US National Security Strategy, Ukraine funding crisis, China’s military expansion, India-Russia relations...

Politico Europe and Financial Times dissect the Trump administration's newly released National Security Strategy, which pivots US priorities towards the Western Hemisphere, sharply critiques European migration and governance, and signals a less confrontational approach to Russia. The document notably claims Europe faces “civilizational erasure” due to migration and EU policies, aligning US rhetoric with far-right European parties. While the strategy stresses the need for a strong US military presence in the Americas and calls for curbing adversarial influences (notably China), it remains cautious in its language on Beijing and largely pulls its punches on Russia. Analysts note this marks a significant shift from past US strategies, with experts warning of potential rifts within NATO as Washington positions itself more as an independent actor in negotiations over Ukraine, according to the Washington Post. Politico Europe Politico Europe Washington Post (World)

The Guardian reports on high-stakes emergency talks among Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever to salvage a critical Ukraine funding deal. The deadlock centers on Belgian resistance to using frozen Russian assets for Kyiv’s support, raising fears for both Ukraine’s solvency and the EU’s unity. The urgency is heightened as Al Jazeera details Russian President Vladimir Putin’s increasingly belligerent rhetoric, threatening the Ukrainian cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv and warning of broader conflict escalation if peace talks fail. Al Jazeera (english) The Guardian

The Wall Street Journal presents new satellite evidence indicating that China is rapidly expanding its air power and military infrastructure at dizzying altitudes near disputed borders. This development further intensifies security concerns for neighboring countries, notably India and those in Southeast Asia, as Beijing’s ambitions become more visible on the ground and from space. World Street Journal (International)

Al Jazeera and the Washington Post highlight the summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on expanded trade and technology collaboration. Russia aims to leverage India’s IT sector to challenge Western and Chinese tech dominance, while Modi signals continuity in Indian foreign policy despite US apprehensions. The meeting underscores India’s balancing act as it cultivates ties with Russia amid a complex global environment shaped by US-China competition and the Ukraine conflict. Al Jazeera (english) Washington Post (World) Al Jazeera (english)

Al Jazeera reports on Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative to form a regional bloc with Bangladesh and China, explicitly seeking to sideline India from regional cooperation frameworks. Pakistani officials claim this three-way partnership could be expanded with other regional players, further complicating South Asia’s already intricate geopolitical landscape. Al Jazeera (english)

According to Al Jazeera, Chinese President Xi Jinping broke with protocol by accompanying French President Emmanuel Macron to Chengdu, underscoring efforts to deepen Sino-French cooperation. Macron hailed the gesture as a diplomatic breakthrough, with both leaders pledging closer collaboration on economic and global issues as Europe recalibrates its approach to China. Al Jazeera (english)

Washington Post and The Guardian cover Australia’s imminent ban on social media access for those under 16, a move being closely watched by other governments. Experts question the policy’s enforceability as teens rapidly migrate to lesser-known platforms not yet covered by the ban, with some companies even courting underage users. The initiative highlights broader international debates over youth safety, privacy, and digital regulation. Washington Post (World) The Guardian

The Guardian reveals that the US is weighing substantially wider sanctions on both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after peace talks collapsed. The move follows a failed diplomatic mission by Trump’s envoy and growing international frustration with ongoing violence, as Norway prepares to host new talks on restoring civilian governance in Sudan. The Guardian

The World Street Journal reports that the Eurozone economy outperformed expectations in the latest quarter, driven by a rebound in investment. This uptick offers a glimmer of optimism for the region, which continues to grapple with broader political and fiscal challenges outlined in recent US security assessments. World Street Journal (International)

According to the Wall Street Journal, global food prices declined for the third consecutive month in November, with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization attributing the fall to lower prices across nearly all staple categories except cereals. The trend could provide some relief to consumers amid persistent inflationary pressures worldwide. Wall Street Journal (Markets)