North America
How Elon Musk’s Unconventional Role Could Shape the Trump Administration’s Approach to Iran
As the United States prepares for another Trump administration to assume power in 2024, the nation faces significant political shifts.
COP29 Climate Summit Funding Deal Falls Short of Meeting Developing Nations’ Needs to Combat Climate Change
On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, reached an agreement to fund developing nations’ efforts to adopt clean energy and combat climate change through 2035.
Jamaica’s Crippled Tourism Industry Further Weakened by Worker Protests
Numerous protests have erupted in Jamaica’s tourism sector over complaints of underpayment, long hours, withheld tips, and a lack of job security.
Damage Control: How the US Seeks to Reassure Allies After the Presidential Election
In a time of uncertainty, the Biden administration is working to reassure allies across the globe that their relationships have the potential to remain strong.
The Global Implications of the 2024 US Election
As the United States’ 2024 election cycle ends, the international community braces for its potential outcomes. The implications extend beyond domestic policy, potentially shaping the resolution of conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and Taiwan and China.
Foreign Election Interference Threat Looms Ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election
Just weeks before the 2024 election, the Justice Department’s National Security Division warned that the US may face a “multi-pronged” threat from Russia, Iran, and China.
U.S. Defense Spending and NATO: What the Future Holds
European security has long depended on the United States, including its role in NATO, commitment to defense spending, and conflict involvement. In recent U.S. presidential elections, the prospect of a new administration has raised questions about potential shifts in defense strategies and budget priorities. This election features former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, each representing contrasting approaches to defense and NATO contributions.
US’s Support for Democracy and Its Impact on Africa, the Balkans, and the Caribbean
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, the UN General Assembly called on the US to end its economic embargo on Cuba for the 32nd year. The 193-member General Assembly voted 187-2 in favor of ending the embargo, with only Israel and the US opposing the resolution and one nation abstaining. Former President John F. Kennedy initially implemented the embargo in February 1962 in response to actions by the Cuban government.
Rhetoric and a Lack of Respect: How Trump’s Campaign Risks Alienating Latino Voters
At a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Oct. 27, a speaker's racially insensitive joke about Puerto Rico made national headlines and sparked backlash. The twist? The speaker was not Trump.
North Korean Troops Join Russian Forces: What Does This Mean for the United States?
In October 2024, North Korea sent troops to Russia to aid its war efforts against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the conflict has attracted substantial international attention, with the US emerging as one of Ukraine’s primary supporters. The involvement of North Korean troops could signal a major shift in Moscow’s strategy in the war.
Indian Official Charged in Connection with New York Sikh Assassination Plot
Vikash Yadav, a self-identified “senior field officer” in the Indian government, was indicted by the US Attorney's Office on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, implicating him in the foiled murder plot of US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an attorney and vocal Sikh advocate, earlier this year.
US-ASEAN Relations Grow as Tensions Rise in the South China Sea
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended the biannual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from Oct. 6 to 11, 2024, to discuss US foreign policy.
The 2024 Presidential Election and Uncertainty Regarding Ukraine
Biden’s choice not to run for re-election has cast uncertainty over US involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Due to the uncertainty, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to meet with both candidates for the US presidency: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
“Zombie” Storm Hurricane John Demonstrates Potential Climate Change Impacts as it Continues to Ravage Mexico
The death toll in Mexico from Hurricane John continues to rise. Initially labeled a Category Three storm, John made landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast on Monday, Sept. 23 at approximately 9:15 pm CST.
Vice President Harris Handles Migration Issues, Border Security, and Campaign Criticism in Visit to the Border
With less than two months until the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to the Arizona border near Nogales on Sept. 27, 2024.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Addresses Growing Frustrations with His Leadership
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” during his trip to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly. Following a brief discussion about what differentiates Canada from the United States, host Stephen Colbert questioned Trudeau about growing dissent over his leadership.
Biden’s Quad Summit: The United States’ Subtle Strategy to Counter China’s Indo-Pacific Influence
In the final months of his presidency and his decades of public service, President Joe Biden gathered the leaders of Japan, Australia, and India for a Quad summit in Delaware on Sept. 20, 2024.
The US Prepares to Send New Aid to Ukraine as Concerns Over How to Defeat Putin Grow
As the war in Ukraine drags on, many look to the United States for a clear strategy to defeat Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a recent press interaction, President Joe Biden said his message to President Putin is to “stop.” This vague statement underscores the West’s uncertainty about how to curb Putin’s escalating aggression.
US responds to recent North Korean Satellite Launch
On Nov. 24, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a trilateral call with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko from their respective offices. The officials spoke about the recent spy satellite launched by North Korea.
US Military Starts Bulk Buying Japanese Seafood Banned by China
On Oct. 30, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanual announced in an interview with Reuters reporters that the US military had started bulk buying Japanese seafood products banned by China.