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Rising anti-immigration sentiment across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is increasingly shaping the protest landscape, with migration pressures, housing concerns and high-profile incidents acting as key triggers for mobilisation. The open border under the Common Travel Area enables rapid cross-border movement, meaning demonstrations in Belfast and Dublin can draw overlapping supporter bases and increase the scale, visibility and unpredictability of prote

Demonstrations and civil mobilisations concerning major international political events are common, especially for the G7. This time around, US President Trump’s foreign policy with Iran is at the forefront. For European leaders, this means dealing with Trump’s political plans and addressing Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Key takeaways Island sovereignty acts as a defensive paradox, where maritime isolation provides a strong protective moat against invasion, but leaves nations vulnerable to economic collapse via naval blockades. A 2026 US energy blockade targeting Cuba's fuel imports has triggered a humanitarian and economic crisis, marked by 20-hour daily blackouts, toxic waste burning, and violent protests. Washington is increasing pressure on Cuba to eliminate a perceived, nearby Marxist

Crime is falling. So why do so many people feel less safe? It’s a paradox that sits at the heart of the UK’s current security landscape. Understanding the threat landscape isn’t just about analysing crime data - it’s about understanding how people experience and interpret risk.

Key takeaways Anti-immigration tensions in South Africa have intensified, with groups calling for stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of undocumented migrants. Reports of vigilante activity, business closures, and attacks on migrant communities have raised concerns over a potential escalation in the unrest. Regional fallout is growing, with Ghana and Mozambique repatriating citizens, while several African governments issue warnings to nationals in South Africa.

Railways, particularly the Lobito Corridor and the Tanzania–Zambia Railway, have regained strategic importance as they connect the Copperbelt to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Transport infrastructure has become a key instrument of international influence and geopolitical power. Global competition driven by control over routes bringing critical minerals to world markets allows African countries to leverage this rivalry to attract investment and development.

Hope Bay is expected to produce more than 400,000 ounces of gold annually, support close to 2,000 jobs and increase Canadian exports by C$2.6 billion each year. Canada increasingly views Arctic infrastructure, mineral development, clean energy and defence capability as connected elements of national sovereignty and economic resilience. The Arctic is no longer solely an environmental or security issue. It is emerging as a supply-chain frontier.

The G7 remains a relevant, minilateral forum capable of defending the liberal international order and its values at a time when it is under threat. It serves as an alternative to larger, often gridlocked global institutions, providing an informal structure for diplomacy. To protect G7 unity and avoid direct confrontation with the Trump administration, France has compromised on its agenda by omitting climate change.

nternal conflict in the UK has, in recent years, been heavily influenced by international conflict across the globe. The rise in hate crime incidents cannot be ignored, with increases in antisemitism and Islamophobia often closely linked to periods of international warfare and heightened geopolitical tensions.

Houthi attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have demonstrated how relatively low-cost drone and missile attacks can generate disproportionate economic disruption across global supply chains, shipping lines, and energy markets.

The Dutch MV Hondius cruise liner has seen several of its passengers become infected with Andes hantavirus, a strain capable of spreading between humans.So far, three individuals have died and 11 have been infected, with all passengers disembarking from the ship. Communications between countries concerning the logistics and permissions needed to address, contain, and treat infected individuals have been difficult. Fears of the virus have rekindled fears about a global pandemi

The KSA maintains strong ties with the US whilst closely monitoring Iran in the Gulf, cooperating with the UAE and Russia, and engaging with BRICS+ economies. Businesses can capitalise on the KSA’s Vision 2030 for significant long-term opportunities.

The expansion of AI introduces significant risks around privacy, bias, and intrusive surveillance practices. Growing reliance on private technology firms raises concerns over data governance and accountability. Increased use of AI may challenge public trust, which is central to the UK’s policing-by-consent model. Balancing operational effectiveness with ethical oversight will be critical to the future of AI in policing.

Although external support in Mali has strengthened the military and prevented regime collapse, it has failed to restore control over large parts of the country. Insurgent groups such as JNIM have employed tactics, including blockades and ambushes, to weaken state forces before attacks and sustain pressure over time. More coercive operations have alienated local communities, contributing to insurgent recruitment and reinforcing the dynamics they aim to resolve.

The sea has always been a space of trade, crime and power. What is changing is the density of threats and the number of actors willing to use vessels as instruments of leverage. Piracy has not disappeared, but it is no longer the whole story. Future maritime risk map will be shaped as much by states, sanctions, militias and militarised law enforcement as by pirates with weapons and ladders.

Magyar’s speeches and statements after being elected Hungary’s new Prime Minister, effectively ousting Viktor Orbán, reflect an eagerness to cooperate with Austria economically and politically. ● Magyar’s accession reflects Central European nations’ goal to create an informal alliance to strengthen their presence in the European Union.

Since 2020, five West African countries have experienced military coups - Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger - with several now under junta rule. This political shift has further weakened already fragile state institutions and reduced cooperation with external partners, limiting coordinated responses to cross-border threats.

Geopolitical pressures in the Indo-Pacific region have prompted the Australian government to significantly increase defence spending and accelerate its strategic posture. Australia is pursuing a dual-track strategy that combines the modernisation of its armed forces with the strengthening of international alliances, as part of a broader shift toward active deterrence. Australia is prioritising investment in sovereign defence industries, energy and operational resilien

Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party secured a supermajority, ending Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule and providing a mandate to overhaul the constitution. Orbán's 2024 decline was driven by a child-abuse pardon scandal that damaged his party’s image, coupled with sustained economic stagnation and ineffective campaign strategies.

Geopolitical energy shocks can translate into nationwide unrest and infrastructure disruption within days, not weeks. Protest tactics and grievances are spreading across Europe, increasing the risk of cross-border contagion. Energy security is now a public order and national resilience issue, not just an economic concern.