Global Watch

The United States is rapidly increasing its military presence in Puerto Rico, sending more aircraft, combat vehicles, and warships to the island. Since November, a surge of US military assets has arrived, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. The buildup is part of a wider push as Washington sharpens its focus on Venezuela and its alleged role in drug trafficking.   Across Puerto Rico, politicians and residents have voiced con...

Antarctica is one of the last untouched regions on Earth. It’s rich in fisheries, minerals, and possibly even oil. While harsh conditions and international agreements keep it largely off-limits, countries are quietly positioning themselves for future competition over it.   A Frozen Continent Worth Billions Antarctica contributes about $180 billion a year to the world economy through fisheries, tourism, and climate regulation. Explor...

With the United States and Donald Trump shifting focus to domestic issues, the future of Europe’s defense is becoming more uncertain. A major question looms: Can it protect itself if the US pulls back from its long-standing security commitments?   The US Steps Back For years, the US has been a key part of Europe’s defense through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a political and military alliance of countries from...

The United States has seized a large crude oil tanker operating near Venezuela, a dramatic move that Washington says targets an illicit shipping network tied to sanctioned Venezuelan and Iranian oil. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, calling the vessel “the largest tanker ever seized,” but offered few details on the legal or strategic basis for the action.   Footage released on X showed US agents boarding the tank...

The rare earth minerals dispute between the United States and China has exploded into one of the most intense confrontations of their ongoing rivalry. These minerals, essential to modern technology and advanced weapons, have become tools of influence in a global power game.   What Rare Earths Really Are Despite the name, rare earths are not actually rare. But they are difficult to extract from the earth because they appear in tiny amounts...