Border Disputes

The Strait of Hormuz has long been one of the most critical chokepoints in global trade. Around 20 million barrels of oil per day, or roughly 25% of global seaborne oil trade, passed through the narrow waterway in 2025.   Recent disruptions due to the US-Israel-Iran war have exposed how fragile this system is. In response, countries in the Gulf and beyond are rapidly rethinking supply chains, investing in alternative routes, and reshaping ...

A wave of deadly clashes on the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, including attacks that killed Chinese workers inside Tajikistan in November, is raising the risk of broader instability across Central Asia and putting trade routes, energy links, foreign investment, and regional diplomacy under growing pressure.   Why the Tajikistan-Afghanistan Border Has Long Been So Volatile The Tajikistan-Afghanistan border took shape in the late 19th cent...

A small gold pin has pulled Venezuela and Guyana’s border dispute back into the center of Caribbean diplomacy.   Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez has been wearing a brooch shaped like the country’s official map, including the Essequibo—the resource-rich region controlled by Guyana but claimed by Caracas. As she tours Caribbean capitals to rebuild Venezuela’s diplomatic ties, the symbol has been interpreted a...

A quiet but dangerous crime wave is growing in Chile, and many people are only now starting to notice. Authorities warn that Chinese organized crime groups have built strong networks across the country. These groups use legal businesses to hide illegal activities, making them difficult to track.   In Santiago, areas like Barrio Meiggs appear busy and normal. But behind the scenes, police say criminal groups are using shops, karaoke bars, a...

Russia is shifting its focus east. For decades, Moscow’s economic and political ties were centered on Europe. Now, it is building deeper connections across Asia, especially with China.   This shift is not just about diplomacy. It reflects a broader strategy to secure trade, energy markets, and influence in a region that is driving global growth. As Asia becomes more central to the world economy, Russia’s position there will sha...