The pursuit of absolute security by individual nations, especially major powers like the U.S., risks destabilizing global peace as competing demands for dominance in areas like technology and economics grow. Smaller nations, particularly in the Global South, often find themselves caught in the struggle, with multilateral cooperation and inclusive dialogue essential to reducing the tensions that this competition creates.

A number of political, social and economic factors tend to put the brakes on the urge to widen a war or escalate a conflict. So far, the world has been lucky with respect to the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the provocative assassination of a Hamas leader. The dog didn’t bark in the night — at least not yet.

The Italian Prime Minister’s visit to China offers key insights into the state of Sino-European relations, the evolution of de-risking strategies, and China’s response to this challenge.

The political turmoil in Bangladesh offers governance lessons for the Global South and serves as a cautionary tale for developing nations pursuing reforms. And as key partners like India, China, and the U.S. re-engage with Dhaka, they should consider broadening their relationships beyond the ruling party.

Italy’s nascent Meloni administration has made no secret of its intention to divert from the previous regime’s warm approach to China. Even with its withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative, the door still seems to be open for a different kind of investment into Italy for China - so long as Meloni’s cabinet sees a tangible benefit for Italy.

Ukraine’s advance into Russian territory may pose new risks, including escalation of the war and further complication of the peace process. The aim may be to create a “land-for-land” negotiation in the future, but this may not work. Peace cannot be achieved as long as one side believes it can win. It only happens when one of the warring parties is exhausted.

The Philippines, ever aware of its strategic importance in Asia’s waters, is making moves to strengthen its positions in economy and defense, the latter area being of utmost importance to Manila when looking at the flurry of activity Manila has taken in recent months.

The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a major inflection point. Whether or not this change will bring stability or worsen the situation depends on how the new government under Muhammad Yunus performs and fulfills public expectations.

Many people in the West tend to view the expansion of China’s influence in the Middle East through the lens of great power rivalry. China rejects this concept, and its diplomatic efforts have helped to prevent the escalation of regional crises.

The Philippines is at a crucial juncture right now, as the U.S. and China jockey for influence over the strategic waters surrounding the nation. Under new leadership favoring the West, the Philippines risks entangling itself in an escalating struggle between the two global powers.