Global Scans · Politics · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Break up of traditional political structures is on the cards in many parts of the world as technology brings challenges to slow and bureaucratic decision-making. New forms of more agile democratic structures are likely to emerge.

• [New] The UNEP NDC Cooling Guidelines empower nations to transform cooling from a growing climate risk into an opportunity for equitable low-carbon growth. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] In summary, Goldman Sachs continues to expect Brent crude to average around $ 60/bbl in Q4 if geopolitical tensions remain contained. Polyestertime
• [New] As geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the Nobitex hack serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in centralized crypto platforms and the growing role of digital infrastructure in global conflicts. Crowdfund Insider
• [New] The United States is preparing to address any possible problems China could cause for nations with close links to the United States, such as Taiwan and Japan, as a result of the growing international confrontation with China over its aggressiveness in the South China Sea. Yahoo Finance
• [New] The Canadian government continues to weigh the threats and opportunities that China's Arctic interests and investments pose. Belfer Center
• [New] Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate, fuelled by rapid urbanization and supportive government policies in countries like China and India. Precedence Research
• [New] Strategic Window: The political situation in Bangladesh has created a narrow window of opportunity for the caretaker government to take relations with China to the next level. The Financial Express
• [New] The Albanese government has called for de-escalation, dialog and diplomacy as fears of all out war between the United States and Iran take hold. SBS News
• [New] Fears about Iran's nuclear program among Western and Arab nations have grown in recent years because the Islamic Republic has enriched uranium far beyond the levels needed for civilian purposes such as fueling nuclear power plants. Fortune
• [New] Tensions rise in the Middle East as Washington pursues military action amid failed diplomacy and fears of wider conflict. Crypto Briefing
• [New] The New Zealand government will send a C-130J Hercules aircraft to the Middle East on Monday in the hope it can repatriate citizens in Israel and Iran. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] The Australian government has released a statement calling for de-escalation in the Middle East and acknowledging the risk posed by Iran's nuclear program, in which it did not endorse the United States's strikes. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Geopolitical tensions, especially between key trading partners such as the US, Canada, and China, are set to persist and could trigger further trade policy changes impacting the agricultural supply chain. Farmonaut
• [New] As the world navigates complex geopolitical dynamics and the ongoing need for energy security, the stability of the Strait of Hormuz will continue to be a paramount concern for governments and markets worldwide. Mapping Around
• [New] New military spending - Sorting out the economic implications The federal government this week said it will significantly boost military spending to meet NATO's 2% of GDP target by early next year, much sooner than planned. ATB Financial
• [New] ADB's interventions range from supporting national adaptation plans to financing climate-informed investment projects that improve water infrastructure, promote water-saving technologies, and enable risk-adapted agricultural practices. UNITAR
• [New] As 42% of the US population resides in shoreline counties, whether housing markets incorporate information on the risk of sea level rise (SLR) is of critical importance. NBER
• [New] Geopolitical fragmentation: Trade wars, tariff hikes, and political instability are fragmenting global FDI flows, pushing MNEs to regionalize investments and avoid cross-border risks. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] Rise in Geopolitical Risks: Trade tensions and tariff wars are reshaping global FDI flows. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] The Air Force needs to cover the whole Middle East, and be able to strike any target that the government of Israel will decide is necessary for the defence of Israel. Second Line of Defense
• [New] Bitcoin could reach $120,000 in the coming months if the Federal Reserve moves to cut interest rates in response to rising geopolitical tensions and external economic pressures, such as trade tariffs and military conflicts. Klever Wallet
• Israel, backed by its cyber units and sophisticated public diplomacy efforts, systematically targets trending narratives, disseminating content that emphasizes Iranian threats and portrays its own military responses as morally justifiable. DISA

Last updated: 25 June 2025