Geopolitics

The rise of humanoid robots threatens political disruption

Our delighted faith in automatons raises the question of how they will integrate into human society

US President Donald Trump (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping last met in South Korea in October 2025.

Can Trump recalibrate US-China relations?

The April 2026 meeting in Beijing signals a move from open confrontation to managed competition

Global warming, the defining crisis of our time, is the result of an extractive industrial model.

The global ‘polytunity’

Cascading crises are a rare opportunity for the transformation of development institutions and ideas

During his Asia tour, Trump hogged the headlines from that first jig when he arrived at Kuala Lumpur airport. When Trump chooses to turn up, it is his agenda for America that is not only first but perhaps the only item on the agenda.
POLITICS THAT MATTER

Asean in a ‘Minus One’ world

When America First means the US chooses when to show up, the region must find its way to live and prosper

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has used this year's summit to call for accelerated reform of the World Bank, among others.

As US boycotts G20, China dominates the script

With Washington absent and tariffs imposed, Beijing seized the African summit to champion the Global South – and expand its influence

With the Critical Raw Materials Act, the European Union has set ambitious targets to extract 10%, process 40%, and recycle 25% of its consumption of these materials domestically.

Europe’s critical raw materials strategy

How the European Union can build resilience without abandoning its commitment to fair play

Having to rewire supply chains is expensive, as traditional production locations, logistic routes and distribution networks have been in place for many years.

Weaponisation of finance over geopolitics a concern, says GIC’s CEO

Disruptions to trade, security and supply chains have been costly, he says

Trump (right) welcomed Prince Mohammed with a formal arrival ceremony on the South Lawn that included a military flyover and mounted honour guards.

A reset in Riyadh’s favour: Trump welcomes Saudi crown prince back to Washington

The broader implications of the visit trouble those who believe US foreign policy should balance strategic interests with democratic values

European Commission vice-president Kaja Kallas will hold a high-level event on the sidelines of the Fourth EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific: Partners for a resilient future

Both regions need to work together for their stability, prosperity and sustainability

With one of the world’s youngest workforces, South-east Asia could fuel decades of growth.

In an age of instability, governments and business look to Singapore: Mike Bloomberg

The city-state has long shown what’s possible when countries prize cooperation over conflict