international relations

Culture / 13 weeks ago

The European football fixtures FIFA and UEFA won’t allow

Football may be a global language, but the sport cannot escape geopolitics. A map created by The World in Maps shows four sets of European fixtures that UEFA and FIFA refuse to stage because longstanding territorial disputes or active wars would make those games flashpoints for unrest. They include matches between Ukraine and Russia, Spain and Gibraltar, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Kosovo against Serbia, Bosnia‑Herzegovina or Russia.

Politics / 15 weeks ago

UK signals plan to recognise Palestinian State in September, but on condition

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom intends to formally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, but only if Israel has not taken “substantive steps” toward peace. This also translates into Israel agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, halting annexation plans, allowing aid delivery, and committing to a two‑state solution.

Business / 16 weeks ago

These are the final Trump reciprocal tariff rates for more than 20 countries starting August 1

The Trump administration has finalised its list of country‑specific “reciprocal” tariff rates that will take effect on August 1, following a temporary suspension that extended a baseline 10% duty for most nations. The White House said affected countries will face rates ranging from 20% to 50%, replacing the interim blanket levy introduced in April 2025. Announced in a White House fact sheet and executive order on July 7, the extension delays enforcement of elevated reciprocal tariffs until August 1, while new country‑specific duties are formally placed by letters from President Trump to national leaders.

Politics / 18 weeks ago

Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize by Israel and Pakistan

U.S. President Donal Trump is making waves again but this time, as Noble Peace Prize nominee. In a letter to the Noble Peace Committee, Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump, who is currently involved in a peace negotiation between Israel and Hamas had "demonstrated steadfast and exceptional dedication to promoting peace, security and stability around the world."

Politics / 23 weeks ago

This is why Malta is formally recognising the State of Palestine after decades

Malta has announced that it will formally recognise the State of Palestine on June 20, joining a growing list of nations that have extended official recognition to Palestine amid ongoing global debates about its status. Malta’s decision follows in the footsteps of Spain, Ireland, and Norway, who recently formalised their recognition of Palestine, as reported by Reuters. This collective move signals a shifting diplomatic landscape, with European nations increasingly aligning their foreign policies to support a two-state solution in the Middle East.

Politics / 24 weeks ago

Countries whose heads of state were at Russia's Victory Parade

On May 9, Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany with its most expansive Victory Day parade since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Held in Moscow's Red Square, the event featured over 11,000 troops, advanced military hardware, and a significant international presence, signalling President Vladimir Putin's intent to project strength and global support despite ongoing hostilities.

Politics / 29 weeks ago

UN resolution condemning Russia reveals deep geopolitical fault lines

The United Nations General Assembly, on April 16, 2025, adopted a resolution condemning Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, exposing a divided global community. While a majority of nations — including much of Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan — voted in favour of the resolution (marked in green on the map), a surprising political twist saw the United States voting against the measure.

Politics / 30 weeks ago

First nations to recognise U.S. independence revealed

After independence from Britain in 1776, the United States faced an urgent diplomatic challenge, which was gaining recognition from foreign powers. Without formal recognition, the revolutionary government risked isolation, lacked access to trade and military support, and remained vulnerable to Britain’s efforts to reclaim its rebellious colonies.

Politics / 36 weeks ago

Europe to lead the charge in seeking peace for Ukraine after emergency summit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday, March 2, the creation of a "coalition of the willing," comprising nations prepared to defend any forthcoming peace agreement and guarantee Ukraine's security. To support Ukraine's defence capabilities, the United Kingdom pledged £1.6 billion ($2 billion) in export financing to procure over 5,000 air defence missiles manufactured in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This initiative complements a previously announced £2.2 billion loan for military aid to Ukraine, funded by frozen Russian assets.

Politics / 36 weeks ago

Norway provides a glint of hope for Ukraine as it mulls over using €1.7 trillion sovereign fund

Norway is contemplating a significant policy shift to increase its support for Ukraine by tapping into its €1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest. This move comes amid mounting domestic and international pressure for Oslo to enhance its contributions to Ukraine's defence and reconstruction efforts. As of now, Norway has allocated approximately €3.35 billion in aid to Ukraine, a figure that pales in comparison to the contributions of its Nordic neighbours, Denmark and Sweden. This disparity has led to criticism, with some accusing Norway of profiting from the war due to increased revenues from natural gas exports to Europe.

Politics / 36 weeks ago

A clash between Trump and Zelenskyy puts Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in 'jeopardy'

As of February 28, 2025, the prospect of the Ukraine war concluding within this year remains uncertain, with varying opinions among global leaders, experts, and the public. Public sentiment varies across different populations. A recent IPSOS report surveyed 23,721 adults across 33 countries, revealing the highest levels of optimism. China led with 59% of respondents expressing optimism, followed by Indonesia at 56% and India at 51%, while the global average stood at 27%.

Maps / 37 weeks ago

Three years since Russia-Ukraine war: What is the state of truce talks?

Three years into the Russia-Ukraine war, the state of truce talks remains uncertain. Despite various attempts at negotiations, a lasting ceasefire has yet to be achieved. In January 2023, Russia proposed a 36-hour Christmas truce, which Ukraine rejected, calling it a "cynical trap." The truce had little effect, as fighting persisted, and the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, did not commit to the ceasefire.

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The European football fixtures FIFA and UEFA won’t allow

UK signals plan to recognise Palestinian State in September, but on condition

These are the final Trump reciprocal tariff rates for more than 20 countries starting August 1

Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize by Israel and Pakistan

This is why Malta is formally recognising the State of Palestine after decades

Countries whose heads of state were at Russia's Victory Parade

UN resolution condemning Russia reveals deep geopolitical fault lines

First nations to recognise U.S. independence revealed

Europe to lead the charge in seeking peace for Ukraine after emergency summit

Norway provides a glint of hope for Ukraine as it mulls over using €1.7 trillion sovereign fund

A clash between Trump and Zelenskyy puts Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in 'jeopardy'

Three years since Russia-Ukraine war: What is the state of truce talks?

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