Turbulent Global Politics Under Trump's Leadership

The US Department of Justice has charged former FBI Director James Comey with perjury over testimony he gave to Congress five years ago. The indictment relates to Comey's appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020, where he was questioned about his handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation and the Russia election interference probe. Comey maintains his innocence and will contest the charges in court. The indictment has sparked controversy, with critics accusing President Trump of weaponizing the justice department for his own purposes. Trump has urged prosecutors to charge other political figures, including Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Comey's arraignment is scheduled for October 9.

The article discusses China's growing industrial might and its rise as a manufacturing superpower, with the country accounting for over 30% of global manufacturing. The author argues that Donald Trump's efforts to stop China's rise are failing, and that China's industrial prowess is inspiring fear in foreign competitors and governments. The article highlights China's growing dominance in manufacturing and its implications for the global economy.

The article 'Britain is slowly going bust' from The Economist discusses the current economic woes of Britain under Labour's governance. Despite having a significant majority and ample time to implement policies, the government is drifting towards a fiscal crisis. The economy is facing issues such as sticky inflation, high debts and deficits, and low productivity growth. The article highlights that the infrastructure and housing projects meant to drive growth have been disappointing. The public and financial experts alike are critical of the government's economic management, with many expressing concerns over Britain's financial health and its comparison to other major economies.

The article discusses the limitations of Cold War-era deterrence strategies in the face of modern threats from China and Russia. It highlights a recent incident where Russia flew nearly two dozen drones into Polish airspace, which was successfully intercepted by NATO forces. However, the article argues that the fact that Russia dared to test NATO's defenses in the first place is a cause for concern. The author suggests that the West is struggling to deter China and Russia using traditional methods, and that new approaches are needed to address the changing geopolitical landscape.

The article discusses how Donald Trump is escalating his campaign of retribution, particularly through the indictment of former FBI director James Comey, which Trump sees as a form of payback for the Russiagate investigation. Trump views the investigation as a deep-state conspiracy against him and is now using prosecution as a tool for holding power. The article suggests that Trump's approach is changing the nature of political power, where winning is not just about public policy but also about prosecution.

The article discusses how Donald Trump is escalating his tactics to maintain power, making winning about avoiding prosecution rather than just public policy. It highlights the reaction of Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who recently condemned government pressure on a broadcast network to silence comedian Jimmy Kimmel, citing the dangers of such actions for conservative voices. The article suggests that Trump's actions are making hypocrites of many Republicans, who are now more focused on avoiding accountability than standing by their principles. The piece also touches on various other news items in the United States, including Trump's retribution campaigns and shifts in drug policy.

The article argues that Donald Trump's attempts to silence his critics through various means, such as lawsuits and acquisitions, will ultimately fail. It highlights three instances where Trump's efforts have been or are likely to be unsuccessful: trying to get Jimmy Kimmel off late-night TV, suing the New York Times for $15 billion, and attempting to have wealthy allies buy control of TikTok's American arm. The article concludes that despite these efforts, free speech in America remains resilient.

The article discusses the unexpected decline in illegal migration to Europe, contradicting claims by politicians like Donald Trump that the flow of migrants is unstoppable. Despite rhetoric suggesting a surge in illegal crossings, data indicates a significant drop, attributed in part to Europe's efforts to secure its borders. The article challenges the narrative that Europe is overwhelmed by migrants, suggesting instead that measures to control migration have been effective.

The article discusses the challenges facing Ukraine, particularly in the context of its ongoing conflict with Russia and the role of its allies, including the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump. The author expresses concern over Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression without sufficient support from its allies. The recent meeting between Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump is highlighted, with the author interpreting Trump's statements as potentially indicative of a shift towards abandoning Ukraine. The article emphasizes the need for Europe to step up its support for Ukraine in the face of potential decreased support from the U.S. under Trump's leadership.

The article 'How Israel is losing America' from The Economist argues that public opinion in the United States, Israel's strongest ally, is turning against Israel. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's assertions of a strong alliance, the relationship is weakening. The article suggests that Israelis should be concerned about this shift in public opinion.

The article discusses the potential dangers of Donald Trump making a deal with North Korea, warning that he may be tempted to compromise America's interests and betray its allies in the region. The author recalls Barack Obama's warning to Trump about the dangers of North Korea and notes that Trump's initial threats and subsequent summits with Kim Jong Un yielded no progress. The article highlights the risks of Trump's approach and suggests that a bad deal with North Korea could have serious consequences.

The article discusses the issue of wasted human potential and the need to identify and nurture talented individuals to drive innovation and economic success. It highlights how governments are investing in various schemes to boost their economies, but brainpower is being neglected. The article emphasizes the importance of innovation and the role of the most talented individuals in driving it. It also touches upon the current state of economic policies and the need for a more effective approach to utilizing human potential.

The United Nations is facing a grim future as it approaches its 80th birthday, with three potential traumatic scenarios: going rogue, decay, and turning Trumpian, largely due to the return of President Donald Trump to the White House. The UN has experienced many crises since its founding in 1945, but veterans say none feel as calamitous as this one. The article discusses the potential consequences of Trump's presidency on the UN and the global order.

The article is a bonus edition of The Economist's defence newsletter, 'The War Room', where Richard Cockett examines the icon of tanks on the battlefield. The newsletter discusses various topics related to defence and international relations, including Europe's drop in illegal migration, China's rise as a manufacturing superpower, and the West's struggle to deter China and Russia. The article provides an in-depth analysis of the best tanks of all time and touches upon other defence-related issues, such as Trump's neo-imperial worldview and the UN's future.

The article discusses why Donald Trump wants to reinstate a Taliban air base, with defence editor Shashank Joshi attributing this to Trump's neo-imperial worldview. The article is part of The War Room newsletter, a defence-focused newsletter by The Economist.

The article discusses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly, with CNN breaking down the key points. The speech was met with controversy, with dozens walking out as he began to speak. The article also covers various other news stories, including a Hamas official's interview with CNN, Kamala Harris's response to pro-Palestinian protesters, and Donald Trump's comments on Israel and Hamas. Other news stories covered include a famine in Gaza, a typhoon in Hong Kong, and various other global events.

The article discusses the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey by a federal grand jury, which is seen as an escalation in President Donald Trump's effort to prosecute his political enemies. Comey had given a wide-ranging interview to CNN about his relationship with Trump, his firing, and the FBI's legacy. Trump commented on Comey's indictment, stating that 'there will be others' prosecuted, claiming it was about justice, not revenge.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the United Nations General Assembly, accusing the US and Israel of 'savage aggression.' Outside, thousands of Iranian Americans and dissidents protested, denouncing the UN for giving Tehran's rulers a platform. Protesters supported the Iranian Resistance and called for the US to pressure the Iranian regime. The UN's willingness to elevate Iran despite its human rights record was criticized.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausēda praised President Donald Trump's speech at the United Nations General Assembly, calling it "strong" and approving of his tougher stance on Russia. Nausēda emphasized the importance of border control and applauded Trump's efforts to encourage European nations to impose sanctions on Russia. He also expressed his belief in deterrence and enthusiasm for Trump's appeal to spend more on defense. Nausēda criticized some European Union members for continuing to do business with Russia and stated that Putin isn't ready for peace in Ukraine due to "old imperialist ambitions."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a walkout at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as he addressed the body on Friday. The mass exit came after delegates spent days discussing the situation in Gaza and proposals to end the nearly two-year war. The response to Netanyahu was in stark contrast to the long round of applause that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas received when he addressed the UNGA virtually on Thursday. Netanyahu revealed that his speech was being broadcast to Gazans via speakers and cell phones, and he demanded the release of 48 remaining hostages held in Gaza.

President Donald Trump unveiled a 21-point Gaza peace plan at the United Nations General Assembly, aiming to end the Gaza war. The plan was met with broad agreement from Arab leaders, who expressed hope to work with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to consider the proposal. Meanwhile, Israel launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, killing over 50 militants. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas signaled support for the peace plan, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need to complete the war's objectives, including defeating Hamas.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he is willing to step down from office once the war with Russia ends. In an interview with Axios, Zelenskyy emphasized that his primary goal is to achieve peace rather than secure another term. He expressed his commitment to holding elections during a ceasefire if Russia agrees to it. Zelenskyy's remarks come as Ukraine is under martial law, which has been in place since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian leader's current term ended in May 2024, but due to the ongoing war, he has remained in office. Zelenskyy's willingness to step down and hold elections is contingent on Russia's agreement to a ceasefire.

A 27-year-old man, Shane Tamura, who played high school football, carried out a mass shooting at a Manhattan skyscraper housing the NFL headquarters, killing four people before taking his own life. The New York City medical examiner found that Tamura had 'unambiguous diagnostic evidence' of low-stage CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to playing American football. Tamura's note referenced CTE and asked for his brain to be studied. The NFL expressed condolences for the victims and their families. The article also explores the link between CTE and violent crime, citing cases of former NFL players and high school football players who committed violent acts and were found to have CTE.

The article discusses the challenges facing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he navigates the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu, known for his ability to escape difficult situations, is facing pressure from US President Donald Trump and Arab and Muslim leaders to end the war. Trump's administration has proposed a 21-point peace plan for Gaza, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza. However, this plan is at odds with Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies, and he is currently unwilling to end the war. The article suggests that Netanyahu's survival instincts are driving his decision-making, as he seeks to avoid the collapse of his coalition and potential repercussions for his role in the conflict. The situation is complicated by the threat to the Abraham Accords, a major foreign policy achievement for Trump, which normalized relations between Israel and several Gulf states.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to move 2026 World Cup games from cities he deems "not safe", citing concerns over safety in Democrat-run cities like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco. Trump stated that he would move games out of cities he considers dangerous, but it is unclear if he has the authority to do so as FIFA is in charge of organizing the tournament. The US is co-hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico. Trump's comments come amid his claims that cities run by Democratic officials have high crime rates and are unsafe, and follow his previous actions of deploying the National Guard to cities like Los Angeles and Washington DC.

President Trump expressed optimism about a potential peace deal in Gaza, stating 'it's looking like we have a deal.' However, multiple obstacles remain, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to back off his military campaign. The US is considering naming Tony Blair to oversee Gaza post-conflict. Trump's administration has laid out a plan for peace, including Hamas returning Israeli hostages and a new dialogue between Israel and Palestinians. Netanyahu has grown more defiant as Western countries recognized a Palestinian state. Experts say Trump's leverage over Netanyahu is significant, but his influence over Hamas is limited. Various proposals for postwar Gaza governance are being discussed, including a Gaza International Transitional Authority and a French-Saudi plan known as the New York declaration.

US President Donald Trump's announcement to impose 100% tariffs on imported brand-name medicines may spare the largest pharmaceutical companies while punishing smaller ones. The tariffs, expected to take effect on October 1, will not apply to drugs imported from the European Union, but will affect those from countries like China, India, and Singapore. Larger companies like Roche, Novartis, and AstraZeneca can avoid the 100% tariff by moving production to the US, while smaller companies that manufacture in countries like Canada or Mexico may be forced to raise prices or discontinue sales. The tariffs could lead to modest price increases for some brand-name drugs and potentially cause shortages and disruptions in the supply of certain niche products.

Moldova is on the brink of a parliamentary election that will determine its future alignment, with Russia and the European Union vying for influence. The election comes as Ukraine is embroiled in a conflict with Russia, and Moldova's proximity to the war zone makes its political direction crucial. The article discusses the competing interests of Russia and the EU in Moldova, highlighting the country's strategic importance and the potential implications of its political choices.