Global

The UK retail sector is facing an unprecedented wave of sophisticated cyberattacks in 2025, with major brands like Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods suffering crippling blows to their operations, finances, and reputations. Over just a few weeks this spring, attackers managed to halt online orders, disrupt payment systems, and expose sensitive customer data, underscoring the sector’s acute vulnerability in an era of digital transformation.

CONFEMIN miners have been staging fresh protests across various regions of the country, particularly in the regions of Arequipa, Cusco, and Apurímac. These demonstrations are part months long demonstrations demanding that the government extend the deadline for regularising informal mining activities and to suspend transportation for large formal mining companies. Miners have been gathering in front of Congress in Lima to voice their concerns.

The primary factor straining Russia’s international security partnerships is ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This war has both inspired crackdowns against central Asian and Caucasian communities within Russia, and caused Moscow to neglect its duties as a security provider for other nations within its alleged sphere of influence.

The threat of terrorism remains relevant across the UK, with the UK Government outlining a terrorism threat level of “substantial”, meaning that “an attack is likely”. The threat in London is particularly significant. There are considerations and precautions that individuals can take to protect themselves. The public is advised to remain aware of unattended bags, especially if they display signs of potential danger such as exposed wires, batteries, adhesive tape, liquids, or

Despite public outcry, the Togolese government is unlikely to reverse the constitutional reforms which extend Gnassingbé’s power indefinitely. Hence, further anti-government unrest is likely in the near term. This will likely manifest in the form of roadblocks and curfews, which will directly disrupt supply chains, causing operational delays for businesses.

Ongoing clashes between government forces and armed militias, as well as tensions between the ruling government and opposition, pose significant threats to the political climate in the country. MINUSCA plans to support the CAR government by conducting border patrols across various prefectures ahead of the elections, just as they assisted with logistics and technical issues during the voter registration process in November 2024 and March 2025.

With growing political will, multiple countries are recognising and developing solutions to the challenges posed by grey zone warfare. However, the matter will require ongoing multilateral cooperation and investment. This will be made harder by actors who continue to refine new methods and technologies to undermine and neutralise countermeasures.

More than 100 people were killed and dozens injured after gunmen on motorcycles launched a coordinated attack in the Yelwata community, Guma local government area, Benue State. Some members of the security forces were also among the dead, and several people are still reported missing. Military officials have launched a major operation to arrest those responsible for the killings.

US President Donald Trump subsequently imposed a 2-week ultimatum for the agreement of a deal with Iran, prompting European leaders to hold an emergency summit with Iranian counterparts in Geneva, Switzerland. Whilst President Trump’s stated desire to make a deal may provide limited scope for a diplomatic resolution, continued strikes are assessed as highly likely to take place over the next 24-48 hours, posing continued disruptions to air travel, maritime logistics, and reg

Anti-government sentiments are likely to intensify as public pressure continues to mount on Kenyan authorities. As the situation remains unstable, sporadic or planned protests are likely to spring up in areas such as Nairobi and Mombasa, increasing Kenya’s country risk profile. This is likely to result in disruptions to business operations and travel within the Central Business District. Violence is also likely, as government security forces often respond with force.

Recent US- China trade talks in London followed a rare 90-minute phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at easing trade tensions. Since an agreement on 12 May 2025 to roll back the majority of the triple-digit tariffs, resolving trade tensions has emerged as a shared priority. One major reason for Washington’s interest in coming to the table is Beijing’s utilisation of export controls on a range of critical rare earth minerals and

Whilst Israeli strikes against Iranian targets are highly likely to continue over the 24-48 hours, their long-term impact remains uncertain. Operation Rising Lion was likely conducted to comprehensively eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities: an aim American policymakers would likely have rather achieved through diplomatic efforts. The operation’s scale marks a notable escalation from previous clashes, elevating the likelihood of an all-out war erupting between Israel and Ira

The formation of an anti-democratic political bloc including Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, and Georgia is assessed as likely to occur. This will likely increase polarisation within European politics and provide Russia with greater scope to stage influence and sabotage operations against European targets.

Leader of the Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, secured a landslide victory in South Korea’s snap presidential election, becoming the country’s 21st president. Although his victory provides a clear illustration of the population’s will for a change in leadership, Lee is inheriting a difficult situation. With deep domestic political divisions, a sharp economic downturn, great power foreign policy struggles, and escalating threats from North Korea to manage.

On 02 June 2025, JNIM launched a series of coordinated attacks on key military targets in Timbuktu. The group claimed responsibility for attacking the Sidin Bekaye camp in the city and three checkpoints in its northern and eastern sectors. A suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack on a military barracks in the city centre and an artillery strike were aimed at Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Russian Africa Corps personnel stationed at the Timbuktu mili

Tensions have escalated in the indigenous community of Arimae, Darién province, eastern Panama, after officers from the national Border Service (SENAFRONT) clashed with locals from the Emberá Wounaan during a protest on 05 June 2025. For nearly two months, demonstrators, including teachers, workers from (construction and banana industries), students, and healthcare workers, have barricaded and erected roadblocks along a major road that connects Panama to other Latin American

China is developing a huge new military command centre that will dwarf the size of the Pentagon. The project underscores Beijing’s military ambitions at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and endemic economic challenges. The project suggests Beijing is increasingly prioritising the development of China’s warfighting capability. The plans could provide further evidence signalling the growing threat posed by China, particularly to Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

On 28 May 2025, militants affiliated with Islamic State (IS) reportedly claimed responsibility for a violent attack on the Katupa military base near Quinto Congresso, in the Macomia district of Cabo Delgado province. The attack, which took place on 27 May, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 soldiers, according to the group’s claim. The militants said that they also destroyed the camp, sharing photographs as evidence. Authorities in Mozambique have yet to comment on this in

Renewed peacebuilding efforts by the Trump administration are deemed as unlikely to increase regional stability in their targeted areas. ·         President Trump remains highly motivated by the desire to be perceived as a “dealmaker” by his domestic supporter base, and to secure concessions for his family’s business operations.

Opinion polls suggest the race between the two candidates will be very close. Nawrocki, 42, targets conservatives, rural areas and voters frustrated with European Union (EU) policy, while Trzaskowski, 53, appeals to urban, pro-European voters and the centre-left.