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Infrastructure is often framed as essential to economic growth. New roads, ports, railways, flood barriers, and energy systems can connect communities, create jobs, and attract foreign investment. Across Southeast Asia, governments are spending billions to modernize their economies and prepare for a more competitive future.   The potential benefits are enormous. In a report published on June 12, 2026, the Organization for Economic Cooperat...

A dramatic court case in Angola is putting Russia's activities in Africa under a spotlight. Two Russian nationals, political consultant Igor Ratchin and translator Lev Lakshtanov, went on trial in March 2026 after being arrested months earlier. Angolan prosecutors accuse them of helping organize anti-government protests, spreading disinformation, and attempting to influence the country's next presidential election.   The pair face 11 charg...

Global conflict mediation is changing fast. For decades, Western powers led most peace talks. They set the rules and often controlled the outcomes. But that system is now under pressure.   The wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar have exposed limits in Western-led diplomacy. Critics point to uneven responses and growing mistrust. As a result, new actors are stepping forward. Regional powers like ASEAN states, Turkey, and Oman are building th...

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a key tool for countries looking to grow their economies. From Southeast Asia to the Middle East, governments are investing in AI to create jobs, attract investors, and reduce reliance on traditional industries.   This shift is not just about technology. It is about long-term economic survival in a fast-changing world.   Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Drive AI Growth   ...

On June 14, 2026, UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer announced that the British Armed Forces had intercepted an oil tanker in the English Channel linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. Although this marked the UK's first such interception, the operation forms part of a broader pattern of efforts to disrupt Russian maritime networks used to circumvent sanctions imposed on Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.   This trend was...