East Asia & the Pacific
Australia: Liberal Party formally abandons net zero by 2050 climate target
ABC (Australia)
The Liberal Party has agreed to formally abandon its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, a day after the majority of members came out in support of scrapping the climate target. A meeting of Liberal shadow ministers on Thursday also decided to repeal Labor’s 2030 emissions reduction legislation but determined to remain in the Paris Agreement and set five-yearly interim targets, though only from the government.
China: China’s first 076 ‘drone carrier’ amphibious assault ship Sichuan starts sea trials
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
Extended flight deck makes Type 076 one of the world’s largest vessels of its kind, with PLA Navy delivery expected by the end of 2026.
Japan: Takaichi declines to confirm stance on ‘3 non-nuclear principles’
Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Nov. 11 avoided stating whether her defense and security policies would adhere to the “three non-nuclear principles” that Japanese administrations have followed for decades. Takaichi is planning accelerated revisions of the three security-related documents within 2026.
Laos: Laos Uncovers Widespread Corruption, Records Billions in Losses Over Five Years
Laotian Times (Laos)
Laos has uncovered widespread corruption cases nationwide over the past five years, identifying 334 individuals implicated in financial misconduct between 2021 and 2025, with total losses exceeding LAK 642.93 billion (nearly USD 30 million), alongside significant losses in multiple foreign currencies. Khamphanh Phommathat, President of the State Inspection Authority (SIA), presented the findings during the 10th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature on 14 November.
South Korea: Lee announces joint fact sheet on trade, security agreements with US
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
South Korea and the United States on Friday released a joint fact sheet on their trade deal outlining Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge and security agreements, including Washington’s approval of South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine. President Lee Jae Myung made the announcement more than two weeks after he concluded the trade deal during his summit with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea on Oct. 29.
Taiwan: Taiwan has freest Internet in Asia: Freedom House
Taipei Times (Taiwan)
Taiwan holds the title of freest internet in Asia based on the U.S. think tank Freedom House. In contrast to some other countries, Taiwan has held the same score of 79/100 points for a second year; other countries such as the U.S. and Germany have dropped a few points due to their “tightening restrictions” regarding “hateful or controversial speech”.
Thailand: Anwar reaches out to Anutin and Hun Manet, offering to resume mediator role
The Nation Thailand (Thailand)
Malaysian Prime Minister contacted Thai and Cambodian prime ministers following recent border tension, reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness to continue its role as facilitator in guiding both sides towards peace.
Vietnam: Introducing Mr. Tran Van Bay, Nguyen Cong Vinh, Hoang Nguyen Dinh to elect Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City
Tuoi Tre News (Vietnam)
The Inspector of Ho Chi Minh City officially announced the three candidates running for Vice Chairman to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee: Tran Van Bay, Nguyen Cong Vinh, and Hoang Nguyen Dinh for the 2021-2026 term.
Europe & Eurasia
Albania: Tirana Mayor Set to Run Capital City from Prison Cell
Balkan Insights (Serbia)
Jailed Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj is set to run the capital of Albania from his cell until the next local elections are due in 2027, creating an unprecedented situation in local politics. He is accused of corruption, money laundering, and concealing wealth.
Bulgaria/Romania: Bulgaria, Romania race to avoid impact of US sanctions on Russia’s Lukoil
Balkan Insights (Serbia)
As US sanctions on the Russian energy giant start to bite, Bulgaria and Romania are hurrying to find new owners for its operations in their countries, while neighbour Serbia also seeks to guarantee fuel supplies.
EU: Von der Leyen pressures Belgium on Russian money for Ukraine
EU Observer (Belgium)
The EU Commission has indicated that it has no better way to fund Ukraine if Belgium refused to mobilize frozen Russian assets.
EU: EU probes Google for punitive demotions of news rankings
EU Observer (Belgium)
EU authorities are launching an investigation into Google after having found indications that the company is demoting media publishers in Google search through a policy intended to reduce spam and manipulation of their search feed.
EU: EU to fund Zambian railway in rare-earth gold-rush
EU Observer (Belgium)
The EU announced a €50 grant to develop infrastructure in the Lobito corridor to strengthen access to minerals, many of which are essential for chip production.
Germany: Germany agrees new military service plan to boost troop numbers
BBC (United Kingdom)
The recently approved new military service plan will mandate all 18-year-old men to fill out a questionnaire on their suitability to serve and, from 2027, to undergo medical screening.
Poland: Poland sets up first-ever military satellite launch
Defense News (United States)
In a bid to secure an Earth observation system for the country’s armed forces, Poland is advancing a project to have its first three military satellites launched this month.
Spain: Spain and China sign agreement to strengthen cooperation on Spanish king’s visit
AP News (United States)
King Felipe VI’s visit to China was a positive one, with both sides agreeing to explore cooperation in renewable energy and artificial intelligence, and to pursue more balanced trade relations.
Switzerland: Swiss gruyère crowned world’s best cheese
Le Monde (France)
The 18-month-old cheese beat more than 5,000 rivals from 46 countries at the competition in Bern on Thursday.
Near East
Iran: Iran faces its worst drought in six decades, considers ‘evacuating Tehran’
Le Monde (France)
The country is experiencing its sixth consecutive year of drought, with reservoirs supplying several major cities, including the capital, at record lows. This unprecedented situation is linked to climate change but is also the result of poor water management. The president has stated that Tehran may need to be evacuated if there is no rain by December.
Lebanon: UN peacekeepers say Israel built walls inside Lebanese territory
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says the Israeli military has constructed walls in Lebanese territory that cross a UN-backed, unofficial “border” between the two countries. The statement on Friday comes as Israel has carried out near-daily attacks across Lebanon – including in the south of the country, in particular – despite a ceasefire signed a year ago with Lebanese group Hezbollah.
Palestine: South Africa lets 153 Palestinians disembark following 12-hour plane ordeal
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
South Africa has allowed more than 150 Palestinian airline passengers to disembark, after they were kept on a plane for almost 12 hours by the country’s border police. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs authorized the passengers to get off the plane on Thursday night after a local humanitarian organization guaranteed to provide the passengers with accommodation during their stay in South Africa if needed.
Syria: Syria reopens embassy in London after more than a decade
AP News (United States)
Syria’s foreign minister officially reopened the country’s embassy in London on Thursday after more than a decade-long closure, the latest step in Syria’s reintegration into the international community after the ouster of former President Bashar Assad.
Syria: Syria to join US-led coalition to defeat IS group after Trump meeting
BBC (United Kingdom)
Syria will join the international coalition to combat the Islamic State group, marking a shift in US foreign policy in the Middle East, a senior Trump administration official has confirmed. The announcement came as President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House – the first such visit from a Syrian leader in the country’s history.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Burkina Faso & Côte d’Ivoire: Burkina Faso Volunteer Militias Create Problems in Côte d’Ivoire
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
A new threat, Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), in Burkina Faso and Northern Côte d’Ivoire, worries civilians more than the jihadi terror groups. This new volunteer militia in Burkina Faso was created to aid in the fight against terrorist organizations, but has targeted Fulanis, an ethnic group found among many terrorist groups. This has led to nearly 70,000 Burkinabe citizens fleeing their homes to seek shelter in Côte d’Ivoire, and many farmers are unable to do their work efficiently due to fear of terrorists and the VDP.
Ethiopia: Ethiopia Investigates Cases of Suspected Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
allAfrica (United States)
Eight suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever were reported in the South Ethiopia Region, prompting health authorities to launch more investigations and strengthen their response. The World Health Organization has aided by sending responders, emergency funding, and medication supplies to identify the cause and prevent further outbreaks.
Kenya: Court lifts order stopping recruitment of 10,000 police officers after IG Kanja plea
Daily Nation (Kenya)
Due to legal challenges, the police recruitment exercise of 10,000 police officers in Kenya was halted. However, following the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who insisted on lifting the order due to national security concerns, the High Court has lifted the hold.
Mali: Expert: Wagner Legacy in Mali Is ‘Disrespect,’ ‘Brutality’
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
To combat terrorist groups like Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), Mali’s ruling junta invited in the Wagner Group, Russian mercenaries who left violence and brutality in their counterterrorism approach. Wagner Group fighters aided Mali’s military in retaking territory, but they often clashed with soldiers and left behind many civilian casualties. Now replaced with Africa Corps, which is taking a much more limited approach in fighting and joint operations, terrorist groups have expanded their reach.
Mali: Terror Attacks Spread Across Sahel Nations
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
Mali-based terrorist organization Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has spread its attacks to Nigeria, its first, according to Nigerian military sources. The JJNIM is competing for territory across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger with the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP). Attacks in the Sahel have jumped to more than 5,500 in 2024 compared to fewer than 1,900 in 2019, with many fearing that a JNIM victory in Mali could result in an al-Qaida-affiliated regime.
Nigeria: Crocodile Lift 2025 Strengthens Nigerian Naval Capabilities
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
The Nigerian Navy and Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) collaborated with the French Navy to participate in an exercise aimed at strengthening maritime security. Known as Crocodile Lift 2025, the Nigerian Navy’s Rear Adm. Ifeanyi Okpala praises the annual exercise for enhancing operational readiness to combat threats in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as strengthening international cooperation to counter threats such as piracy and trafficking.
South Africa: All Systems Go For G20 Summit Despite U.S. Snub
allAfrica (United States)
For the first time, the 2025 G20 summit will be hosted in Africa, with Johannesburg, South Africa, as the host city. Although the U.S. is boycotting the summit under President Trump, who opposed its focus on global wealth inequality, climate resilience, and other key issues, President Cyril Ramaphosa remains hopeful that the summit will take place and benefit the Global South.
South Africa: Des van Rooyen: Weekend special. ‘Gupta minister’. And now, leader of the opposition
News24 (South Africa)
Des van Rooyan has been appointed as the MKP opposition parliamentary caucus leader, replacing John Hlophe. Hlophe was suspended for acting without consulting the party leader, President Jacob Zuma, when he decided to promote Van Rooyen to chief whip, a decision Zuma later reversed the next day.
South Africa: South Africa Admits 130 Palestinians After Initial Entry Denial
allAfrica (United States)
After initially denying entry to 130 Palestinians who arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya because they did not meet the immigration requirements, the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers offered to accommodate them, leading to the Ministry of Home Affairs clearing their entry.
Zimbabwe: Chinese Mining Stirs Up Anger in Zimbabwe
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
Large-scale industrial mining operations, particularly by Chinese companies that control around 90% of Zimbabwe’s mining sector, are causing significant environmental damage. Damages like deforestation, water contamination, and habitat destruction have sparked public outrage, with reports of human rights violations showcasing little legal accountability.
South & Central Asia
India: Bihar Assembly election 2025 results LIVE: Early trends show BJP taking lead
The Hindu (India)
Voting has gone live for Bihar’s 243 Assembly constituencies, showing that currently the BJP is in the lead of the NDA parties.
Kyrgyzstan: Head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security Announces Resolution of All Border Disputes with Tajikistan
Fergana News (Russia)
The Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan and security chief Tashiev have officially settled all disputes on border divisions between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Pakistan: Pakistan Says Facing ‘Two-Front War’ with India and Afghanistan After Islamabad Suicide Attack
The Khaama Press (Afghanistan)
The Defense Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Asif labels the country’s relationship with India and Afghanistan a “two-front war” after a suicide bombing killing more than 12 people. Although Pakistan chooses to remain open to dialogue, Defense Minister Asif highlights that Kabul must prove their willingness to cooperate in order to avoid further terrorism.
Western Hemisphere
Brazil: UK court finds mining firm liable for Brazil’s worst environmental disaster
BBC (United Kingdom)
A mining firm, BHP, has been found liable by a United Kingdom court for a 2015 dam collapse that had caused tens of millions of meters of toxic waste and mud to be unleashed upon communities around the dam. The dam failure had killed 19 people, polluted the river, and destroyed hundreds of homes. There are more than 600,000 – civilians, local governments and businesses alike – people demanding compensation amounting up to $48 billion dollars.
Canada: Prime Minister Carney announces second tranche of nation-building projects referred to the Major Projects Office
Prime Minister’s Office (Canada)
Set on making the country economically independent of a certain single trade partner, the current government of Canada has released its 2025 60$ billion-dollar investment plan known as Canada Strong. It looks like it will completely transform the economy into more self-sufficient, strong, and resilient against global shocks. This new strategy involves the development of infrastructure: ports, mines, trade corridors, and other major projects to make use of natural resources that can be exported across seas into global markets around the world.
Canada: Seniors set to Receive a $3,100 Pension Increase as of November 2025
hiit5158 (Australia)
Seniors are rejoicing as the current government of Canada has announced a major $3,100 pension boost for seniors starting in November 2025, which has been called as one of the largest increases in recent years. This move is in light of recent economic shocks, thus leading the current government to want to correct inflation and boost the purchasing power of the older generation of Canadian citizens in uncertain economic times.
Colombia: U.S. Air-strike on Alleged Rebel Camp leaves 19 dead
BBC (United Kingdom)
As of November 12th, 19 people have been reported to have been killed in an U.S. air strike on a suspected rebel camp in the Colombian province of Guaviare, according to the country’s military. Gustavo Petro, the current left-wing president, had been in the past reluctant to use air strikes to hit rebel camps. However, following the breakdown of peace talks with the Trump administration and the Trump administration accusing the president of allowing drug trade to expand. He has given the green light for the military to take the offensive after learning of the ‘imminent threat [the group] posed to the population and security forces,’ the Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchesz has said.
Guatemala: President Alvaro announces new tariff deal with the Trump Administration set to take effect in 2026.
Neuvo Mundo (Guatemala)
Guatemalan authorities have reached a new trade agreement with the United States that’ll take effect in 2026 that will exempt 70% of Guatemala’s exports to the U.S. from tariffs while the remaining 30% will maintain a reduced 10% tariff. Officials at the Ministry of Economy have come out and said the recent negotiations secured more favorable conditions for Guatemalan exporters.
Guatemala: Record-low Cold Temperatures Pose New Threat for Guatemala’s Most Vulnerable of the Country’s Highland Communities
Neuvo Mundo (Guatemala)
The reported cold temperatures in the western highlands according to authorities have dropped drastically in the early morning hours. The Departments of Quetzaltenango, Tetoonicapan, Hehuetengango, and San Marcos have seen numbers as low as 0 degree celsius, in addition to accelerated heavy winds, leaving as many as 6,000 vulnerable households at risk. Claudine Ogaldez, the executive secretary of Conred, has come out and expressed to the media, “we have reports of people suffering from respiratory illnesses, crop losses, and damage to homes due to wind. Unfortunately, one person has already died from hypothermia.”
The SHU World Review is produced by the Student Research Assistants of the DiploLab at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. Some summaries may be copied from article text. Back issues are available in Seton Hall’s repository.