Geopolitics
War, diplomacy and great-power competition
Top Stories
Donald Trump will upend 80 years of American foreign policy
A superpower’s approach to the world is about to be turned on its head
After 15 months of hell, Israel and Hamas sign a ceasefire deal
Donald Trump provided the X factor by putting heat on Binyamin Netanyahu, who insists the war isn’t over yet
Houthi Inc: the pirates who weaponised globalisation
Their Red Sea protection racket is a disturbing glimpse into an anarchic world
From Greenland to Panama and Mexico, leaders are in shock
As Donald Trump eyes fine new pieces of real estate in the Americas and beyond
India’s Faustian pact with Russia is strengthening
The gamble behind $17bn of fresh deals with the Kremlin on oil and arms
Can the good ship Europe weather the Trumpnado?
Tossed by political storms, the continent must dodge a new threat
War in Ukraine
A French-sponsored Ukrainian army brigade has been badly botched
The scandal reveals serious weaknesses in Ukraine’s military command
Inside Ukraine’s secret missile programme
With foreign aid uncertain, Ukraine revives its rocket industry
Ukrainian troops celebrate a grim Christmas in Kursk
A local paper braves Russian bombs to deliver news on the front line
How to make a success of peace talks with Vladimir Putin
The key is robust security guarantees for Ukrainians
War in the Middle East
From inside an obliterated Gaza, gunfire not a ceasefire
In north Gaza the IDF is now facing “a bitter guerrilla war”
The secret talks between Syria’s new leaders and the Kremlin
They are negotiating with Russia about its military presence
How the new Syria might succeed or fail
Much will go wrong. But for now, celebrate a tyrant’s fall
Israel and Hamas look close to some kind of deal
Lebanon, Syria and Donald Trump have all been important
The Telegram
Marco Rubio will find China is hard to beat in Latin America
China buys lithium, copper and bull semen, and doesn’t export its ideology
Donald Trump has a strong foreign-policy hand, but could blow it
Bullying foreigners can be sadly effective, but also a dangerous distraction
Why warriors should welcome laws of war
Lessons from a 17th-century thinker on preventing crimes against humanity
The Art of the Deal: global edition
Donald Trump will have vast leverage over American allies, but ruthless despots may resist his dealmaking
Latest coverage
Leaders
Donald Trump will upend 80 years of American foreign policy
A superpower’s approach to the world is about to be turned on its head
International
Marco Rubio will find China is hard to beat in Latin America
China buys lithium, copper and bull semen, and doesn’t export its ideology
Finance & economics
An American purchase of Greenland could be the deal of the century
The economics of buying new territory
Christmas Specials
The harsh economics of the Arctic
The world craves polar minerals. But who wants to work in a frozen wasteland?
Europe
Europeans are hoping they can buy more guns but keep their butter
Reports of a “war economy” are much exaggerated
Middle East & Africa
As Syria’s regime collapses, Erdogan eyes victory over the Kurds
They are suddenly isolated and weakened. Worse may be to come
International
The Art of the Deal: global edition
Donald Trump will have vast leverage over American allies, but ruthless despots may resist his dealmaking
Europe
Syrian rebels have dealt a blow to Vladimir Putin’s naval ambitions
The loss of a key Mediterranean port could hobble the Russian navy
China
MAGA with Chinese characteristics
Why many in China cheer for Donald Trump, despite his tariffs and team of hawks
Business
From Apple to Starbucks, Western firms’ China dreams are dying
Economic growth is slowing, competition is stiffening and geopolitical tensions loom
International
Will the West betray or save anti-Putin protesters in Georgia?
Democratic activists in Russia’s near-abroad pin their hopes on admission by the EU and NATO
By Invitation: Peacemaking in 2025
Comfort Ero offers three lessons for peacemaking in an unstable world
Global conflict is rising, but peacemaking is still vital, argues the president of International Crisis Group
Alliances in 2025
How the world lines up, from wars to whales
Each hot issue brings a new global alliance
The Americas in 2025
What Donald Trump’s return means for Latin America
The topics he cares about—immigration, trade and drugs—put the region in the crosshairs
By Invitation: United States in 2025
Sarah Paine outlines how America should deal with the “quartet of chaos”
The professor of history and grand strategy at the US Naval War College says history offers valuable lessons