Mapping the World Essentials

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Armenia is moving closer to Europe politically. The focus of the European Political Community meeting in Yerevan was the country's change of course: After decades of Russian dependence, the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Moscow's lack of protection, Armenia has been increasingly seeking closer ties with the EU and new security policy perspectives since 2024.

Traditionally, Moscow celebrates the end of World War II with a large military parade. But this year it will be smaller: The Kremlin fears Ukrainian drone attacks. Furthermore, there are increasing signs that Putin's Russia is coming under economic, social, and military pressure. A look at the maps.

Democratic Republic of Congo: President Tshisekedi proposes postponing the presidential elections scheduled for 2028 if the conflict in the east of the country is not resolved by then. War has repeatedly broken out in the two provinces east of Kinshasa – North Kivu with its capital Goma and South Kivu with its capital Bukavu – for decades.

French President Macron has chosen Kenya and its capital Nairobi, home to one of East Africa's largest metropolitan areas, for an Africa-France summit. The summit is intended to demonstrate that Paris is no longer focusing solely on its former colonies, but on the entire continent. France's post-colonial Africa policy is a thing of the past.

The recent elections in Great Britain confirm the fragmentation of the political landscape. In the local elections, Reform UK came out on top, followed by the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, and the Greens. This serves as a reminder that the United Kingdom is the result of a unique political construct.

Given Donald Trump's chaotic governance, China likes to present itself as a neutral and stable state. However, this doesn't prevent the country from discreetly supporting Tehran and Russia, colonizing islands in the South China Sea, and advancing its military buildup. On the occasion of the meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing: an assessment.

The hantavirus outbreak on the "MV Hondius" is stirring up unpleasant memories. The passengers, who have since returned to their home countries, were all quarantined under more or less strict conditions. This shows how much fear this incident is triggering: the fear of a pandemic.

Since the Israeli-American offensive, a large part of Iranian retaliation has been directed at the United Arab Emirates: 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, 2,263 drones… The latest attack: a strike against the Barakah nuclear power plant. This provides an opportunity to try to understand why the Emirates are particularly targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Xi Jinping is portraying Beijing as the center of power: After Donald Trump, he also received Vladimir Putin. The message: Nothing happens globally without China, but strategic proximity lies with Russia. While Moscow is weakened by war and crisis, Beijing's influence is growing – and the balance of power between the two partners is shifting.

Busan, South Korea's vibrant port city, is facing a demographic collapse: Since 1995, 600,000 people have left the city, and almost half of the remaining 3.2 million inhabitants are over 50. Young people are moving to Seoul – but jobs and opportunities are scarce. This is an example of Asia's rapid demographic change, which poses existential challenges for entire regions.

In the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, members of parliament (the Seimas) were informed via loudspeaker on Wednesday of an imminent aerial threat, prompting them to seek shelter. Residents received a message on their mobile phones. The reason was the possible incursion of drones from neighboring Belarus.

Don't forget Sudan: The country has been at war for more than three years. 15 million people have been displaced, tens of thousands killed – according to the UN, one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. The conflict also highlights the growing importance of drones. According to the UN, drones have killed 880 civilians in Sudan since last January.

The Orechnik hypersonic missile that struck Kyiv on Sunday was launched from Belarus. This is likely part of a new Kremlin strategy: With the Russian army bogged down in the east, it is attempting to regain the upper hand by opening a northern front with Minsk's support. Belarus, Russia's backyard, has not always been so compliant.

In 2020, Donald Trump helped normalize relations between Israel and several Arab countries. Now, as the Middle East is shaken by multiple conflicts, the American president is demanding that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan and Turkey do the same. A statement that disregards the reality of the dividing lines that currently run through the Middle East.

Temperature records have just been broken across Western Europe. These extreme heat waves, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to human-induced climate change, are felt even more intensely in urban areas. This presents a good opportunity to look at cities around the world that are adapting and finding solutions to lower temperatures.

The Israeli flag now flies over the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the move as a “decisive turning point,” the UN Security Council has convened an emergency meeting amid growing international criticism. France and other countries have condemned the continued military operations, with Paris stating that “nothing can justify the prolongation of Israeli military actions in Lebanon.”

The annual ASCO congress in Chicago, a leading event in cancer research, highlighted U.S. breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer treatment as well as the rapid rise of Chinese biotechnology. China and India now compete directly with the United States and Europe in the global pharmaceutical market.

If foreign investors choose France to build data centers, it is notably because of its nuclear power, which ensures cheaper electricity regardless of the international context. AI requires a lot of electricity to operate. Today, this industry sits at the heart of all geopolitical challenges. Let’s pull out our maps.

According to the African Development Bank, Morocco became the continent’s industrial champion in 2026, overtaking South Africa. Positioning itself as a major port and logistics hub, the country has successfully attracted new investors and manufacturers, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors. This provides an opportunity to better understand Morocco’s strategy of international openness and integration, from the reign of Hassan II to that of Mohammed VI.

Despite the "ceasefire" between the United States and Iran, the situation seems to be slipping out of Donald Trump's control: Israel continues to strike Beirut’s southern suburbs, Hezbollah continues to launch rockets and drones at northern Israel, Iran fires ballistic missiles at the Jewish state, which in turn strikes Iran again in response... The Middle East has rarely appeared more unstable.

Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea serves several purposes: to showcase China’s diplomatic power, but also to remind Vladimir Putin that the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance, strengthened in the context of the war in Ukraine, must not overshadow the Pyongyang-Beijing relationship. For his part, Kim Jong-un benefits from playing both sides - Russian and Chinese.

Following the destruction of an Apache helicopter, Donald Trump decided to strike Iran once again. Iran, in turn, targeted several countries in the region, including Bahrain. This discreet Gulf monarchy has hosted the US Fifth Fleet for years, something long seen as its “life insurance.” But today, on the contrary, Bahrain is no longer spared from war.

Despite meeting all U.S. entry requirements, World Cup referee Omar Artan was denied entry and returned to Somalia, a country previously described by the U.S. president as a terrorist haven. The 2026 World Cup is already unlike any other, as the celebration of sport cannot escape major geopolitical tensions.

As the G7 gathers in Évian, leaders aim to address major global crises and support efforts to end ongoing conflicts. Discussions include a planned U.S.-Iran agreement expected to be signed in Geneva. At the same time, questions remain over whether regional ceasefires will hold and whether the G7 still has the influence needed to help resolve today’s most pressing international challenges.

In Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a leading advocate of stronger national sovereignty, was dismissed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, once his close ally. Unlike the governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, Faye has not pursued a public break with France. Even so, relations between Paris and Dakar are evolving. Let's take a closer look.

Semion Skrepetski, a Russian cartoonist who criticized Putin’s regime, was shot dead in Poland on June 15. Polish authorities have since arrested two Belarusian suspects believed to have acted on behalf of Russia or Chechnya. This provides an opportunity to map some of the political assassinations allegedly carried out by the Kremlin across the former Soviet region and Europe.

At the Vivatech show, India and Europeans are displaying a common ambition: to counterbalance Chinese and American domination. Because, as the Trump administration's decision to reserve Anthropic's most sophisticated AI services for Americans only, Europeans are cruelly dependent on American technology and politics.

Will Abelardo de la Espriella reshape Colombia’s future? The right-wing politician has gained attention with promises of mega-prisons, air strikes on drug-trafficking camps with support from Israel and the United States, and major cuts to public spending. His rise reflects a broader trend as political dynamics across Latin America continue to shift rightward.

With Keir Starmer ‘s resignation, British politics is still unstable after six prime ministers in the ten years since the Brexit vote. Starmer’s sucessor could well be Andy Burnham, the popular former Mayor of Manchester, nicknamed 'the King of the North'.

Europe is going through a historic heatwave on land, but also at sea, with temperatures 2 to 5 degrees above average: these days, 20°C has been recorded in the English Channel off Dunkirk, 23°C in the Bay of Biscay; 19°C in Lübeck, on the Baltic; between 25 and 27°C in Nice… An overheating of the seas and oceans with serious consequences.

Venezuela is facing one of its strongest earthquakes in more than a century, adding to an ongoing political and economic crisis. Months after the U.S. capture of former President Maduro, democratic transition and economic recovery remain stalled. How are these overlapping crises reshaping the country's future?

Moscow: Putin delivered a speech ahead of the parliamentary elections in September. In it, he made a rare admission that the country was facing problems. And with good reason: Ukrainian drones had once again struck Russian territory. Through air strikes - particularly on the Crimean Peninsula - Kyiv aims to cripple the Russian economy and force Putin into negotiations.

After western Europe, extreme heat has spread east, with record temperatures triggering maximum alerts across several countries. According to the IPCC, Europe has warmed about twice as fast as the global average since pre-industrial times. What is driving these increasingly intense heatwaves?

Ireland is assuming the EU presidency for six months. There is no shortage of crucial issues: economic recovery, the new migration pact, ties with Washington... and, of course, security. For Ireland—long proud of its neutrality and pacifism (Dublin spent just 0.2% of its GDP on defense)—no longer feels secure following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

South Africa has seen renewed waves of xenophobic protests, with tensions remaining high despite a relatively calm demonstration on June 30. The country has faced recurring anti-migrant violence for two decades, and political parties - including allies of former President Jacob Zuma - are using the issue to strengthen their position ahead of local elections.

While much of the Middle East remains unstable, Syria has entered a new political phase following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Under interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country is drawing renewed international attention. What opportunities and challenges could shape Syria's future?

As doubts grow over long-term U.S. security commitments and Russia remains a major threat, European countries are increasing defense spending and strengthening military cooperation. How dependent is Europe on the United States, and what would greater strategic autonomy look like?

Despite sustained attacks, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable military resilience and developed extensive battlefield expertise. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says these capabilities could significantly strengthen NATO if Ukraine were to join the alliance. What can Europe learn from Ukraine's defense experience?

Around 30 tonnes of Venezuelan gold remain frozen at the Bank of England under sanctions. Venezuelan authorities say they want to use the assets for earthquake relief and reconstruction. Beyond this case, why do many countries maintain large gold reserves, and what role do they play?

Despite Donald Trump’s threats, Iran continues to rely on China and Russia for oil purchases and military supplies amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has reportedly rebuilt part of its drone arsenal, highlighting how a seemingly calm summer proved short-lived.

A weakened Russia is intensifying attacks on Kyiv, while Ukrainian intelligence warns of a possible invasion plan from the Belarusian border. Meanwhile, a Russian lawmaker has openly called for the use of tactical nuclear weapons. Whether credible in the short term or not, these threats reflect a weakened Russia fighting back.

Israel's governing coalition under Prime Minister Netanyahu holds 64 of 120 Knesset seats, but polls suggest it may lose its majority in the upcoming parliamentary election. Beyond the result lies a key question: could a change in coalition alter Israel's policy toward the Palestinians and international law?

In Romania, the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, which supplies 20% of the country’s electricity, was shut down because of the low water level of the Danube. More broadly, all European waterways are being affected by the heatwaves and droughts the continent has recently experienced. The Loire, Po, and Rhine are at red alert level. Yet Europeans cannot live without their rivers.

The far-right AfD has won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, reflecting a historic political shift. The party advocates deportations of people without legal residence, ending public funding for Holocaust remembrance and closer ties with Russia. Its victory was driven by Ulrich Siegmund, who campaigned on nostalgia for East Germany.

Amid a trade dispute with Canada, Donald Trump proposed renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America.” His team had already published maps depicting Canada as a possible 51st US state, as well as Greenland. Trump uses cartographic provocations when reality fails to match his ambitions.

Since 2022, Vladimir Putin has sought to cripple Ukraine’s economy and regain control of its ports, echoing the Soviet era. In recent weeks, the Black Sea and Odesa region have once again become central to the war.

The UN has adopted a resolution encouraging world maps that better reflect the true size of continents, especially Africa. Introduced by Togo on behalf of the African Union, it passed almost unanimously, with only the US voting against. Can the world still agree on universal standards that respect geographical realities and international borders?

A Russian drone struck a locomotive at Yahodyn station, near the Polish border, shortly after passengers had left following an air-raid alert. They were unharmed. Shortly before, a diplomatic train carrying European officials and other Western figures had passed through. Experts believe the attack was intended to intimidate and deter Western support for Ukraine.

Hormuz carries around 20% of global oil traffic in peacetime and has become central to tensions between the United States and Iran, driving up oil prices. Meanwhile, the Houthis in Yemen threaten Bab el-Mandeb, another vital Red Sea passage.

As Europe faces daily provocations from Vladimir Putin and shifting US strategies, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Why is the EU turning to Canada, and what challenges lie ahead?

The world’s freshwater stocks are under growing pressure. The World Meteorological Organization warns that the water cycle is becoming more irregular and unpredictable. Climate change is a key factor, but excessive water extraction is also depleting reserves. Lake Annecy illustrates the growing stress on water resources.

Germany is undergoing profound political change. After the far-right AfD won the election in Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, voters went to the polls in Berlin on Sunday. The far-left Die Linke came out on top, ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU, while the AfD made significant gains. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD narrowly came first, with the Social Democrats just behind; the AfD had doubled its 2021 result. Two state elections that reflect a Germany in the midst of profound political and social change.

Against the backdrop of today’s conflicts, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the United Nations. Russia’s increasingly devastating attacks in Ukraine, the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, and Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank paint a bleak picture for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who is due to leave office at the end of 2026. Yet the UN has contributed to ending or containing wars in the past — from the Iran-Iraq War and the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan to the aftermath of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Its history, however, also includes major failures.

As AI becomes a key arena of US-China competition, both powers are investing heavily in generative models while concerns grow over censorship, deepfakes and copyright. Despite warnings from major tech leaders about AI risks, Trump and Xi appear to favor limited regulation and continued competition.

Pope Leo XIV visits France, with stops at UNESCO, Notre-Dame, the Stade de France and Metz, where he will speak about Europe and peace. His visit comes as Russia intensifies its war against Ukraine and hybrid attacks threaten other European countries - offering a first look at the geopolitical role of this American pope.

Swiss voters rejected by more than 70% a proposal from right-wing conservatives to enshrine “strict neutrality” in the Constitution. The move would have prevented Switzerland from imposing sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Despite the Kremlin’s involvement in the debate, voters backed limits to neutrality.

Spain faces sharp contrasts: the economy is growing, yet youth unemployment remains high. Migration policy is under pressure after the Ceuta crisis, while tens of thousands protest in Madrid over soaring rents and housing costs. With major elections ahead in 2027, we map Sánchez’s record since taking office in 2018.

Following the September 2026 parliamentary elections, King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first female prime minister. The country combines regular elections and multiple parties with a highly centralized monarchy in which the king retains substantial political power.

An Omani pilot reportedly attacked his Indian co-pilot with a knife during the flight, prompting passengers to intervene and forcing an emergency landing. While the facts remain unclear, the incident comes amid a highly volatile regional situation that is also reviving memories of another trauma.

Flávio Bolsonaro leads Brazil’s presidential election with 47%, ahead of incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at 45%. The runoff is set for October 25. Bolsonaro may have more potential support from eliminated conservative candidates. Voters also elect 27 governors, 513 members of the lower house and 54 senators.

After the war linked to the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthis have sought control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. This threatens Saudi Arabia’s oil exports to Asia and has brought high-intensity fighting back to Yemen. To understand the country’s history and geography, let’s look at the map.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked six Israeli military bases and nearby kibbutzim, killing 1,163 people and taking 251 hostages. Three years later, we look at how the conflict has spread across the region - and at the Oslo Accords as a possible path toward peace.

Since challenging Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has become a symbol of resistance. Forced into exile for her safety, she now lives in Poland and warns that Lukashenko serves Vladimir Putin’s strategy to weaken and divide Europe.

Facing low poll ratings ahead of the US midterm elections, Donald Trump has struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to buy Russian diesel in an effort to lower fuel prices, which have surged due to the war with Iran that Trump himself launched. However, the initial shipment is too small to significantly affect prices at the pump.

Europe's far-right parties are gaining ground but remain divided. In Ceuta, Spanish Vox leader Santiago Abascal and Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally, highlighted their shared positions on migration. Meanwhile, Vox is moving closer to Spain's conservatives, whose historical narrative has been criticized for downplaying Franco's dictatorship.

Houthi forces have increasingly targeted Saudi Arabia, striking airports, military bases and oil infrastructure. As tensions with Iran and its regional allies open multiple fronts, the Gulf monarchies face growing security challenges that threaten their economic growth model.

As US support for Ukraine comes under renewed strain, President Zelenskyy seeks backing from the UK and EU. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's SpaceX has reportedly restricted the Ukrainian military's access to Starlink, its satellite internet network, raising concerns about Kyiv's ability to sustain its war effort.

In France, Italy and Belgium, legitimate protests over rising living costs and underfunded public services were hijacked by rioters, leaving looted shops and damaged institutions amid overwhelmed security forces. High public debt is another common factor, while Moscow and Washington predictably framed the unrest to suit their own narratives.

Ahead of Israel's parliamentary election, Donald Trump voiced full support for Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu said they shared a mission to eliminate the Iranian threat. What began as retaliation after October 7, 2023, grew into devastating wars waged without a legal framework.

After visiting Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain, French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Qatar to secure diesel imports, avoid shortages and ease fuel prices. The visits come as France faces a deep political and social crisis and relies heavily on imported fuel.

At COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia, countries worldwide, except the United States, are discussing how to halt species extinction. The goal is to protect 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030, despite global investment still heavily favoring nature's destruction over its protection.

With a lead of 4.4 million votes, 80-year-old former metalworker Lula becomes president of Brazil for the fourth time. His victory contrasts with the rise of right-wing forces across South America, but he must contend with Flávio Bolsonaro’s party, which dominates both houses of Congress.

After two years of protests, Serbia’s student-led electoral list has defeated Aleksandar Vučić, who had been in power for 14 years. The movement promises honest government, the rule of law and separation of powers. Will Serbia move closer to the EU or maintain its ties with Russia and China?

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