East Asia & the Pacific
Cambodia: ASEAN ministers back peaceful end to Cambodia-Thailand border tensions
Khmer Times (Cambodia)
Cambodia has continued to take a proactive role in resolving the border conflict with Thailand within the ASEAN framework, as discussed at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held on Thursday in Cebu, the Philippines. At the meeting, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, briefed ASEAN counterparts on the current situation on the ground in the border conflict areas.
China: Chinese satellite forces 4,400 of its Starlink rivals into lower altitude: study
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
A team of researchers in China has claimed that a recent near-miss between a Chinese satellite and one of SpaceX’s Starlink devices was behind the US company’s decision to move more than 4,000 of its satellites into lower orbit. The two satellites passed within about 200 meters (656 feet) of each other on December 10, shortly after a launch from northwestern China, according to a social media post last month by Michael Nicolls, SpaceX’s vice-president of engineering.
Japan: Coalition pushes revival of ranks from imperial military days
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
The ruling coalition aims to restore Japanese military ranks used in World War II for members of the Self-Defense Forces, a plan that has drawn concern and bewilderment in the Defense Ministry. The Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party), are pushing for the revival of imperial Japanese military ranks under the banner of “adjusting to international standards.”
Japan: Japan bids farewell to last giant pandas as pair leave for China
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
Hundreds of Japanese panda lovers bid an emotional farewell to the country’s last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, as they left Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo for China on Tuesday. Spectators, braving the winter cold and some wearing panda hats and waving flags, held up their smartphones to record the moment as a truck carrying the zoo’s star attractions left for Narita Airport. The departure of the four-year-old twins for a breeding facility in China leaves Japan with no giant pandas for the first time in more than five decades.
Mongolia: Mongolia’s Governance Reset Takes Shape Under PM Zandanshatar’s “Order and Discipline” Campaign
Mongolia Weekly (Mongolia)
Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar has unveiled his governing mantra—“order and discipline”—as an antidote to a state long run on improvisation. Speaking to provincial and city leaders, he cast local officials as the hinge between grand national plans and everyday life. The ambition is unmistakable. The harder question is whether a slogan built on predictability can survive contact with Mongolia’s political economy.
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.
New Zealand: NZ in talks with US on Trump minerals deal
Newsroom (New Zealand)
New Zealand has been holding closed-door discussions with the United States on the supply of critical minerals, as Donald Trump threatens to place new tariffs on countries who fail to sign a deal. The admission comes on the back of a memorandum submitted to the Waitangi Tribunal, in which claimants noted a “secret” critical minerals deal struck between The US and Australia last year. The submission says a similarly private deal in Aotearoa would show “willful disregard” by the Crown for its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
North Korea: North Korean arms trade with Russia appears to chill down in January
NK News (South Korea)
North Korea has seen a slowdown in suspected arms-shipping operations at its northeastern port of Rason this month, NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery shows, with Russian smuggling vessels conducting only a single container pickup.
South Korea: S. Korea, Japan defense chiefs agree to deepen ties: ministry
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
South Korea and Japan have agreed to hold annual defense ministerial talks, reaffirming their commitment to closer security cooperation amid a deteriorating regional security environment, Seoul’s Defense Ministry said Friday. According to the ministry, the agreement was reached during a meeting between South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro in Tokyo on Friday.
Taiwan: Legislature snubs Cabinet, advances TPP’s special defense budget bill
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
Taiwan’s legislature advanced a bill previously tabled by the Taiwan People’s Party that “governs arm procurement packages approved by the United States to a committee review.”
Europe & Eurasia
Denmark: Denmark unveils legal reform to allow the worst foreign criminals to be reported
AP News (United States)
Denmark unveiled a legal reform on Friday allowing foreigners who have been sentenced to at least one year of unconditional imprisonment for serious crimes to be deported.
France: French tech giant Capgemini to sell US subsidiary working for ICE
BBC (United Kingdom)
French technology giant Capgemini has announced it will sell its US subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, after its work locating people for immigration enforcement agency ICE sparked outrage from French citizens and lawmakers.
Germany: Bounty offered over Berlin power attack
Deutsche Well (Germany)
German authorities have offered a €1 million bounty for tips related to this month’s massive Berlin blackout, which left thousands without power during freezing temperatures.
Greece: 430,000-year-old wooden tools found in Greece
Archeology Magazine (United States)
430,000-year-old wooden tools likely crafted by Neanderthals or Homo heidelbergensis individuals have been discovered in Greece by a team of researchers led by Annemieke Milks of the University of Reading. The site, which is now a coal mine, is located in the central Peloponnese Peninsula.
Ireland: Ireland tightens immigration rules to check population growth
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
After recent anti-immigration protests exploded in Dublin, Ireland’s cabinet approved new restrictions on immigration including requiring asylum seekers who have jobs to contribute financially to state accommodation costs, higher income thresholds for family reunification, and stricter criteria for citizenship applications for refugees.
Italy/United States: US to send ICE agents to Winter Olympics, prompting Italian anger
BBC (United Kingdom)
The news that ICE agents will be present during the Winter Olympics in Italy has sparked public outrage among Italians and has prompted condemnation from officials such as the mayor of Milan. It is common for Department of Homeland Security agents to supplement security efforts at major international events.
Lithuania/Poland: Lithuania proposes Europe’s first cross-border economic zone to Poland
Notes from Poland (Poland)
Lithuania’s proposed special economic zone would encompass the Suwalki Gap, would focus on attracting the defense and technology industries. The proposal was apparently well received by Polish officials.
Spain: Spain will grant legal status to immigrants lacking authorization
NPR (United States)
Spain’s government announced Tuesday it will grant legal status to potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants living and working in the country without authorization. Foreigners who arrived in Spain before 2026 with no criminal record are eligible.
Sweden: Sweden preparing one of its largest security assistance packages for Ukraine
Ukrinform (Ukraine)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and his Swedish counterpart Pal Jonson discussed countering ballistic threats through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, as well as the launch of the Brave-Sweden program for defense innovation and the transfer of Gripen fighter jets and Meteor missiles.
Near East
Iran: Iran designates European armies ‘terrorist groups’ in retaliatory move
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Iran has announced that it now considers all European Union militaries to be ‘terrorist groups.’ This follows the EU’s terror designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over a deadly crackdown on protesters.
Iran: US, Iran signal talks to avert military conflict amid tensions in the Gulf
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Iran and the United States have confirmed opening lines of communication to work out a deal and avoid military action as tensions rise in the Gulf and regional powers ramp up diplomacy to prevent conflict. US President Donald Trump told reporters on Saturday that Iran was “seriously talking” with Washington, hours after Iran’s top national security official said arrangements for negotiations were progressing.
Iran: Iran announces naval drills near US warships amid tension
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
The United States warned Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it “will not tolerate unsafe” actions in the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran announced a two-day live-fire naval exercise there.
Syria: Syrian government, Kurds agree integration deal, US hails ‘historic milestone’
Reuters (United Kingdom)
The Syrian government and Kurdish forces declared a ceasefire deal on Friday that sets out a phased integration of Kurdish fighters into the state, averting a potentially bloody battle and drawing U.S. praise for a “historic milestone”. The sides announced the deal after government forces under President Ahmed al-Sharaa captured swathes of northern and eastern Syria from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) group this month. This forced the Kurdish forces to retreat into a shrinking enclave in the northeast.
Palestine: Thousands wait for evacuation from Gaza as Rafah crossing reopens
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Israel has reopened the Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt on a trial basis after nearly two years. Gaza’s Health Ministry says 20,000 patients are at risk of death and need medical evacuation, while Israel has not provided details on how many will be allowed to exit for treatment and when. In one of the bloodiest days since an October “ceasefire” took hold, at least 31 Palestinians have been killed in multiple Israeli air raids on northern and southern Gaza.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Burkina Faso: Junta Orders Dissolution of All Political Parties
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
All political parties in Burkina Faso have been dissolved by decree of the military-led government. Following the 2020 election, fifteen of the over one hundred registered parties held parliamentary seats. Although these parties were already subject to political restrictions, the Junta has now abolished party statutes and transferred the opposition leader’s position to the transitional council. The government has justified the dissolution on the grounds of systemic dysfunction in the multiparty system and the need to rebuild the state.
Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines Suspends Flights to Tigray After Clashes
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
Amid rising fears of renewed conflict, passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Tigray have been suspended. Emerging reports of clashes between the federal army and Tigray fighters in contested areas like Mai Degusha and upcoming elections are weakening the 2022 peace deal that ended the Tigray civil war. Around a million people remain displaced as the dispute over western Tigray continues.
Ghana: Google ink AI education deal
Semafor (United States)
In an effort to increase bilingual and multilingual education in Africa, Ghana is partnering with Google to develop AI-powered learning tools in local languages. Starting with Twi, Ewe, Dagbani, and Hausa, and aiming to expand to address significant learning gaps, the country aims to shift away from teaching exclusively in colonial English or French, emphasizing the benefits of children learning in their native tongue.
Madagascar: Madagascar lifts mining permit ban, Liberia signs new minerals deal
Semafor (United States)
The fight for Africa’s natural resources grows fiercer as countries compete for vital minerals, potentially heightening regional tensions and security issues. This push for “new economic opportunities” has prompted Madagascar to lift a 16-year ban on new mining permits, and steel giant ArcelorMittal to renew a minerals agreement with Liberia, retaining mining rights until 2050.
Mozambique: TotalEnergies to restart major Mozambique gas project
Semafor (United States)
A $20 billion natural gas project in Mozambique was halted during construction in 2021 following a series of terrorist attacks. Following the deployment of Rwandan soldiers to improve security, French oil giant TotalEnergies has agreed with the country to re-establish the project. This project, with an estimated $35 billion in government revenue, would be an economic boon for the country.
Nigeria: Lakurawa Expands Ties With Boko Haram
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
A self-defense regional force made up of fighters from Mali, Niger, and Nigeria has evolved into a religious extremist group cooperating with Boko Haram. Initially formed to combat banditry, has in fact turned to crime to fund its operations, where they attack and displace civilians while forcing them to pay taxes and join training camps. The deputy speaker of the Kebbi State legislature, Muhammad Sama’ila Bagudo, one of their kidnapping victims, was released after paying a ransom of $140,600. This act demonstrated Lakurawa’s growth and the need for Nigeria to act urgently to counter it.
Nigeria: Nigerian Officers to Face Military Court Over Alleged Coup Plot
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
A group of Nigerian military officers, consisting of 16 from the Army and two from the Navy and the Air Force, is facing disciplinary action following an alleged coup plot in 2025 aimed at overthrowing President Bola Tinubu’s government, as clarified by the Defense Headquarters. Although there were initial denials of the coup attempt, some individuals will be tried in military court following an investigation to maintain order within the ranks.
Niger: Niger leader blames France, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire for airport attack
Semafor (United States)
Niger’s international airport faced an assault that left twenty attackers dead and injured four military personnel. Junta leader Abdourahamane Tiani has accused France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire of sponsoring the attack, given its proximity to a major uranium stockpile that France formerly used to support its nuclear power plans. He also vowed to retaliate against France and those he views as French proxies.
South Africa: Expels Top Israeli Diplomat for ‘Violations of Diplomatic Protocol’
allAfrica (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, United States)
South Africa has expelled Israel’s top diplomat, Ariel Seidman, and ordered him to leave within 72 hours for repeated violations of diplomatic protocol. The government pointed to breaches of the Vienna Convention that threaten the country’s sovereignty, such as insulting President Ramaphosa via official Israeli social media and not informing officials about high-level Israeli visits. This act marks a significant diplomatic rift between the two nations amid ongoing diplomacy tensions following South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which Israel denies committing.
Zimbabwe: Inflation drops to single digits for first time in decades
Semafor (United States)
In a historic milestone, Zimbabwe’s gold-backed ZiG currency has strengthened, with inflation down to single digits since 1997. The 4.1% inflation rate reflects central bank efforts to stabilize prices. Following the COVID-19 pandemic-related shocks, African policymakers are working towards stabilizing currencies by easing inflation.
South & Central Asia
Bangladesh: Hasina sentenced to 10 years, Tulip 4, Radwan and Azmina 7 years in jail
Jugantor (Bangladesh)
“A Dhaka court has sentenced ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in jail in two separate cases filed over corruption in the allocation of government plots in the city’s Purbachal New Town project.”
India: Budget focuses on making cities centres of development; EU trade deal to benefit Punjab: Modi
Press Trust of India (India)
Prime minister Narendra Modi commented on the free trade agreement (FTA) recently reached with the European Union will lead to many benefits for India.
Kazakhstan: Government approves site for construction of second nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan
Vlast (Kazakhstan)
The Kazakhstan government approved for the second nuclear power plant to be constructed in the southern Zhambyl district within the Almaty region; the location will provide a stable energy source for the region that is currently deficient.
Kazakhstan: A new constitution in 7 days. Is it a necessity or a necessity of life?
Azattyq News (Kazakhstan)
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced plans to adopt a new constitution that was presented to the National Congress, changing about 70% of the original constitution.
Kazakhstan Deports OpenAI Developer to Russia, Where He Is Arrested on Treason Charges
Fergana News (Russia)
IT Developer Aleksandr Kachkurkin was recently deported to Russia for a case with treason charges. Human rights advocates claim the reports were fabricated.
Nepal: Millions exposed to lead in toothpaste, sindoor and eyeliners
Kathmandu Post (Nepal)
A new study led by the Centre for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) found approximately one-third of cosmetic products to contain harmful dosages of lead.
Pakistan: Balochistan to Bangladesh: Why Pakistan is boycotting India World Cup match
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Pakistan has not provided a reason as to why they have decided to pull out of their match with India in the Twenty20 World Cup for cricket, while still competing in the rest of the tournament.
Sri Lanka: Pope Leo appoints new Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka
Daily Mirror (United Kingdom)
Pope Leo temporarily appointed Monsignor Andrez Jozwowlez as the new Apostolic Nuncio of Sri Lanka
Tajikistan: Guliston mayor says Adrasman mining plant to resume operations in September
Asia-Plus Tajikistan (Tajikistan)
The Adrasman Mining and Processing Plant is expected to resume operations after a 12-year hiatus.
Western Hemisphere
Colombia: Colombian lawmaker among 15 killed in plane crash near Venezuela
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On January 28th, a plane was recorded to have disappeared that would launch a national-wide search over the harsh jungle terrain and through adverse weather. Upon finding the crash-site on the eastern border of the country, the Department of Transportation confirmed 15 fatalities – two of which being a congressional lawmaker, and a political candidate in the upcoming presidential elections. They further reaffirm they are following standard protocol and are investigating the matter on an immediate basis.
Cuba: Cubans Celebrate the Defeat of Spain and Honor the National Hero, Jose Martí
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On January 28th, thousands of Cubans marched through the streets in solidarity against the Trump Presidency and remembered the national hero, Jose Martí, who both fought and liberated the country from its former colonial ruler, Spain.
Venezuela: Congress Passes Bill to Denationalize the Country’s Oil Industry
BBC (United Kingdom)
On January 29th, acting-interim President Delcy Rodriguez signed into law the proposed congressional bill to reform and open back up the country’s oil industry to private firms.
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.