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Multinational corporations are no longer just economic players. Today, many wield political influence that rivals entire countries. Through vast financial resources, global supply chains, and lobbying, these companies can shape trade rules, technology standards, and even global political outcomes.   Multinational corporations operate across multiple countries, giving them leverage over international markets, finance, and regulation. Some g...

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) late on January 12, 2026 for a pivotal one-day visit. Marcos was invited by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His arrival at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of an important diplomatic trip.   Key Bilateral Agreements on the Table The main focus of Marcos' visit is the signing of two major agreements between the Philippine...

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, ...

Malaysia and Indonesia made history this weekend, becoming the first nations to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot tied to Elon Musk and his company xAI. Leaders say the tool was used to create fake sexual images, including of children.   Officials say the problem grew fast. Users could turn real photos into explicit pictures in seconds. The images then spread like wildfire across social media. No existing safety tools could s...

The Sahel, a narrow belt between the Sahara Desert and sub-Saharan Africa, is fast becoming one of the world’s most dangerous regions. Once largely ignored, the area now shapes security far beyond Africa. In 2024, the Sahel accounted for more than half of global terrorism deaths, with nearly 3,900 people killed in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso alone.   For global policymakers, the central Sahel has moved from the periphery to the cen...