Diplomacy

A Game of Land and Power: The Stakes of the Ukraine-Russia Conflict As the world watches intently, the stage is set for a consequential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin this Friday in Alaska—a meeting that may very well alter the course of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It’s a grim situation draped in complex geopolitical fabric, yet at its heart lies human lives, dreams, and hopes for peace that seem far out of reach. The Weight of History Since February 2022, when Mr.…

The Dance of Diplomacy: A Journey Through U.S.-Russia Summits In a world that often seems divided, the meetings between the giants of the United States and Russia resonate deeply within the fabric of global politics. The impending summit between President Joe Biden and President Vladimir Putin in Alaska is poised to unfold against the dramatic backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine. But what makes these encounters between these two nuclear powerhouses so significant? Let’s take a deeper look into the historical tapestry of…

The Tensions of War: A Glimpse into Ukraine's Battle for Peace As the sun dips below the horizon and the stars begin to twinkle in the endless Ukrainian sky, a different kind of darkness engulfs the landscape. The sounds of war—a grim reality for so many—shatter what should be a serene moment of quiet. Just recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a pivotal conversation with US President Donald Trump, centering not just on sanctions against Russia but also on the finalization of a critical drone deal…

Unity In Adversity: The Reunion of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto In a moment that seemed to encapsulate the complexities of Kenyan politics, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and current President William Ruto met at State House, Nairobi, for the first time publicly since their somewhat awkward parting of ways last December. This meeting, held on August 1, 2025, marked a pivotal moment amidst a backdrop of shifting allegiances and the pressing need for unity in Eastern Africa. A Call to Reconciliation The air was thick…

Recently, the visit of former South African President Jacob Zuma to Rabat ignited renewed debate over the fraught issue of Western Sahara. Zuma's endorsement of Morocco's claim to this territory as an autonomous region has certainly raised eyebrows and rekindled discussions about the complexities woven into the region’s history. This shift in Zuma’s perspective marks a significant departure from his earlier stance as president, when he fervently supported the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Peter Fabricius, a…

Somalia's Foreign Policy: Navigating New Diplomatic Terrain In the intricate world of international relations, it’s rare for states to engage in discussions centered on a singular issue. The reality of diplomacy lies in its complexity, as countries navigate multiple layers of political, economic, security, and cultural negotiations simultaneously. This multifaceted landscape makes the management of international crises a challenging task. In this realm, decision-making is seldom straightforward; states are often caught in…

Turkey and Somalia: Forging a Strong Alliance On Monday, a pivotal meeting unfolded, building on a series of significant agreements established over the past year. Among these was a landmark accord reached in February 2024, when the Somali cabinet approved a comprehensive 10-year defense and economic cooperation pact with Turkey. This initiative promises a host of collaborations, including naval training, joint patrols, and a revenue-sharing model for offshore…

Listening to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s narrative of the Ukraine war, one might think that Russia mistakenly found itself embroiled in a conflict, almost as if it was compelled to invade its neighbor. During a recent press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin remarked that he had previously expressed to former U.S. President Joe Biden the importance of steering clear of conflicts, stating, “Conflicts, especially hot conflicts, must be avoided, and that all issues should be resolved…

The European Commission is calling on the United States to approach trade talks with respect rather than intimidation, following President Donald Trump’s proposal for a 50% tariff on EU goods. EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič emphasized that the European Union is committed to negotiating a deal beneficial for both parties. He engaged in discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to seek common ground. President Trump’s suggestion of imposing higher tariffs on…

The European Union is gearing up to implement its 17th sanctions package against Russia in response to its unwarranted invasion of Ukraine. However, the foundation of economic pressure that the West has exerted on Moscow appears to have been destabilized by the actions and declarations of former U.S. President Donald Trump, posing questions about the future of the transatlantic security alliance. Prior to any tangible concessions from the Kremlin, the Trump administration has expressed a willingness to ease sanctions on…