Western countries and corporations’ unexpectedly strong rebuke of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine has surprised many, but now, two months into the conflict, the UN is facing growing criticism of its multilateral efforts to secure peace.

It is not just the French populace that is holding its breath as the final round of presidential election on Sunday sees incumbent Emmanuel Macron face off against far-right Marine Le Pen.

Climate change has long been seen as a challenge we have decades left to combat, yet a hard-hitting report released on Monday has the stark message that it is a case of “now or never.”

April Fool’s Day is an annual April 1 custom centered on practical jokes and hoaxes, but rarely is it the moment for an important political summit. However, that will change on Friday with a virtual EU-China summit, which comes at a crucial moment in relations between the two.

With US-German ties at a potentially historic pivot point, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz makes his first major official trip outside Europe on Monday to meet US President Joe Biden. 

A major new defense pact signed last week between Japan and Australia highlights  Tokyo’s growing strategic importance as a partner in an emerging international, anti-China alliance.

Late December is traditionally a time to look forward to the hope of a new year, especially in the midst of the worst pandemic for a century. Yet, at a time of growing geopolitical disorder, this month is also a key historical moment to look in the rear-view mirror.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday criticized China for the failure of President Xi Jinping to show up at the COP26 climate change summit, amid wider international concern.

The climate change agenda has had a lower profile since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the next month may see a global diplomatic super-surge given that success at November’s COP26 summit in Glasgow remains in the balance.