Highlighted Works by Mackinder Forum Members (July 5–11, 2025)

• “The Knives Are Out for Elbridge Colby” – Francis P. Sempa, The American Spectator, 10 Jul  2025 – spectator.org
  
  
• “The Continued Devolution of Palestinian Politics” – Kamran Bokhari, Geopolitical Futures, 10 Jul  2025 – geopoliticalfutures.com
  
  
• “How the U.S. Can Reduce Dependence on China’s Rare‑Earth Minerals” – Kamran Bokhari, Forbes, 7 Jul  2025 – forbes.com
  
  
• “Xi Jinping May Be Losing Control of China’s Military” – Gordon G. Chang, The Telegraph, 7 Jul  2025 – telegraph.co.uk
  
  “US, Europe Bet on Banks to Fund Strategic Priorities” – Antonia Colibasanu, Geopolitical Futures, 7 Jul 2025 – geopoliticalfutures.com

Geopolitical Bulletin (July 5–11, 2025)

Geoeconomics

• Trump’s Tariff Salvos and Global Trade Uncertainty: U.S. President Donald Trump expanded his trade war this week by announcing new 50% tariffs on U.S. copper imports and on goods from Brazil (effective Aug 1), plus higher duties on 21 other countries. The IMF warned these moves are keeping global economic uncertainty “running high”. Markets reacted nervously – stocks fell and gold prices rose when Trump set his tariff sights on Canada in a related salvo. (These developments reflect the Trump administration’s aggressive “America First” trade posture, which many economists worry could dampen growth. Conservative U.S. sources applaud Trump’s toughness, but others note allies are deeply concerned.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• China’s Economy Under Strain from Trade War: New data show China’s factory-gate prices fell 3.6% in June – the sharpest producer price deflation in two years – amid weak domestic demand and U.S. tariffs biting into exports. While consumer inflation barely ticked up, China’s prolonged housing slump and Trump’s tariff escalation are undermining China’s economic recovery. Beijing is now expected to roll out more stimulus measures as uncertainty in the global trade environment weighs on business expectations. (Chinese and Western observers diverge on interpreting these trends: Chinese officials blame “external pressures,” whereas U.S. analysts note China’s internal debt and property issues are equally to blame.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• Global Trade Grows but Faces Headwinds: A new UNCTAD Global Trade Update reports trade in goods and services expanded by an estimated $300 billion in the first half of 2025, but warns of “mounting headwinds” ahead. Trade volumes rose only ~1% even as values increased, and developed economies outpaced emerging markets in early 2025 – a reversal of recent trends. Rising prices (not volumes) drove much of the growth. UNCTAD cautions that policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and slowing global growth could stall trade momentum in H2. (In other words, the fragile recovery could falter if trade wars and conflicts persist. This nuanced outlook from a neutral international body contrasts with some rosy U.S. rhetoric that tariffs are “no big deal,” as well as with overly pessimistic takes; it suggests a mixed picture where trade is rebounding but remains vulnerable to political risks.)
  unctad.org
  
  
• Oil Markets and OPEC+: Russia’s Overproduction Fix – and Friction: Russia’s deputy PM announced Moscow will cut output in August–September to compensate for overshooting its OPEC+ oil quota by ~691,000 bpd since April. This pledge comes after Saudi Arabia and others grew angry that Russia (and Kazakhstan, Iraq) pumped above agreed limits. OPEC+ had been raising production modestly after years of cuts, but members cheating quotas is reviving tensions. The Russian government is even considering a ban on gasoline exports if domestic fuel prices spike. (Russia’s state media downplay any rift with Riyadh, but independent reports confirm Saudi pressure on laggards to stick to cuts. Energy analysts say this episode shows the fragility of OPEC+ cohesion as members prioritize national revenues.)
  reuters.com
  
  

Military Developments

• Turkey’s F-35 Saga – Trump’s Caution Irks Erdogan: Breitbart (a U.S. conservative outlet) reports that after a cordial NATO summit meeting, Turkey’s President Erdoğan expressed hope that Trump will let Turkey rejoin the F-35 fighter program, but Trump is in no rush. The Breitbart piece notes Ankara must first rid itself of Russia’s S-400 missiles that got it expelled from the F-35 project in 2019. It suggests Erdoğan may be overly optimistic and that Trump’s “long game” is to keep Turkey from drifting into the Russia-China camp without immediately handing over F-35s. (This reflects Breitbart’s bias praising Trump’s tough bargaining. Other sources, like Reuters, confirm Erdoğan said talks on F-35s have restarted, but officials and analysts in Washington remain skeptical of Turkey’s reliability. Israel, for instance, strongly opposes Turkey getting F-35s while it still has S-400s. The consensus among NATO allies is that Turkey must concretely pivot away from Russian systems before F-35 deliveries are conceivable.)
  breitbart.com
  
  
• Germany Denies Report of Buying More F-35s: A Politico Europe report this week claimed Berlin plans to boost its F-35 fleet from 35 to 50 jets to modernize its air force. However, Germany’s Defence Ministry publicly denied any such plan, stating “no plans beyond the 35 already agreed”. The spokesperson did acknowledge that NATO’s new force goals might eventually require more jets, but no decision has been made. This comes amid Franco-German tensions over their joint next-generation fighter project (FCAS) – France is now demanding an 80% workshare, stalling progress. (We see a potential misfire in the Politico report – German officials flatly contradicted it. Politico’s unnamed sources suggested expansion, likely reflecting internal military discussions, but the government line is cautious. German media note Chancellor Merz’s coalition is struggling to fund even the current 35 F-35 purchase, partly due to cost overruns in domestic projects. Meanwhile, defense hawks argue Berlin will need more F-35s as Cold War-era Tornados retire, regardless of Paris’s objections. The truth likely lies between: no official plan now, but increases are on the table longer-term.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• Argentina Deepens Defense Ties with U.S., Buys Strykers and F-16s: In a high-profile visit to Washington, Argentina’s defense minister signed an agreement to purchase U.S.-made 8×8 Stryker armored vehicles. This follows Buenos Aires’ recent deal to acquire 24 used F-16 fighter jets from Denmark (with U.S. approval) – the first of which have started arriving. Breaking Defense analysts note these long-awaited deals finally came through just as China was courting Argentina with offers of JF-17 fighters. The timing suggests Argentina’s new government under President Javier Milei is pivoting firmly toward the U.S., boosting interoperability with NATO militaries. (Notably, Argentina’s outreach to Washington may have been spurred by the threat of Chinese arms sales – one expert pointed out it took the specter of Buenos Aires buying Sino-Pakistani JF-17 jets to prod Washington on the F-16 offer. This illustrates the competitive dynamic: U.S. and China vying for influence in Latin America. Breaking Defense, a trade publication, generally views closer U.S.-Argentina ties positively, while Chinese state media downplay losing out on the fighter deal.)
  breakingdefense.com
  
  
• Indo-Pacific Allies Reaffirm “Indispensable” Partnership (Despite Japan’s Remarks): On the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Japan’s FM and South Korea’s deputy FM to strengthen trilateral security cooperation. A U.S. statement hailed the “indispensable trilateral partnership” among Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul. This came just after Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made waves by suggesting Tokyo should “wean itself off” excessive dependence on U.S. defense guarantees. Rubio, however, downplayed Ishiba’s comment as not negative – emphasizing that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains “very strong” and that both nations are simply looking to deepen Japan’s own capabilities. (Japanese sources note Ishiba’s words reflect a push for more indigenous military strength – not a rift with the U.S., but a call for greater autonomy. Nevertheless, Chinese media seized on the remark as evidence of cracks in U.S. alliances. The coordinated show of unity at ASEAN by the U.S., Japan, and ROK was therefore important to signal that despite occasional rhetoric, the three are aligning closer than ever, especially given shared concerns over North Korea and China.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• NATO Allies Weigh Security Commitments and Expansion: Following last month’s NATO summit, member states are making moves to implement new military commitments. For example, Denmark signaled interest in buying additional F-35s and announced plans to send Patriot air-defense units to bolster NATO’s eastern flank (and potentially Ukraine) – a development hailed as a breakthrough by some allies (though not officially confirmed in open sources). Additionally, NATO’s door continues to widen: Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s membership (secured late last week) means Sweden is set to formally join the alliance, ending two centuries of neutrality. This historic expansion, coupled with allies’ pledges to increase defense spending, is seen as a direct strategic counter to Russia’s aggression. (It’s worth noting Turkey extracted concessions – including an arms deal with Sweden – before relenting. Also, NATO’s growing focus on China was evident at the summit: leaders jointly called out Beijing’s support for Russia’s war and signaled plans for greater Asia-Pacific partnerships. While NATO communiqués are consensus-based, behind the scenes France was more hesitant to confront China, whereas Eastern European members pushed for a tougher line. Ultimately, NATO is cautiously broadening its scope, even as it stays primarily focused on European security.)
  reuters.com
  
  

Political and Diplomatic Developments

• EU Criticizes U.S. Sanction on UN Expert: A transatlantic diplomatic spat emerged after Washington sanctioned Francesca Albanese, the UN’s Palestine rights rapporteur, for alleged anti-Israel bias. The EU “deeply regrets” this U.S. decision, with an EU spokesperson reiterating support for the UN human rights system. (EU outlets frame the U.S. move as an overreach that undermines multilateral norms, while American officials, particularly in the pro-Israel camp, accuse Albanese of unfairly targeting Israel. The contrast highlights a policy rift: Europe favors engaging with UN investigators, whereas the Trump administration is taking a hard line against figures it sees as hostile to U.S. allies.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• U.S. and Russia Hold “Frank” Ukraine Talks at ASEAN Forum: In Kuala Lumpur, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Russian FM Sergey Lavrov for 50 minutes of “frank” discussion – their second in-person meeting. Rubio conveyed Trump’s “disappointment” that Russia hasn’t shown more flexibility to end the Ukraine war, pressing Lavrov for a “roadmap” toward peace. Notably, Rubio said Lavrov floated “a new or different approach” from Moscow that he would relay to President Trump. While details were scant, both sides agreed to continue exploring ideas. (This dialogue is remarkable given the frosty U.S.-Russia relations. Some European diplomats worry the Trump administration might push Kyiv into a premature deal, but Rubio publicly reaffirmed that any peace must be just and lasting. Meanwhile, hardliners in Moscow downplay the meeting – the Kremlin coolly said it “noted” Trump’s critical comments but is “relaxed” and keen to fix broken U.S. ties. The diplomatic takeaway: Channels are open, but significant gaps remain. Rubio also hinted Trump is considering 500% secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil if no progress is made, signaling U.S. impatience.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• U.S.-China Diplomatic Thaw Amid Trade Dispute: Rubio also met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Malaysia in the first high-level U.S.-China talks of the new administration. Both sides called the meeting “constructive” even as they sparred over trade. Wang denounced the sweeping new U.S. tariffs (Trump’s latest tariff offensive, hitting many Asian countries) as “unilateral bullying” and urged Asian nations to stand up to U.S. protectionism. Rubio, for his part, stressed that Washington’s Indo-Pacific commitment is “strong” and that Trump is likely to meet Xi Jinping soon – “I think it’s coming,” Rubio said, adding that both sides want to ensure any Trump-Xi summit has concrete deliverables. ASEAN foreign ministers collectively criticized “counterproductive” unilateral tariffs without naming the U.S.. (This diplomatic outreach comes amid significant tensions: Chinese media highlighted Wang’s tough words on tariffs, framing the U.S. as isolating itself. American officials, however, emphasize progress – the fact that Rubio and Wang met at all is a positive sign after months of silence. Insiders say if a Trump-Xi meeting happens (perhaps at APEC later this year), it could help stabilize the world’s most important bilateral relationship. Still, fundamental disagreements – from trade rules to Taiwan – persist. Notably, China is leveraging U.S. tariffs to strengthen ties with ASEAN, while the U.S. is reassuring allies like Japan and Korea, as seen by Rubio’s many sideline meetings. The balancing act will be to resume dialogue with Beijing while maintaining a hard line on trade and tech issues.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• Zelenskyy’s Travels: Rome Diplomacy with Pope and U.S. Envoy: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Rome this week, engaging in a flurry of diplomacy. He held a “substantive” meeting with Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, presumably to discuss the evolving military needs and any peace overtures. Notably, Zelenskyy also met with Pope Leo (the newly elected pontiff) at Castel Gandolfo. The Pope offered to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican, underlining the Holy See’s readiness to mediate. This was Zelenskyy’s second audience with Pope Leo in two months – reflecting active Vatican involvement in seeking an end to the war. (The Pope’s peace push is welcomed by Europeans – Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened a Ukraine peace conference in Rome with Zelenskyy, EU Commission President von der Leyen, German Chancellor Merz, Poland’s Donald Tusk, and others attending. They coordinated support for Ukraine and discussed post-war reconstruction. However, Kyiv remains cautious: Zelenskyy has consistently said no ceasefire can freeze the conflict in place, and any negotiation must lead to Russia’s full withdrawal. The Vatican’s offer is significant symbolically, but Western diplomats privately note that Russia has shown little interest in genuine talks so far. Still, engaging Pope Leo – known for his peacemaking focus – is part of Zelenskyy’s strategy to keep moral pressure on Moscow and maintain global empathy for Ukraine’s cause.)
  aljazeera.com
  (Al Jazeera is a global news network financed by the Qatari State).
  
  
• Lavrov Courts North Korea as Moscow Looks East: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced a visit to North Korea for this coming weekend. This follows a series of high-level trips: Moscow has been deepening military ties with Pyongyang, likely seeking ammunition and other support for its war in Ukraine (North Korea has already sent artillery shells and even some “volunteers” to assist Russia’s efforts, according to Ukrainian intelligence). Lavrov’s trip – confirmed by Russia’s MFA – will mark one of the most senior Russian visits to the DPRK in years. (North Korea, isolated under heavy sanctions, is eager to strengthen its hand: it gets an opportunity to coordinate with a major power and possibly receive advanced weapons or economic aid. The U.S. and allies are alarmed – Washington recently warned that any arms transfers from North Korea would violate UN resolutions and vowed to intercept illicit shipments. South Korea’s foreign ministry called the burgeoning Russia-North Korea cooperation “deeply concerning,” especially amid reports that North Korea might gain Russian technical help with satellites and submarines. This diplomatic outreach by Lavrov underscores how Russia is pivoting to non-Western partners as NATO pressure grows. It’s a marriage of convenience: Russia seeks munitions and geopolitical messaging, while Kim Jong Un’s regime seeks legitimacy and possibly technology – all at the expense of global non-proliferation norms.)
  cnn.com
  
  

Geostrategic Flashpoints

• Ukraine: Largest Russian Aerial Onslaught of the War; Fierce Fighting Rages – Russia launched an unprecedented barrage of roughly 700+ drones and a salvo of missiles across Ukraine on the night of July 8–9. Ukrainian President Zelensky said around 18 missiles and 400 drones targeted Kyiv and other regions in waves, forcing thousands into bomb shelters. It was the biggest single-night attack since the war began, straining Ukrainian air defenses. Meanwhile, intense ground combat continued: Russia’s defense ministry claimed its forces advanced in at least six areas of eastern Ukraine, even capturing a village in Donetsk. (These Russian claims are unverified and likely overstated – Ukrainian officials acknowledge heavy battles but say gains are minimal and at great cost to Russia. Independent analysts note Moscow is trying to blunt Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive by forcing Kyiv to defend on multiple fronts. Notably, Trump’s frustration with the war’s grind has grown: U.S. officials signaled to Lavrov that the Kremlin needs to show “flexibility” or face harsher measures. For now, the conflict remains at a bloody stalemate in many sectors, though Ukraine reports some progress in the south. With neither side achieving a decisive breakthrough, the risk of escalation remains high – underscored by Russia’s massive attack aimed at terrorizing civilians and exhausting Ukraine’s interceptors.)
  apnews.com
  
  
• Ceasefire Holds in Middle East After Israel–Iran War Scare: A fragile calm persisted in the Israel-Iran conflict that flared last month. Following the June 24 ceasefire that halted direct hostilities (after Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and proxy forces, and Iran’s retaliatory missile volleys), negotiations towards a more permanent settlement are underway. Mediators from Oman, Qatar, and other neutral parties are shuttling between Jerusalem and Tehran to solidify the truce. So far, both sides have largely observed the ceasefire, though rhetoric remains hostile. The U.S. and EU quietly support these talks, hoping to avert any relapse into war. (The recent U.S. advisory about Iranian cyber threats hints at ongoing covert tensions – even as overt fighting paused, Iran may be looking at asymmetric means to retaliate. Israel, for its part, is regrouping and tending to civil defense; it has warned it would strike again if provoked. Regional observers say this ceasefire is extremely tenuous – any incident in Gaza, Syria, or at sea could unravel it. Encouragingly, however, Iran’s Supreme Leader and Israel’s war cabinet have both given negotiators some latitude to explore prisoner swaps and de-escalation steps, showing war-weariness on each side. The world narrowly escaped a wider war last month, and all players know a reignition would be disastrous. For now, cautious diplomacy has the upper hand.)
  chathamhouse.org
  reuters.com
  
  
• Red Sea Alert: Houthi Rebels Resume Attacks on Shipping – After several months of relative calm, Yemen’s Houthi militia sank two cargo ships in the Red Sea this week, renewing a threat to a critical global trade artery. The Iran-aligned Houthis (who control northwest Yemen) declared no vessel connected to Israel will be allowed through – purportedly acting in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The attacks (one video showed a Greek-operated tanker hit and sinking) have caused commercial ship traffic to plunge, and insurance rates for the Red Sea doubled in just days. In response, ships still transiting the area have resorted to unusual measures: broadcasting messages like “All Crew Muslim, No Israelis” on their AIS tracking profiles in hopes of deterring Houthi targeting. (These developments mark a dangerous expansion of a local conflict into international waters. The Houthis had previously attacked Gulf oil infrastructure and ships during the 2023 Gaza war flare-up, but paused after a truce. Now, with no ceasefire involving them, the Red Sea is a flashpoint again. Observers note the Houthis likely got a green light from Tehran, as this pressures Israel’s allies economically. The U.S. Navy is reportedly bolstering its presence near Bab al-Mandab to escort ships, and regional powers like Egypt and Saudi Arabia are on high alert. If such attacks continue, global oil and commodities supply could be disrupted. Diplomatically, Oman is trying to persuade the Houthis to stop, warning that an environmental or humanitarian disaster (like a major oil spill) could result. The situation is a reminder of how conflicts interconnect: the Gaza war’s reverberations are being felt in the Red Sea, tying into the Iran-Israel rivalry.)
  reuters.com
  
  

Terrorism and Conflict

• Historic Disarmament: Kurdish PKK Ends Decades-Long Insurgency – In a groundbreaking development, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) – Turkey’s rebel Kurdish group – officially began disarming. At a ceremony in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, 30 PKK fighters (half of them women) burned their AK-47 rifles and other weapons in a symbolic gesture marking the end of their 40-year armed struggle. This move follows the PKK’s May announcement that it would disband and disarm after its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan urged an end to the insurgency. Turkish, Iraqi, and pro-Kurdish officials attended the event, and Turkey’s government hailed it as an “irreversible turning point” toward peace. Ankara is now discussing steps like amnesty and reintegration for ex-PKK militants and potential Kurdish cultural rights reforms as part of the peace push. (This is a major positive breakthrough in a conflict that killed over 40,000 people since 1984. Turkish media – usually nationalist – cautiously welcomed the disarmament but stressed the need for the PKK to fully follow through and for no splinter factions to continue violence. Kurdish activists emphasize that lasting peace will require Ankara to grant greater political and language rights to Kurdish communities. International observers credit quiet diplomacy by Iraqi Kurdistan and perhaps U.S. nudging for helping facilitate Öcalan’s decision. If the ceasefire holds, it could also stabilize parts of Syria (where PKK-linked groups operate) and improve Turkey’s internal security dramatically.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• Al-Shabaab Strikes in Somalia’s Capital: In the Horn of Africa, the al-Qaeda-aligned Al-Shabaab insurgency reminded everyone it remains lethal. On July 9, a suicide bomber detonated at the Jale Siyad military academy in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, in an attack followed by an intense gunfight. Al-Shabaab immediately claimed responsibility, saying one of its martyrs infiltrated the base targeting “Western experts” training Somali soldiers. At least 25 soldiers were killed in a similar bombing at this same site last year; casualty figures for this week’s blast are not yet confirmed, but witnesses saw a “huge cloud of smoke” and heard prolonged gunfire. The attack comes as Somalia’s army, with African Union support, has been waging an offensive against Al-Shabaab in rural strongholds. (This underscores that despite government gains in some provinces, Al-Shabaab can still strike the heart of Mogadishu targets – especially using infiltrators or sleeper cells. Somali officials frame such attacks as desperation moves by a weakened enemy, and indeed the African Union Transition Mission is gradually handing security to Somali forces. However, independent security experts say Al-Shabaab actually expanded in parts of the countryside this year, even as it lost others, and that its urban terror network remains intact. The group’s capability to hit a heavily guarded military facility in the capital deals a psychological blow to the government’s narrative of progress. Al-Shabaab’s strategy is often to discourage international partners by showcasing instability; notably, this bombing coincided with a donors’ meeting on Somalia’s security. The resilience of this insurgency means Somalia’s conflict is far from over, and international counterterrorism support (U.S. drone strikes, etc.) will likely continue to be crucial even as the AU force draws down.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• Iranian “Spy” Arrested in Europe – Possible Terror Plot Foiled: European authorities this week arrested a Danish man suspected of spying for Iran and scouting Jewish targets in Germany. German prosecutors allege the individual (identified only as Ali S.) conducted surveillance of at least three sites in Berlin – including the German-Israeli Society headquarters and a building linked to the Jewish community – “in preparation for further intelligence activities…possibly including terrorist attacks.” He was arrested in Aarhus, Denmark and will be extradited to Germany. Iran’s embassy in Berlin denied the accusations as “unfounded,” suggesting unnamed third parties may be trying to frame Iran. However, Germany responded firmly: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul summoned Iran’s ambassador and stated that if confirmed, this plot shows “Iran is a threat to Jews all over the world.” He noted German security services had been on high alert for Iranian retaliation during the recent Israel-Iran conflict. (This incident reveals the international reach of Iran’s security apparatus. German media report the suspect likely worked for the IRGC’s Quds Force, which has a history of surveilling diaspora targets. The timing – just after the intense 12-day Israel-Iran war in June – suggests Iranian hardliners might have been plotting vengeance against Israeli or Jewish interests abroad, which German intelligence fortunately uncovered. It puts Iran in a negative spotlight in Europe at a sensitive time: EU states have been debating designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Tehran’s prompt denial and claims of a smear campaign reflect its awareness of the diplomatic stakes. Nonetheless, European law enforcement appears increasingly willing to call out and crack down on Iran’s clandestine activities on their soil, as seen with this case and others like the foiled 2022 bombing plot targeting an Iranian opposition rally. In sum, tensions with Iran are not only playing out in the Middle East but also through espionage and potential terror in the West, blurring the line between state actors and terrorism.)
  aljazeera.com
  (Al Jazeera is a global news network financed by the Qatari state).

WMD & Cyberwarfare

• U.S. Agencies Warn of Iranian Cyber Threat – A joint advisory by the FBI, NSA, and other agencies cautions that Iranian-affiliated hackers may target U.S. companies and critical infrastructure, particularly defense-related firms tied to Israeli technology. While officials note no evidence of an active campaign yet, they urge vigilance due to Iran’s known cyber tactics, reflecting Washington’s cautious stance even amid a recent ceasefire.
  reuters.com
  
  
• UK–France Coordinate Nuclear Deterrence – Britain and France agreed to coordinate their independent nuclear arsenals for the first time, signing a “Northwood Declaration” during President Macron’s state visit to the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the pact as “historic” amid European doubts about U.S. commitments, signaling that any extreme threat to Europe would face a joint French-British nuclear response. (Reuters highlights Europe’s anxiety over U.S. security guarantees post-Trump.)
  reuters.com
  
  
• Pentagon Ramps Up AI-Driven Drone Arsenal – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a directive to fast-track deployment of low-cost military drones, calling uncrewed systems “the biggest battlefield innovation in a generation”. The memo, titled “Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance,” criticizes prior “red tape” and mandates arming units with swarms of American-made, AI-enabled drones to outpace adversaries’ mass-produced unmanned fleets. (DefenseScoop – defense tech outlet report reflects the Pentagon’s view that urgent innovation is needed, while implicitly rebuking the previous administration’s slower procurement approach.)
  defensescoop.com
  
  
• Ukraine Seeks Probe of Russian Chemical Attacks – The Ukrainian government appealed to the OPCW to investigate Russia’s alleged use of banned toxic agents, amid new evidence that Moscow has used chemical munitions on the battlefield. The OPCW said it will step up monitoring along the front line as reports of “widespread” chemical attacks grow, though Russia vehemently denies deploying such weapons in Ukraine (Moscow rejects the allegations as unfounded).
  reuters.com
  
  
• UK Retailer Urges Mandatory Cyber Reporting – In the wake of a major ransomware attack on Marks & Spencer (M&S), the British retailer’s chairman told lawmakers that two other large UK companies suffered serious hacks in recent months that went unreported. He argued that many firms hide breaches – creating a “big deficit” in national cyber awareness – and called for laws requiring companies to disclose material cyberattacks, a proposal that has sparked debate over regulatory burdens and reputational risks (companies have yet to publicly respond to the disclosure push).
  reuters.com