The conflict in oil-rich Libya has become a proxy war, fueled by rival foreign powers such as Russia and Turkey.

The Putin regime remains strong, but nationwide protests in support of Alexei Navalny are the most serious challenge to it in years.

Prime Minister Suga will keep working to upgrade Japan’s military amid increasing pressures from China, North Korea, and Russia.

Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased threats to press freedom in the region, raising questions over how to respond.   

The Quad, composed of the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, is not a formal alliance. Still, the group has intensified its security and economic ties as tensions with China rise.