the nation that political authority is never merely functional. It must also be formed ritually, ethically, and symbolically. Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor speaks of the “cross-pressures” of the 20th-century world, the tension between the longing for transcendence and the flattening forces of secular self-sufficiency. In such a world, the act of kneeling can appear jarring. Its endurance suggests something more ancient still murmurs in the political imagination: legitimacy is not merely assumed but bestowed through fidelity to an international order—one in which the question of sovereignty remains central. This insight is not unique to monarchy. In The Guide for the Perplexed, Maimonides presents submission not as passivity but as the culmination of rational striving, a turning of the intellect toward the divine, honed by solitude and contemplation. “The perfected man,” he writes, “will direct all his thoughts to God alone.” In this tradition, submission is not the abdication of self but its elevation: a soul refined for understanding and governance. Catholic theology offers a kindred vision. In the Eucharist, the faithful kneel not in resignation but in recognition that to partake in the mystery of Christ is to assent to a sovereign order beyond the self, one that binds time, community, and conscience in a sacrament of shared responsibility. In both traditions, submission is formative. It forges the interior conditions under which justice becomes possible. By contrast, Peter Berger, in The Sacred Canopy, offered a more skeptical account. For him, religion is a symbolic shield stretched over existential chaos—a structure of transcendence imposed upon a fundamentally contingent, unpredictable world. In his reading of Job and Calvinist theodicy, submission appears less as moral transformation than as existential defeat: the bowed head of the creature before an inscrutable, often indifferent God. However, this account misses the generative force of submission. It overlooks how religious traditions have not merely pacified fear but cultivated the habits of moral imagination and the architecture of political order. Canada is not a confessional state and the monarchy exercises no executive power. Yet its rituals persist because they gesture toward something the liberal state cannot generate: a shared moral center of gravity. In an age of administrative drift and civic exhaustion, the throne speech offers a rare moment of national orientation. It reminds us that governance is not only a matter of policy but of posture, of how a society positions itself before the sacred and prepares its leaders to carry the weight of responsibility. Sovereignty has returned to the center of Canadian political life under Prime Minister Mark Carney, particularly as President Donald Trump resumes office in the United States with renewed talk of tariffs and even annexation threats. These remarks have reignited longstanding concerns about Canada’s sovereignty within a North American context often dominated by U.S. interests. In this climate, Carney inviting King Charles to deliver the throne speech is not a nostalgic gesture but a calculated affirmation of constitutional continuity and national identity. While populist movements often treat sovereignty as absolute power, the throne speech offers a counterpoint: more than ceremony, it becomes a form of soft power. Perhaps Canada, like its prime minister, could learn to wield inherited meaning not as ornament, but as strength. The Canadian philosopher George Grant once warned that modern politics risks becoming a technological enterprise: concerned with management, not meaning; with process, not truth. In such a system, tradition becomes decorative, and governance loses its moral architecture. Yet, in moments like the throne speech, we glimpse a different register: authority is not created ex nihilo but handed down, ritually acknowledged, and received with reverence. We are unlikely to witness the return of divine kingship in liberal democracies, nor should we wish it. But we would do well to recall what those older gestures signified: that the capacity to govern is inseparable from the willingness to submit: not to coercion or command, but to a moral order beyond the self, not to a ruler, but to the responsibility of rule itself. In this way, ceremonial acts like the throne speech exercise soft power as a cultural force that shapes how authority is perceived and internalized. Peter Berger warned of anomie—a condition in which the individual, stripped of shared symbolic worlds, faces chaos without interpretive shelter. Rituals such as these are among the last remaining bulwarks against that disintegration. This is not a call to restore royal power. It is a recognition that the quiet weight of tradition can anchor political life in memory. In this older sense, soft power is not about projecting influence abroad, but about preserving coherence at home. To kneel, in this sense, is not to shrink. It is to be shaped. The enduring challenge of liberal democracy is not merely how to distribute power but how to prepare those who hold it. That cannot be achieved by procedural reform alone. It requires character, memory, and a renewed language of limits. And yes, there are moments when only a gesture beyond design will suffice, one that reminds us why order matters at all. Before we can govern, we must kneel.

In preparation for the Northern summer season of 2025, Yakutia Airlines outlined plans to significantly enhance its flight connections between key cities in Russia’s Far East and popular coastal destinations in China

BRICS Countries Shift Majority of Trade to National Currencies, Moving Away from the US Dollar

Agricultural cooperation between China and Russia has become a key highlight of their growing bilateral relations, with trade in farm machinery and key crops like rapeseed and soybeans strengthening year by year

Just like the "Taurus", the new US missile reportedly has a maximum range of 500 km, which is significantly superior to the ATACMS's 300 km. However, unlike the PrSM, the Swedish-German weapon is a subsonic cruise missile, limiting its performance and making it an easier target for most air defense systems. This begs the obvious question – why is Berlin even risking escalation by sending something that will clearly not "turn the tide"?

Russia and China's deepening Arctic partnership, characterized by joint naval drills and Northern Sea Route development, poses a challenge to Western dominance. NATO’s response, and Canada’s military buildup highlight the Arctic’s emergence as a geopolitical hotspot.

According to Slovakian parliamentarians, the Kiev regime should pay Europe for military and financial aid.

Nonetheless, more needs to be done to entice civilians to return home.

Amid a flood of industry lobbying in Washington, DC, and Democrats’ capitulation, the Senate is set to pass the GENIUS Act, a sweeping cryptocurrency law that could spread fraud-ridden, destabilizing digital currencies across the banking system. But lawmakers and consumer protection experts warn that the bill has an even more serious problem: it would allow Elon Musk and other Big Tech

Brasil leads 7th Meeting of BRICS Working Group on Polar and Ocean Science and Technology

The US labor movement was a major force to be reckoned with throughout the twentieth century, playing the key role in establishing the rudiments of a welfare state, eking out a modicum of democracy on shop floors that were previously bosses’ dictatorships, and backing a wide range of other progressive causes like the civil rights

As Americans commemorate Memorial Day, it is a right civic duty to honor our warriors in the profession of arms who died to sustain freedom. In a society now shriven in attending to faddish trends, chasing clickbait, and grovelling at the idol of the self, at least one day of the year should be elevated in our communal purpose and stature to something more noble, even if inchoately. Perhaps such an aim is aspirational only, a type of self-imposed charge to exercise our collective memory; it is still both admirable and vital to our well-being as a republic. However, difficult as this task is for most Americans, both individually and corporately, it will not be difficult for those of us who left battlefields long past only to realize that those battlefields never left us. For some, memory is not difficult burden but an ever-present companion, even if unwanted. You see, we carry these battlefields in our minds and conscience, day and night, week in and week out, year after year…they never leave us.  These are the ghosts of war which are our constant servants, always prompting us to never stray too far from them, lest they lose their hold on us. As a former “Padre,” as my British colleagues called me, I tend them always and am their shepherd, these ghosts of war. They are the faces of my friends, the faces of my enemies, the scenes of human carnage which, mercifully, I only had to witness on occasion. I tend them and they tend me; ours is a symbiotic bond. Nights are measured in how little or much they intrude upon me, unbidden as they are, and how much I am still exhausted the next morning or, mercifully, refreshed enough to “Charlie Mike” through another day. I have learned some helpful mental techniques to reframe them, and to perhaps attach a new meaning to their presence, but still, they never want to leave. These ghosts of war make memory for me no hard task at all; I am their shepherd, whether I would have them follow me or not. Clinicians have often attempted to assuage me that I must understand guilt, shame, anger or contempt to deal with these ghosts. Perhaps, but is this in some sense only covering these memories in a new garment of my own making? What comforts me more is exorcizing them in liturgy, sacrament, and prayer. For it is only at the cross that I discover that these ghosts have no more power; the light of eternality fades them into their bounded temporality. In the triumph of Christ’s resurrection, they recede into the distance of my conscience and I see them no more. Rather, I see the smiles of my friends, their faces now always young and full of hope. I remember with joy—even laughter—times and scenes in combat which made me feel alive in every fibre of my being, with a purpose that seemed to matter beyond the mundane. I see the smile of my living Lord, gathering them into His fold, into His flock. I rightly cede any penultimate authority as a shepherd of ghosts to all eternal authority to the one, truly Good Shepherd. I hear new, fresh words falling on my wounded soul: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) I hear, I understand, and I am reborn. My ghosts are gone, and to the only One on whom they will never have any power, to the only One who can hold them in abeyance for all time, to the only One to whom I can truly cede them. In doing so, I am a shepherd of ghosts…no more.

State and local governments have begun taking concrete steps toward a clean energy economy, and for now, even under Donald Trump, green union jobs are increasing. Meanwhile, unions have partnered with climate activists to win legislation for more such jobs. Six states have passed “climate jobs” bills to expand renewable energy and raise labor standards

The choice of a new name is an opportunity for newly elected popes to hint at their agenda for the Catholic Church. In 2005, Joseph Ratzinger chose the name Benedict XVI to reflect his conviction that European civilization was at risk of forgetting its roots in the great Benedictine monasteries of the Early Middle Ages.

Erik Satie had a way with words. There have been few composers who found such obvious glee in the use of language. In written performance indications appended to his scores, he would ask musicians to play “without your fingers blushing” or “on the tips of your back teeth.” Eschewing the standard terminology of classical notation

I saw a photo on X last year that explains why Elias Rodriguez, an admin associate at the American Osteopathic Association, murdered two employees of the Israeli embassy in Washington DC. It was a photo of an Australian man holding a sign at a rally that read: The WORLD Thinks That GAZA is occupie [sic] by ISRAEL The Truth is That The World is occupied By ISRAEL EXCEPT GAZA It was a funny sign, but I didn’t laugh. There was wisdom behind the weird font. Seen from a certain vantage point, the idea that the Jews have occupied the world isn’t as crazy as it sounds. In fact, some of the world’s best philosophers, theologians, and scientists have taken up versions of that idea in a whole literary genre dedicated to the “mystery of Israel.”  Awareness of this great mystery usually starts with simple questions: Why do Jews make up such a large percentage of New York City slumlords? Why are they so over-represented among Nobel Prize winners? How do they seem to rise to the top of business, politics, media, and academia so consistently? How do they punch above their weight for so long, denying the natural forces of history? In times of crisis, we ask other questions. Why were Osama bin Laden and George W. Bush equally obsessed with Israel? And how does one dupe a superpower into supporting a genocide?  These questions are all racist in one way or another, but people have been asking them for a long time. They all start from the same observation and arrive at one of two conclusions: the Jews are unique either because they’re very good or very bad—there is no middle position. Taking the Nobel Prize example, we can say that Jews are either smarter than everyone else or win more prizes (and win more generally) because they invented the game we’re all playing. Both answers see a conspiracy, but disagree about who’s responsible.  The first answer derives from the original tradition forged in Jerusalem, which is accepted by traditional Jews and Christians (the latter in amended form). Taking the Bible at face value, this tradition explains Jewish survival in terms of divine favor: The Bible is the Word of God, and Israel’s story is the microcosm of God’s work in history. The Jews really met a supernatural being at Sinai; they really are a chosen people. But if they gained from chosenness they lost much more, suffering double-punishment from God and His enemies, and often in tandem. Jews and Christians have developed different doctrines and religious systems, but both agree the Jews stand out because God wanted it that way–which, on a positive note, means the God of Israel is real and still moving in history. It’s this point of agreement that provided the moral and intellectual foundation of the West.  The second tradition takes a different tack. Rejecting Israel’s God as a lie, it sees Jewish power as too pervasive to be a coincidence. Israel’s occupation is bigger than Gaza and the West Bank—indeed, Israel occupies the whole world, and invisibly. Long ago, the Jews learned that conquering an enemy’s mind was easier than defeating him in war. Wheeling the Trojan Horse of Christianity into Rome, they uploaded their group mind to an empire, and from there to the world. The “mystery of Israel” is in fact the greatest psyop in history, and the Bible the best soft-power tool ever invented. Jerusalem isn’t a Holy City—it’s Mystery Babylon.  Elias sees the world through the lens of this second tradition. He didn’t kill his victims because of endless wars, Palestine, or Aryan race theory. He didn’t care how they smelled or how much property they owned. He wasn’t part of a terrorist group. He killed them for the same reason Hamas killed babies on 10/7, and ten thousand Americans on the other side would join an Israeli foreign legion if one started tomorrow. Because, good or bad, Israel merits a special response. For Elias, watching Israel impose its zombie-state on Palestinians like it impposed its mythology on the world, the answer is clear. To the extent it maintains a stranglehold on the planet, Israel is ultimate–and worth killing for.  Once again the children of darkness are wiser than the children of light. Elias knows that Israel matters, but growing numbers of Americans don’t get it. They forget that America didn’t become the most pro-Jewish country in history by chance. Many of our founders were steeped in Hebrew culture (Philadelphia’s Independence Hall may have hosted the most Judaically-literate group of non-Jews ever assembled in one room) and were intrigued by the idea of a Jewish state long before Theodor Herzl was born–as were, interestingly, the slaves over which they ruled. Even as late as 1900, many Americans were still studying Hebrew or had once tried. “From Maine to Florida, and back again, all America Hebraises,” Matthew Arnold lamented. Even educated Americans reeked of the Old Testament. It was in their blood. But that was a long time ago. The metaphysical link that binds America and Israel is unraveling. The old story has been abandoned, repurposed, and weaponized against its creators. Some people have traded “Judeo-Christian” for “Abrahamic” in hopes of more inclusiveness; others are eager to proclaim “Christ is King.” It’s not by accident that the unraveling of biblical culture in America coincides with a spike in violence against the Jews. The counter-myth succeeds because the old myth is gone.  Antisemitism is never going away (here is the beginning of wisdom) but it can be fought, even reduced in some eras to effectively zero. Tougher laws, more cops, self-defense, it’s all needed. But the real fight is in hearts of Americans who have forgotten our portion in Jacob—and who probably haven’t heard that reference until today. Unfortunately, that’s not something a government can fix.

The group’s primary focus is to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries by promoting sport and physical activity as tools for development

The riveting new Criterion Channel film series “Noir and the Blacklist” is distressingly timely. It’s a sampling of film noir made by Hollywood directors, writers, and actors who were targeted as communists or broadly left-wing “subversives” by their own government in the post–World War II era by a punitive right-wing body called the House Un-American

On November 5, 2024, the night of Donald Trump’s historic second election victory, it suddenly — and unexpectedly — looked as though he would win Pennsylvania. Of all the seven swing states Trump needed to win in this intense, closely fought race, Pennsylvania was said to be the most important, not least due to the

The R-37M's warhead is approximately three times larger than in regular air-to-air missiles, which gives it the capacity to install specialized payloads such as a miniaturized nuclear warhead. When deployed from high altitudes, such missiles could reach 400 km or more.

We are fortunate that the three pillars of Tony Benn’s socialism — the radical democratization of politics, the Alternative Economic Strategy, and antiwar internationalism — were explored in so many of his articles and interviews, and in his speeches to Parliament, demonstrations, conferences, and picket lines. Looking around at the world today and the challenges

The 18th meeting of the BRICS Tuberculosis Research Network was held last week in Brasilia, aiming to strengthen joint studies among the countries to develop faster treatments and new immunizers against the disease

Colombia’s government has formally requested entry to the New Development Bank of trade bloc BRICS, acting trade minister Cielo Rusinque said at a forum attended by ambassadors of BRICS countries

The global financial order is experiencing a profound transformation, marked by the waning dominance of the US dollar and the emergence of alternative economic alliances such as BRICS+ countries

The release of the first article that proposed the launching of a BRICS Troika mechanism (the previous year’s Presidency together with the current and the next year’s Presidency) was followed by discussions in BRICS circles that suggest to me that there may be a need to expound somewhat more on the expediency of such a mechanism

There is no other rational response to the cover-up of Joe Biden’s decline and infirmity than anger. If you’re an American, it should make you angry that the many people who knew better stayed silent about, even actively conspired to hide, the fact that Biden wasn’t actually capable of executing his responsibilities as president, handing

“Big feelings are okay,” sings Ms Rachel in one of her characteristic children’s songs. “It’s okay to have big feelings. I’m here to stay with your big feelings. I’m not afraid of your big feelings.” It’s a beautiful sentiment, one worth emphasizing to children so they can wrestle with some of the more difficult aspects

Alasdair MacIntyre, the preeminent moral philosopher known for his critiques of liberal modernity, died yesterday at the age of ninety-six. Born in Glasgow in 1929 and teaching for the last several decades of his life in the United States, he traversed an idiosyncratic intellectual path. MacIntyre joined the Communist Party of Great Britain, then moving

Washington is pressuring Brazil by labeling gangs as terrorists, threatening sanctions against Justice Moraes, and seeking military base access. This neo-Monroeist strategy aims to destabilize Brazil’s sovereignty, counter BRICS influence, and reassert regional dominance, risking backlash and heightened geopolitical tensions.

Russian strategic goals will continue to be updated if Kiev refuses to cooperate for peace.

Colombia’s rapprochement with BRICS concerns the US.

Older, wealthier and whiter people are far more likely to vote – meaning politicians pay more attention to them

Iran’s pressure on Christian communities in Iraq is escalating, now threatening their very existence. The principal military component of Iran’s grip on Iraq, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has supposedly come under greater scrutiny from the Iraqi government. Yet, Iran’s assaults on Iraq’s Christian communities are only increasing. Any scrutiny by the Iraqi government, such as the likely insincere discussions about the disarmament and dissolution of the PMF, is undermined by Iran’s recent provision of long-range missiles to these militias. In the broader context of the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, promises to disband the PMF would be an obvious ploy for Iran to defer scrutiny while reconstituting its proxies amid recent losses inflicted by the U.S. and its regional partners. Even if Iran appears to accommodate the U.S. for these purposes, its recent activities in Iraq demonstrate a continuous resolve to hijack vulnerable states, as in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. Christians in Iraq are oppressed through the weaponization of what should be legal protections for Christians. The architect of this effort is Rayan al-Kildani, a despotic warlord sanctioned by the U.S. for human rights abuses. Al-Kildani previously led the Babylon Brigades, a nominally Christian militia controlled by Iran, but has since switched to politics as leader of the Babylon Movement party. The militia and its associated party are Christian in name only, deriving their support from Iraq’s Shia community. Through coercion and the abuse of loopholes in Iraqi election law that allow non-Christians to elect representatives for seats specially designated for Christians, the Babylon Movement has seized many positions at various levels of the Iraqi federal government. Another effort to subvert Iraq’s Christians at the behest of Iran was the revocation of a legal degree recognizing the Chaldean Patriarch as the proprietor of the Chaldean Endowment that holds land and other property rights throughout Iraq. This would have enabled al-Kildani and, by extension, Iran to seize control of these Christian properties. International pressure, culminating in personal exchanges between the Presidents of the U.S. and Iraq, led to the restoration of the Chaldean Patriarch as proprietor. This recent case demonstrates the positive impact of high-level U.S. diplomacy in undercutting Iran’s efforts to displace Iraqi Christians. The latest efforts by al-Kildani could now precipitate the mass exodus of Iraq’s remaining Christians. Already greatly diminished from the 1.5 million Christian Iraqis present in 2003, the approximately 150,000 Christians remain largely internally displaced six years after the nominal end of the ISIS Genocide. Christians still face incredible pressure to emigrate due to the lack of security, lack of respect for their property rights, and a sustained effort to undermine their political autonomy as outlined in the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2025 Annual Report. Under these conditions, there have been a few success stories in the Nineveh Plains such as the city of Qaraqosh in the District of Hamdaniya, where roughly 60% of Christians have returned following the ISIS Genocide. The Christian Mayor of Qaraqosh Issam Benham Matti has led his vulnerable community through this challenging time while still achieving the extraordinary by rebuilding and renewing the economic base of the city. Last month, al-Kildani succeeded in replacing Mayor Matti with his Iranian puppet, bringing an abrupt end to the revival of this ancient Christian community. With this ouster following al-Kildani’s takeover of the Nineveh Council by removing 15 Christian mayors and directors and substituting them with loyalists, Christians have been completely deprived of political representation across the Nineveh Plains and throughout Iraq, besides the Kurdistan Region. International Religious Freedom Secretariat President Nadine Maenza was in the region as this occurred, observing: “It’s heartbreaking to witness the removal of the last independent Christian mayor from the Nineveh Plains—especially after the United States invested so much to help these communities to return and rebuild. But there is still a window. The U.S. can press Prime Minister Sudani to stop Rayan Kildani’s takeover of the Nineveh Plains Provincial Council and demand the withdrawal of Iran-backed militias.” Such diplomatic pressure would undermine Iran’s domination over Iraqi sovereignty and provide Iraq’s Christians with the assurances to feel more secure in their homeland, possibly stemming the looming mass exodus. The second Trump administration has affirmed international religious freedom as a foreign policy priority. Vice President Vance has even declared the administration’s commitment to ensure that Christians remain in Syria and Iraq and not repeat the mistakes that followed the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Failure to respond to this ongoing crisis will represent a failure, not only for international religious freedom but also for U.S. national security interests by strengthening Iran’s control over Iraq and giving the PMF free rein to expand their repression of Iraq’s religious minorities. Although many of Iraq’s Christian communities face these grim prospects, there has also been a remarkable empowerment of Christians in the Kurdistan Region, culminating in the recent Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast. Inviting international religious freedom advocates and religious leaders from around the world, this event demonstrated the religious freedom and pluralism in Kurdistan compared to the rest of Iraq. The International Religious Freedom Roundtable Middle East Working Group Co-Chair Lauren Homer attended the event and reported: “a strong and apparently sincere commitment to religious freedom and equal rights for all religious groups, and a special concern for Christian and Yazidi citizens expressed through rebuilding of churches and shrines and other projects to erase the devastation inflicted by ISIS and by continuing to provide shelter and assistance to displaced members of those religious communities”. The U.S. and our partners must uphold their commitments to all of Iraq’s Christian and other religious minority communities before a mass exodus occurs. Besides human rights concerns, there are substantial national security implications for an Iraq completely dominated by Iran. With Iran now strategically weakened as a result of the bruising conflict since October 7th, 2023, now is the time to redouble our efforts at expelling Iranian influence from Iraq. Diplomacy has proven to be successful in this regard, the Trump administration must not ignore this priority even as it engages in negotiations with Iran.

In recent years, China and Russia have deepened their collaboration in the world of ballet, engaging in vibrant exchanges spanning youth training programs, classical performances and participation in international festivals

Earlier, Russia and India expressed support for Sri Lanka to join BRICS in the future

The first expert session within the framework of the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform has been held in China, with leading experts discussing best practices for implementing modern solutions in the energy sector

The contributions reveal a consensus on the urgency of promoting a new industrial revolution guided by innovation, equity, and sustainability, in which digital technology and international cooperation play central roles

Although difficult for modern Americans to grasp, the truth is that freedom depends on limits. Positive freedom, “freedom for” the pursuit of virtue, critiqued by Isaiah Berlin, often strikes us as no freedom at all. Negative freedom, “freedom from” external constraints, resonates with our culture’s most pervasive intuitions. Yet as Brad Littlejohn shows in his excellent primer on Christian liberty, Called to Freedom, this abstraction of positive, purposeful liberty gains flesh and blood in the concrete situations that color our lives. Consider two examples: You spend an entire evening on your phone, passing on fellowship with friends, maybe forgetting to eat, and find at the end of it that you’ve gained nothing, did not truly rest, but drifted from post to post “by people you care nothing about on subjects that bore you,” in Littlejohn’s words. During a party, you fill the gaps in conversation with the same restless resort to the screen. Is anyone truly free in those moments? Now, imagine a snowy mountainside in the Rockies. While my father-in-law is an expert skier, I myself started just this past winter. As we stand on the crest of the same slope, an expanse of powder before us, no external obstacles face us; we both enjoy equal negative freedom. Yet clearly in some sense my father-in-law enjoys a greater freedom, or a greater “capacity for meaningful action,” than I do. There is a depth of satisfaction and a height of exhilaration accessible to the skilled and experienced in such settings that the novice, one who hasn’t spent years virtuously honing his abilities, cannot attain. Littlejohn lays out a rigorous taxonomy of freedom to help clarify some of the confusion surrounding this ubiquitous term. Besides positive and negative liberty, he also compares individual and corporate liberty as well as inward and outward liberty. There are three tiers of freedom that build progressively upon each other: The spiritual freedom of the Christian from sin precedes the moral freedom necessary for righteous living, which in turn supports healthy political freedom. Arguing for the interdependence of various sorts of freedom, Littlejohn shows how we are freest in community and how spiritual liberty enables morally free acts. But he also emphasizes the “intrinsically competitive dimension to freedom,” the reality that different kinds of freedom clash. The barriers and discipline that enable positive liberty necessarily limit negative liberty. In the market, the freedoms of consumers and producers, of employers and employees, stand at loggerheads. Individual freedoms frequently collide, as when a baker’s freedom of conscience collides with a gay couple’s freedom to purchase a wedding cake. These inevitable tensions require us to do something natural to man, if disconcerting to moderns: to forthrightly choose some goods over others, and to encourage positive liberty by curtailing certain negative liberties. Partisans of both sides often want their chosen freedoms to be absolute. Any qualification or exception to one’s freedom of speech, freedom to worship, freedom to bear arms, freedom to buy or sell, freedom to love whomever you want, freedom to control your body, freedom to publicly flaunt your identity, amounts to tyranny. This view fails to see that “limits are what makes free action possible,” and misses the necessity of legitimate authority to impose those limits. In political matters, in a democratic context, that authority will come from the citizenry. Littlejohn explains how communal freedom, demonstrated as harmonious coordination, augments true individual freedom (think of the freedom to run a football play that an individual can only enjoy as a team member). Likewise, as Yuval Levin has observed, all of our First Amendment rights are actually communal. Speaking, exercising religion, assembling, and publishing require other people: interlocutors, co-religionists, and readers. Yet corporate freedom often comes at the expense of individual freedoms. The community’s freedom to impose laws on itself entails the authority to compel obedience. As Littlejohn notes, it was precisely this collective liberty that our Founders prized even above individual rights: They fought not for freedom from taxation, but for the freedom to tax themselves. Today, many Americans seem readier to forfeit the right to self-govern collectively than to relinquish even a mite of autonomy. We find freedom in the bounds of community membership, but also in the impositions of individual discipline. Whether it’s the expert skier or the trained violinist, the loftiest heights ofhuman potential can only be scaled by those who accept stringent demands. Human excellences don’t blossom spontaneously but require cultivation. If freedom is the capacity for meaningful action, such capacity must be developed, honed, brought to maturity. Understanding true freedom as a kind of maturity casts light on the bondage we suffer today: Littlejohn pinpoints our consumer economy’s interest in conditioning adults “to think and act like children” – that is, to act on impulses, blur the lines between needs and wants, and demand instant gratification. There’s a difference between maturation and cancerous growth. Littlejohn’s treatment of technology warns that the attempt to use man-made inventions – in biotechnology, say – to transform and elevate human nature beyond its God-given limits will not liberate but degrade us. Many technofuturists reprise the primordial enticement of the Tempter: “ye shall be as gods.” But Christians become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4) only by God’s gracious sanctification, and we will have to wait to complete this transfiguration. Littlejohn here broaches in passing a question that other Christian thinkers must engage more deeply: how to proffer a vision of human greatness that avoids self-idolatry but competes effectively with the more neopagan or tech-centric accounts of theosis currently on offer. Protestants, in whose theology divinization tends to play a smaller role than in Eastern traditions, face a particularly urgent task. Addressing Protestants, Littlejohn rebukes the impoverished conceptions of liberty prevalent among contemporary evangelicals, denouncing narrow biblicism, casual antinomianism, and the curious form of legalism that governs certain fundamentalists. Yet rather than blaming the Reformation for these defects, as has become popular, he leans into the Protestant tradition to make his critiques. Citing Luther liberally, Littlejohn insists that Christ’s atoning work cancels the debts of those who believe, substituting the righteousness of Jesus and reconciling us to the Father, whereafter, freed from the law’s condemnation, the elect enjoy a newfound liberty to obey God’s law. Littlejohn refreshingly argues that the problem with many Protestants is that they have drifted too far from the Reformation’s declaration of spiritual freedom as bondage to Christ, thereby forgetting its implications in ethics and politics. Called to Freedom offers believers an answer to “our instinctive longing to reintegrate these two divided halves of our souls,” to harmonize our devotional or church behavior with our lives in the public square. Recognizing that spiritual, moral, and political freedom all require limits, community, and authority grants us a richer understanding not just of our relationship to God, but of how life in a free polity should look. Littlejohn sums up this reintegration in the words of the Psalmist: “Unite my heart to fear your name.” (Ps. 86:11)

The political West and its Nazi puppets are particularly terrified of the "Iskander-M", as they have nothing that can match its relatively low cost, massive destructive potential and pinpoint precision. Worse yet (for NATO), the Russian military keeps upgrading this system (its range has been more than doubled). The 9M723 hypersonic missile is also highly-maneuverable, making it a nightmare for air and missile defenses.

For the current US administration, Ukraine is not a priority.

Russia will not engage in an arms race reminiscent of the one that collapsed the Soviet Union.

Ten years after the UK committed to tackle modern slavery, we’re no closer to preventing it. But we have the tools

What do these laws mean for democracy, and who is being targeted? From activists to everyday citizens, no one is exempt.

JP Morgan Chase wrote to Rachel Reeves to lobby against rumoured banking surcharge rise ahead of autumn budget

Bypassing the US-dominated infrastructure for global trade, the People’s Bank of China reportedly announced connecting 10 ASEAN and Middle Eastern nations, mitigating the need for the US-based SWIFT system for international trade in these regions

Russia and China are set to finalize a plan for joint film production

BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are two key non-western multilateral platforms where India and Russia cooperate closely. In the past decade, both these countries have seen shifts in their foreign policies, which has also impacted their approach towards multilateralism. At the same time, BRICS and SCO have also seen their initial agendas widen to include a greater engagement with regional and global issues, including the creation of a multipolar world order

The India-Pakistan conflict, intensified by alleged Taliban and Israeli involvement, underscores the need for multilateral platforms like SCO and BRICS to foster dialogue. Despite challenges, these forums offer pathways to address the evolving Eurasian crisis.

Interestingly, not a single US official came forward with a proposal to lift sanctions less than a year ago when President Bashar al-Assad was still in the picture. On the other hand, Rubio talking about civil war now is quite peculiar, as it could mean that he indirectly admitted that the former Syrian government was under siege and that the so-called "civil war" was just another euphemism for direct US/NATO aggression.

According to the Financial Times, European leaders as complaining about Trump’s diplomatic stance.

Peskov says it is difficult to restore the Council when NATO is still at war with Russia.

Freedom Fund’s CEO says it’s ‘ridiculous’ to criticise anti-trafficking as a whole. To be heard, critics must be more precise

Lawsuit on ‘failure to tackle hate’ to go ahead as judge dismisses tech giant’s claim that it can’t be sued in Kenya

The immigration white paper is full of coded racism. It’s a cheap attempt to distract from the real failing: Brexit

Trump made innumerable, often contradictory, promises on the 2024 campaign trail. In foreign policy, he interspersed strong rhetoric against U.S. enemies with promises to end “forever wars” and bring peace to both Ukraine and Gaza within days—indeed, a day—of entering office. Nominations to his foreign policy team painted a similarly convoluted picture, with hawks, doves, conspiracists, pivoters-to-Asia, and a handful of converted neoconservatives populating key positions. With Mike Waltz’s ouster as National Security Advisor close to the 100-day mark of Trump’s second administration, a less hazy outline of the 47th president’s approach to foreign policy is taking shape. While Ionut Popescu has posited that Trump is operating from a realist framework, Valerie Hudson contends that Trump’s attempt to carve out a coherent doctrine—restoring “great power spheres of influence, that is, a true multipolar world that relies on regional policemen, not one global policeman, to keep the peace internationally”—falls into incoherence when confronted with Trump’s actual policies in the Middle East and the Taiwan Strait. Others argue that the Trump doctrine essentially entails “unrestrained strength,” capricious opportunism, or a revival of conservative American nationalism. While each of these interpretations highlights an important dimension of Trump’s geopolitical disposition, none clearly identifies the strategic logic linking the president’s global actions to his domestic political considerations. This essay offers a much simpler heuristic for analyzing Trump’s global actions in a way that accommodates many of the perspectives referenced above. This time around, despite his admiration for William McKinley, it’s McKinley’s successor, Theodore Roosevelt, that serves as the model for Trump’s foreign policy, which could be summarized as a twist on TR’s famous phrase: “Speak loudly and carry a big stick.” In contrast to Roosevelt’s advice to “speak softly,” the adage “speak loudly” comprises a central pillar of Donald Trump’s foreign policy. His bellicose, bullying style characterizes his approach to virtually every transaction on the world stage, from denouncing EU “freeloaders” to acerbic White House press conferences to threatening to ratchet tariffs up to economically crippling levels when confronted by defiant foreign leaders. This impulse to deploy oversized, overheated rhetoric does more than send a signal to other countries that Trump does not value agreements, alliances, or amity for their own sake. Rather, its purpose is to convey to the American people that Trump seeks to project U.S. strength above all else. Trump’s rhetoric only makes sense when understood primarily as a tool of negotiation and a domestic signaling device to reinforce his “America First” narrative to the electorate. Trump Doctrine 2.0 is nothing if not focused on cultural transformation first. “Carry a big stick” stands as the other cornerstone of Donald Trump’s foreign policy. This principle is evident in his steadfast refusal to mandate significant defense spending cuts, abrasive use of tariffs as a negotiating tool, and vigorous promotion of U.S. conventional weapons exports, even to the point of circumventing congressional oversight of arms deals. Rather than embracing austerity in military budgeting, Trump has discussed elevated appropriations for ships, aircraft, and advanced munitions as essential to national security and the revival of American manufacturing; he has simultaneously worked aggressively to open new markets for U.S.-made armaments, pitching the purchase of weapons from American defense companies as a way for foreign nations to cut their trade deficits with the United States. Beyond its basic military applications, the purpose of the “big stick” approach is to help shift perceptions of U.S. power for global and domestic audiences. Whereas in TR’s day the United States demonstrated its military might by sending the “Great White Fleet” on international tours of friendly harbors, Trump employs extensive airstrikes against Yemeni Houthis—a callback to the cruise missile attacks against ISIS during his first dinner with Xi Jinping eight years ago— to convey the image of overwhelming American military power backed with economic heft.  With its heavy ordnance expenditure and robust defense outlays, Trump’s “big stick” approach to foreign policy is meant to back up his loud speech with foreign leaders by translating martial strength abroad into political capital at home, all while subordinates revel in Trump’s apparent revival of national resolve. The consequence is a political drama that commands mass cultural attention even as the economic impacts of the tariff negotiations catalyze public opinion against Trump. Viewed comparatively, the doctrines of Theodore Roosevelt and Donald Trump share a common reverence for power projection anchored in Roosevelt’s reverence for the “big stick.” From the Great White Fleet’s world tour to contemporary airstrikes against American adversaries, both Roosevelt and Trump believed in leveraging military strength to signal national vigor. Yet where Roosevelt balanced martial assertiveness with measured diplomacy, “speaking softly” to cultivate friendships, deter aggression, and build international goodwill, Trump’s pugnacious unilateralism risks fracturing the very alliances needed to hold America’s enemies at bay. It (almost) goes without saying, but it is questionable whether alienating allies in an increasingly dangerous world is a wise policy. While “speak loudly and carry a big stick” might make internal sense as a means to wage cultural battles and reinvigorate a sense of national pride at home, internationally, it comes with the high price of weakening key relationships. Roosevelt’s personal clout enabled him to negotiate the Treaty of Portsmouth ending the Russo-Japanese War, earning him both a Nobel Peace Prize and unparalleled status as a mediator on the global stage—both prizes Trump obviously covets. The value of those relationships was revealed by their absence under Woodrow Wilson, whose inaction and diplomatic impotence during and after World War I planted the seeds for World War II. Trump risks retracing this path with his current approach as the very real risks of war loom. To be clear, most U.S. allies ought to spend more on defense and take more responsibility for helping maintain the international order, and Trump is often unfairly harangued for being more belligerent rhetorically than in practice. But the contrast with Roosevelt reveals the potential dangers of needlessly alienating friends in a newly dangerous world. Roosevelt’s nuanced approach harnessed American influence to build enduring partnerships, secure hemispheric order, and foster international order. While Trump’s doctrine underscores domestic messaging and transactional leverage, Roosevelt’s blend of restraint and resolve remains the more coherent and successful model for advancing U.S. interests on the world stage. Perhaps Trump—or at least those around him—could benefit from stealing a page from TR’s book and learning to speak a little more softly.

South Africa is pursuing strong bilateral ties with Ethiopia, with renewed focus on boosting cooperation in tourism sector through the BRICS alliance

A new report by Global Energy Monitor shows that Brazil, India, and China — the original BRICS members — are leading the world in clean energy growth. These countries have some of the biggest wind and solar energy systems globally, placing among the top five for wind and top seven for utility-scale solar capacity

Representatives from BRICS nations convened to strengthen cooperation on the mutual recognition of academic qualifications, aiming to simplify and streamline the process of validating degrees obtained abroad

Energy Ministers from BRICS member states convened to discuss aligning global competitiveness with the decarbonization of strategic sectors. Key outcomes include the adoption of the BRICS Energy Cooperation Roadmap 2025–2030

It's also possible to integrate the KS-172 on other platforms, such as the "Flanker" variants and even the Su-57, but only the MiG-31BM can unleash the missile's full potential thanks to its unrivaled speed and flight ceiling.

Paris has been actively working to boycott European sovereigntist politicians.

Russia and Ukraine agree to a prisoner swap that includes children, civilians, and soldiers.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has long posed a multifaceted threat to regional stability, U.S. strategic interests, and vulnerable minority communities across the Middle East.  While much of America’s foreign policy discourse focuses on Iran’s nuclear ambitions—which indeed seriously threaten international security—the regime’s use of proxy forces, particularly the Quds Force, the key element of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and other proxy terror groups—has been an underappreciated, yet equally insidious, danger.  Among the principal victims of Iran’s proxy warfare are the ancient Christian communities of the Middle East, whose survival hangs in the balance as Tehran pursues its hegemonic ambitions. The Trump administration’s maximum pressure strategy represents a much-needed recalibration of U.S. policy on Iran, reversing years of appeasing Tehran.  As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the United States must ensure that any future negotiations with Iran categorically prohibit not only nuclear weapons development but also the funding, arming, and operational support of its proxy network.  Failure to do so would repeat the mistakes of the Obama and Biden administrations, which allowed Iran’s terror apparatus to flourish under the guise of diplomatic engagement. President Trump’s May 2025 Middle East diplomacy tour reignited global focus on Iran’s destabilizing role in the region.  While much attention has been given to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump’s visit also underscored the need for a broader, more comprehensive U.S. strategy.  In meetings with Saudi, Qatari and Emirati leaders, and before a summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Trump emphasized that any future U.S.-Iran engagement must confront not only Iran’s enrichment activities but also its aggressive proxy warfare and regional destabilization.  This declaration duly recognizes that Iran’s threat to U.S. interests extends far beyond its centrifuges in Natanz and includes its proxy militias operating from Baghdad to Beirut. Iran’s Proxy Sphere The Quds Force is the shadow army that lies at the heart of Iran’s regional influence.  It is the elite expeditionary wing of the IRGC responsible for executing Tehran’s clandestine operations beyond the bounds of its sovereign borders.  With Qassem Soleimani at the helm, the Quds Force built a sprawling network of proxy militias, leveraging sectarian and political division to project power and destabilize adversaries abroad, thereby creating an Iranian sphere of influence.  Soleimani was killed in a targeted American drone strike, ordered by the first Trump administration, at Baghdad International Airport in January of 2020, which stoked a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions. From Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen, and from Shiite militias in Iraq to Sunni terrorists in Gaza, Iran’s proxies serve as force multipliers, allowing Tehran to wage asymmetrical warfare while maintaining plausible deniability.  These groups serve not only military purposes but also as exporters of Iran’s brand of revolutionary Shiite Islam. One of the most overlooked dimensions of this strategy is the systematic persecution of religious minorities—especially Christians. Christians in the Crosshairs Christianity has ancient roots in the Middle East, predating Islam by centuries.  Yet today, Christian communities across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and elsewhere face existential threats—not only from Sunni jihadist groups like ISIS, but also Iran-backed Shiite militias. In Iraq, since the territorial defeat of ISIS, the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have been responsible for violence, political intimidation, and land seizure against Syriac Christians (Chaldeans, Syriacs and Assyrians), particularly in the Nineveh Plains.  These militias, while ostensibly created to fight ISIS, have morphed into instruments of Iranian influence, occupying historic Christian land and engaging in religious and ethnic cleansing.  Despite Iran’s deceptive rhetoric of protecting minorities, its actions have exacerbated the flight of Christians from their ancestral homelands. For over four decades, Hezbollah, arguably Iran’s most powerful proxy, has maintained a stranglehold over Lebanon, a nation that once served as a refuge and flagship for Christians in the Middle East.  Hezbollah’s militarization of Lebanese politics and society has eroded the fragile sectarian balance, marginalizing Christian political influence and rendering the community increasingly vulnerable. This systematic oppression aligns with Iran’s broader goal of reshaping the region’s demographic and political landscape.  By displacing indigenous Christian populations, Tehran facilitates the creation of its land bridge, a contiguous zone of Iranian influence stretching from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea.  For the United States, safeguarding these ancient communities is both a strategic and moral imperative. Threats to U.S. Regional Interests Iran’s proxy warfare poses a direct threat to U.S. national security interests and as well as allies like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf states.  Tehran’s destabilizing activities undermine U.S.-backed governments, endanger American personnel, and threaten the free flow of energy and commerce through vital chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The Quds Force and its proxies have targeted U.S. forces in Iraq with rocket and drone attacks, disrupted maritime security, and armed Palestinian factions in Gaza, thereby fueling endless cycles of conflict.  Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen have launched missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia and the UAE, threatening the broader security architecture of the Gulf. By enabling this proxy network, Iran effectively wages a low-cost, high-impact war of attrition against the United States and its allies.  This strategy allows Iran to exert influence far beyond its conventional military capabilities, while thus far avoiding the consequences of direct confrontation. The Failure of Past Diplomatic Engagements The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, brokered under the Obama administration, epitomized the strategic miscalculation that Iran’s behavior could be moderated through economic incentives and engagement.  By front-loading sanctions relief and failing to address Iran’s regional aggression, the JCPOA provided Tehran with a financial boost that directly empowered its proxies. Under the Obama and Biden administrations, an estimated forty-five billion dollars in unfrozen assets and sanctions relief was funneled into Iran’s terror network, financing Hezbollah’s missile arsenals, the expansion of PMF militias in Iraq, the Houthis’ missile programs, and even Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel.  This shortsighted foreign policy move undermined U.S. interests and betrayed vulnerable communities across the region, including the Middle East’s threatened Christian communities. The Biden administration’s attempts to revive the JCPOA, and even remove the IRGC’s designation as a Foreign Terror Organization while Iran’s proxies continued their belligerence, reflected a similar diplomatic naivety and signaled weakness, emboldening Tehran. The Imperative of Maximum Pressure The Trump administration’s maximum pressure policy aims to reverse this trend, reimposing comprehensive sanctions.  Maximum pressure will disrupt Iran’s revenue streams, curtail its operational capabilities, and reassert America’s credible deterrence. However, pressure must not be viewed as an end in itself, but as a means to force behavioral change.  Any future negotiations with Iran must adopt a holistic approach that addresses the full spectrum of Iranian malign activities—not just its nuclear ambitions. Specifically, the United States must: Enforce sanctions to target proxy networks: Sanctions must explicitly target Iran’s network of proxy militias, as well as financial institutions and front companies facilitating their operations.  This includes sanctioning individuals and entities involved in persecuting religious and ethnic minorities. Make human rights a diplomatic priority: The preservation of Christian minorities and other vulnerable communities should be a non-negotiable element of U.S. Middle East policy. U.S. foreign aid and diplomatic engagement must be conditioned on demonstrable improvements in human rights, particularly concerning religious freedom. End financial handouts for Iran: Any economic relief must be strictly contingent upon Iran’s verifiable cessation of support for proxy terrorism.  If funds are diverted to support Hezbollah, PMF militias, or the Houthis, the U.S. must replace the carrot with the stick.  Money is fungible, so this condition should be enforced to a very high, zero-tolerance standard. Empower regional allies against Iranian proxies: The U.S. must bolster the defensive capabilities of regional allies threatened by Iranian proxies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf states, while supporting grassroots initiatives that protect and preserve Middle Eastern Christian communities. Iran’s proxy warfare represents a clear and present danger to U.S. interests, regional stability, and the very existence of Christian communities in the Middle East.  The Quds Force and its network of militias function as instruments of ideological conquest, demographic manipulation, and perpetual conflict, as those elements will enable the Iranian revolution to thrive. To safeguard U.S. interests and uphold the principles of religious freedom and human dignity, maximum pressure must evolve from policy rhetoric to a sustained, strategic campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and proxy war machinery alike.  Anything less would not be diplomacy, but would amount to strategic capitulation.

BRICS members are now poised to bypass the dollar-dominated SWIFT infrastructure, executing interbank payments on their own terms

Africa’s largest natural gas exporter, Algeria has said that BRICS interests them as an alternative to traditional power centres in the world

In the 34 years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the global geoeconomic order has seen considerable shifts

The unipolar world is vanishing: China’s naval dominance, with shipbuilding capacity over 200 times greater than the US, reflects US industrial decline. Beijing’s industrial might and dual-use shipyards challenge Western supply chains, while Washington’s sanctions and US-Japan talks risk trade tensions.

For the very first time, an F-16 pilot survived after being hit by the "evil" Russ... ...I mean, "sudden technical difficulties". This brings its "stellar" 0% pilot survival rate to a "staggering" 12-14%! Thus, it can be argued that this is the first "true success" for the F-16 in NATO-occupied Ukraine. This is "certainly" the first sign of "Russia's impending doom", as such a "massive" jump in survival rates "cannot be overcome".

This maneuver was certainly mediated by Western anti-Russian saboteurs interested in the fragmentation of Russia.

The UK’s broken justice system is locking young activists like me away – and we’ll all suffer the consequences

Ukrainians experience more abuse and xenophobia than ever before in Poland.

We started BTS in 2014 to help everyone better understand the root causes of exploitation. Did we succeed?

The obituary superlatives helped tell the tale of the late Pontiff. A search of the most common words or themes used to describe Pope Francis testifies to a “pontificate of the heart” characterized by “personal warmth,” “mercy,” “fraternity,” “humility,” “compassion,” and an emphasis on “inclusion,” the suspension of judgment, and peace. These characteristics often served his mission well. His embrace of Vinicio Riva, the then-53-year-old Italian who had suffered from neurofibromatosis 1 since childhood rightly touched the world. Riva, covered head-to-toe in tumorous growths and lesions unsurprisingly found himself often reviled by those around him, described the moment Francis embraced and blessed him: “He drew me close and hugged me tightly; he gave me a kiss on the face. My head was against his chest, and he welcomed me…and while he did it, I felt only love.” Nothing negative can be said against this. It was a profound, defining, and deeply moving pastoral moment. It should never be forgotten. On other occasions, however, this pontificate of the heart was less effective, and much must be said against it. When Francis began his reign in the spring of 2013, the Vatican had a reputation for moral clarity manifest in the forceful defense of human rights, world order, and persecuted Christians, and in spiritual and exhortatory resistance against political and religious tyranny. When he was a young man, John Paul II cut his anti-totalitarian teeth resisting Nazism in his native Poland. As pontiff, he would be credited with helping to inspire the Polish Solidarity movement and the defeat of communism. He successfully advocated for democracy in illiberal nations, stood against communism in Central America, and supported resistance movements against authoritarianism worldwide, most memorably in the Philippines. I do not see such political action as contrary to his spiritual duties, but rather as a manifestation of them. The Gospel is good news for all creation—including the widow and the orphan and the oppressed. More than merely (merely?!?!) the good news of personal salvation, the Gospel involves the restoration of all things. Humanity, especially Christ-followers, have a responsibility in this, not an ultimate or primary one, but a pen-ultimate and delegated one. In a similar way, Francis’ immediate predecessor, Benedict XVI, spoke forcibly against Islamist intolerance of other religions, including the commitment to the spread of Islam by the sword. While his wording might sometimes have invited misunderstanding, his focus was clearly aimed at opposing violent ideology and to supporting the necessary separation of religious and political authority. On such issues, Pope Francis leaves behind no such similar legacy. Instead, Francis too often offered only confusion and simplistic thinking where moral clarity was already in short supply. Among much else, I think especially of comments regarding Ukraine and Israel. In 2022, when the world needed wise direction, Francis blamed NATO expansionism rather than Kremlin aggression for fueling the Russian attack. Even after the massacres at Bucha, the devastation of Mariupol, and the continued targeting of Ukrainian civilians, Francis could not disabuse himself of false moral equivalence. Instead, he continued to condemn both the distribution of weapons to Ukraine and the economic sanctions on Russia. This moral equivalence appeared to metastasize cruelly with Francis’ response to Israel’s war against Hamas. While he was quick to condemn the October 7th crimes and to support Israel’s right to defend itself, Francis pivoted quickly to regular criticism of the way Israel did so. He insisted IDF tactics had escalated “beyond war” and had become “terrorism.” Later, he would call for an investigation into Israeli strikes by couching his own criticisms in a veiled gesture to “some experts” who believed that “what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide.” Behind Francis’ muddled thinking on particular cases was his larger inability to think clearly about war in general. A decade ago, Francis pilloried weapons manufacturing as an “industry of death” and declared those who produce arms to be “merchants of death.” He grouped them with slavers and human traffickers who will have a hard time accounting for their actions before God. He would later direct his fire to the just war tradition itself, insisting that “At one time we also spoke in our churches of holy war or just war. Today we cannot speak like that.” Instead, he insists  “we can no longer think of war as a solution, because its risks will probably always be greater than its supposed benefits.” He opined: “every war leaves our world worse than it was before.” This would have been news to John Paul II—to say nothing of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church itself. While wary of even a just war’s ability to grow disproportionate or indiscriminate, JPII recognized that sometimes nothing else will rescue the threatened innocent quite like good men with guns. He understood that the evil regimes that defined the middle of the 20th century ended only when those good men had sufficiently destroyed them. It is, simply, empirically untrue that war always leaves the world worse than it was before. Francis’ views of war were not simply nonsense. They were uncharitably reckless because they left those he was supposed to shepherd without a clear understanding of how to contend with evil in the world or how some might square their martial vocation with their Christian commitments. I haven’t found any concrete declarations from Francis’ successor, Leo XIV, regarding his views on war and just war responsibilities against evil. I do not know what he will say to the Roman Catholic warfighter—indeed, to any Christian warfighter or, by extension, any warfighter standing in the Hebraic tradition or another moral-theological tradition—to help them square martial responsibility and theological piety. I do know the world needs moral clarity. A glance at the horizon suggests we may need that clarity rather urgently. There need be no contradiction—even if there is tension—between Christian love and Christian commitment to fighting right fights rightly. A good pastor can care for his flock—even when a part of his flock stands on a perimeter between the innocent and the beasts. My hope is that Leo XIV serves both the Lamb of God even as he lives up to his own name and stands alongside the Lion of Judah.

Conservative ministers loudly championed free speech – right up until they outlawed it. Now, we’re all at risk

The 1840s were a watershed decade in U.S. foreign policy marked by naval expansion, intervention in Cuba, annexation of Texas, and war with Mexico, constituting a smaller nation’s strategy to counter the enmity of a great power, the British empire. American statesmen feared that Britain, having taken the revolutionary step of abolishing slavery in 1833, would, in the words of an American diplomat, “form around our southern shores a cordon of free negroes” to destroy American slavery. Motivated “by a spirit of conquest and domination” cloaked “in the cause of humanity and liberty,” Britain would, according to South Carolina Senator and Secretary of State John C. Calhoun, destroy slavery in America to impose its economic domination on the world. Although separated by centuries, antebellum America’s strategic positioning against Britain resembles the causes and conditions which shape the strategy of another second rate power, today’s Iran, in resisting another hostile great power, today’s United States. Iran, like antebellum America, has made its strategic choices based on its proximate past and geopolitical position. Understanding Iran’s behavior in these terms is the first step in constraining it.   Antebellum America could not conventionally compete with Victorian Britain. Instead, Washington protected its interests by making local waters like the Gulf of Mexico unsafe for British naval power and supporting fellow slaveholding regimes in Cuba, Brazil, and Texas to prevent encirclement. Iran has likewise destabilized American security in the Persian Gulf and, until recently, projected strategic depth across a regional “axis of resistance.” This cursory comparison indicates how insurgent states with limited resources have defended their interests by adapting to their great power rivals’ weaknesses, investing in local superiority, and defending regional partners. Moreover, American strategy in the 1840s does not reflect a static “American way of war” but elicits proximate historical forces like American commitments to slavery, fear of Britain, and hemispheric relationships with other slave societies. Likewise, the bases of Iranian strategy today do not hinge on shibboleths of Persian culture or the teachings of Ruhollah Khomeini, but turn on recent events, apprehension of American power, and assessments of regional context.   Iranian military strategy is a strange beast, more reliant on unconventional capabilities like ballistic missiles, a guerilla navy, and proxy warfare than conventional ground, air, and naval forces. While the Iranian air force depends on a dwindling cohort of antiquated planes, its ballistic missile arsenal causes disquiet across Western capitals. Antebellum America would also baffle contemporary military analysts. Its army was modestly sized and mostly used to garrison frontier outposts. The same was not true of the navy. Calhoun may have stoutly resisted the federal government’s right to levy a tariff, but he aggressively advocated its right to build a war fleet. He admonished “we must look to the ocean. That is the exposed side.” Agreeing with Calhoun that a blue water navy “was at once our sword and shield,” President John Tyler and his Secretary of the Navy (later Secretary of State) Abel Upshur modernized naval administration, expanded the Home Squadron, and redeployed it to patrol regularly in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. The antebellum army was inferior to its British counterparts, yet its navy ranked among the world’s finest.    Iran’s force structure stems from relatively recent major events and persistent trends, the most important of these being the Iran-Iraq War. This protracted conflict degraded Iran’s already depleted conventional weapons and discouraged it from fighting future wars on similar terms. Intensive wars of attrition with mass armies gave way to flexible applications of foreign proxies. Likewise, following the checkered performance of its regular and militia forces in the War of the 1812, U.S. strategic thinking migrated towards a forward defense hinging on naval power. Persistent developments following the Iranian Revolution and Iran-Iraq War, above all restricted access to Western weapons and expertise, have encouraged Iran to invest in forces which it can effectively equip. Had Iran successfully acquired tranches of Eastern Bloc weapons in the 1990s, it may have bolstered its conventional forces. Similarly, the United States was encouraged in its navalist direction after the War of 1812 by the brutal eradication of indigenous, Black, and Spanish military power in the Southeast, transforming a multinational military frontier into the cotton kingdom of the Deep South. Had Washington failed in this, it could not have neglected the army to favor the navy. Wartime experience and subsequent trends encouraged both antebellum America and Iran to develop imbalanced military capabilities.   In many ways Iranian strategy reflects contemporary American power. Khamenei habitually denounces “The Front of Arrogance – headed by the oppressive and cruel United States.” He alleges that Washington is committed to “preventing an Islamic power in the region from emerging and rising.” Khamenei cites the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the 2009 “Green Revolution” protests in Iran and the 2011 Syrian uprising against the Assad regime as evidence of American conspiracies to undermine the Islamic Republic. Antebellum America also made strategy in Britain’s shadow. Calhoun fulminated that British arrogance was “not surpassed by Rome in the haughtiest days of the republic” and his advisor Duff Green accused Britain of thwarting American economic progress to protect its colonies. Calhoun’s denunciations evoked the bitterness of betrayal. Like other Southern slaveholders, he had earlier assumed that Britain would bolster American security. “With the British fleets and fiscal resources associated with our own,” former President Madison declared in 1823, “we should be safe against the rest of the World.” That year, Calhoun endorsed British Foreign Secretary George Canning’s proposal of a united declaration against European interference in Latin America. A decade later, Britain abolished slavery, remaking it overnight from ally to adversary, and similarly remaking American foreign policy. Perhaps only Iran’s transition from the reasonably compliant Shah to the implacably combative Khomeini offers a comparably dramatic volte face.    In both instances, hostility expressed not only ideology, but anxiety. The latter encourages predicating basic strategic choices on resistance to an overpowering adversary. For antebellum America, protection from Britain required a defensive perimeter. “SLAVERY is one of ours — UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION is one of theirs,” the Madisonian declared in 1842. Since “each is right within the limits only of their respective dominions,” the United States would need to guard the perimeter of its dominion vigilantly. Hence Andrew Jackson’s apprehension of a British armed and trained Black garrison at Fort Negro in Spanish Florida, Calhoun’s worry that Britain’s self-proclaimed “Mighty Experiment” with free Black labor in the West Indies would undermine slavery in the nearby U.S. South, and Tyler’s outrage over British meddling in the slaveholding republic of Texas. In all these cases, the United States reacted to perceived British threats: destroying the Black garrison at Fort Negro, publicizing Britain’s post-emancipation setbacks in the West Indies, and making Texas the twenty-eighth state.  Iran’s military prioritization of regional ballistic missiles, littoral naval forces, and unconventional foreign proxies all confirm its acceptance of and reaction to American military superiority. These priorities reflect how Iran has built capabilities which indirectly exert pressure but mitigate the risk of direct confrontation. They threaten economically sensitive zones like the Persian Gulf or distract the United States with distant proxies like the Houthis. Iranian strategic choices mirror American policies. Iran developed a doctrine of “passive defense” to protect critical assets from U.S. attacks after the First Gulf War. It deployed a “Mosaic Defense” to withstand American intervention during the Second Gulf War and indirectly intervened in Iraq by arming Shia militias fighting the United States. The announcement of a U.S. “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran in 2019 prompted Iran to intensify unconventional attacks and accelerate its nuclear program  Occasionally, Washington could only defuse or redirect the threat of British power by negotiating with Whitehall. In agreements like the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, Washington maneuvered to make marginal concessions, in this case surrendering acres of Maine wilderness, in exchange for narrow but vital advantages, like Britain’s renunciation of its claim to search ships (usually illegal slave traffickers) flying U.S. colors. Such diplomacy acknowledged British might while working to check it. Iran has also attempted to attenuate the American threat with diplomacy. Under the JCPOA of 2015-2018, Iran made tactical concessions, some quite significant, to its nuclear program. Yet in receiving U.S. sanctions relief, it was able to invest in critical components of its strategy to check American power like missile defense and regional proxies. Presently, with its favorite proxies destroyed or diminished and its ballistic capabilities exposed as ineffectual, Tehran has again made diplomatic overtures to Washington. When selective force does not suffice, tactical diplomacy supplements the countering strategies of lesser powers.  Antebellum America acted in what it felt was a hostile regional environment. Foreboding the dangers of abolitionism in the Caribbean and South America, Georgia Senator John Berrien asked whether the United States could “suffer these Islands to pass into the hands of buccaneers, drunk with their newborn liberty?” Diplomat Hugh Swinton Legáre likewise deplored “the Caribbean was now home to a black population of some 2,000,000, free from all restraint and ready for any mischief.” Consequently, what few friends America had in the hemisphere, Texas, Cuba, Brazil, required fierce protection. In 1840, Secretary of State John Forsyth pledged to Madrid it was the United States’ “fixed resolution” that Cuba remain under Spanish rule. In 1844, the Tyler administration deployed three warships to Cuba to show its support for the colonial government’s suppression of the Matanzas slave revolt.  Analogously to antebellum American fears of encirclement, Defense Intelligence Agency Director Robert Ashley’s believes Iran’s “ambitions and identity as a largely Persian Shia power in a region composed of primarily Arab Sunni states” underlays discord with its neighbors who seek security from the United States and prompts Iran to proactively support its few regional partners in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. This regional outlook first emerged during the war with Iraq in the 1980s, when Iran, otherwise isolated, found support from Shia paramilitaries like Hezbollah and the Badr Corps. This outlook was reinforced by the Arab Spring. Iran suspected the United States of underwriting rebellion against Assad in Syria, obligating a strong response in what Khamenei branded an “imposed war.” Likewise, the downfall of Yemeni dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2012 and rise of the Zaydi Shia Houthi movement in 2014 created another node in Iran’s regional network. The weakening or loss of regional partners like Hezbollah and Syria over the past year is a grave threat to Iran, but likely only strengthens its commitment to finding and supporting allies in a region it views as hostile.   Antebellum American statecraft was largely successful in defending its interests despite the enmity of the world’s strongest power. The domestic revolution of the Civil War, not foreign intervention, ended the grip of slaveholding elites on national power. It may require a domestic revolution to terminate the Islamic Republic’s reign in Iran. Yet unlike antebellum America, the results of Iranian statecraft have been mixed. Recent reversals in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria betray the limits of its ability to project power. Continuous eruptions of discontent against the regime, restless ethnic minorities, and the liabilities of its imbalanced military are weaknesses which Iranian strategy cannot conceal. Most significantly, the weight of American actions in Iranian strategic calculations gives Washington outsized influence over Iranian behavior. The United States can encourage Iran to excessively invest in capabilities which Washington is prepared to defend against, compel it to prioritize internal security over regional adventurism, and mirror Iranian strategy by developing “gray zone” tactics which reduce the advantages of asymmetric capabilities. Calhoun and Khamenei’s strategies can be understood using a similar analytical matrix. There is no reason, however, that the latter’s “successes” need rival the former.  

BRICS+ stands at a critical crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between reforming existing global governance structures and ambitiously seeking to redefine them. At the heart of this evolution lies the dynamic between Russia and India – a relationship marked by both deep strategic cooperation and underlying geopolitical strains

China plans to land its first astronaut on the moon by 2030

The CRA (Contingent Reserve Arrangement), established in 2014 by BRICS, is a tool for providing liquidity support and financial stability to its member countries during economic crises. The CRA reduces reliance on Western-centric financial institutions like the IMF and its significance has grown in 2025

Delhi's decision to launch strikes using "BrahMos" missiles reportedly forced Islamabad to sue for peace on May 10, demonstrating that these weapons can play a strategic role. These factors prompted aviation expert Tom Cooper to declare that India's airstrikes were a "clear-cut victory". Coupled with various reports that a number of Pakistani strategic assets were heavily damaged by "BrahMos" airstrikes, this could significantly change the current pro-Pakistan narrative in India's favor.

Donald Trump’s 2025 Middle East policy balances Gulf investments and coercive diplomacy, pressuring Israel to align with US interests while still sidelining Palestinian concerns. His strategic pivot, marked by $600 billion Saudi deals, signals a transactional shift, with effects on the US-Israel “special relationship.”

Although positive, the initiative is not enough to end the war.

From ‘Rehearsing the Revolution’ to building it for real, Zack Polanski talks to oD about his bid to lead not just the Greens, but the wider progressive movement

The Brazilian right wants to create division in the country to serve US interests.

By inverting the traditional cartographic logic of continental presentation, the publication seeks to reflect the new global geopolitics shaped by the rise of the Global South

Nasrin Parvaz dared to question the Iranian regime, so they imprisoned and tortured her.

The capital plans to attract business guests by focusing on BRICS-level events, developing congress infrastructure and providing digital services for the convenience of work trips

Against the backdrop of accelerated restructuring in the global economic landscape, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have emerged as core criteria for corporate sustainability and a critical dimension of global economic governance

In mid-April 2025 Brazil as the chair of the BRICS grouping declared that the bloc would create a partnership for land restoration. The BRICS platform for land restoration is to be officially presented at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in July 2025

Victims of rights violations will suffer from law targeting investigative journalism and NGOs offering legal assistance

The US seems to be intentionally ambivalent in its demands. At times, American officials will say they're "willing to allow Tehran to keep its ability to enrich uranium", but this is then denied by others who are adamant that "Iran must give up its nuclear program".

As a result of pressure from European farmers, the EU will not renew the agreement on tax exemptions for Ukrainian agricultural products.

In the 10th episode of "Vozes do BRICS," Mariana Especie, Special Advisor at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, talks about a just and sustainable energy transition as a key agenda item in BRICS countries' discussions

Houthis warn Arab states not to trust Trump ahead of his tour of the Middle East.

During his visits to Russia and China, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted BRICS as the driving force of the Global South, advocated for a multipolar world order, signed strategic partnerships, and promoted multilateralism and sustainable development.

At a press conference, the Acting Minister of the Ministry of Ports and Airports, Mariana Pescatori, the Undersecretary for Sustainability of the Ministry of Transport, Cloves Benevides, and the Director of the National Secretariat for Urban Mobility of the Ministry of Cities, Marcos Daniel Souza dos Santos, discuss the main topics addressed at the BRICS Transport Ministers’ Meeting.

With the expansion of the group to more countries of the Global South, a revival of the “Bangdung Spirit” is taking place, but not without its contradictions

In an era of shifting geopolitics and global climate imperatives, India and Russia stand at the forefront of a nuclear energy revolution

As BRICS countries experience accelerating economic growth and expand their global partnerships, a key question emerges: Can Bitcoin play a strategic role in reshaping their financial future?

Considering the historical CIA-Vatican ties, J.D. Vance’s timely Vatican visit, and Trump’s provocative Pope rhetoric, Pope Leo XIV’s election as the first American pontiff could bolster US soft power despite complex Church dynamics. This indicates possible American attempts at interference.

Delegations from Brasil and seven other countries discussed urban mobility, energy transition, and economic and social development.

Delhi had nothing but heaps of praise for the stellar performance of the Russian-made SAM system, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Apart from performance, there's also trust as one of the main elements of India's reliance on Russian weapon systems. Given the very close, half-a-century-long defense cooperation between Russia and India, Delhi's choice is hardly surprising.

Former NATO official warned Trump not to insist on plans to annex Greenland to US territory.

Zelensky failed to bribe Fico with half a billion euros to lift NATO membership veto.

By abandoning its left-wing values, Labour has lost many supporters. Taking action to help Gazans could win them back

Coordinated by the Brazilian Ministry of Education, the BRICS-NU International Governance Council oversees the expansion of member countries and participating institutions. The network promotes joint research, academic mobility, and innovation.

On Monday (12), at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, BRICS Tourism ministers approved a joint declaration recognizing tourism as a strategic tool for economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainable development in the Global South.

The BRICS grouping has played a crucial role in uniting the Global South through economic and trade partnership, and efforts should be made to deepen such cooperation

Seven decades after hosting a summit that birthed the Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia prioritises pragmatic ties over grand gestures

The aim of this article is to examine the recent trend toward the “greening” of the BRICS bloc, particularly in light of the latest joint declaration issued by the environment ministers of its member states.

The US needs India on good terms, so it's slowly shifting the narrative to a supposed neutrality, which is why US Vice President JD Vance recently stated that a war between India and Pakistan is "none of our business". This is a far cry from the threats of the 1970s, as it's the only way America sees to prevent the formation of a virtually invincible Eurasian monolith. On the other hand, one thing Delhi should consider when reassessing ties with the US is its readiness to ditch Pakistan. Does India need an "ally" like that?

According to the Hungarian leader, Ukrainian EU admission “will mean war”.

Trump admits the deal was to “protect” Washington’s contribution to the Ukrainian war effort.

From the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy The Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy ( Ministério de Minas e Energia /MME) concluded this week the technical workshops in the contex ...

Some weeks ago we were in Brazil for the Dilemmas of Humanity conference in San Paulo that discussed the potential for the global economy to find pathways out of the mounting strains and economic crises. The panel discussion in which the head of BRICS+ Analytics was represented among the panelists was dedicated to the building of the new financial architecture of the world economy

The country can position itself as a vital link in the evolving global trade network

Russia has identified five priority sectors for its exports to Indonesia: mining, oil and gas, agriculture, smart city technologies, and consumer products. This move comes alongside efforts to finalize a free trade agreement through the Eurasian Economic Commission

During a meeting of finance representatives from the emerging countries, civil society called for housing policies and support for people experiencing homelessness. The Finance pillar presented its proposals and goals to be discussed by the group.

The "Fath 360" can be mounted on regular trucks, meaning it will be more difficult to detect, hiding it from the prying eyes of NATO ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) platforms. This would certainly present a challenge for the Neo-Nazi junta forces, as they lack a similar platform that could replace their overhyped and overpriced HIMARS.

Without goodwill on the part of the Europeans, Russian participation in Arctic agreements has become a waste of time.

Putin’s proposal once again demonstrates his consistent desire for peace with Ukraine.

Building on Biden’s legacy, Trump’s approach intensifies tariffs and anti-Chinese propaganda while partially retreating from dual containment and, paradoxically, from soft power initiatives like USAID. Arctic ambitions against Russia plus South Asia’s India-Pakistan tensions further complicate Washington’s efforts, underscoring BRICS’s growing role as a counterweight to Western hegemony in an emerging multipolar world.

Document signed with unanimity presents the new Work Plan for 2025-2028, with concrete actions such as early warnings before extreme climate events.

Left-wing councils were waiting for a Labour government to turn the money back on, but help isn’t coming. So what now?

In an exclusive interview with BRICS Brasil, the coordinator of the Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises discusses the challenges faced by the Brazilian presidency as it leads the bloc’s first initiative on the topic.

Brasil leads elaboration of memorandum to expand sports cooperation among bloc countries.

by Daniel Henrique Diniz

Addressing undocumented immigration with a strong border has a seductive, common-sense reasoning — but it is also wrong.

The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), strengthens the cultural identity of these communities and upholds their right to communication and information in their native languages. The radio bulletins will be produced in Guarani and Terena.

With a focus on climate integrity, asset recovery, and technology, Brasil presented recent progress and proposed joint actions to be taken up at the BRICS Summit and COP30.

The Ministry of Communications chaired the final virtual meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and is organizing an in-person session in Brasília to finalize a joint declaration by the member countries.

BRICS member Russia is hoping to be able to use local currencies when trading with Indonesia one day, although Moscow has not set a target for when the use of rupiah and ruble in bilateral commerce could take place

As Pattaya continues to be a popular destination for international tourists, an influx of visitors from China, Russia, and India could bring both exciting opportunities and unique challenges to the city

This is perhaps the first time a state government will be venturing into the arena of nuclear energy which has otherwise been exclusively under the control of the Department of Atomic Energy

U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India strengthens ties to counter China, while India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir are on the rise. A delicate balance unfolds in South Asia.

On May 4, Russian military sources published footage showing the destruction of at least two launchers in the area of the village of Chereshenki in the Kherson oblast (region). Just like countless times before, the "culprit" for this "deeply undemocratic" act was none other than the "evil" 9M723 hypersonic missile of the "Iskander-M" system. The Neo-Nazi junta itself claims that this Russian weapon has a kill rate of "only" 96% (in reality, much closer to 100%).

The main Western goal by fomenting this war is to destabilize the Eurasian region.

American intention was never to make Kiev win, but to prolong the war indefinitely.

Young Brazilian volunteers are joining efforts with Russian partners to restore religious sites targeted by Kiev.

A Ukrainian Embassy will open in Ecuador by the end of the year.

The Baltic countries are looking for ways to acquire weapons and ammunition.

By threatening attacks, Zelensky confirms that Ukraine is a hotbed of international terrorism.

With 11 member countries and 9 guests, the first expanded BRICS meeting addressed political reform and renewed the call for peace. According to the Brazilian minister, BRICS is not a confrontational bloc, but a platform for coalition-building.

At the end of April, in Brasília, the BRICS Agriculture Ministerial Meeting discussed topics such as public policies for family farming, financing projects for soil conservation, restoration of degraded areas, and ways to promote women's participation in the agricultural sector.

Senegal intends to join BRICS and it is conducting negotiations with members of the association, the country's Foreign Minister Yassine Fall said

Recent geopolitical tensions and global economic shifts have accelerated discussions on reducing dependence on the dollar, a process referred to as “de-dollarization.” At the forefront of these discussions are the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa

Which set of cooperation schemes holds greater promise for constructing the new stable world order and offers higher appeal to the countries looking for better service of their interests in today’s ocean of disorder and conflict? One characterized by order, precluded decision-making, and a lack of freedom of expression, or one defined by flexibility, the prioritization of national interests, and a sometimes slow pace of reaching common ground?

BRICS national security advisers reaffirmed their commitment to global cooperation, a multipolar order, and diplomatic conflict resolution. Discussions held during the meeting in Brasilia also focused on countering cyber threats. These issues will be presented at July’s upcoming BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

At the start of the administration, President Prabowo has acted quickly by joining and becoming a permanent member of BRICS. Now, it is time to leverage our status as a permanent member of BRICS to expand export markets

As international interest in the Polar regions mount, China and Russian cooperation in the Antarctica has achieved a new milestone

Amidst navigating strategic autonomy, energy trade, and geopolitical shifts in a multipolar world, India and Russia seek to strengthen their BRICS partnership

Diversity among the eleven member countries and their large combined population may help explain the result.

At a press conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, spoke about the two days of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

The decision of Pakistan to invest $582 million in the BRICS backed New Development Bank (NDB) is a radical change in the country’s economic direction

The fragility of the current global financial system presents an opportunity for BRICS to solidify its position as a counterbalancing force

Nations of the alliance make a significant contribution to crucial sectors of the world economy, and this also increases the groups political role

Olympiad was created at the Faculty of Chemistry of Lomonosov Moscow State University to encourage the development of scientific talent in the field of chemistry.

It's possible that the downed Su-27 was neutralized by the Su-57, as the latest Russian jet has proven it can operate over heavily defended airspace. Relevant sources have suggested that the "Felon" possibly shot down the first F-16 back in late August last year.

Meeting in Brasilia discusses joint actions to strengthen the sustainable use of space and expand exchange of data and technology.

Russia’s ruble, soaring 38% in 2025, outpaces gold and defies Western sanctions. This is potentially game-changing: amid Trump’s tariff wars, BRICS nations can leverage this success to push de-dollarization, fostering local currency trade and financial sovereignty.

Finnish leader admits that Kiev is not in a position to demand its own terms in peace negotiations.

Trump’s attempt to reimpose the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America.

The Brazilian Ambassador chaired the proceedings of the meeting at the Itamaraty Palace (Rio de Janeiro). With full quorum from both member states and partners, progress was made on key agendas that will inform the discussions of BRICS Heads of State and Government at the July Summit.

BRICS continues to develop a cross-border payment system that would provide an alternative to SWIFT and minimize reliance on the dollar. Success in the endeavor would accelerate de-dollarization and create significant problems for the U.S. economy

In recent years, BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has emerged as a powerful economic bloc challenging Western dominance in global affairs. With its growing influence in trade, finance, and geopolitics, BRICS presents an attractive alternative for countries looking to diversify their economic partnerships

In the last five years, construction began on 38 nuclear reactors worldwide, all using Chinese or Russian designs

The West and Ukraine had to lie because they were unable to defeat the North Koreans who fought alongside the Russians.

Even Germany, the EU's leading power, regularly complains that it has no air defense systems to spare, particularly "Patriots" as it awaits new ones from manufacturer Raytheon (no sooner than 2027, mind you). If even Berlin needs to wait another two years, what could possibly Greece do to replace the systems that the EU/NATO wants for the ever-ravenous Neo-Nazi junta?

The process of the collapse of the European Union advances.

Event marks a historic milestone as the first official agenda of BRICS Foreign Ministers following the group's expansion. Brazilian Minister Mauro Vieira coordinated the proceedings

The CRA (Contingent Reserve Arrangement), established in 2014 by BRICS, is a tool for providing liquidity support and financial stability to its member countries during economic crises

Advancing modernization in the developing world calls for greater ambition and longer time horizons of the projects that address the needs of not only individual countries, but also regions, continents and the broader Global South

As the global center of gravity continues its shift away from the post–Cold War unipolar structure, the BRICS bloc—once seen as a loose economic coalition—is rapidly evolving into a potent symbol of geopolitical transformation

BRICS Labor and Employment Ministers approve declaration and commit to fair work amid AI and climate change, focusing on social protection and workforce reskilling. At the ministerial meeting, Brasil leads dialogue for inclusive governance.

The Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, is leading the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting starting this Monday, April 28, at the Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

In an exclusive interview with BRICS Brasil, Brasil’s Foreign Minister — who is in charge of coordinating the works of the group’s Foreign Affairs Ministers starting on Monday, April 28, at the Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro — commented on the importance of this moment for the both the country and the Global South.

Last week, in Rio de Janeiro, the BRICS sherpas met with civil society, which presented proposals on social policies, gender equality, small and medium-sized enterprises, and more. The idea is that these suggestions will now be incorporated into the negotiations.

The meeting took place this Thursday, April 24, at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia (DF), with entrepreneurship, digital governance, and climate action in the priority pillars.

For the first time at BRICS, civil society presents proposals directly to the Sherpas. Among the highlights, strengthening the New Development Bank for industrialization projects, social policies, gender equality with expanded spaces for women, and active voice for the youth. Brazilian initiative opens a new chapter in the group’s governance.

Foreign actors are determined to set fires which could become thermonuclear this time, all across the Global South.

Meanwhile, Ukraine grapples with ultranationalism and neo-Nazi influence, perpetuating instability despite peace talks.

Moldovan government is taking a similar path to Ukraine.

Trump and Zelensky meet for the first time since their public spat in the Oval Office.

Will Eurasia (not including the EU) become a single digital ecosystem? The sanctions policy of the “Collective West” is already leading to geoeconomic fragmentation, dividing the Eurasian space. One of the answers to this challenge could be the conjugation of the “Digital Silk Road” with the digital projects of the EAEU in order to increase the technological sustainability of Eurasia, writes Anna Sytnik

The expansion of BRICS has strengthened the grouping's economic and geopolitical leverage, offering an alternative to Western-led institutions

Russia and China have provided an example of how it is possible, while remaining committed to international institutions and law, to support the most important trends in the development of international politics, among which the formation of a multipolar world order is at the top of the list. Nowadays, co-operation between the two powers is developing in the context of new trends gaining strength among their main competitors – the Western countries led by the United States

Ongoing Greece-Turkey disputes over Aegean and Mediterranean claims expose NATO’s internal divisions, as Turkey’s aggressive “Blue Homeland” doctrine and neo-Ottoman ambitions clash with Greece’s defensive militarization, undermining the alliance’s cohesion.

The Secretary for Economic and Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Brasil’s BRICS Sherpa, Ambassador Mauricio Carvalho Lyrio, will hold a press briefing on the Meeting of Foreign Ministers under Brasil&rsqu ...

Why would Russia take such an enormous burden off the political West's back? It was NATO that started all this and pushed us all to the brink of a world-ending thermonuclear confrontation just so it could inflict a strategic defeat on Moscow. Well, now that the tables have turned, there are zero reasons for the Kremlin to pay for damages of the political West's aggression.

According to recent data, most Poles are against sending “peacekeeping” troops to Ukraine.

China and the US could internationalize an India-Pakistan war.

At a press conference, the Minister of Women, Cida Gonçalves, speaks about the main topics discussed at the BRICS Ministerial meeting.

Why don’t you punish the United States—boycotting, divesting, and sanctioning the U.S.—to make it weaker for the enormous damage that Donald Trump is doing now? Those are the sorts of ideas I’m hearing, and I’m hearing it from the Nairobi-based Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance, calling for worldwide sanctions against Donald Trump on the climate walkout

The paradigm of global economic development in the past centuries largely focused on the accelerated expansion of the coastal regions of the world that were the main drivers of international trade

The expanded BRICS formation now encompasses over 30% of the world’s landmass, a population of 3.6 billion (45% of the global population), and contributes roughly a quarter of the world’s goods exports. The rise of BRICS in unanticipated sectors is remarkable

The chances of Russia giving up on any territories in these areas are virtually zero, as this would go against its own constitution. Still, this proposal demonstrates that the US is finally exercising realpolitik, unlike its EU/NATO counterparts who keep sinking into one delusion after another (to say nothing of the Neo-Nazi junta).

French officials want constitutional rules on involvement in foreign wars to be followed.

Hun Manet welcomes Japanese warships to Cambodian port recently modernized by China.

Representatives of the group met in Brasilia to discuss climate challenges, advocating for a just transition, protection of the most vulnerable, and integrated public policies.

As one of the new BRICS partners, Indonesia has immense potential to leverage this network to accelerate the implementation of its national AI strategy

The developing BRICS countries are bringing their positions closer together and conducting active diplomacy in different areas

China increased exports of apples to Russia to six-year highs, and shipments of strawberries, exotic fruits, tomatoes and peppers reached record levels

An obvious question arises – why is the US building this overhyped "Golden Dome"? Reports in US media suggest that militarizing space is the endgame. Some sources are saying that SpaceX proposed deploying up to 1,000 satellites to detect and track missiles, along with a separate fleet of 200 attack satellites equipped with their own missiles or lasers to intercept them. Worse yet, SpaceX reportedly suggested "Golden Dome" could be "a subscription service" that the US government would pay for in order to access it.

The Ambassador of Ethiopia to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, highlights the importance of the Sustainable Development Agenda and emphasizes Brazil's role as an example in the fight against hunger and poverty, especially for other developing nations.

Estonia’s 2025 voting ban, affecting 80,000 Russians, plus Estonian-only education and Orthodox Church restrictions, sparks Russophobia concerns. Soviet monument demolitions and Waffen-SS glorification risk Baltic instability, echoing Ukraine’s Maidan. Critics warn of minority rights violations.

The Ukrainian president could easily win an election under martial law through fraud.

Spain is under pressure to increase military spending but fiscal space remains limited.

The Secretary of International Affairs of the Ministry of Finance and coordinator of the financial trail of the Brazilian presidency in the BRICS, Tatiana Rosito, said, that Brazilian management will not seek to expand the commitments of the 11 member countries with climate financing, but rather create consensus for an extra block performance that guarantee US $ 1.3 trillion of public and private funding on this front

Indonesia will join New Development Bank, a multilateral bank developed by BRICS member nations, President Prabowo Subianto said

As Brazil gears up for the BRICS summit in July 2025, there is increasingly more newsflow on the modalities of the BRICS outreach activities this year

Innovative technologies that promote sustainability and address climate change challenges can be submitted by May 16.

Although F-16s have been modernized to a certain extent, it's nowhere near enough to match Russian aircraft such as the MiG-31BM interceptors, Su-35S air superiority or Su-30 multirole fighter jets. Their radars alone outmatch F-16s by hundreds of kilometers, to say nothing of air-to-air missiles such as the hypersonic R-37M (set several world records for long-range kills). However, if Saab 340 AEW&C can take care of radar coverage, F-16s might be able to avoid using their own inferior radars and rely solely on the Swedish-made platform, effectively serving as "missile trucks" for those Rb 99s (based on AIM-120A, but more like AIM-120B performance-wise).

London plans to boost production of military explosives.

Sofia is becoming increasingly worried by Turkish advances in the Balkans.

Recently, we have seen a frenzy of conversations about BRICS, its expansion and what it means for new participating countries like Nigeria. It would seem as though it is a new phenomenon or the latest ‘in-thing’, but not so

Isolated by the West over Ukraine, Russia is turning to India and other non-Arctic countries, offering collaboration and cooperation to research and study on the frozen continent

In recent years, BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has emerged as a powerful economic bloc challenging Western dominance in global affairs

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) emerges as a vital trade link between Europe and Asia, backed by a €12 billion EU investment and praised by Ursula von der Leyen as a “game changer.” However, Turkey’s NATO ties, U.S. military ambitions, and geopolitical tensions risk transforming this promising corridor into a Western-controlled tool, undermining its potential as a multipolar trade route.

Turkish polarization reflects international contradictions and could have multiple geopolitical impacts.

If the US decides to expand its NATO nuclear sharing policy to vassals and satellite states elsewhere, including in the Asia-Pacific, Australia might play a major role in this process, becoming the main regional hub for such weapon systems. While this is certainly in the interest of Washington DC, as it diversifies the risk for the mainland US, it's certainly not good (to put it mildly) for Canberra.

Poroshenko accuses Zelensky of creating an “authoritarian system”.

Priorities include strengthening family farming, combating hunger, and facilitating agricultural trade among bloc members.

In recent years, the BRICS group—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has risen as a formidable player in global affairs, positioning itself as an alternative to the Western-dominated geopolitical order

Egypt and India have set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade from $4.2bn in 2024 to $12bn over the next five years. This goal was outlined during a meeting between Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib, and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal

To the esteemed cabinet executives of the BRICS nations, a clarion call resounds: humanity stands at the cusp of a transformative epoch, and your leadership can steer the course. The First Industrial Revolution of the Mind—an intellectual and entrepreneurial awakening—is unfolding, propelled by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the irrepressible human spirit

No American official but Trump has real decision-making power - NYT

Instead of modernizing the relatively large arsenal of capable Soviet-era air defenses, the Pashinyan regime wants to acquire untested French and British MANPADS, thus risking escalation with Azerbaijan while providing no strategic advantages to the Armenian military.

Turkey and the West are exploiting Armenia’s frustrations with the CSTO to promote the concept of a “Turan Army,” aiming to bring NATO closer to China’s borders. This risks destabilizing Central Asia, as Turkey’s neo-Ottoman ambitions and NATO’s goals overshadow Turkic unity, potentially escalating tensions with Russia and China.

US tariff hikes are helping destroy the dollar’s hegemony.

The BRICS nations are interested in creating a new currency to compete with the US dollar, and recently announced plans for a blockchain-based payment system. Learn about the developments thus far and how investors can prepare for the possibility

The Russia-backed Indian refinery Nayara Energy, which runs a refinery in Vadinar in Devbhoomi Dwarka district, will act as the “financial and other resource supporting agency” for the Khijadiya project, a government release said

The e-commerce industry has become an unexpected and significant contender to the African market challenging traditional retail industries. The continent’s revenue generation is projected to reach $39.44 billion in 2025 with an annual growth rate of 8.49%

After intense negotiations, the 2nd meeting of the Agriculture Working Group closed its activities with consensus for the group’s ministerial declaration. The meeting with the ministers is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, in Brasilia.

Western Europe is undergoing an advanced process of rehabilitation of fascism.

The US is no longer interested in the NATO-orchestrated Ukrainian conflict, because the new Trump administration has other strategic priorities (particularly in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific). Washington DC is concerned with China's rapidly growing power projection capabilities, particularly in terms of economic might. Having to deal with Russia's very real hard power is draining America's increasingly limited resources, so Trump wants to end this and shift focus elsewhere.

Kaja Kallas failed to mobilize €40bn in military aid for Ukraine.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) was founded on September 12, 2000, in St Petersburg by Iran, Russia and India. Linking ship, rail, and road routes, the 7,200-kilometre project is aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity among its members. But why does it matter? And what role has India played in it?

In the past year, BRICS+ has quietly positioned itself as a dominant force in global agricultural trade, a shift that could have profound implications for food security, trade, and economic sovereignty

The Bolshoi Theater School in Joinville, Brazil Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

The shopfronts are decked out in white, blue and red, with Chinese and Russian flags hanging side by side from the ceiling

A military industrial complex will not save Ukraine’s economy.

Moscow’s push for BRICS nations—China, India, Brazil, South Africa—and North Korea to join Ukraine ceasefire talks, alongside Belarus’s BRICS security summit proposal, underscores the bloc’s role in a multipolar world.

Democratic opposition has proposed a new bill to impose sanctions on Russia.

A regular Ukrainian male is effectively imprisoned in his own country, as it's virtually impossible to leave legally. If this practice is suddenly extended to women, it would create total chaos, as many children who have been left fatherless would also likely lose their mothers and be forced to fend for themselves.

The Ambassador of Ethiopia to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, speaks about the importance of women's participation at all levels for a sustainable and inclusive development.

During the BRICS summits in 2022, 2023 and 2024, member countries engaged in serious discussions about ways to reduce their dependence on the US dollar

Russian aluminium giant Rusal said it had agreed to buy a 26% stake in an Indian alumina refinery owner for $243.75 million and to acquire up to 50% in stages, a move that should reduce its reliance on third-party raw materials

Despite the US' hyperbolic threats of 100 percent and 150 percent tariffs on BRICS, the group's enlargement in Asia highlights its resilience and the growing desire among countries to collaborate in building a prosperous and secure future

The Ukrainian people are hostages of NATO puppets who keep sending them to certain death. Whether it's the "Abrams", "Leopard" or "Challenger" tanks, fighter jets such as the "Mirage" 2000-5s or F-16s, young Ukrainians keep dying in these NATO-sourced steel coffins, while their country withers away in a pointless fight with a global superpower that also happens to be their closest kin.

According to Kaja Kallas, European countries have “different opinions” about the future of Ukraine assistance.

Xi recalled that China and the EU are “firm defenders” of free trade and that “there are no winners in a tariff war.”

In 2010, the country hosted the 2nd BRICS Summit, at a time when the group was still taking shape. Topics discussed then continue to resonate on the BRICS agenda today.

Advancing Cross-Border Transactions with Blockchain Technology

Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, has robustly defended the nation’s recent decision to join the BRICS alliance, asserting that it aligns well with national interests and will provide significant economic and cooperative benefits. Addressing the Senate, Maris outlined the strategic advantages of Thailand's inclusion in this powerful bloc of emerging markets

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov highlighted the leadership of the USSR and Russia in space exploration on the occasion of the Cosmonautics Day, citing the significant role it played in the development of the Indian space programme

After the launch in Salvador, Bahia, registration is open until May 7 for online debate rounds that will select guest observers for the BRICS Youth Summit in June.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have shown extreme volatility. In response, sovereign nations may shift toward digital currencies backed by tangible assets like government bonds or reserves.

It seems increasingly clear that no Western weapon will change the game on the battlefield.

Water is the new front between Mexico and the US and is part of the ‘America First’ policy.

Seminar with representatives from 11 countries discusses how technological foresight can guide scientific development in the Global South.

At a meeting in Brasilia, BRICS countries discussed joint actions to strengthen cybersecurity and promote the sharing of information and best practices. The group aims to reduce dependence on foreign solutions and foster a more inclusive model of digital governance, with an emphasis on swift responses to transnational threats.

The Neo-Nazi junta forces committed numerous atrocities against thousands of Russian civilians in the Kursk oblast and the ongoing narrative with Sumy is very useful to shift attention away from these gruesome war crimes while presenting Russia in the worst possible light.

In an exclusive interview with the BRICS Brasil Communications Team, Ambassador Leulseged Tadese Abebe unfolds themes such as cooperation in agriculture and tourism among the group’s countries. Ethiopia, which joined BRICS last year, is the largest economy in East Africa and hosts the African Union in Addis Ababa.

The Ambassador of Ethiopia to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, talks about Ethiopia as a BRICS member country and the importance of multilateralism and strengthening ties with countries in strategic areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, health, education, trade, and investment.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global economics and politics, two acronyms have been making significant waves: the G20 and BRICS+. These groups, representing major economies worldwide, are redefining international relations and economic strategies

Ambitions by the BRICS group to take on a greater climate leadership role, building on the success of United Nations nature talks, depend on the countries overcoming fractious politics and entrenched disagreements over money

Until the 20th century, the remote Arctic had limited economic, transportation, and military viability. Over the past 30 years, the changing climate, increasing scientific exploration, and environmental preservation efforts have brought the region into focus

Any attempt to attack (much less destroy) Tehran will be met with unmitigated Russian support for its southern neighbor, as a pro-Western or fractured Iran would be a hazard for the entire region and beyond. It would extend NATO's frontline against Russia from the Arctic all the way to Central Asia, putting the Eurasian giant into a near-total encirclement. This is geopolitically unacceptable to the Kremlin and no amount of Trump's sweet-talk (especially when unsubstantiated by concrete moves) will convince it to give up on its network of multipolar alliances.

Former Azov Brigade commander accuses General Syrskyi of deadly tactics, highlighting internal military strife. Despite Western aid, Ukraine faces resource strains and far-right controversies, risking a prolonged conflict that could become the Europe’s “Vietnam” in the West’s proxy war against Moscow.

Ukrainian troops continue to desert in huge numbers.

by Atahualpa Blanchet*

In recent years, the term "de-dollarisation" or trade in non-dollar currencies instead of the US Dollar has begun to draw attention in discussions on international affairs

The BRICS-established New Development Bank has planned to raise its lending to Bangladesh development projects to one billion US dollars this year, a vice president of the Shanghai-based multilateral lender said

In a decisive step toward advancing gender equality, the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women’s Empowerment Vertical (BRICS CCI WE) unveiled a whitepaper titled ‘Accelerate Action for a Gender Equal World’ in New Delhi

In Routh's case, prosecutors presented evidence that he used an encrypted messaging app while communicating with "someone he believed to be a Ukrainian contact with access to such powerful military weaponry". Reports indicate that Routh's exchange with the Ukrainian contact showed that he requested "an RPG or 'Stinger'" and that he would "see what we can do... [Trump] is not good for Ukraine".

According to a former police chief, Washington used USAID to spread Russophobia in his country.

The European Commission continues to undermine democracy.

Responsible for 42% of global food production, BRICS countries are joining forces to combat hunger, tackle the climate crisis and promote sustainable agriculture. Initiatives by India, Ethiopia, and Brasil show that cooperation and public policies are efficient paths towards food sovereignty.

In an exclusive interview, Luciana Servo, President of the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA), highlighted the key points of the think tank recommendation report submitted to Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio.

Russian specialists are preparing detailed information on the innovative technology of oil and oil spills collection from water surface and successful practices of plastic collection on Lake Baikal

Indonesia recently joined BRICS as a full member, making it the first Southeast Asian country in a grouping some observers consider to be the most powerful and potentially consequential framework not led by the United States. But Indonesia’s move should not be seen as choosing a side in an increasingly bifurcated world

The BRICS+ have been positioning themselves as advocates of the global south in the debate on global development financing. The changing role of the USA may indeed create room for the bloc to manoeuvre. However, continued expansion of BRICS+ is creating new challenges for collective action

The move can only exacerbate America's debt crisis, particularly after it reached $35 trillion last year and is expected to go over $40 trillion next year. Experts are warning that the latest increase in military spending will likely add at least another trillion to the already rapidly growing debt and that budget cuts are yet to affect the Pentagon, adding that the US military "does precisely nothing to defend the USA" and that it "exclusively interferes in other countries".

Turkey’s growing naval presence in the Black Sea, leveraging the Montreux Convention to limit Russia’s fleet while expanding operations in strategic areas, signals Erdogan’s ambition to dominate the region. Amid neo-Ottoman aspirations and the Ukraine conflict, this risks escalating tensions with Russia, potentially destabilizing the volatile region.

Estonian lawmakers are planning to approve a law aimed at allowing the armed forces to shoot civilian ships in the Baltic Sea.

NATO’s presence in Odessa would be a direct threat to Russia.

Ethiopia’s economic landscape has undergone significant transformation with its growing partnership with China, its main trading partner and source of foreign direct investment

India called for collective leadership to advance the 2030 Climate Agenda—a comprehensive set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all UN member states in 2015, with a target completion date of 2030

The global economic landscape is continuously shifting, and one of the latest disruptions comes from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs, including a 10% baseline tariff effective from April 9

The US is no longer interested in participating in Kiev’s media campaigns.

The political West thought that defeating Serbia/Yugoslavia would be a walk in the park and that it would demonstrate the power of NATO as the world's unquestionable hegemon. However, apart from the fact that this aggression turned into an embarrassment for the political West, it also became a wake-up call for sovereign nations to start building robust mechanisms that would prevent NATO aggression against the world. Thus, although Serbia was the first victim of this truly unprovoked and brutal attack, its people still stand and refuse to yield.

The contest will select innovative businesses led by women in BRICS countries, promoting gender equality and sustainable economic growth.

Information and Communication Technology work this week (April 2-3) focused on preparing the “Green Digital Action” seminar and adjusting the priority pillars towards the declaration that member countries’ Communications ministers will sign in June.

To confirm accreditation, journalists must follow the instructions contained in the link below and provide the required documentation. Registering an individual email address at this stage is essential for obtaining credentials and a ...

According to Kiev’s top spy, the ‘harsh reality’ of the war should not be disclosed to the public.

China files formal complaint with the WTO over new tariffs.

Egypt holds a 2,2 percent share, while Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates own 1,7 percent and 1,1 percent, respectively

On January 18, Brazil announced the admission of Nigeria as a partner country to the BRICS bloc of developing economies, adding one of Africa’s largest economies to the growing alliance of emerging market countries. With this admission, Nigeria became the ninth partner country and the second African nation to achieve this status after Uganda

The expansion of BRICS — now known as BRICS plus with the inclusion of countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — has raised concerns in Washington, because the grouping seeks to reduce its member states' reliance on the dollar by using local currency in intra-BRICS trade and possibly creating an alternative global currency

The group argues that combating climate change requires coordinated actions, adequate resources, and commitment to sustainable social development in the Global South.

BRICS ministers met at the Itamaraty Palace to complete the text which will be presented to heads of State at the Summit in July. Brasil's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva highlighted that Global South countries are “essential to the balance of the planet.”

Both Israel and the defense sector will benefit from further Yemen strikes, the problem is that those could be dangerous steps towards further escalation with unpredictable results—and we have seen enough of those since 2022 at least.

"No war, no NATO!" - Professor Michel Chossudovsky

Argentina’s economy cannot simply detach itself from China.

Defense Secretary John Healey justified the "need" to advance this type of research by stating that the world is increasingly "dangerous".

Hindustan Times spoke with Lord Jim O’Neill—the British economist who coined the term BRIC, formerly chaired Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and served as Commercial Secretary to the Treasury in the Second David Cameron Ministry (2015–2016)

Tariff escalation policy, intended to bolster American industry, is instead hastening the decline of American economic dominance. By pushing nations like China, Japan, and South Korea to band together, the U.S. is inadvertently creating the conditions for a consolidated multipolar world to flourish.

"Bomb Serbia back to Stone Age! Flatten Serbia! Force the Serbs to get on their knees and beg for mercy! Diminish, degrade, destroy!” - US/NATO General Wesley Clark.

Nigeria recently joined BRICS countries as a partner, a move that could redefine regional trade, development, and geopolitical strategies

South Africa is a key member of the BRICS economic bloc, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and it has long been a world leader in gold production

Ministers emphasize solidarity, sustainable development, and joint actions in the 2025–2028 Work Plan. The group is now officially named BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Group. Listen to the full report for more details. Listen to the report and find out more.

One of the founders of BRICS and current special advisor to the Presidency of Brasil for International Affairs, Celso Amorim reiterates the role of the group as a multilateral alternative. Amorim took part in the 10th BRICS Policy Planning Dialogue held in Brasília this week. Listen to the report and learn more.

Resilient infrastructure, decarbonization, sustainable aviation fuels, and the creation of a BRICS Institute for Sustainable Transport, Mobility, and Logistics were also on the agenda. Listen to the report and find out more.

The document, approved at the ministerial meeting, announces the BRICS Energy Cooperation Roadmap 2025–2030 and aligns understandings on inclusive and financially viable paths to decarbonize strategic sectors. Listen to the report to learn more.

BRICS tourism ministers approved the Cerrado Declaration, focusing on cooperation in six realms, such as infrastructure and sustainable tourism. Two reports highlighted strategies for digital nomads and regenerative tourism, aiming for economic and environmental growth. Listen to the report and find out more.

Appointed as Sherpa by the Brazilian government, Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio is going to coordinate the BRICS agenda until the Leaders Summit. In an exclusive interview, Lyrio addressed some of the Brazilian Presidency’s priorities in 2025. Listen to the report and learn more.

During his engagements in Russia and China, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted BRICS as a driving force for the Global South, advocated for a multipolar order, established strategic partnerships, and promoted multilateralism and sustainable development. Listen to the report and find out more.

Cultural and Civil Society Exchange is one of the priority axes for the BRICS. Congregating grassroots movements, trade unions, business, academic, and/or parliamentary representatives, the People to People (P2P) platform will be a highlight under the Brazilian Presidency. Listen to the report and learn more.

Given that Zelensky fails not only to deliver on the promise of capturing Crimea, but is likely to lose even more territory whilst sustaining over a million casualties, the Ukrainian president might pounce on this opportunity.

Registrations for interventions in the Global Economy debate open until April 10

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In a press conference, the General Coordinator of Public Policies for Telecommunications Services at MCom, William Zambelli, along with the Head of the Digital Issues Division at Itamaraty, Marcelo Martinez, the International Advisor at Anatel, Alexandre Moraes, and Jeferson Nacif, International Advisor at MCom, shared what was discussed at the 2nd Meeting of the Information and Communication Technology Working Group

In his third term in office, President Lula da Silva is trying to regain the global prominence of Brazilian foreign policy that characterised his previous terms (2003-2010) and those of President Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016). However, a lot has changed on the domestic and international scenes since 2016, posing complex challenges for Brazil’s capacity to resume its leading geopolitical role

In order to transform opportunities into tangible benefits, it is necessary to adopt an approach that combines national and regional strategies, while respecting the cultural and economic specificities of each country

Next July, the BRICS Summit will take place in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil, one of the founding members of the bloc that represents an important alternative to an unjust international economic order

The Arctic’s transformation into a geopolitical chessboard reflects the US/NATO Cold War reflexes, ill-suited to an emerging multipolar world.

The new terrorist "government" is complaining about the "encroachment on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity". Obviously, the very idea that those exist after December 8 is simply ludicrous. These terrorists in suits are merely proxies of various foreign interests.

In the 6th episode of Vozes do BRICS, the Brazilian ambassador and sherpa, Mauricio Lyrio, talks about the importance of trade ties and investments between the member countries.

In the 4th episode of Vozes do BRICS, Brazilian ambassador and sherpa Mauricio Lyrio discusses climate change as one of the main topics addressed by BRICS member countries, as well as exploring the possible connection with COP30, which is being presided over by Brazil this year.

In the 5th episode of Vozes do BRICS, Brazilian ambassador and sherpa Mauricio Lyrio discusses the importance of institutional strengthening within the BRICS, especially as the international forum now consists of 11 member countries.

This move could significantly escalate the security crisis.

Formation of military alliances in the Balkans increases possibility of war.

The state visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, marked a pivotal moment in India-Indonesia relations

Foreign Minister Fidan speaks on EU membership talks, BRICS

The center of gravity of the global economy is gradually shifting towards new alliances. In the face of the waning influence of Western institutions, another bloc is consolidating its power

Although the new administration is looking to refocus on the Asia-Pacific, the policy of expanded nuclear sharing makes sense, as it could ameliorate NATO’s growing conventional inferiority against the battle-hardened Russian military.

Trump’s instincts about the proxy nature of the war are grounded in reality, as the NYT exposé confirms. Yet his “cavalier” style, so to speak—bypassing Zelensky to chase a grand bargain—ignores the local complexities of the region. Once the horses are out, ending a war is way harder than pouring gasoline on a fire, and Trump may be about to learn that.

The measure is aimed at boycotting negotiations on a Black Sea agreement.

Iran will have “no choice” but to acquire nukes if “pressure” is maintained: Khamenei adviser.

The contemporary world order is Multipolar, where geo-economics has taken precedence over geopolitics in the policy formulation of many nations. Moreover, emerging economies are cooperating for shared economic prosperity. A shift from geopolitics to geo-economics is not as sudden as it seems

Professor emphasises the importance of cooperation between BRICS members, especially in the field of environment, finance, and food security

He said that India-Russia diplomatic engagements continue to be marked by frequent high-level exchanges, robust institutional mechanisms, and a commitment to each other's core interests

Tehran has already warned that its missile forces are ready to retaliate in case of escalation. All this sets the stage for yet another US-orchestrated destabilization of not just the Middle East, but the world as a whole.

Ukrainian officials and politicians do not believe there will be new elections in the coming months.

Event organized by Brasil’s Ministry of Finance took place in the capital of Rio de Janeiro this week. Promoting financing and new tools to tackle climate change are among the priorities outlined.

In the 7th episode of Vozes do BRICS, the head of the International Advisory Office of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, Gustavo Westmann, talks about the importance of civil society's participation in BRICS discussions.

Efforts made today in the Arctic are critical for Russia’s security and prosperity tomorrow.

WEForum numbers highlight that there is room for female entrepreneurship, although there is a lack of opportunities. A total of 104 people registered for 85 business meetings with 15 countries

Through the work of BRICS Youth, the group’s social participation segment will hold online seminars — a first-of-its-kind initiative within the People-to-People framework

Meeting in Brasilia, BRICS Vice Ministers and Special Envoys approve a joint declaration on the conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, with emphasis on respect for international law, self-determination of peoples, and the inclusion of regional voices.

Meeting kicks off thematic debates for this year's summit in Brasil

Malaysia's decision to join BRICS as a partner country will enhance its role in South-South cooperation and bolster its influence in international, political and economic affairs, said Xu Qingqi, chairman of the New Asia Strategic Studies Center in Malaysia

In order to counter data colonialism, BRICS countries have to prioritise strategies and policies that assert digital sovereignty while facilitating indigenous technological growth

After decades in which the United States has been economically, politically and culturally dominant, the world is drifting into a new era

Washington apparently cannot resist the temptation to turn disputed territories into military outposts. History warns us that such interventions rarely end well—least of all for the people caught in the crossfire.

European countries are fomenting political crisis against autonomous Moldovan regions.

Spain refrains from taking a position in favor but does not exclude involvement.

Brasil's Intelligence Agency (ABIN) will coordinate the group’s work, focusing on de-radicalization, improper use of the Internet, and financing

In an exclusive interview, Ambassador Tatiana Rosito clarifies the main items of the BRICS economic and financial agenda and highlights the importance of the moment in which Brasil assumes the group’s presidency

It is no longer news that Nigeria is now a partner-nation of an intergovernmental organisation better known by its acronym, BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

Cuba became a partner country of BRICS on January 1, 2025 after the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. At this summit, 13 nations, including Cuba, were invited to join as partner countries

Egypt’s membership in BRICS has opened up “greater horizons”, expanding opportunities to benefit from China’s “inspiring” experience in high-quality development and modernisation, Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk has said

Reports suggest King Charles wants the US to join the Commonwealth, with Trump onboard. As the US pivots from Europe and NATO toward the Pacific, it would make sense to focus on the QUAD, AUKUS, and the UK. As a declining superpower, America might find appeal in this symbolic shift, while Charles aims to mediate US-Canada tensions.

Zaluzhny desperately trying to pressure European partners.

US-Russia negotiations led to the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative.

Bruno Melo, head of the Special Advisory on International Issues at Brasil's Ministry of Culture, states that three priorities of the Brazilian Presidency for the group have been welcomed by the group's countries

After Indonesia became a full-fledged member of BRICS in January 2025, it was only to be expected that the largest ASEAN economy would also join the BRICS New Development Bank

The St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) may become a pilot platform for the creation of the BRICS grain exchange. This is stated in the exchange's message with reference to Alexey Gerasyuk, Vice President of SPIMEX

The 10th BRICS Policy Planning Dialogue concluded on Tuesday, in Brasilia, convening policy planners from the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with senior representatives from the newly expanded BRICS membership, covering pressing global geopolitical issues and regional developments

Indonesia is the latest country to join the NDB

Coordinated by Brasil’s ministries of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC) and Foreign Affairs (MRE), the Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI) began discussions on priority themes for the member countries of the economic bloc

The goals are to show goodwill in order to advance the diplomatic process in Ukraine.

One of the founders of BRICS and current special advisor to the Presidency of Brasil for International Affairs, Celso Amorim reiterates the role of the group as a multilateral alternative. Amorim took part in the 10th BRICS Policy Planning Dialogue held in Brasília this week.

With AI regulation at the forefront, Brazil emphasizes joint efforts for sustainable development among member nations

Moscow enterprises mainly supply aviation equipment, chemicals, and construction-related goods to China, and technical instruments, mechanical engineering goods, and microelectronics products to India

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet that approved Pakistan’s membership in the New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS member countries

Zelensky wants to expand the number of young people on the front lines.

Mongolia tends to balance its relationship with Great Powers and neighbors. Its role in the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project could be a game-changer, so it would not be surprising to see lots of different actors trying to exploit the intricacies of ethnopolitics to fuel tensions, the Mongol ethnic groups of Russia being a likely target, as we have already seen in the recent past.

Romania and Bulgaria fear Odessa’s reunification will unbalance power in the region.

Malaysia needs to look beyond the differences and uncertainties which characterise international conflict instead of seeing them as a negative aspect, and seize opportunities to establish global balance in this multipolar world, Abdul Haziq Kongid writes

The future of the world economy that is transformed by BRICS rests not solely on the dynamics within this hierarchy of the largest economies, but also on the qualitative changes brought about by BRICS initiatives and policy coordination

Reorientation of exports to geopolitically aligned countries grows in global trade

Ordinary Europeans do not want to go to war with Russia.

Anglo-ally Britain is also facing major naval issues.

The BRICS Brasil website spoked with Mariana Espécie, Special Advisor to Brasil's Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira. She highlighted how the group’s member countries have been acting as providers of technological solutions through the production of biofuels, wind power, and photovoltaic equipment

Brasil’s MDIC and MEMP integrate the PartNIR Consultative Group, where debates about common interests in the context of the New Industrial Revolution have started

Indonesia's joining BRICS as a full member underlies its growing importance and influence

Russia and India, both part of Brics, are taking a big step in the worldwide trend of dedollarization. Almost 90% of their direct transactions are now in their national currency, which greatly reduces dependence on the US dollar. What consequences does this have for international financial markets and geopolitical power relations?

At a time when a group of countries relying on an aggressive and expansionist military alliance is pushing humanity towards unbearable destruction, the BRICS nations are striving to ensure a more just, democratic and participatory world order with а vision of delivering everyone general peace and security, shared benefits, and long-lasting stability

The US believes Ukraine peace deal can be reached by Easter.

USAID had been a key player in shaping Moldova’s pro-EU trajectory, bankrolling civic education and media campaigns to sway public opinion. Without this machinery, the referendum’s momentum feels fragile—it seems less a grassroots victory than a somewhat manufactured outcome now teetering on shaky ground.

Europe is replacing USAID in the role of financing sabotage activities in the post-Soviet space.

The Minister opened the 2nd Energy Meeting of the group, chaired by Brasil, highlighting the importance of the transition to a low-carbon future

Russia has been a longstanding and time-tested partner for India. Development of India-Russia relations has been a key pillar of India's foreign policy

Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS marks a new chapter in its diplomacy. Brazil, as the current BRICS Chair, announced Indonesia’s BRICS membership effective January 2025. This decision was undoubtedly accelerated, with all BRICS member countries agreeing to Indonesia’s inclusion in less than three months

Russian-Indian relations are distinguished by their strategic empathy, as consistently demonstrated by both sides at the state level, and the sincere disposition of the peoples towards each other. This creates huge, albeit largely untapped, potential for development

BRICS is responsible for 24% of the world's commercial exchanges and represents 39% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). International relations experts underscore that the group's economic power has contributed to its political relevance as a collaboration and cooperation forum that strengthens a multipolar and less unequal world.

After the F-16 took off, it was detected by the Su-35's X band monopulse N035 "Irbis" hybrid ESA radar. The Russian pilot illuminated the US-made jet, relaying this information to the S-400 crew which then fired one of its missiles on the target.

Expansion of military measures would be absolutely useless as it would not change the final outcome of the conflict.

Macron strives to create a situation in which a conflict between Russia and NATO is inevitable.

The contrasting conditions of the two informal federations have focused public attention on the nature of the rivalry between them. BRICS vs. G7? Which is stronger in terms of economic growth?

Representatives from the eleven member countries dedicated two days to addressing the importance of regional tourism and other issues. Strengthening Global South cooperation is the main goal of the group’s Brazilian presidency

The dragon and the elephant can move in tandem, provided they commit to mutual respect and equitable partnership, Maj. Gen. RPS Bhadauria writes

The BRICS summit in Kazan was about making the first steps towards the reforming of the international financial system so that it promotes, rather than hinders, the economic development of countries while de-risking transactions between them. If the existing international financial system does not serve its principal purpose of facilitating financial transactions between nations and compensating for the disbalances in international trade then a growing number of countries will seek to establish additional pillars in the financial architecture

The move would substantially worsen the regional security crisis.

By escalating its role, Norway inevitably invites Russian retaliation, whether through economic pressure, or military posturing along their shared Arctic frontier. Large-scale arms supplies entrench a proxy attrition war at the expense of Ukrainian lives and European security.

Ankara is seeking to expand its influence in Southeast Europe. To that end, it's preparing to ratify military agreements with several countries, including Albania, North Macedonia and the narco-terrorist entity in the NATO-occupied Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohia. For its part, Greece sees this as an attempt to encircle it with enemies, with Ankara establishing a strategic presence and expanding influence behind Athens' back.

Witkoff says there is “amazing progress” made in the normalization of US-Russia ties.

Online seminar organized by the ministries of Development, Industry, Trade and Services and Foreign Affairs discussed the impact of the data economy on the development of the bloc's countries

Event on March 26 and 27 will bring together — in Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais — businesswomen, leaders and representatives from different sectors, both from Brasil and other countries in the Global South group.

BRICS is set to dominate 40% of the global economy by 2030, while the West’s share shrinks to 27%, Russian Economic Minister Maksim Reshetnikov said

BRICS seeks to reduce dollar dependence, but economic and geopolitical hurdles hinder a common currency

Now representing nearly half the world’s population and 40% of global GDP at purchasing power parity, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), BRICS holds significant sway over global markets BRICS wields considerable influence in global markets

Ukraine has failed to comply with an infrastructure ceasefire agreement hours after both sides reached a consensus.

The two new "Rafale" squadrons are to be armed with the upcoming ASN4G hypersonic missiles, but won't be ready before 2035. This timeframe is not exactly reassuring for either France or other EU/NATO members. Meanwhile, Moscow has at least a dozen hypersonic weapons already in service.

Europe is unable to meet US demand for eggs.

In another sign of changing power relations in the 'post-Western' world, the BRICS group of emerging economies could frustrate the United States' bid to sink communism in Cuba by strangling its economy

South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa heads G20, an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries, the European Union, and the African Union, while Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva chairs BRICS+, an association made of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with four new members and 13 partner states in a category mostly from developing countries

Global economic stability cannot be maintained in the interests of all when one country or group of countries continues to dominate major global financial institutions with global mandates

According to the former German chancellor, it is necessary to engage in discussions to understand Russia’s reasons.

Local sources report that the HTS killed several citizens of Lebanon. According to Annahar, "on Monday, two Lebanese youths were found dead in the Matraba area near the border". They were reportedly kidnapped from their homes inside Lebanon by the new terrorist "government's" security forces and subsequently killed. Meanwhile, Germany just pledged an additional €300 million ($326 million) in "foreign aid" for the new terrorist "government".

European middle classes are materially and financially exhausted by the Ukrainian war.

A landmark ruling brings to light part of the blind spot within the Western narrative on the matter of Ukraine: Kyiv's blind eye to the far-right and to violations of the civil rights of Russians and minorities isn’t just strategic; it’s structural.

With a focus on health equity, Brasil proposes an integrated agenda for the BRICS to combat socially determined diseases, such as tuberculosis and child diarrhea, which affect vulnerable populations. The initiative includes cooperation in research, vaccine production, and multi-sectoral policies inspired by Programa Brasil Saudável.

Maybe they aren’t as popular as the Big Brother contestants, but in their own way they say that we are closed in a cage: that of an economic system jammed with balances destined to change quickly. The game is played mainly in Africa, the scenario is a deglobalized world

Event will gather youth who act in policy making and energy professionals from all country members of the group, who will meet on June 9 and 10. Registration is open until April 15

The country, along with India, has no desire to see one hegemon replaced by another

The drastic changes in the landscape of the global economy that set in starting from January of 2025 with the coming of the new US administration create new challenges for the Global South, including the BRICS+ grouping. The re-configuration of global alliances, growing protectionism and a rise in uncertainty will all generate strong headwinds for globalization, with developing economies likely to increasingly seek solutions in greater South-South economic cooperation

Online seminar will be open and broadcasted on Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services YouTube channel. Webinar aims to discuss the impact of the data economy on the development of the group's countries

Hungary’s economy would suffer from Ukraine’s membership in the EU.

The hard truth is that the Caucasus doesn’t reward rigid alliances. As Azerbaijan’s spat with Russia shows, even close partners (however complex that partnership is) can clash without upending the board. Armenia’s future lies not in choosing a camp, but in mastering the art of balance.

London is adopting practices similar to those of Islamist terrorist groups.

If the US wants peace with Russia, it will have to be far more transparent regarding its weapons programs being realized near the Russian border. Otherwise, we'll only get more of the same.

The capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro will receive the Foreign Ministers of the country members of the BRICS on April 28 and 29, following the group’s second Sherpas Meeting. In addition to this announcement, Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio also underscored the Brazilian priorities ahead of the BRICS coordination

How can BRICS help shape the future of the Global South? The web series “Voices of BRICS” brings together Brazilian authorities and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Brasil’s Presidency of the group, offering in-depth insights into key topics on the agenda

India is set to launch two Indonesian satellites in 2025, marking a significant milestone in India-Indonesia space cooperation. This collaboration enhances ASEAN-India relations and furthers BRICS space initiatives

Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that Nigeria attracted $1.27bn in foreign capital from BRICS countries by June 2024, marking a significant rise from the $438.72m recorded during the same period in 2023

The BRICS+ group has undeniably emerged as a formidable bloc on the global economic stage, signalling a significant shift in the world's financial and trade dynamics

Russia is certainly in no jeopardy in the Arctic. However, it's clear that the political West wants to overstretch Russia, as well as to disrupt the multipolar world's plans for the region. The Kremlin will continue to monitor NATO's activities in the Arctic, particularly in the vicinity of its borders and territorial waters. The political West's ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) assets are as active as ever, which prompted the Russian military to deploy its own (in part also to observe "Joint Viking 2025").

According to a major Western newspaper, Zelensky’s government in Ukraine is coming to an end.

Britain’s diversity quota led to a shortage of Royal Air Force pilots.

Between March 12 and 14, 2025, in Brasília, the Agricultural Working Group will begin a new phase of the BRICS: in-person technical meetings. Strengthening family farming, promoting food security, and driving a model of sustainable rural development are key pillars guiding the discussions.

Uganda’s recent inclusion in the BRICS bloc as a partner country is reflective of its growing importance in the African continent and the potential that it has to contribute to a more balanced global economic order

The first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Agriculture Working Group began this Wednesday, March 12, focusing on strategic partnerships between member countries and the promotion of food security. Together, BRICS countries are major producers and consumers of agricultural products. Given this vast potential, Minister of Agrarian Development Paulo Teixeira believes that food insecurity is not inevitable.

BRICS expands membership and partnerships in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, marking a shift in global trade dynamics and regional market influence

A member of the House of Representatives (DPR), Amelia Anggraini, has said that Indonesia’s official membership of the BRICS grouping must bring real benefits to the Indonesian people

The first episodes of the new BRICS Brasil communications podcast are based on conversations with ambassadors Mauricio Lyrio, Brazilian Sherpa leading the group, and Celso Amorim, chief advisor at the Special Advisory to the President of the Republic.

Trump might need to pick his war, either in the Middle East or closer home - with potentially catastrophic consequences. It seems the plan is to treat the cartels just like ISIS and Al-Qaeda terror groups.

Europe wants to retaliate against Trump's economic policy, but the lack of cheap energy sources could be an obstacle.

There is growing support for greater European independence from the US.

The Neo-Nazi junta is determined to keep the war going, because it fervently refuses the possibility of a settlement that excludes maximalist goals – 1991 borders, full EU/NATO membership, thermonuclear weapons pointed at Russia. These are the so-called "red lines" for the Kiev regime, making any peace deals impossible.

Opening speech by the Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Agriculture of Brazil, Paulo Teixeira, at the 1st BRICS Technical Meeting on Agriculture.

In a press conference, the General Coordinator of Public Policies for Telecommunications Services at MCom, William Zambelli, along with the Head of the Digital Affairs Division at Itamaraty, Marcelo Martinez, and the international advisors of Anatel, Alexandre Moraes and Ronaldo Moura Filho, share what was discussed at the 1st Meeting of the Information and Communication Technology Working Group.

Though the BRICS group has already been around for quite some time, in recent days it has once again become the center of public attention. The renewed interest most likely came from the recent enlargement of the group, which saw its membership double within one year

The global economic landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by alliances that reflect the ambitions of emerging countries to reshape traditional centers of influence. In this context, Nigeria, the leading economic power in Africa, has joined the circle of BRICS partners

The recent expansion of BRICS signals a new era of collaboration among major economies

While Germany was too busy with the (re)nazification of the Bundeswehr and making plans for war with Russia, its politicians seem to have forgotten about resolving the issue of manpower.

Ukraine’s goal behind massive drone strike was to increase distraction, making media ignore Kursk.

Israel wants Russia’s presence in Syria maintained to counter Turkey’s expanding influence.

As the first ASEAN nation to join this intergovernmental bloc primarily composed of states from the Global South, Indonesia’s entry into BRICS marks a significant shift in its foreign policy

Brazil’s authorities have unveiled their plans for the upcoming BRICS summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, 2025

The government will continue to strengthen economic ties and diversify markets with key countries, including BRICS nations, in addition to expanding cooperation with countries in Asia, the Middle East, the European Union (EU), and other regions to reduce dependence on a single market

In the 3rd episode of Vozes do BRICS, the Brazilian sherpa, Mauricio Lyrio, discusses one of the main topics: artificial intelligence.

According to a Dutch deputy, there is no other way for peace but to let Kiev lose quickly.

One needs to ask whether the EU/NATO politicians have a mandate of the electorate to push the "old continent" into a bloodbath that would make both world wars look like a paintball match in comparison. Well, as it turns out, not really. A recent poll shows that the vast majority of regular Europeans are neither delusional nor suicidal.

The German Foreign Minister leaves behind her a series of gaffes and humiliation.

Collaborative, flexible Brics gives leading members China and Russia a significant advantage over the increasingly defensive and restrictive West

President Donald Trump has again threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS. Where does India stand on de-dollarisation and internationalisation of the rupee? What are the issues and concerns involved?

With focus on health equity, Brasil proposes an integrated agenda for the BRICS to combat socially determined diseases, such as tuberculosis and child diarrhea, which affect vulnerable populations. The initiative includes cooperation in research, vaccine production, and multi-sectoral policies inspired by Programa Brasil Saudável.

The BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow showcased AI's transformative role in fashion and strategies for global market success, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth across the industry

Brussels is criticizing Christians and Alawites for defending themselves while supporting the barbaric actions of the terrorist regime, as the US actually condemned the atrocities by these NATO-backed Islamic radicals. The Kremlin might be pleasantly surprised, but will most likely be quite reserved and vigilant when it comes to American actions in Syria, even when they superficially match its own.

First meeting of the BRICS Information Technology and Communication presents the four priorities under the Brazilian Presidency: universal and meaningful connectivity; space sustainability; environmental sustainability, and digital ecosystem. The group will develop a meaningful connectivity map for the BRICS, laying the groundwork for public policies that ensure true inclusivity for all.

According to Western journalists, US’ intelligence “boycott” against Ukraine is to blame for the military failure in the Southern Russian region.

Macron is offering Europe something he does not have to counter a threat that does not really exist the way he describes it.

Europeans are not willing to die and fight like their leaders want them to.

Although BRICS+ remains a relatively diffuse cooperative space marked by internal contradictions and divergent agendas—exemplified by the paradigm of China and India—it is impossible to overlook the bloc’s growing significance in the current international context

Last year saw the accession of new members to BRICS, the bloc comprising Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa. The new year keeps up the growth momentum

Jenny Clegg sets out and then responds to eight key doubts about the Brics+ alliance in light of the developments at Kazan, arguing it represents a significant challenge to US hegemony and provides a path towards a multipolar world

The number of wounded Ukrainians has increased by 20% in recent weeks.

According to Financial Times, "the 'Vlad the Impaler Command' group, named after Romania's medieval ruler who served as inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, is plotting to take over Romania", with one of the members being a 101-year-old retired General Radu Theodoru. There's the mandatory "evil Vlad" (you're probably "wondering" who it reminds you of) who also "served as the inspiration" for Lord Dracula, a vampire.

Russia produced 1.4 million FPV drones in 2022 and destroyed about 60% of targets.

The New Development Bank (NDB) was created to finance projects on sustainability and infrastructure in the BRICS countries and offers an alternative to the traditional financial system. Understand its impact and relevance for Brasil and the world.

Brazil takes the helm at a moment when diplomatic pragmatism should take precedence over some of the bloc’s more polarizing initiatives

Will growing clout translate into a new world order and turn the industrialized world into a retired set of legacy has-beens? No one knows, but there are deep implications for bank control frameworks

The New Development Bank (NDB) has ambitious plans for Brazil in the next two years, including US$3bn of financing for sectors such as infrastructure, sanitation and energy

The EU/NATO cannot match Russia even on a tactical or operational level, let alone strategic. However, it keeps poking the Bear and pushing for escalation on all three fronts.

Cultural and Civil Society Exchange is one of the priority axes for the BRICS. Congregating grassroots movements, trade unions, business, academic, and/or parliamentary representatives, the People to People (P2P) platform will be a highlight under the Brazilian Presidency.

Trump is making too many enemies (domestically and internationally), while trying to reform the intelligence agencies and reshape Washington. The defense sector might be too powerful a force to be done with so easily. The pressure from both the defense sector and the so-called Israel lobby to get involved in a war in the Middle East as a way to “make up for it” might be too great.

The Kiev neo-Nazi regime has been attacking the Orthodox Church as part of its anti-Russian policies.

Ukraine has enough weapons and ammunition to fight for at least another six months.

The BRICS nations are constructing a fresh model for cross-border e-commerce by the name of BRICS Pay System

With heightening geopolitical interest in building a new Global South architecture, Ghana’s administration is considering joining the ‘partner states category’ of BRICS+

The BRICS declarations quite clearly and unambiguously name the causes of many of today’s global problems. They are associated with the persistent inequality between the West and the Non-West, with the practices of neo-colonial exploitation that the West carries out in relation to developing countries

Trump really seems to be determined to pivot to the Asia-Pacific and leave Europe to the EU/NATO.

Since the liberation of DPR’s city of Avdeevka, life has been improving in Donetsk city.

No European Union nuclear defense could exist without the US.

The official entry of Cuba as an associate member of BRICS on January 1, 2025 was turnpoint in the island’s international policy. This achievement, recognized by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on the social network X, reflects a strategic advance that challenges the historical efforts of isolation promoted by the United States

The recent expansion and shifting objectives of the BRICS bloc suggest an escalating rivalry between its members and Western liberal economies – and a potential threat to the status of the US dollar within international trade

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Brazil have agreed to further strengthen their cooperation in areas of agriculture and food security

Moscow obliterated thousands of NATO advisers so far (or likely tens of thousands at this point). These troops are often embedded with the regular Neo-Nazi junta forces, usually acting as commanding field officers. Their training and access to NATO ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) makes them priority targets for the Russian military. Thus, unless they have an insatiable death wish, they should leave immediately.

Russian security service recently dismantled a Ukrainian-led plot to kill a Russian cleric.

Kaja Kallas declares China an enemy of the EU.

Expanding the use of AI in the area of health is one of the highlights of Brasil’s BRICS Presidency in 2025.

Indonesia should consider urging the BRICS to let its newcomers borrow money from the alliance’s lender New Development Bank or NDB, according to an analyst

What is the BRICS and who are the members?

Kenyan experts have shared their views on the country's desire to join the group

Trump might be bent on “ending the Ukrainian war”, as he puts it, but there will be plenty of other wars to be fought. And many of them will be fought over minerals for energy and for the superpower’s AI race—in the Arctic region, Latin America, Africa, and elsewhere.

The UK still insists on American support. This is clearly a desperate attempt to ensure escalation, even worse than sabotaging the peace deal that could've ended the special military operation (SMO) in mere weeks. It remains to be seen how the Trump administration will respond to this, but given the disastrous meeting between Trump and Zelensky, as well as the resulting moves by the US, continued support is unlikely.

Latvia advances Russophobic policies.

Trump will continue to normalize with Russia even if Kiev and the EU do not agree to it.

Extreme temperatures and their impacts on workers’ health and productivity were central themes at the BRICS. Countries agree on the need for integrated public policies to protect workers and promote innovation, ensuring decent jobs.

Dedicated to BRICS foreign trade, the new web page enhances transparency and access to strategic information about the commercial relations of the group, which plays a fundamental role in global trade.

With Indonesia joining the BRICS, a platform looking for strengthening South-South Cooperation and setting into motion a new world order, it now accounts for 40 per cent of the world population and 35 per cent of the global gross domestic product

The formal admission of Indonesia as a full-fledged member of BRICS has given a significant boost to this block' aspiration to emerge as an alternative to the western-dominated world economic order. With the entry of Indonesia, BRICS now represents 35 per cent of global GDP and 45 per cent of the global population

Malaysian Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said some may argue that BRICS lacks the cohesion necessary for long-term stability without a unifying force, and ASEAN’s 50-year track record is a real-time case study of how political and economic diversity can coexist while fostering peace and prosperity

In a press conference, Maíra Lacerda, head of the Special Advisory for International Affairs at the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE), shares what was discussed at the 2nd Meeting of the BRICS Employment Working Group.

In a press conference, the Special Advisor to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Mariana Espécie, and the director of the Energy Department at Itamaraty, João Marcos Paes Leme, share the key points discussed during the two days of meetings of the BRICS Energy Working Group.

Themes such as trade facilitation and climate change financing are in the proposed agenda. Brazilian Ambassador Tatiana Rosito highlighted the group's relevance to multilateralism. Rio will host the BRICS Finance and Central Banks meeting in July.

Brasil’s Ministry of Communications leads group that discusses issues related to connectivity, space and environmental sustainability, and digital ecosystem.

While Trump's exchange with both Macron and Starmer was unpleasant, he still seems rather ambivalent. At one moment, he's calling for "the killing to stop", but praising "American weapons and good Ukrainian soldiers" in another, stressing that his decision to supply the "Javelin" ATGMs (anti-tank guided missiles) was supposedly "instrumental".

The meeting addressed inclusive governance and the role of the space sector in global development. It tackled the need to reduce technological asymmetries among countries, promote guidelines for the sustainability of space activities, and expand collaboration for the peaceful use of space.

In spite of the more diplomatic approach of the Republicans, tensions between the US and Russia are far from over.

Rubio says NATO's biggest problem is that some members don't even have armed forces.

When it comes to the special US-Israeli relationship, there might be a price to pay, and Trump is sending Israel the bill. Israel might even stop turning a blind eye to Ukraine’s neo-Nazi problem and thus join countries such as Poland and Hungary, who have voiced their concerns about it.

China’s huge growth and trade success have driven the expansion of the Brics alliance — now is a good time for the global South to rediscover 1955’s historic Bandung conference, and learn its lessons, writes Roger McKenzie

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz today urged more South-east Asian countries to consider joining Brics, saying the move could enhance Asean’s reach beyond the region

India will host the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from March 3 to 7, 2025, focusing on youth entrepreneurship for sustainable growth. Around 45 representatives from BRICS nations will discuss strategies to boost entrepreneurial collaboration

Online seminar gathered experts to share experiences, with focus on teacher training and school management. Ministerial meeting is scheduled for June.

In the 2nd episode of Vozes do BRICS, the Brazilian sherpa, Mauricio Lyrio, discusses one of the established priorities: cooperation for health.

Recommendations are centered on the priorities set by the Brazilian Presidency and include cooperation in global health, climate change, and artificial intelligence governance.

Ambassadors from the 11 BRICS countries endorsed Brasil’s proposals to strengthen cooperation among emerging economies at the first Sherpa meeting under Brazilian Presidency. Global health, artificial intelligence governance and trade facilitation are among priority topics.

Russia predicted this would happen, as its Foreign Ministry warned that the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina is "expected to issue a decision on the fabricated case against President Dodik". The Kremlin also said that the charges against him are actually aimed against the entire Serbian people and are arbitrarily imposed by Schmidt who illegally poses as the High Representative.

According to a Ukrainian official, the local people want peace and there is no support for Zelensky's war plans.

Ursula von der Leyen delusionally describes Ukraine’s supposed reforms as “impressive”.

At the 1st BRICS Sherpas' Meeting, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, and the Brazilian ambassador and sherpa, Mauricio Lyrio, share the importance of cooperation among Global South countries in various areas.

In a press conference at the end of the second day of the 1st BRICS Sherpas' Meeting, the Brazilian ambassador and sherpa, Mauricio Lyrio, shares the main topics discussed in the sessions, such as health cooperation, climate change, and artificial intelligence.

On the second day of the first BRICS Brasil Sherpa Meeting on Wednesday (26), the President discussed Brasil’s priorities for the group and highlighted countries' historical responsibility to strive for constructive and balanced solutions.

The BRICS group of emerging-market powers — the acronym stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has gone from a slogan dreamed up at an investment bank two decades ago to a real-world club that controls a multilateral lender

Problems with settlements in Russian-Chinese economic relations have seriously damaged bilateral cooperation, causing concern among entrepreneurs. Lost profits for exporters, losses for purchasers, the search for “grey” payment schemes, and rising prices for goods for the end consumer are forcing Russian businessmen to look with caution in the direction of China

The growth economies are only a few decades old. They are overcoming the hurdles of their colonized past. Now their influence is growing in a world order which hasn’t kept their interest at the core

UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer is looking to pitch the plan to Donald Trump, masking it under the "readiness to deploy British troops as a security guarantee for a free, sovereign and democratic Ukraine". However, as Moscow is perfectly clear that it won't tolerate any NATO occupation forces, this proposal makes no sense – unless Starmer is trying everything in his power to sabotage an actual peace deal, just like Boris Johnson did back in 2022.

New German leader may be more bellicose than his predecessor.

Biden ended his term with the lowest approval ratings since George W. Bush in 2009.

The Energy Group will produce two reports, one on new and sustainable fuels and another one on access to energy services. Federal Government’s Luz para Todos program is considered a good practice to be shared with BRICS countries. Biofuels production is another example.

Virtual meeting led by Brasil promotes international cooperation to address technological and environmental challenges, with focus on decent work and fair transition.

Few things are as important in South Africa’s agriculture as working to expand export markets. We have a sector that has more than doubled since 1994. In addition to improving farm productivity, export growth is one of the key growth catalysts in South Africa’s agriculture

To assess the foreign policy preferences of potential BRICS partners, it is interesting to look at their voting in the UN General Assembly. It is clear that their results should not be taken as absolutes, and the real political practice of states is not limited to voting results and is not determined by them. But these votes are also symbolically quite important, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Oleg Barabanov

The latest expansion underscores BRICS’ evolving mission to foster global cooperation and promote a multipolar world order. The move also dismantles the widely held myth that BRICS is inherently anti-Western, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and multilateralism

Representatives from the 11 BRICS countries are in Brasilia for the first Sherpa meeting under the Brazilian Presidency. Agenda includes strengthening multilateralism, promoting cooperation among Global South Nations, and reforming international governance. Minister Mauro Vieira and Sherpa Mauricio Lyrio highlighted Brasil’s priorities, including health, trade, climate, and artificial intelligence.

The US military is by far the largest spender of the federal budget (nearly a seventh of around $7 trillion). So much spending has been unchecked for decades and always without regard for efficiency, which is why Trump keeps insisting that he can make the Pentagon "just as effective but for half the money".

Trump’s adviser said that the US will reformulate relations with Russia.

The Argentine president allegedly participated in a cryptocurrency scam.

Of the world's 550 million producers, half are in BRICS countries. The group brings together nations that are major producers of grains, meat, and fertilizers, making BRICS a global agricultural powerhouse. The first meeting discussed topics such as digital certification to enhance trade in agricultural products.

On February 17-18, IBGE coordinated the BRICS NSI meeting to prepare the Joint Statistical Publication 2025, discussing indicators and data for the Heads of State Summit.

Ambitious expansion meets internal divisions as the bloc strives to redefine global power dynamics

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall has established a committee to coordinate all activities and projects related to Brazil's presidency of the BRICS group this year, including the BRICS Summit in July, according to Xinhua, citing a report by the state-run Agencia Brasil

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Indian counterpart that Beijing is willing to work with India to improve bilateral ties

US foreign policy frequently reminds a swing of a pendulum, oscillating between “countering” either Russia or China – sometimes attempting to pursue both trends as in Biden’s “dual containment” approach. It does not mean that such a turn is irreversible or that the pendulum will never oscillate again.

At a press conference, BRICS Sherpa for Brasil Ambassador Maurício Lyrio explained the priorities of the Brazilian presidency of the group and debunked rumors about a common currency. The conversation precedes the BRICS Sherpa Meeting which will take place on February 25 and 26 in Brasília.

Arestovich says he will punish Zelensky and his allies if elected president.

"When you look what Russia is producing now in three months, it's what all of NATO is producing from Los Angeles up to Ankara in a full year."

How will Europe arm itself with excessively expensive energy sources?

The Special Adviser to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Ambassador Celso Amorim, during an exclusive interview, spoke about the genesis of the BRICS as a cooperation forum among countries of the Global South.

In an exclusive interview, Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor of the Special Advisory Office of the President of the Republic and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, shares his insight on the creation of BRICS, its impact on international relations, and how it continues to be an important point of global influence, especially in times of major political and economic changes in the world stage. Throughout the interview, Amorim outlines the original goals of BRICS and strategies to strengthen cooperation between member countries. He also discusses Brazil's role in this process and the future perspectives.

BRICS Sherpas and Working Groups meetings will advance the agenda proposed by the Brazilian Presidency, focusing on Global South cooperation, energy transition, food safety, and innovation in education.

Under the Brazilian Presidency, the group advances on inclusive strategies in disaster management, focusing on prevention and early warning systems. Climate financing and global partnerships are the central challenges.

Inability to decouple from a reliance on elements sourced from China not easy for the US and the rest of the G7

Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are working on a comprehensive plan for the main areas of cooperation for the next five years, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told

Russia says BRICS nations will surpass half of global economic output in 10-15 years, signaling a shift in power that could challenge Western dominance

The mainstream propaganda machine officially calls these proposals "December 2021 Russian ultimatum to NATO". In reality, this supposed "ultimatum" was nothing more than the rehashing of several treaties between the USSR/Russia and the US. Tragically, it took millions of dead, maimed and displaced Ukrainians for everyone to take them seriously.

In a press conference, the Secretary of Commerce and International Relations of MAPA, Luis Rua, shares what was discussed during the two days of the 1st Meeting of the BRICS Agriculture Working Group.

According to the Estonian politician, the EU should focus in arming Ukraine to give it diplomatic advantage.

Achieving European autonomy from the US remains a challenging task.

In a press conference, the National Secretary for Civil Protection and Defense, Wolnei Wolff, and the National Secretary for Peripheries, Guilherme Simões, share what was discussed during the two days of the 1st Meeting of the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction.

In the series Voices of BRICS, Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio, Brazil's sherpa in the BRICS, explains Brazil's foreign policy, discusses the member countries, and highlights the main challenges.

After the historic 16th BRICS summit held in October 2024, three African States Algeria, Nigeria and Uganda, among others in Europe (Belarus and Turkey), Asia and Latin America, recognizably became BRICS+ partner states. In total, thirteen countries received BRICS partner status

The original BRICs concept was predicated on bringing together the largest economies in the EM space from across the world

Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who now chairs the BRICS' New Development Bank (NDB) said after meeting with Uruguay's President-elect Yamandú Orsi at the latter's transition headquarters that the South American country was “best positioned” to access financing at lower rates for digital, social infrastructure, and education developments

Jointly designed by several top Russian military design bureaus, including "Vega" and CRET, ROFAR is quite literally a quantum leap in advanced detection systems. Instead of standard radio wave emissions for detection, it uses photons that give an actual image instead of a radar signature. In a way, it can even be argued that it's not even a radar, but an entirely new technological concept that needs a name of its own.

The Secretary of Economic and Financial Affairs and Brasil's Sherpa to BRICS, Ambassador Mauricio Carvalho Lyrio, will hold a press briefing on the First Sherpas Meeting of the Brazilian Presidency of BRICS (February 25-26). ...

The event will take place on February 20-21, with a press conference scheduled for the 21st at 11:30 AM in Brasília.

While Trump conducts the American withdrawal from Eastern Europe and Washington plans pivoting to the Pacific, Western European leaders in turn seem to be just lost.

European states are about to send a new aid package to Kiev, despite the advancement of the diplomatic process.

China still lags behind the US and Russia as a nuclear power.

The United Arab Emirates, with its strong economy, strategic location and flexible foreign policy, is a crucial addition to the bloc

India sees BRICS as a valuable economic gateway, offering access to diverse markets and opportunities. The expansion of BRICS to include new members, like Saudi Arabia, which is still in the process of joining, further enhances the grouping's relevance

Concerns about inflation and lack of growth are the dominant themes across the world economy these days, though one of the macro indicators that appears to be at times no less important is job creation

Strengthening the Youth Summit is among the Brazilian Presidency’s priorities for the group this year. Other agendas aligned to the central axes of BRICS Brasil also encompass the discussions regarding the member countries’ youth.

EU’s military stocks are reportedly “empty”.

”During the BRICS Summit last October 2024, hosted by Russia in Kazan, President Putin has made a smart move: No new BRICS countries were immediately admitted, but a pre-cursor to BRICS was established, the so-called associate BRICS countries. They benefit from the same basic trade rules as do the full-fledged BRICS, namely trading free of inter-country tariffs and in their local currencies. Not in US-dollars. This offers an extraordinary opportunity for expanding free trade among the Global South, thereby establishing a new global market pole, the Global South, with the BRICS at the core.”

EU are in a state of panic due to fears they’ll be forced to pay for Ukraine’s security.

The EU/NATO is "determined to defend a sovereign, democratic Ukraine", but only while in a pack. However, when someone needs to step out of the pack and cross into the territory held by the Bear, there's nothing but squealing.

The rating agency China Chengxin Green Finance Technology (Beijing) Ltd. (CCXGF) has assigned SIBUR an ESG rating of A-, making SIBUR the only Russian company to receive a rating in CCXGF's highest category. SIBUR also ranks among the top 10 in CCXGF's ESG rating of global chemical companies

The US dollar’s dominance in global foreign exchange reserves is steadily waning, with the latest figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showing a sharp decline to its lowest level in nearly 30 years

Russia has significantly increased its fish and seafood exports to China, achieving a record USD148.7 million in crab sales in November, RIA Novosti reported, citing data from Chinese customs

The Kiev regime keeps trying to boycott Russia-US diplomatic talks.

White House official suggests withdrawing US troops from the Philippines on condition.

The BRICS Policy Center (BPC), which launched the ‘’Handbook for Understanding the BRICS’’, concludes the series of publications on the climate ambitions of the five countries that founded the group

By collaborating in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth, BRICS nations seek to amplify their collective influence on global decision-making processes. They emphasise the need for a world order that reflects the evolving realities of the global economy, wherein emerging markets play a more significant role

In recent years, the BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — has evolved into a formidable force in global geopolitics, providing an alternative voice to the traditional Western-dominated international institutions

Indonesia’s unique opportunity with BRICS emphasises how it can navigate the new multipolar order while preserving its non-aligned and democratic values. As Indonesia considers joining BRICS, it stands at a crossroads, where aligning with emerging powers could unlock new growth while also challenging its traditional diplomatic principles, taking public benefits and strengthening global collaboration, writes Joko Susilo

Apparently, Zelensky the Necromancer didn't get the memo that his troops have already "defeated" the Russian military, because the numbers they're giving suggest they've "destroyed" it at least twice. And yet, Moscow "somehow keeps reconstituting" itself.

Trump’s task force to declassify secret CIA documents and his threats of auditing the Pentagon (with Elon Musk in charge of that) should also be interpreted as displays of power and statements to obtain leverage, just like many of his other “madman” actions.

France calls for European meeting to respond to Trump's initiatives.

Without American weapons and support, the collapse of the EU’s policies for Kiev is in sight.

Announcement was made by Minister Mauro Vieira (Foreign Affairs) this Saturday (15) alongside Mayor Eduardo Paes. Brasil presides over the group this year, focusing on governance reform and cooperation among Global South countries.

The development of technology does not necessarily lead to the prosperity of nations. One significant obstacle to achieving equitable economic growth is the presence of monopolies

The UAE is harnessing its BRICS membership to accelerate global economic growth, boost cross-border trade, and drive infrastructure development worldwide, panelists said during a panel discussion at the World Governments Summit (WGS), taking place in Dubai

As Russia, China unite with new members, West faces growing push for financial reform

Artificial Intelligence (AI), workers, particularly the elderly and women, and the future of employment were discussed during the BRICS technical meeting. The new technology is not a monster, but this new reality requires investment in worker training.

Ukrainian president is desperate to save his government from collapse.

Europe remains belligerent in supporting Ukraine and opposing Russia.

Lithuania's Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene says that "Europe must not be under the illusion that Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin are going to find the solution for all of us" and that the "mighty" Lithuanian military "stands ready". Estonia is also threatening to "directly intervene" and "help Ukraine finish off the perpetually losing Russian military".

After the historic 16th BRICS summit held in October 2024, three African States Algeria, Nigeria and Uganda, among others in Europe (Belarus and Turkey), Asia and Latin America, recognizably became BRICS+ partner states. In total, 13 countries received BRICS partner status

Victoria Panova, who is head of BRICS Expert Council-Russia, tells Mustafizur Rahman about the philosophy and journey of the grouping in an interview with New Age

BRICS offers a free, equal, global platform that brings together countries with different political systems

Latin America needs to strengthen sovereigntist movements and pursue independent policies. The multipolar world will certainly be there to provide full support in any way it can.

Even a peace deal will not put an end to problems in the region or tensions in Europe. US-funded Ukrainian radical nationalism will not just go away overnight. Likewise, there is no easy way out of Ukraine’s structural problems with endemic corruption and criminality. When it comes to the Ukrainian crisis, unfortunately, the end is not the end.

The Hungarian leader does not believe that the bloc knows how to react correctly to American threats.

Zelensky continues to reject the possibility of extending the gas transit agreement.

The combined strength of heavy-weight emerging markets and developing countries would reinforce BRICS' ongoing efforts for a more stable and just international financial system and raise the representation and voice of developing nations in global governance

Ethiopia is interested in expanding cooperation and strengthening trade and economic relations with the Russian Federation. This was stated by Ethiopian Ambassador to Moscow Genet Teshome Jirru

The pressure toward the diversification of world currency reserves intensified after 2008, escalated following 2022 and is accelerating, as evidenced by the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. In the past 15 years or so, BRICS have rapidly grown into a geoeconomic front of the Global South

According to official data, Ukrainians are behind a large number of crimes in Poland.

Ukraine could use Mirage fighter jets to target civilians and civilian infrastructure.

NATO was delighted to invest billions into stirring up rabid hatred, as it was the quickest and easiest way to turn millions of Ukrainians into cannon fodder that would be used in its war on Russia. After millions of dead, wounded and displaced Ukrainians, it seems this monstrous "NATO mission" has finally been accomplished. Still, the issue for the political West is – what to do with all this "dead weight" now?

Appointed as Sherpa by the Brazilian government, Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio is going to coordinate the BRICS agenda until the Leaders Summit. In an exclusive interview, Lyrio addressed some of the Brazilian Presidency’s priorities in 2025.

The “new era” of multilateral cooperation in Eurasia will need not only cooperation between great powers of a “new type”, but also “new thinking” in general. This is, first of all, the task of harmonizing the dialogue between Russia and China, Julia Melnikova writes

Beijing’s and Moscow’s relationship has strengthened militarily, economically, and diplomatically in the past two decades, demonstrating their commitment to a “no limits” partnership

In October 2024, four key Southeast Asian countries became partners of BRICS, making the organisation much closer to home for Australians. So why have Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam put themselves on a path to membership?

The US is still trying to woo Delhi to acquire more American weapons, particularly fighter jets such as the F-21, an advanced F-16 derivative "with F-22 and F-35 DNA". The latter's lack of a demo flight is very indicative of its reputation within the Indian military, which is particularly worried about the fact that countries with F-35s are virtually always subjected to unacceptable levels of control, risking their sovereignty while also acquiring a mediocre aircraft at best.

Scholz stands firm in his opposition to supplying Ukraine with weapons capable of reaching Russia’s “deep territory”. There is clear reason for this: the country would be caught in the crossfire in the event of an all-out war between Moscow and NATO.

Greenland’s elections are due to be held on March 11.

The grouping made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as other new members - Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran and Indonesia - represents one of the main forums for political-diplomatic coordination between the countries of the Global South, with a focus on cooperation in various areas.

With six new countries participating as full members, the Employment meeting scheduled for Wednesday (12) will inaugurate the group’s meeting cycle.

According official reports, Azerbaijan has achieved widely recognised successes in its socioeconomic development

A key driver of this partnership is the genuine interest Russian society holds for India. Indian culture and the rich traditions of its civilization resonate deeply with many Russians. This widespread enthusiasm, coupled with an overwhelmingly positive public perception of India – free from the mistrust or reservations sometimes directed toward other non-Western nations – creates a strong societal foundation for deepening bilateral ties

Having unilaterally suspended EU accession plans until 2028, Tbilisi could seek entry into the semi-formal, Russian-led alliance as a means of strengthening their hand if and when negotiations with Brussels resume

In a special interview, an Indian citizen familiar with BRICS matters comments on how the bloc could work towards creating a unified visa system.

Forbes realized it made a terrible mistake, so it updated the article with information that it's fake. Interestingly, even the Kiev regime rejected the report, saying that "the article in the US media is based only on Sazonov's assumptions, not on actual data". For his part, Sazonov remains adamant that the Russian missile "failed", still without providing any verifiable evidence.

Israel sarcastically says Spain, Ireland, and Norway are obligated to take Palestinian refugees.

The BRICS bloc poses a strategic challenge to Western hegemony, but to understand its potential as a counter-power requires a closer look at the complex relations within the bloc and between its members and other countries in the Global South

The contemporary global framework is becoming increasingly fragmented and multipolar - with changes in our geopolitical and economic landscapes expected to further reshape strategies and potentially, alliances. Nevertheless, it still remains deeply interdependent, especially from a socioeconomic perspective

Nigeria's group partner status offers new economic opportunities for both sides

Corruption schemes are behind the delivery of useless weapons to Kiev's troops.

If it wants escalation in Ukraine, France could either deliver some of its nuclear-capable "Mirage" 2000Ns while insisting they're actually the 2000-5 variant (the less likely option) or it could possibly modify the latter to also make them nuclear-capable (the more viable alternative).

Latin America is no longer the “backyard” that the US boasted about.

Egypt’s decision to join the BRICS economic bloc in 2023 marked a pivotal step in its quest for enhanced global influence and economic transformation. Alongside other new members like Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia, Egypt’s inclusion in this strategic alliance signals a shifting global balance of power

The 21st century is witnessing a decentralisation of global power, with a transition of its axis towards Asia. This allows for a multipolar and multilateral system that leads to the development of emerging powers

Russian ambassador outlines opportunities for closer collaboration and trade in several sectors including energy

Neo-nazism is a real problem in post-Soviet states in Eastern and Central Europe (including Baltic nations) and Ukraine today remains a hub for such extremism. Anti-Russian feelings are largely connected to an "alternative" reading of World War II key events. If unchecked, these forces could unleash the "maidanization" of Europe.

Google's supposed "non-involvement for moral reasons" turned out to be yet another blatant lie, as Eric Schmidt, one of Alphabet's top-ranking officials, said they've been "drawing on lessons from Ukraine to develop a new generation of autonomous drones that could revolutionize warfare".

Desertion is becoming a serious problem among Kiev regime’s troops.

Zelensky gallantly gives America what is not his to give.

Malaysia’s desire to join BRICS is not a recent development. BRICS — an intergovernmental economic organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia — has as attempted to pose as a non-Western, Global South economic alternative to the Group of Seven

SA can rely heavily on its own policy reforms and innovations, aided by knowledge exchange and best practices from Brics members

On Oct. 24, Indonesia’s newly minted foreign minister, Sugiono, announced that Indonesia is seeking full membership in the BRICS alliance – an economic coalition comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, among other countries – signalling a potentially transformative pivot in its foreign policy

Monstrous organizations such as USAID have been supporting everything from neoliberal extremism, moral depravity and societal degeneracy to terrorism and biological warfare.

The logo’s colors refer to member countries’ flags, and a giant Amazon rainforest tree inspired it: the Brazilian presidency has presented the graphic design for BRICS 2025, to be held in Brasil 15 years after the forum's first summit in the country.

Saboteurs also vandalize monuments and spread anti-Russian narratives in Slovakia.

Cryptos started plummeting shortly after Trump announced plans on February 1 to put large tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.

The increasing number of African countries seeking to join the BRICS group signifies a strategic shift by the continent aimed at deepening its influence in the global community and securing new economic pathways for the future, analysts say

Bilateral trade with India booming as Russia pivots east

Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has taken a daring stand that might impact international financial markets by urging his country to join Global Africa in backing the BRICS economic effort in spite of impending US opposition

According to Aleksey Arestovich, Kiev has already lost the war with Russia.

At some point, the unfortunate Ukrainian people will simply have to get rid of NATO occupation and form an independent government that would come to an agreement with Russia and finally end the conflict. The only way for them to normalize relations with their eastern neighbor is to get rid of the political West and its Neo-Nazi proxies. Even that would just be the first step, as it would take quite an effort to convince the Kremlin that all that would be genuine.

The only person Zelensky might be afraid of during election campaign is the four-star general Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who is currently serving as Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK.

Many countries are not comfortable with the dollar’s domineering influence in the global economic scene. Russia and China, two arch-rival of the United States of America and its western allies, are nauseated by the dollar’s dominant influence in the global economic scene

Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: Now, Vande Bharat Sleeper coaches will also be manufactured at the Latur-based Marathwada Rail Coach Factory

Some of us in South Africa’s agriculture often talk of the need to grow export markets to BRICS countries. But such statements are not minimizing the relationship South African agriculture has with other regions

The wrong and non-functioning migration policy is currently leading to heated discussions in Germany. Right ahead of the federal election, this issue is severely dividing society.

Despite even allowing American law enforcement to operate in the country, thus undermining its own sovereignty, Mexico is still faced with the prospect of being attacked. If the new administration is already conducting a thorough investigation of the illegal activities of its predecessors, then it should look into the connections of the US intelligence with the drug cartels.

Ukraine’s aggressive and chauvinistic strand of nationalism alienates its neighbors and is often seen by them as a potential threat, causing ethnic and religious tensions. The matter thus extends even beyond Russian-Ukrainian relations.

There seems to be no limit to the anti-humanitarian practices of the neo-Nazi regime.

Trump is now conducting a “special financial operation” to determine where money went.

The biggest problem of Russian-Chinese interactions in recent decades is the insufficient number of joint investment projects. Why are Chinese businesses very active in working with Belarus but not with Russia on similar projects?

In the face of the intensification of global economic tensions, the central role of the dollar in international trade is increasingly being called into question. At the heart of this upheaval, the BRICS nations are seeking to free themselves from this dependence by exploring alternative solutions

Moscow is rapidly positioning itself as a top global destination for both leisure and business travelers, thanks to its vibrant cultural scene, international exhibitions, and world-class events

Scheduled for February, the US, Australia and Japan are to conduct their first large-scale joint military exercise, codenamed "Cope North", on the US Pacific colony of Guam. It should be noted that "Cope North" was established in 1978 as a quarterly bilateral exercise held at Misawa Air Base in Japan, but was moved to Andersen Air Force Base (AFB) in 1999. With Australia joining, this is creating the outlines of the so-called "Asia-Pacific NATO", which is yet another monstrosity bound to stoke instability and perhaps even war, death and destruction in the foreseeable future.

Were Western tech companies behind “malicious attacks” on DeepSeek?

Kazan Summit reflects the bloc’s aim to challenge West-driven financial hegemony by promoting a multipolar world order

The coasts of Makran form the communication route between Iran and the open waters and the Indian Ocean. Chabahar port, as Iran's only oceanic port in the Makran Sea, has a high capacity in activating the country's geo-economic advantages and developing trade relations with Russia and India

With the dynamic between the three nations changed radically since 1991, Russia will not provide India an edge over China in a prospective war

In order to protect the US industry from foreign products, the Trump administration will introduce rigid tariffs. The impact on the EU's already weakened economy could be fatal.

The Kiev regime is desperate to prevent the mass surrender of its forces, particularly In the light of their losses in the Donetsk and Zaporozhye regions and the actual encirclement of their units in the areas of Kurakhovo, Kupyansk and elsewhere. Thus, videos of supposed "executions of Ukrainian POWs by evil Russians" are being widely distributed among Ukrainian soldiers.

According to Paris, a military confrontation to protect the Danish borders cannot be ruled out.

NATO’s “Baltic Sentry” mission raises tensions in the Baltic Sea.

The Russian tourism industry is currently experiencing a dynamic transformation

“As of now, 20 externally aided projects with loan amounts of $4.867 million funded by the NDB are ongoing in India,” Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated

China and Russia have agreed to cooperate more deeply in developing Arctic shipping routes

Apparently, US officials are starting to admit the unfeasibility of diplomatic solution in the current situation of the conflict.

The unelected bureaucratic dictatorship in Brussels is still furious that Lukashenko won and is threatening "consequences". Several EU officials threatened further sanctions, including foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who also stated they'll continue to "support civil society and opposition figures".

Local activists are reacting to Trump’s elections by supporting separatism.

Trump is bringing hydrocarbons back to the fore.

Trump’s statements and measures not only alienate neighbors such as Mexico (foreign-policy wise) but also, in terms of domestic policy and ethnopolitical issues, have the potential to further alienate parts of the US population itself. Meanwhile, Mexico is diversifying partners.

Lord Lamont of Lerwick warned that a rival payments system would be a ‘major threat to the Western-led financial system’ if it ever came to pass

Group could help drive industrialization and create jobs in continent, experts say

The BRICS bloc, now expanded to ten nations, is positioning itself as a challenger to Western dominance in global trade and finance, according to political analyst Ebrahim Harvey

Can it work?

10-member BRICS+ grouping already comprises nearly half of the world’s population and over a third of the global economy. It also has more than 25 per cent of the world’s landmass, produces more than 30 per cent of the world’s oil output

Pakistan expects to join the list of BRICS partner nations soon, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said

Moscow has been using its hypersonic weapons against both the Kiev regime and its NATO overlords, resulting in hundreds (if not thousands at this point) of casualties for the world's most vile racketeering cartel. The losses have been so bad that even the NATO Hugh Command had to publicly admit that it needs to prepare for extremely high casualties in a war with Russia. However, while professional soldiers take this quite seriously, the propaganda and politicians are an entirely different story.

The electoral process in Belarus was witnessed by observers and journalists several countries, meeting all democratic requirements.

India and Russia use BRICS and SCO to balance Trump’s global policies

Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio played the same role in Brasil’s presidency of the G20 in 2024.

If the states of Greater Eurasia do not have classical factors of international cooperation at their disposal, then it is very likely that they can be replaced by those common goals that not only meet their current interests, but are also the most historically rooted, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Timofei Bordachev

Russia is seeking to invest in and expand the manufacturing of trains as well as their components in India to meet its growing domestic demand

Malaysia's participation in BRICS will not affect its role in other international organisations and is instead viewed as a platform to expand markets for local goods. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia needed to reduce risks and diversify opportunities to strengthen its economy amid uncertain global geopolitics

While ready to engage in dialogue, Russia is taking its national interests as the only absolute and refuses to back down "even an inch", because it knows perfectly well what happened the last time it did. With Trump focusing on endless domestic issues and pivoting to Asia and the Middle East, Moscow knows that its position will only grow stronger and that NATO's leverage in any future negotiations is effectively non-existent.

Israel needs Gaza depopulated to exploit prime coastal real estate and offshore gas fields.

In a recent interview with Western media, the illegitimate Ukrainian president said he is ready to negotiate a US-mediated deal.

India and Russia established a Strategic Partnership Declaration in 2000, which was elevated to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in 2010. Strengthening trade and economic relations has been a priority for governments in both countries, with targets set to boost bilateral investment to US$50 billion and bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2025

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Dr. Saman Weerasinghe shared his views with the Daily Mirror on the importance of being a member of BRICS (acronyms for its founder states -Brazil, Russia ,India, China and South Africa). Sri Lanka has now applied to join the international organisation in the Global South

The Declaration of the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan from October 22–24, 2024, emphasized that the heads of state and government of BRICS countries endorsed Russia’s initiative to establish a grain trading platform, or a BRICS Grain Exchange, within the bloc

"For the sake of personal gain and his own ambitions, [Zelensky] continues to destroy the Ukrainian people and is ready for any tricks (including nuclear false flags) to make Trump's peace initiatives untimely and inappropriate against the background of yet more 'atrocities' of Russia", Vasily Prozorov concluded.

The idea of a false flag attack to stop Trump from withdrawing American support to Ukraine is not so wild and should not be taken as “sacred victim” provocation. In fact it seems a possible and even likely scenario. This has been the wildest presidential transition in US history, with a divided “deep state”, and there is no reason to assume the turmoil has ended already.

According to the Hungarian leader, it is time for Europe to have conservative, patriotic politicians.

As US pressure alleviates on Russia, it will increase on China.

Erdogan's focus on BRICS and start-up innovations highlight Turkey's global aspirations

Over recent decades, the Western economic system has undergone a profound transformation, veering increasingly toward financialisation—a framework that privileges speculative gains and the accumulation of paper wealth over tangible economic output

Nigeria has a population of over 200 million citizens, one of the biggest economies in Africa, and has the potential to be an economic and cultural hub in Africa, yet it is plagued by a seemingly endless string of issues

The EU is now trying to take on the big technology companies with new laws, alleging the fight against the spread of disinformation on the Internet.

The French president keeps taking dangerous steps towards escalation.

"The foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values and serve to destabilize world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that are directly inverse to harmonious and stable relations internal to and among countries," Trump's executive order reads, adding: "No further United States foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States."

Russia will construct two new units at the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

Russia’s Arctic ambitions are not just surviving – they’re evolving, largely thanks to a deepening partnership with China. This resilience underscores the strategic importance Russia places on its Arctic resources and the increasing limitations of sanctions in a globally interconnected economy

Eurasia, a region of immense geopolitical significance due to its strategic location and abundant natural resources, has always been a focus of global interest. The Russia-Ukraine conflict that erupted in February 2022 has further underscored the evolving dynamics of Eurasian geopolitics

The outcome of the American election underscores Canada’s economic and intellectual dependence on the U.S. market and the consequences of it