Read the latest Global Nexus Brief on geopolitics, climate, and economics.

As the world becomes geopolitically more fragmented, conflicts are increasing in complexity and number. In this shifting order, conflict is being internationalized in new ways as states, armed groups and other actors cultivate adaptive alliances with multiple partners across the political and ideological spectrum. Many of these relationships are motivated by economic survival or pragmatism, entrenching profit-driven dynamics that are often impervious to external policy intervention. The Chatham House report 2025 underscores the pressing question of how to respond more effectively to such challenges in an era in which traditional rigid geopolitical spheres of influence are dissolving. It illustrates how the ‘multi-alignment’ of actors demands a new strategic paradigm to stabilization and peacebuilding. The report offers a range of recommendations for international policymakers, including adopting a transnational approach to conflict analysis, strategically leveraging economic power, brokering influence through pragmatic and multi-aligned engagement, improving bureaucratic coordination, and developing accountability mechanisms in collaboration with civil society.

🌍 How can multilateralism help us achieve the deep changes needed to reduce interconnected risks? In the latest #ScienceTalks, Zita Sebesvari speaks with Daniel Naujoks from Columbia University about global cooperation and transformation. 🎥 Watch now: https://lnkd.in/eKPWh43P

📰📢 We are pleased to announce the release of the latest issue of the Journal of Central Asian Studies. Published articles: 🔵From Periphery to Partnership: Mongolia’s Intensifying Foreign Policy Trends Toward Central Asia. This article by Amangul Shugatai and Khishigjargal Bold explores Mongolia’s evolving foreign policy and its increasing engagement with Central Asian countries. The policy aims to enhance security, ecological balance, and economic development. The authors employ a constructivist perspective and liberal international relations theory to analyze this shift. 🔗Link to full article: https://lnkd.in/eq8C7Yg5 🔵Climate Governance: Comparing Centralized and Decentralized Approaches. In this article, Sandra Ingelkofer and Renata Faizova examine comparative climate governance approaches and their implications for effective climate action, particularly in the context of Central Asia. The manuscript compares centralized, decentralized, and hybrid governance approaches to climate action across various countries. 🔗Link to full article: https://lnkd.in/e7aCPGfY 🔵Climate Diplomacy in Central Asia: Context, Challenges, and Opportunities. This article by Azel Altynbekova and Dana Akhmedyanova explores climate diplomacy in Central Asia, focusing on the region’s vulnerabilities to climate change, the challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation, and the effectiveness of current climate initiatives. The authors provide recommendations for climate diplomacy improvement in Central Asian states. 🔗Link to full article: https://lnkd.in/emXxTbgX ➡️To be continued

In this highly important new policy brief by Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York Office, Thomas Tödtling and Erica Mumford map out seven crucial trends shaping the current trajectory of the multilateral system and offer policy options. I am glad to have made a contribution to the section on the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, which exemplifies how strategic calculus and the securitization of cyberspace can become driving forces behind international tech governance.

In an era when global fault lines shift faster than ever, the interplay between geopolitics and domestic politics is no longer an academic abstraction—it shapes policy, power, and public life. In “The Political Impact of Geopolitics,” I explore how external pressures—from regional rivalries to global competition—cascade into internal political dynamics, reshaping governance, identity, and strategy in states across the world. Don’t miss this timely reflection on how geopolitics is rewriting the political rules closer to home. https://lnkd.in/dE6jAMQn

How can we foster resilient growth when the world is fractured by security risks and the climate crisis?   We brought together thought leaders to explore this question at last week's geoeconomics, trade and development conference, held at our new global affairs hub in London. Across a thought-provoking day of discussions, we heard how geopolitics, economic security and the climate crisis are fundamentally reshaping global trade, supply chains and development.   Highlights include: 🔹 Sir Vince Cable on his recent book, Eclipsing the West, and the end of the Western-dominated order. 🔹 H.E. Macenje Florence Mazoka on Zambia's strategy for critical minerals and 'positive neutrality'. 🔹 Expert panels on managing geopolitical rivalries and building resilient green supply chains. 🔹 The highly engaging fireside chat with Dmitry Grozoubinski on 'Why Politicians Lie About Trade'.   Thank you again to our audience, speakers and partners for these critical conversations!   Watch all the sessions in our dedicated conference hub: https://lnkd.in/e-XMmVMQ 📺   #Geoeconomics #Geopolitics #TradePolicy #TradeAndEnvironment #TradeAndDevelopment

Today's "UN Day" marks the eight decades since the United Nations was founded to support international cooperation. Yet the next decade poses severe headwinds in rising global conflict and skepticism toward global institutions. Since 2008's global financial crisis, global average conflict risk has risen 5.4%, an unprecedented 94 countries now face less peaceful conditions, and geopolitical fragmentation has skyrocketed. Global defense spending has risen to a record $2.7 trillion in 2024, now consuming 2.5% of world GDP. Economic protectionism and trade restrictions are also on the rise. More extreme fragmentation could threaten economic stability and growth. A world split into isolated blocks could reduce global GDP by 3.6% in the short term and increase inflation by 3.5% according to the World Economic Forum and Oliver Wyman — a stark reminder of what's at stake. Even when unity feels distant, international dialogue and cooperation are essential. Whether through the UN or other mechanisms, the world will benefit immensely from economic and military de-escalation wherever it can be achieved. Find out more: https://bit.ly/43CyWxj

Ever wonder how to get the inside scoop on the Middle East? Turns out, even the sharpest reporters might not have all the answers! This clip highlights the delicate dance of seeking insights from the top, where intelligence meets the complexities of global affairs. Who knew navigating geopolitics could be so…intriguing? Ready to unravel more of these high-stakes conversations? Share your thoughts below! #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #PresidentialInsights #GlobalAffairs

Why Some Conflicts Make Headlines and Others Don’t? Media coverage often reflects a narrow lens shaped more by geopolitical significance than humanitarian urgency. As a result, many of the world's most deadly conflicts remain underrepresented in global news. Analysis from the Global Peace Index 2025 reveals that conflicts in less geopolitically influential countries receive significantly less media attention than those involving major powers. In this explainer, Chloe Yarnell explores the systemic disparities in global conflict coverage, shaped by media incentives, economic influence, and audience psychology. 📖 https://lnkd.in/gfAHpzeP

NEW: In our fall issue, Brussels Institute for Geopolitics' Luuk van Middelaar and Hans Kribbe argue that the European Union is ill-equipped to deal with emerging geoeconomic dilemmas. They propose a solution: an economic security council. https://lnkd.in/eRKwb89T