Geopolitics

Zelensky’s White House return was a victory of optics

Intractable differences between Russia and Ukraine mean peace is elusive

The special relationship persists – for better or worse

JD Vance’s trip to the UK makes this a summer of transatlantic soft power

Thailand and Cambodia’s ceasefire is holding – for now

After days of clashes, a suspension in fighting has brought calm to the countries’ mutual border

Why Israel bombed Syria

Netanyahu has appointed himself protector of a religious minority. But more is at play

The Brics bloc is struggling for relevance

No-shows by Xi and Putin underscore the difficulties of a bloc that once sought to reshape world politics

Battle for the soul of Taiwan

The island’s democracy poses a powerful challenge to China. But its increasingly polarised politics spell danger

Santa's hard lesson in soft power

As Harvard professor Joseph Nye put it: 'Seduction is always more effective than coercion'