Latest Politics News
US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
US special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Maduro on January 3, 2026, flying them to New York for narcoterrorism charges following large-scale strikes on drug trafficking boats. UN Secretary-General Guterres called US actions a 'dangerous precedent,' expressing deep alarm over the standoff.
EU urges respect for international law as Trump admin remains vague on Venezuela's transition.
Trump-Netanyahu Meeting Advances Gaza Peace Plan Phase Two
On December 29, 2025, Trump met Netanyahu in Florida to discuss phase two of the Gaza peace plan, praising Israel's compliance despite IDF ceasefire violations. Phase two requires Hamas to disarm, with Trump warning of severe consequences for non-compliance; UN Security Council endorsed a fragile plan.
Gaza faces worsening winter aid strains and displacement amid rubble.
New Nations Join UN Security Council Amid Tensions
Five new countries take seats on the UN Security Council in January 2026, amid ongoing debates on peacekeepers and diplomacy. Old tensions persist as the Council addresses global wars and peace decisions.
This occurs against backdrops like Gaza and Venezuela crises.
UN Rights Chief Urges Israel to Drop Death Penalty Proposals for Palestinians
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Israel to abandon legislation imposing mandatory death sentences exclusively on Palestinians, citing violations of international law. Proposals emerged amid Gaza conflict and peace plan efforts.
This highlights ongoing Middle East human rights concerns.
Skyrocketing Military Spending Undermines Global Development Aid
Global military spending surges, diverting funds from aid to world's poor, as highlighted in January 5 headlines. Trump's policies prompted NATO allies to increase defense spending to record levels.
This trend coincides with US tariffs at century highs and warnings to Europe.
Trump's 2026 Challenges: Alliances, Ukraine, Taiwan, and Iran
Atlantic Council analysis questions if Trump's leadership will permanently alter US global role, with strengthened yet unpredictable alliances. Russia continues Ukraine war; China drills around Taiwan after US arms sale; Trump meets Xi twice and talks with Putin.
Iranian sites hit, students protest regime.
Iran Halts Uranium Enrichment Amid US Warnings
Iran stopped enriching uranium, opening paths for sanction relief, but Trump warned of severe response if it strengthens nuclear or military power. This follows US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in 2025.
Potential negotiations overlook tensions.
Africa's 2026: Elections, Democratic Retreat, and Geopolitical Shifts
Africa faces 14 key elections, including Uganda's Museveni extension and Ethiopia's amid conflicts, risking coups and unrest. Continent central for solar and minerals but underpowered amid US-China-Russia rivalry.
Power politics replace rules-based order.
North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Ahead of Regional Talks
North Korea fired ballistic missiles into the sea before South Korean leader's China visit, heightening tensions. This aligns with broader Indo-Pacific volatility under Trump, including Taiwan encirclement.
Regional security remains fragile.
President Xi Jinping Meets Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin
On January 5, 2026, Xi met Ireland's Micheál Martin in Beijing to discuss bilateral ties. Meeting occurs amid China's Taiwan drills and global positioning versus US influence.
Signals China's diplomatic outreach.
Gaza New Year Begins Amid Rubble and Humanitarian Strain
2026 dawns in Gaza with residents in displacement camps facing winter storms, damaged shelters, and aid delivery struggles. Follows months of war; fragile peace plan endorsed but phase two pending.
Uncertainty persists.
Global Concerns Over Democracy, Wars, and Imperial Rivalry
World enters 2026 with faltering democracy, rule of law, free trade crisis, and great power imperialistic rivalry. Prolonged wars, climate shocks, debt collide with shifting order.
Trump's actions reshape alliances and adversaries' confidence.