Geopolitics

The Gaza ceasefire is an important first step towards lasting peace

The deal should halt Israel’s offensive and send the hostages home, but there are still obstacles to a lasting peace

Trump’s peace proposal piles pressure on Hamas

Even if the group accepts its terms, the deal could easily unravel

The UK, Canada and Australia recognise Palestine as an independent state

Despite the symbolic gesture, prospects for a two-state solution remain dim

Israel’s strike on Qatar dispels any belief that it is focused on peace

Netanyahu wanted to kill Hamas leadership. Cratering the ceasefire process may be enough for him

Venezuela has become Donald Trump’s convenient enemy

But it’s unclear how far the president is willing to go

Junta calls for elections in a country it barely controls

There is little expectation that December’s vote will be free or fair

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'