Damsana Ranadhiran

In the world of politics, few strategies are as enduring or effective as rallying public sentiment against the powerful and the wealthy.

The US Intelligence Community (IC), once revered for its rigorous counterterrorism efforts and unwavering commitment to national security, is now facing criticism for prioritizing political correctness and identity politics over its core mission. Since the Obama administration, and continuing under President Biden, significant changes within the IC have sparked concerns that these agencies have lost sight of their fundamental responsibilities. From the FBI's involvement in the Trump-Russia collusion narrative to the CIA's controversial handling of Hunter Biden's “laptop from hell,” many argue that the IC's current trajectory threatens to undermine the very fabric of American security.

The AUKUS agreement, recently refreshed following the latest Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), is facing a wave of critical reactions from prominent Australian figures in politics and public policy. Former Prime Minister Paul Keating has been among the most vocal critics, placing the question of national sovereignty at the forefront of public discourse. Keating's argument, that AUKUS would effectively turn Australia into the “51st state” of America, has resonated with several other influential voices, including former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans, former Australian ambassador to Beijing Ross Garnaut, and Emeritus Professor Hugh White of the Australian National University. Together, they form a chorus of critics challenging the strategic wisdom and long-term implications of the agreement.

The Democratic and Republican National Conventions, held just weeks apart, have underscored the profound divide between America's two major political parties. These conventions, long viewed as the final rallying cries before the general election, provided a stage for the crystallization of contrasting visions for the United States. The Democratic National Convention (DNC), which concluded last week, was largely a coronation of Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race. On the other hand, the Republican National Convention (RNC) had concluded weeks earlier, with former President Donald Trump solidifying his grip on the Republican base. The stark differences between the two conventions reflect the deep ideological chasm that now defines American politics.

In the heart of Caracas, Venezuelan opposition supporters gathered on Wednesday to protest against President Nicolas Maduro's re-election, a victory that has been widely denounced as fraudulent by both domestic and international actors. Chanting “Liberty!” and expressing their deep frustration, the crowd was led by their charismatic leader, Maria Corina Machado, who emerged from hiding to reignite the movement against Maduro's authoritarian rule.

The destruction of the Nord Stream I and II Baltic Sea pipelines in September 2022 marked not only an ecological catastrophe but also a significant geopolitical crisis. The attack, which released an unprecedented amount of methane into the atmosphere, was immediately shrouded in suspicion, with fingers pointed in all directions. However, as the dust settled, it became clear that the most alarming aspect of this event was not merely the physical damage but the ensuing political and media cover-up that followed.

In a disheartening display of electoral disregard, the political establishment in Europe appears increasingly willing to override democratic principles to maintain power. The recent state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, Germany, have exposed a troubling trend where established parties, unable to secure electoral victories, resort to backdoor deals and anti-democratic maneuvers to keep populist movements at bay. This article explores the implications of these actions, not only for Germany but for the broader democratic landscape in Europe, where similar patterns are emerging in France.

Every country's foreign policy is shaped by its strategic environment, its neighborhood, and its perception of the regional order. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East, a region characterized by political tensions, armed conflicts, and economic and social instability. For Turkiye, regional security challenges are particularly complex, posing a challenge to maintain its interests while navigating an ever-shifting landscape of alliances and conflicts.

In a recent interview on the Lex Fridman podcast, former US President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dropped a tantalizing hint that, if elected in 2024, he might make public the infamous “black book” containing the client list of deceased financier and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. This revelation comes as the mystery surrounding Epstein's connections to powerful individuals remains a topic of intense public interest and speculation.

Tobias Billstrom, a seasoned Swedish politician, has left many political observers surprised by his unexpected resignation as Sweden's foreign minister and his complete departure from politics. Billstrom, who played a pivotal role in guiding Sweden's accession to NATO, announced his resignation on September 4, 2024, through a