East Asia & the Pacific
Australia: Coalition splits for second time since election after Nationals quit shadow cabinet
ABC (Australia)
Nationals Leader David Littleproud says his party’s alliance with the Liberal Party has ended, with no Nationals willing to serve in a shadow cabinet under Sussan Ley. The relationship unraveled this week after the Nationals agreed to vote against hate laws supported by the Liberal Party.
Brunei: Stronger ties formed to combat cross-border cybercrime
Borneo Bulletin (Brunei)
The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) held a meeting at the Officers’ Mess, Gadong Police Headquarters with a delegation from the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate as part of its efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation in addressing cross-border cybercrime threats. The discussions focused on the evolving cyber threat landscape, the importance of information sharing, and the need for coordinated efforts at national, regional, and international levels.
Cambodia: Cambodia deports over 200 South Korean and Myanmar nationals linked to technology-based scams
Khmer Times (Cambodia)
As part of measures to crack down on transnational crime and combat technology-based fraud, today the government decided to deport 209 foreign nationals, including 73 South Koreans and 136 Myanmar nationals, so their respective governments can proceed with further legal procedures.
China: 1 soldier, 200 drones: China showcases rapid launch and agility in swarm warfare tactics
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
The People’s Liberation Army has released fresh details of its tests of AI-enabled drone swarm warfare, saying a single soldier can control a swarm of more than 200 drones.
China: How a purge of China’s military leadership could impact the army and the future of Taiwan
AP News (United States)
Over the weekend, China announced that it had conducted a purge of its Central Military Commission, investigating General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli, leaving only President Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin on the Commission. Few details have been provided about the purge’s motivation other than reinforcing the nation’s commitment to punishing corruption. While still developing, experts do not see this move as critically reducing the PLA’s combat readiness.
Indonesia: Indonesia assumes UN Human Rights Council presidency amid domestic criticism
The Jakarta Post (Indonesia)
Indonesia’s assumption of the presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is unlikely to significantly boost its influence over global human rights issues, analysts say, even as the government hails the role as a diplomatic achievement despite mounting criticism of Jakarta’s own human rights record.
Japan: Prudential Life reports 500 customers bilked in funds scandal
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
About 100 employees of Prudential Life Insurance Co. obtained money through fraudulent means or failed to repay funds they had borrowed from roughly 500 customers, according to the company’s internal investigation. The total amount these employees received from these customers is estimated at about 3.14 billion yen ($20 million). Kan Mabara, the company’s president and CEO, will step down on Feb. 1 to take responsibility for the scandal.
Japan: Alarm halts Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant restart
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
Tokyo Electric Power Co. on Jan. 22 suspended the restart of the No. 6 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, the largest in the world, just hours after going back online, after an alarm sounded during the withdrawal of control rods.
Myanmar: Beyond Beijing’s reach, a new resistance alliance takes shape in Myanmar
Myanmar Now (Myanmar)
The Spring Revolution Alliance brings together 19 armed groups betting that distance from the Chinese border will allow for renewed strength to fight.
North Korea: What to make of reports that Russia tried to ship a nuke reactor to North Korea
NK News (South Korea)
The sinking of a cargo ship linked to the Russian military off Spain’s southeastern coast made a literal splash in Dec. 2024, but Spanish media triggered even bigger waves when it recently claimed that the vessel was carrying nuclear reactor parts bound for North Korea.
South Korea: S. Korean PM arrives in Washington for talks with US officials, potentially including Vance
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok kicked off his visit to the United States on Thursday for talks with Washington officials, possibly including Vice President JD Vance, as Seoul seeks to address a range of trade issues, including anticipated US semiconductor tariffs.
Taiwan: Under pressure from opposition, special budget weapons list unveiled
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
The Taiwan government released a specific list of weapons systems the country intends to purchase through a special defense budget in response to those who refuse to approve of the plan due to a lack of transparency.
Taiwan: US House approves US$1.15billion for Taiwan defense
Taipei Times (Taiwan)
The US House of Representatives officially passed the Consolidated Appropriation Act, which allocates approximately $1 billion towards the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative (TSCI) in connection to the Taiwan Relations Act.
Thailand: Solar storm hits Thailand GPS accuracy at risk
Bangkok Post (Thailand)
A few days after abnormal solar activity, Thailand was impacted by a geomagnetic storm disrupting satellites by emitting plasma and magnetic fields towards Earth. This storm is harmless to the population and electric infrastructure but raises concerns about global electrical connectivity.
Thailand: Nipah virus: High fatality rate 50-70%, no cure, human-to-human transmission
The Nation (Thailand)
Thailand has lifted its guard on people traveling to Thailand from India as the Nipah virus grows more prominent, classified as a “dangerous communicable disease under the Ministry of Public Health’s regulations.”
Vietnam: 14th Congress: Mr. To Lam was re-elected to the Central Committee
BBC News (United Kingdom/Vietnam)
Mr. To Lam was re-elected as a member of the 14th Central Committee, suggesting his continued leadership of Vietnam’s Communist Party this coming term.
Europe & Eurasia
Albania: Clashes erupt during anti-government protest in Tirana
Euronews (France)
Violent clashes erupted on Saturday evening in the Albanian capital Tirana between police and protesters. The demonstrators accused Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama of corruption and demanded that he resign.
Europe/USA: Trump rules out using military force to acquire Greenland in Davos speech
ABC News (United States)
President Donald Trump, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, amid heightened tensions with Europe, notably ruled out using military force to acquire Greenland. This comes after weeks of threats to acquire Greenland under claims of national security and the shifting dynamic in the Arctic.
Europe/USA: ‘Peace’ or ‘Piece’? Musk mocks Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace in Davos
Euronews (France)
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Elon Musk mocked US President Donald Trump’s newly founded Board of Peace with a play on words, calling the US President’s controversial project into question. “I heard about the formation of the peace summit, and I was like, is that p-i-e-c-e? You know, a little piece of Greenland, a little piece of Venezuela,” he said, laughing during his address to the forum.
France: France seizes suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker
BBC (United Kingdom)
The French navy, with the assistance of the UK, boarded and seizes a vessel, The Grinch, that was subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag.
Germany: Germany arrests suspected Hamas member over alleged attack plot
BBC (United Kingdom)
German police have arrested a Lebanese national on suspicion of being a member of Hamas and planning attacks in Europe. The man, named as “Mohammad S”, was stopped at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport after arriving from Beirut on Friday evening.
Germany: Germany expels accused Russian spy handler, Moscow vows response
The Moscow Times (Netherlands)
A German-Ukrainian businesswoman accused of using her contacts with defense ministry employees to gather information about military aid for Ukraine, drone test sites and the arms industry, was expelled on espionage charges. The Russian embassy in Germany made a statement that Berlin’s “unfriendly actions would not go unanswered.
Liechtenstein/Estonia: Liechtenstein partners with Estonia to train Ukrainian medical staff and teachers
ESTDEV (Estonia)
Liechtenstein and Estonia will work together on two projects in the education and health sectors in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr region as part of reconstruction efforts in the country. Liechtenstein will provide €268,000 to fund training programmes for two Estonian-led initiatives at Berdychiv City Hospital and Zhytomyr’s education center EDUHUB.
Portugal: Unique plant species found in Portugal
The Portugal News (Portugal)
A new plant species that only exists on the cliffs of Gargalo do Tejo was discover by a researcher at the University of Coimbra. The Linaria almadensis is a plant with yellowish-white upper petals, an orange-yellow palate and a spur often tinged with violet.
Romania: Romania to Deploy Low-Cost Counter-Drone System Proven in Ukraine
The Defense Post (United States)
The Romanian Armed Forces is set to induct the Merops anti-drone system into service after it proved effective against Russia’s Shahed drones.
Slovakia: Slovakia and USA sign nuclear energy agreement
World Nuclear News (United Kingdom)
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to advance the European country’s nuclear power programme, including deploying a new 1,200 MWe unit.
Spain: Tragic chapter on trains sends rail superpower Spain into crisis
BBC (United Kingdom)
In just a few tragic days since two high-speed trains collided in this southern region of Spain, with the loss of 45 lives, it has felt that Spain’s much-vaunted rail system has been thrown into a sudden, deep crisis.
Sweden: Failed Afghan asylum seekers need to go back home, Sweden’s migration minister urges
AP News (United States)
Sweden’s migration minister on Thursday urged the European Union to come up with a common procedure to issue ID and travel documents to Afghan nationals whose asylum applications have either been rejected or who have committed crimes in their host countries.
Near East
Afghanistan: Heavy snow and rainfall kill 61, injure 110 over 3 days in Afghanistan, authorities say
AP News (United States)
Heavy snow and rainfall over the past three days have killed more than 60 people and injured over 100 across Afghanistan, the country’s disaster management authority said Saturday, as authorities in the impoverished country struggled to open roads and gain access to cut-off villages.
Iran: Iran rejects UN rights resolution condemning protest killings
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
The Iranian state has rejected a resolution by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council that strongly condemned the “violent crackdown on peaceful protests” by security forces that left thousands dead. After a detailed meeting and discussions in Geneva on Friday, 25 members of the council, including France, Japan and South Korea, voted in favor of the censure resolution.
Iran: Iran offers first government-issued death toll from protest crackdown, one far lower than activists
AP News (United States)
Iran offered its first government-issued death toll Wednesday following a crackdown on nationwide protests, giving a far lower figure than activists abroad as the country’s theocracy tries to reassert control after unrest recalling the chaos surrounding its 1979 Islamic Revolution. State media says 3,117 people were killed. It added that 2,427 of the dead in the demonstrations that began Dec. 28 were civilians and security forces. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the death toll early Thursday was at least 4,902, with many more feared dead.
Iran: Trump says ‘armada’ of US warships is heading towards Iran
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
President Donald Trump has said a ‘big force’ of US warships is heading towards Iran, days after he appeared to back away from threats of military action against Iran over a reported crackdown on anti-government protests.
Iran: Iran unveils mural warning of retaliation if US conducts a military strike
AP News (United States)
Iranian authorities unveiled a new mural on a giant billboard in a central Tehran square on Sunday with a direct warning to the United States to not attempt a military strike on the country, as U.S. warships head to the region. The image shows a bird’s-eye view of an aircraft carrier with damaged and exploding fighter planes on its flight deck. The deck is strewn with bodies and streaked with blood that trails into the water behind the ship to form a pattern reminiscent of the stripes of the American flag. A slogan is emblazoned across one corner: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.”
Iraq: Baghdad says it will prosecute Islamic State militants being moved from Syria to Iraq
AP News (United States)
Baghdad will prosecute and try militants from the Islamic State group who are being transferred from prisons and detention camps in neighboring Syria to Iraq under a U.S.-brokered deal, Iraq said Sunday. The announcement came after a meeting of top security and political officials who discussed the ongoing transfer of some 9,000 IS detainees who have been held in Syria since the militant group’s collapse there in 2019.
Palestine: Israeli settlers forcibly displacing largest Palestinian Bedouin village
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank has emptied nearly three-quarters of the Palestinian Bedouin village of Ras Ein al-Auja, forcing hundreds to flee. Residents who remain say they are being deliberately pushed out of their homes, with nowhere else to go. Resident report that such violence has been going on for years but has grown significantly worse.
Palestine: Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ sees Hamas disarmed and glitzy Gaza towers
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Backed by a sizeable group of world leaders, Donald Trump officially launched his “Board of Peace,” offering a vision of Gaza that sees Hamas disarmed and real estate developments based on “free market economy principles.” Trump’s proposals do not address Israeli occupation, nor are they believed to have been made in consultation with Palestinian community leaders. Some experts are calling it an imperialist effort made in collaboration with Israel.
Syria: Anxiety, anger, and hope in Syria’s Damascus after SDF ceasefire
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
A ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was announced on the night of January 18. Fighting resumed the next morning as the government’s lightning push forced SDF leader Mazloum Abdi to accept less favourable terms: a withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, in northeastern Syria, further east towards Hasakah, a new ceasefire, and a four-day ultimatum for the SDF to fully integrate into state structures.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Botswana: Probes Russian Recruiting Schemes
ADF Magazine (Germany)
Botswana has recently fallen victim to a Russian scheme that recruits citizens in African countries to fight for Russia amidst its war against Ukraine. Following reports that two Batswana male youth, ages 19 and 20, were recruited under false pretenses to fight on the front lines of the ongoing conflict, the Ministry of International Relations has launched an investigation, and Batswana authorities are working diplomatically to locate and return the men.
Ethiopia: Rights Groups Want Ethiopian Mine Suspended Over Pollution
allAfrica (United States)
Follow reports that residents living near the Lega Dembi gold mine in Ethiopia have experienced years of serious health concerns due to pollution in the area. Human Rights Watch (HRW) wants this mine, the country’s largest gold mine, suspended and its operations independently assessed. These health concerns range from birth defects to miscarriages, with multiple studies identifying toxic chemicals, like cardio, mercury, and lead, in high concentrations.
Ghana: Poverty Rate Falls, But ‘Disparities Persist’ – Report
allAfrica (United States)
A senior government Statistician, Alhassan Iddrisu, addressed the gaps in poverty levels in the Ashanti and Northern regions of Ghana. Although a new report on multidimensional poverty rates in the country, which covers health, education, and employment, shows a decrease, these gaps still persist. He provided recommendations that focused on improving sanitation and living conditions as well as education.
Liberia: Liberian Court Investigates Foundation of Weah’s Wife
allAfrica (United States)
The Liberian government’s Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force (AREPT) has requested an investigation into the former First Lady Clar Marie Leah’s foundation. The Clar Hope Foundation faces allegations that illicit funds were used to finance the facility. Although the Former First Lady has denied these allegations, a court has ordered the foundation’s records, an act that may increase political tension in the country.
Mali: Could Mali Fall to Terrorists?
ADF Magazine (Germany)
Counterterrorism experts relay that the terrorist group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), is attempting to blockade the capital Bamako and warn that in the event they take the city, Mali could become a failed state and a hub for terrorists in the region and the continent at large.
Mali: In Mali, Mercenaries Have New Name, Same Tactics
ADF Magazine (Germany)
The mercenaries under Russa’s Africa Corps, which replaced the former Wagner Group, continue to use the same tactics of brutality and violence against civilians in Mali. After Wagner mercenary fighters were invited by the ruling junta to combat terrorism, they have brought violence through killing and rape since 2022. Although leaving in 2025, many became part of the Africa Corps, which now runs counterterrorism and continues to wreak havoc on civilians without impunity.
Mozambique: Entire Villages in Mozambique Submerged by Flooding
allAfrica (United States)
A severe flood is hitting southern and central Mozambique, with accommodation centers becoming more overcrowded. This has led to displayed communities in Mozambique facing shortages of shelter and essential household items. The risk of waterborne diseases increases in these communities, which lack access to safe water and hygiene services due to infrastructure damage that disrupts aid delivery.
Nigeria: Is Epicenter for Chinese Cyber Scams
ADF Magazine (Germany)
Nigeria’s economic difficulties and its reputation as a hub for fraud hinder efforts to combat cybercrime, which is exploited by Chinese nationals. In late 2024, raids resulted in the arrest of 148 Chinese nationals among nearly 800 individuals, establishing Nigeria as the focal point of Africa’s Chinese-led cybercrime activities. However, Nigeria is tackling the threat of cybercrime seriously, deporting 60 Chinese nationals among 100 individuals in August following cyber terrorism and internet fraud convictions.
Nigeria: Nigerian Police Admit Mass Abduction of Worshippers in Kaduna
allAfrica (United States)
Claims that worshippers in Nigeria’s Kaduna State were kidnapped by gunmen across the churches were denied as false by the Kaduna Police commissioner as a means to cause chaos in the state. However, in a recent statement, following intelligence sources, the police have retracted the denial of the incidents with a confirmation hearing of the mass abduction.
Sudan: Drone Attacks Rock Central Sudan as War Rages On
allAfrica (United States)
As the paramilitary rapid support forces (RSF) shift their military focus towards the Kordofan region in Central Sudan, the use of drones has increased. Challenging the army-controlled capital of North Kordofan state, al-Obeid city, the RSF has utilized drone strikes, killing more than 100 civilians in the region in only the first half of December 2025.
Uganda: Concerns Grow In Uganda Over Health of Jailed Politician Besigye
allAfrica (United States)
Following Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s arrest in late 2024, he has been detained without trial for over a year on treason-related charges. His wife, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, as well as his party, the People’s Front for Freedom, have become concerned about his health. Prison authorities claim he’s undergoing routine checks, but his party and wife say differently and worry that the prolonged detention has led to medical emergencies, and are concerned he lacks access to proper medical attention.
South & Central Asia
Afghanistan: Trump claim on NATO role in Afghanistan draws UK condemnation
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
President Donald Trump faces criticism after claiming that international forces through NATO were “‘a little off the front lines’ during the war in Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan: UN Warns Afghanistan’s Education Ban Puts 2.2 Million Girls at Risk
The Khaama Press (Afghanistan)
On January 24th the United Nations sent a warning to Afghanistan on World Education Day, emphasizing that the 2.2 million adolescent girls in the country have a fundamental human right to receiving an education.
India: What lies ahead for BJP’s newest and also youngest president Nitin Nabin?
The Hindu (India)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently elected their youngest president every Nitin Nabin to take over one of the largest conservative political parties in India.
Kazakhstan: A Week in Kazakhstan: “Closing” the Political Structure
Vlast Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan)
President Tokayev explains the new governmental and political reforms of Kazakhstan’s government, emphasizing the new responsibilities of the vice-presidential role in response to his resignation from presidency.
Tajikistan: Central Asia to create a single electricity market
Ozodi (Tajikistan)
The World Bank approves a multi-country program connecting electricity across central Asia. The plan is to be implemented over the span of 10 years and is projected to “increase electricity trade, expand transmission capacity and build infrastructure to integrate renewable energy sources”.
Western Hemisphere
Brazil: President Silva releases Statement along with Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain Condemning U.S. Military Action in Venezuela
Government of Brazil (Brazil)
On January 4th, Brazil came together with other nations to release a joint-statement in light of the gravity of events that occurred with the ousting by U.S. raid forces of former president Nicolas Maduro. Sharing their adherence to the U.N.’s Charter and further asking that further action in the country of Venezuela must be done in respect to international law, domestic norms, and the will of the people of Venezuela to determine their own future that should not be left in the hands of a foreign power.
Cuba: Havana Mourns the Loss of the Alleged 32 Cuban Fighters Who Lost their Lives in the U.S. Attack On Venezuela
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On January 5th, two-days of mourning were declared in remembrance of the 32 Cuban military troops who died amid the attack carried out by the United States to abduct and detain Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. Havana further stated funeral proceedings would be arranged for the families of those who had passed with quoted “fierce,” resistance to direct combat or vigilance during the airstrikes.
Guatemala: President Arevalo mandates 30-day National Emergency as Riot Police Look to Take Back Control from Gang-controlled Prisons
Reuters (United Kingdom)
As of January 17th, President Arevalo has issued a national emergency in light of three prisons being taken over by gang members and their leaders, leading to more than 46 people being held hostage. There have been no reported deaths or injuries amongst the hostages yet but the gangs are still firm with their demands for greater privileges.
Mexico: Closed Highway and Protests against U.S. Imperialism in Latin America
Truthout (United States)
As of January 3rd, the 10th, the 21st, and so on, anti-imperialist movements have erupted across the country, condemning the U.S. attacks on Venezuela. Students, street-vendors, solidarity groups, revolutionary groups, farmers, workers, and indigenous groups in the capital as well as in La Puebla have created a solidified front on January 12th. More than 10,000 people on the 21st had shut down a major highway and marched along it for 3.7 miles.
Mexico: President Sheinbaum Quells Concerns as U.S military planes Both Fly Over and Land in Mexican Territory
NPR (United States)
On January 19th, U.S. aircraft flew in the vicinity of Mexico, and President Sheinbaum was quick to demand written confirmation from the U.S. that there would be no U.S. military flights over Mexican territory. She was given precise coordinates as to where the U.S. aircraft were heading and further reassured Mexican authorities, stating the FAA advisory had no implications for Mexico. Days later, U.S. aircraft landed 39 miles away from the capital, and agitated senators, asking why they were here without their permission, but Sheinbaum further reassured them that it was a logistical operation that did not require their approval. The planes took off with public servants and returned to the U.S. for training.
Puerto Rico: Donald Trump Pardons former Puerto Rican governor, Wanda Vasquez Garced
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On January 16th, as part of Donald Trump’s policy to hold right-wing allies non-accountable, he has pardoned Mrs. Vasquez who had back in 2025 accepted a plea deal upon her conviction for a bribery scheme tied to her 2020 campaign. The action has since made opposition leaders angry as it undermines the territory’s anti-corruption and public trust laws, condemning the action as a part of Washington’s moves to undermine the island’s autonomy if not abuse their status as not holding full voting rights in Congress.
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.