The Americas stretch from the Arctic Circle in Canada to the southern tip of Chile. This geographically, culturally and politically diverse region is home to the United States, a nation whose geography helped it become the foremost economic and military power in the world &mdash; an ascendance aided in part by bringing Mexico and Canada into its sphere of influence. Farther south, the nations of South America are like islands, separated by vast spaces of impenetrable mountains, rivers and jungles. Try though these countries may to integrate more closely, deeper ties such as those that characterize North America will prove elusive.

This geographically, culturally and politically diverse region is home to the United States, a nation whose geography helped it become the foremost economic and military power in the world

Americas

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

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Jamaica

Venezuela's Unraveling

Colombian Peace Process

Security Challenges in Latin America

Tracking U.S. Naval Power

The U.S. and the Balance of Power

The Importance of Mexico

North America Unrivaled

Commodities: A Cautionary Tale

Crossing Borders

Assessments

The clock tower outside of Canada's parliament building is seen in Ottawa, Ontario.

Economics

Global Trade

Military & Security

Politics

Canada's push to revive its economy and diversify its trade and security ties beyond the U.S. will likely see slow progress and could prompt U.S. retaliation, while the associated deficit spending will risk long-term fiscal strain.

The High Stakes of Canada's Attempt To Pivot Away From the U.S.

Israel

Saudi Arabia

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Thailand

India

Pakistan

People watch the USS Gravely, a Navy warship, departing the Port of Spain on Oct. 30, 2025. The U.S. warship arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Oct. 26, 2025, for joint exercises near the coast of Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on drug traffickers and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

A look at what the coming week will bring -- and a list of recommended RANE articles from the week that was.

The Weekly Rundown: U.S.-Saudi Meeting, Military Escalation in the Caribbean

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (C) after chairing a National Security Council on Nov. 11 in Bangkok. An armed clash on the Thai-Cambodian border raises the risk of escalations that unwind the two countries' recent peace accord, though a return to full-scale war is less likely due to U.S. economic and security leverage.

While the most likely scenario is recurring but contained flare-ups through early 2026, a more escalatory scenario remains plausible.

More Clashes, but Not Full-blown Conflict, Likely on the Cambodian-Thai Frontier

This map shows the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups and Amphibious Ready Groups.

U.S. Naval Update Map: Nov. 13, 2025

Media

Podcasts

Why are Venezuela's relationships with Russia, Iran and China so important to the United States?

Essential Geopolitics: The Primary Drivers and Constraints of U.S.-Venezuela Tensions

Chile's presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei (C) poses with her team after registering her candidacy at the Electoral Service of Chile in Santiago on Aug. 16, 2025.

Far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast is most likely to win, portending a shift toward pro-business policies and stricter security measures. But a leftist, center-right or ultra-right president could also be elected, each with different visions for Chile's future.

Chile's Presidential Election: Potential Outcomes and Their Implications

Global Elections

China

Uzbekistan

Tajikistan

Turkmenistan

Kazakhstan

Russia

Kyrgyzstan

U.S. President Donald Trump (C), joined by lawmakers and members of his administration, delivers remarks during a dinner with leaders of Central Asian countries in the East Room of the White House on Nov. 6, 2025.

Energy

The recent C5+1 summit highlighted the U.S.'s desire to boost cooperation with Central Asian countries on trade and critical minerals, but the region's geography, governance and reliance on China and Russia will ultimately limit the impact of such efforts. 

The Promise and Limits of Increased U.S. Engagement in Central Asia

Iraq

Syria

Campaign posters Nov. 6 ahead of Nov. 11 Iraqi parliamentary elections in central Baghdad.

Environment, Science & Technology

The Weekly Rundown: Iraqi Elections, a U.S.-China Deal Enters Effect

U.S.-China Relations

South Sudan

Burundi

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ethiopia

Kenya

Malawi

Mozambique

Rwanda

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Zambia

Japan

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The Geopolitics of Trade

Over the next decade, Kenya and Tanzania will compete for the title of East Africa's leading trade gateway, particularly as global demand for Central Africa's critical minerals grows. 

The Geopolitics of Trade: The Race to Unlock East Africa, Part 1 

U.S. Naval Update Map: Nov. 6, 2025

Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine's military says it used U.S.-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles to strike targets inside Russia, marking the first such use since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, Reuters reported Nov. 19.

Ukraine: U.S.-Made ATACMS Missiles Fired Into Russia for First Time Under Trump Administration

U.S. and Russian officials have drafted a 28‑point peace framework that would require Ukraine to cede more Donbas territory and accept force cuts, long‑range weapons limits and a rollback of U.S. military aid in exchange for U.S.-backed security guarantees, Axios reported Nov. 18.

U.S., Russia: Draft Peace Plan Pressures Kyiv To Cede Territory and Arms for Security Guarantees

U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the CIA to carry out operations inside Venezuela while reopening communications with Caracas, The New York Times reported on Nov. 18.

U.S., Venezuela: Authorization for Further Covert Acts Indicate Increased Likelihood of Military Attacks

During Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Saudi Arabia would be designated as a "major non-NATO ally," elevating defense relations, Politico reported Nov. 18.

U.S., Saudi Arabia: Trump Names Kingdom 'Major Non-NATO Ally,' Signs Nuclear Cooperation Deal

Brazil's Congress approved a bill that limits corporate tax credits and implements stricter rules for social benefits, aiming to save $15 billion reais ($2.8 billion) by 2026, Folha de S.Paulo reported on Nov. 18.

Brazil: Congress Approves Spending Cuts and Tax Credit Caps, but Fiscal Concerns Persist

Netherlands

Dutch Economics Affairs Minister Vincent Karremans announced on X on Nov. 19 that he was suspending his Sept. 30 order to take temporary control of Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia following consultations with Chinese officials.

Netherlands, China: Netherlands Suspends Takeover of Chinese-Owned Chipmaker Nexperia 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexican airlines had agreed to transfer some flight slots at Mexico City International Airport to U.S. carriers, El Pais reported on Nov. 17.

Mexico, U.S.: Concession on Air Traffic Dispute Underscores Mexico's Willingness To Appease Washington

Cyber

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., pledged to invest $1 trillion in the United States and reportedly finalized a defense deal, while the United States plans to approve the sales of advanced artificial intelligence chips, The Guardian reported on Nov. 18.

U.S., Saudi Arabia: Saudi Crown Prince Meets With President Trump

Americas

SITUATION REPORTS

Ukraine: U.S.-Made ATACMS Missiles Fired Into Russia for First Time Under Trump Administration

U.S., Russia: Draft Peace Plan Pressures Kyiv To Cede Territory and Arms for Security Guarantees

U.S., Venezuela: Authorization for Further Covert Acts Indicate Increased Likelihood of Military Attacks

U.S., Saudi Arabia: Trump Names Kingdom 'Major Non-NATO Ally,' Signs Nuclear Cooperation Deal

Brazil: Congress Approves Spending Cuts and Tax Credit Caps, but Fiscal Concerns Persist

Netherlands, China: Netherlands Suspends Takeover of Chinese-Owned Chipmaker Nexperia

Mexico, U.S.: Concession on Air Traffic Dispute Underscores Mexico's Willingness To Appease Washington

U.S., Saudi Arabia: Saudi Crown Prince Meets With President Trump

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