International Relations News

Politics · International Relations

CIA Chief’s Moscow Visit Signals a New Channel

The visit marks the first public confirmation of direct US-Russia intelligence contacts since the start of the Ukraine war, offering a potential backchannel for de-escalation.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

A Stable Syria, a Stronger Türkiye, a Safer Europe

The SDF's dissolution on August 25 marks a pivotal step toward centralizing state authority, potentially reshaping security dynamics along Türkiye's 900-kilometre border.

Alvara MerrickAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

China Builds Power Beyond Its Borders

Beijing's strategy blends trade, infrastructure, and diplomacy, with Xi Jinping set to attend the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan and visit Egypt for the first time in a decade.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Who Could Lead a Future Turkic Union?

Türkiye has the largest population, most diversified economy, and NATO's second-largest military, but may need partners to lead a future union.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

NATO’s Ankara Agenda Moves Into Action

NATO leaders pledged €70 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2026, with European allies and Canada now funding the majority of security assistance.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Migration Crises Are Shifting Across the Globe

Ceuta's crisis highlights shifting pressure points, with thousands stranded in the Spanish enclave after mass crossings.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Russia’s Ground War Is Changing

Moscow has created at least 10 new divisions since December 2022, but many are understrength, highlighting the strain on personnel and equipment.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

France Rewrites Its Post-Colonial Strategy

France is pivoting from its former Francophone colonies to new partners like Kenya, seeking to shed colonial baggage and compete with China and Türkiye.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Taliban Rule Tests International Law

Russia is the only state to formally recognize the Taliban, while others engage without full legal recognition, creating a unique legal limbo.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Germany Rethinks Its Syria Policy

In the first half of 2026, Germany revoked protection status for 23.2% of reviewed Syrian cases, up from 3.7% in 2025.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 27, 2026

Politics · International Relations

The Next Global Powers

India's 6.4% growth forecast and strategic autonomy position it as the top candidate to join the US and China at the highest level of global power.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Air Defense Becomes the New Strategic Race

The U.S. is spending over $3 billion to triple Patriot and quadruple THAAD production after Middle East operations depleted stocks.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Global Counter-Terrorism Enters a New Phase

NATO's counter-terrorism strategy now prioritizes counter-drone defense, with recent tests in Latvia focusing on interoperable systems.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Iran Rewrites Its Foreign Policy

The 2026 war with the U.S. and Israel has forced Tehran to shift from proxy-based deterrence to direct threats against regional U.S. assets, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Washington Reshapes Its Middle East Strategy

The shift follows months of direct confrontation with Iran, with economic sanctions now taking priority over military strikes.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Nuclear Arms Race Raises Global Risks

With New START expired, no limits bind US and Russian strategic arsenals for the first time in 50 years, while China's stockpile grows to 620.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Africa Pushes Back on Mineral Exploitation

With 76% of global cobalt and 41% of bauxite, Africa's minerals are pivotal to the energy transition, yet 95% are exported unprocessed.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Kashmir Tensions Rise Again

Pakistan summoned the U.S. chargé d'affaires after remarks describing Kashmir as part of India, while New Delhi rejects third-party mediation.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Global Institutions Struggle to Stop Wars

The UN Security Council's permanent members' veto powers have paralyzed action on Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, leaving diplomacy without enforcement.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Ukraine War Tests International Law

As the conflict enters its fifth year, international law faces a stress test. A recent strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping centre killed 16, highlighting challenges in protecting civilians.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Migration Routes Are Shifting

Despite a 37% drop in irregular crossings, Frontex data shows the Eastern Mediterranean is now the busiest route, with over 20,000 detections in the first seven months of 2026.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

A Multipolar World Takes Shape

UN chief warns that military and economic might no longer guarantees political outcomes, citing Ukraine and Iran as examples of superpower limits.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

Middle East Faces a Deepening Water Crisis

Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Gaza all face distinct water challenges, from Iran's depleted Lake Urmia to Iraq's fragile recovery after heavy rains.

Ahmet BalakanAugust 26, 2026

Politics · International Relations

International Experts Analyse How Kazakhstan’s Historic Kurultai Elections Unfolded

ASTANA – As Kazakhstan held its first-ever elections to the newly established Kurultai, the eyes of the international community turned toward Central Asia. Foreign experts, academics and political observers travelled to the country to witness the vote first-hand, visiting polling stations, speaking with citizens, and sharing their assessments with international journalists.

Derya SoysalAugust 25, 2026

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