Border Disputes

The year 2026 is poised to be a turbulent one for the world, as political instability, corruption scandals, and economic-linked discontent set the stage for increased civil unrest.   According to a recent report by Verisk Maplecroft, the risk of protests, strikes, and even riots has surged, with countries in the Balkans, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia facing some of the highest levels of unrest. As geopolitical pressures mount globally, ...

Iran has been plunged into a near-total internet and communications blackout as widespread anti-government protests intensified on January 8, marking the 12th day of unrest sparked by severe economic hardships.   The protests began in late December 2025 over soaring inflation, a collapsing rial currency, and shortages of essentials like food and medicine. What started as market strikes in Tehran's Grand Bazaar quickly spread nationwide, ev...

On January 7, US forces seized a Russian-linked oil tanker off the coast of Iceland. The tanker, originally known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera, had been running from US patrols for weeks as it tried to slip through Washington’s blockade on Venezuelan oil exports. After the crew resisted a US boarding attempt in December, the vessel vanished into the Atlantic and spent two weeks at sea in what officials describe as a desperate bid t...

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by US forces during a dramatic overnight military operation on January 3, 2026. While the jaw-dropping raid removed one of Latin America’s most notorious strongmen, Venezuela’s authoritarian system is still in place. The country and region now face deep uncertainty, with risks of greater repression, instability, and prolonged crisis.   What Happened: US Captures Nicol&aacu...

China’s large military drills near Taiwan have raised tensions in the Taiwan Strait, drawing US criticism and renewed global concern over regional stability.