United States

Europe

United Kingdom

Ukraine

Economics

Energy

Environment, Science & Technology

Military & Security

Politics

Science & Technology

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for closer defense and security cooperation in Europe to maintain strong support for Ukraine in its war against Russia and address common challenges such as climate change, energy security and migration, The Guardian reported July 18.

EU, U.K.: Starmer Calls for Deeper European Cooperation on Defense and Ukraine

The United Kingdom's King Charles III outlined the new Labour government's priorities and legislative agenda for the year ahead during the traditional King's Speech to the House of Lords that marks the beginning of a new parliamentary session, The Guardian reported on July 7.

U.K.: King's Speech Set Outs New Labour Government's Policy Priorities

China

In an EU advisory ballot, 12 EU member states supported the bloc's provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, with four opposing and 11 abstaining, Reuters reported on July 16.

EU, U.K.: EU Member States Split Over Chinese EV Tariffs

The United Kingdom's Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak resigned, and King Charles appointed Labour leader Keir Starmer as prime minister and invited him to form the next British government, BBC reported on July 5.

U.K.: Labour Takes Over British Government After General Election Landslide Victory

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party Keir Starmer unveiled his party's government plan if it wins the July 4 general election, a 133-page document published on Labour's website on June 13 shows. 

U.K.: Labour Unveils Manifesto Ahead of July General Election

Turkey

The European Commission announced that it will impose provisional duties of up to 38.1% on imports of Chinese electric vehicles into the European Union, arguing "unfair subsidization" is damaging domestic manufacturers, a press release from the commission showed on June 12.

EU, China: Brussels Slaps Tariffs on Chinese EVs

Hong Kong SAR, China

U.S.-China Relations

Former U.K. judge Jonathan Sumption -- who resigned from his position on Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeals alongside fellow former U.K. judge ​​Lawrence Antony on June 6 -- elaborated his reasons for departure in the Financial Times on June 10, claiming there "are continual calls for judicial 'patriotism.' It requires unusual courage for local judges to swim against such a strong political tide." 

Hong Kong: U.K. Judge Asserts Hong Kong Judiciary is 'Profoundly Compromised'

Iran

Germany

France

France, Germany and the United Kingdom submitted a draft resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, that would censure Iran over its lack of cooperation with the international nuclear watchdog, Agence France-Presse reported on June 3.

Iran: IAEA Draft Resolution Objects to Iran's Nuclear Activities, Limited Cooperation

Snapshots

India

A swarm of drones make an Indian flag in the sky over New Delhi, India, on Jan. 29, 2022.

The U.K.'s new Labour government has pledged to ink a trade deal with India after its predecessor failed to do so, but disputes over immigration and climate policies could stall progress.

With Elections Behind Them, the U.K. and India Resume Trade Talks

Assessments

The United Kingdom's Parliament building in London.

Global Elections

A likely Labour government would shift the United Kingdom's economic and energy priorities, but foreign policy would remain largely consistent.

After 14 Years, What Would a U.K. Labour Government Look Like?

U.K. Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak holds a campaign event on June 24, 2024, in London.

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

The Weekly Rundown: SCO Leaders Meet, France and the U.K. Hold Elections

The Labour Party is expected to comfortably win the July 4 general election, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule. But a hung parliament where no party secures a majority cannot be ruled out.

2024 Elections: The United Kingdom

South Africa

Israel

Palestinian Territories

Japan

South Korea

Supporters of the African National Congress (ANC) party dance, sing and chant slogans during a campaign march on May 24, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Weekly Rundown: South Africa's General Election, Israel Resumes Hostage Talks With Hamas

Ballots are counted during local elections in Thornaby, England, on May 3, 2024. 

The outcome of the votes in England and Wales confirms the ruling Conservative Party will likely perform poorly in the general election, but also that the opposition Labour Party will face competition from smaller parties.

What To Make of the Local U.K. Election Results

Columns

On Geopolitics

Australia

Fiji

Indonesia

New Zealand

North Korea

Philippines

Singapore

Vietnam

A 3D rendering of Southeast Asia from space at night with city lights showing Southeast Asian cities in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

In the Asia-Pacific, countries are increasingly pursuing complex networks of political, economic and defense ties as part of a burgeoning "multi-alignment" strategy that seeks to avoid U.S.-China strategic competition.

Examining 'Multi-Alignment' in the Asia-Pacific

A rendering of Earth from space at night with abstract 5G connection zones. 

Cyber

In the United Kingdom and the United States, a focus on innovation will sideline robust artificial intelligence regulations.

The U.S. and U.K. Ramp Up Innovation-Focused AI Collaboration

Chinese car manufacturer BYD's stacked electric vehicles wait to be loaded onto a ship at the international container terminal of Taicang Port at Suzhou Port in China's eastern Jiangsu province on Sept. 11, 2023.

As Chinese electric vehicles threaten to flood Western markets, Washington and Brussels prepare restrictions to protect domestic manufacturers and secure sensitive data. 

Chinese Electric Vehicles Prepare to Hit the Great Wall of Western Tariffs

A stock photo shows a street scene in the financial district of London. 

In the coming years, the U.K. economy will continue to underperform relative to its pre-Brexit trajectory, but this is unlikely to compel any future governments to consider re-joining the EU.

The U.K.'s Post-Brexit Economic Struggles Look Set To Linger

Pakistan

Chinese officials at the Fifth Plenary Session of the National People's Congress on March 12, 2023 in Beijing. Beijing will host the annual Two Sessions meetings of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, an industry and societal consultative body, and the rubberstamp National People's Congress from March 4-11.

The Weekly Rundown: Pakistan Selects a New Premier, China's Two Sessions

Belgium

Portugal

Romania

Austria

A photo taken on Jan. 20, 2024, shows cars driving by campaign billboard posters in Sao Pedro do Estoril, Portugal, ahead of the country's March 10 parliamentary elections. 

Social Issues

Of the various European countries holding elections this year, Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Romania and the U.K.'s votes have the potential to yield the most drastic leadership and policy changes.

Previewing Europe's 2024 National Elections

<p>The United Kingdom is located in Northwestern Europe and includes the island of Great Britain, surrounding islands and part of Ireland. The country is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the Irish Sea and the English Channel. The rugged coastline &mdash; around 12,500 kilometers long &mdash; and surrounding waters, covering important oil and gas reserves, offer the nation protection; particularly from rivals in continental Europe. The United Kingdom&#39;s main geographic challenge is the integration of the British Isles. The rugged topography of the islands fostered the development of strong regional identities. Competing regions like Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland make it difficult to maintain control from the core region in the fertile lowlands around London. When British governments overcome domestic divisions, they can turn their attention outward. Control over the surrounding seas was vital for dominance of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, and from there, the development of the British Empire. Substantial coal and iron deposits along with an intricate river and canal system were among the factors that drove the country to lead the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. The dominance of the Royal Navy gave Britain control of the oceans and global trade. The United Kingdom&#39;s detachment from continental Europe offers protection since a united European empire could challenge the country&#39;s independence. Having a voice in the European Union and strong military and economic ties with the United States help London counter this potential threat.</p>

SITUATION REPORTS

EU, U.K.: Starmer Calls for Deeper European Cooperation on Defense and Ukraine

U.K.: King's Speech Set Outs New Labour Government's Policy Priorities

EU, U.K.: EU Member States Split Over Chinese EV Tariffs

U.K.: Labour Takes Over British Government After General Election Landslide Victory

U.K.: Labour Unveils Manifesto Ahead of July General Election

EU, China: Brussels Slaps Tariffs on Chinese EVs

Hong Kong: U.K. Judge Asserts Hong Kong Judiciary is 'Profoundly Compromised'

Iran: IAEA Draft Resolution Objects to Iran's Nuclear Activities, Limited Cooperation

Forecasts

ANALYSES

SECTIONS

Explore

Subscribe

Help & Support