Israel’s Iran reprisals aren't over. A broader attack may ensue in cooperation with the United States, while the war-weary, ailing region would prefer to focus on economic development with China.

The recent BRICS summit marked a significant shift toward anti-Western rhetoric and ambitions, as the group's expansion and evolving agenda reflect a desire to reshape the global order. With China emerging as a central player and Vladimir Putin's alignment with its goals, Western nations must not only monitor these developments but also craft more compelling alternatives for Global South countries to counterbalance the group.

These issues cannot be sidestepped. With the international order standing at a critical crossroads, the international community is closely watching how a “Greater BRICS” could become a new center of global governance, decision-making and discourse.

The “with us or against us" diplomatic approach has polarizing effects, particularly in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. And the global outrage against Russia’s aggression and critiques of China’s tacit support suggests that Putin’s actions will be viewed as a moral failure akin to past fascist regimes.

The Philippines continues to be a magnet for tension in the Indo-Pacific due to its advantageous maritime geography and close relationship to the United States. Could this lead to a Cuban missile crisis for the 21st Century?

The trajectory of cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges over the past year points to a promising future. Deeper understanding supports their ever-expanding, multifaceted relationship.

The European Commission's new leadership, under President Ursula von der Leyen's second term, is shifting toward a more assertive stance on China, amid internal political shifts and overlapping bureaucratic roles. Without a coherent ‘U.S.-China policy,’ Europe risks deepening internal divisions and weakening its ability to assert strategic autonomy between the U.S. and China.

The 2024 Beijing Summit was the first gathering of Chinese and African leaders since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. It enhances the strategic, all-weather nature of their relationships. The result was a repositioning of relations that will affect how China promote cooperation with African countries in the future.

While China is well-positioned to mediate peace in Myanmar due to its economic and strategic interests, its current approach of maintaining relations with all sides in the conflict has not been sufficient to drive meaningful progress. Lasting peace will require China to take a firmer stance, promote constructive dialogue, and collaborate with regional partners to address the humanitarian crisis and political instability.

China's engagement with Africa through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation highlights its strategic commitment to the continent, positioning itself as a robust alternative to Western influence.