Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Trump is rolling out his Board of Peace at Davos at a time when US leadership is being questioned

    Trump is rolling out his Board of Peace at Davos at a time when US leadership is being questioned

    DAVOS, Switzerland — President Donald Trump sought to redirect international attention toward his proposed ‘Board of Peace’ during the World Economic Forum on Thursday, following a week dominated by controversial remarks regarding Greenland. The initiative, initially conceived as a limited oversight body for the Gaza ceasefire, has expanded into a broader geopolitical project that has drawn both interest and skepticism from global powers.

    According to a senior administration official speaking under anonymity, approximately 35 nations have committed to joining the board, with invitations extended to 60 countries. Egypt has publicly confirmed its participation, with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi standing alongside Trump during Wednesday’s announcement. “We have a lot of great people that want to join,” Trump declared. “It’s going to be the most prestigious board ever formed.”

    However, the ambitious proposal faces significant challenges. Several European nations, including France, Norway, and Sweden, have declined participation. French officials expressed support for Gaza peace efforts but raised concerns about the board potentially undermining the United Nations’ role in conflict resolution. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob similarly cited reservations about the board’s broad mandate and potential impact on international order.

    The membership roster remains uncertain, with key players including Russia, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union yet to confirm their positions. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is consulting with “strategic partners” before deciding. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reversed earlier criticism and agreed to join on Wednesday.

    The board concept originated from Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which received UN Security Council endorsement. However, invitation letters suggest the panel’s scope may extend beyond Gaza, aligning with Trump’s comments that the board “might” eventually replace some UN functions. “The UN hasn’t been very helpful,” Trump asserted, while acknowledging the world body’s potential.

    The Gaza situation remains critical, with over two million Palestinians enduring humanitarian crisis despite the ceasefire. Central to lasting peace is Hamas’s disarmament—a condition the group has rejected and Israel considers non-negotiable. Trump warned that if Hamas fails to lay down weapons within weeks, “they’ll be blown away. Very quickly.”

    The peace initiative unfolds against broader geopolitical tensions, including Trump’s recent threats toward Iran over its crackdown on protests and ongoing frustrations with the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Trump is scheduled to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, though details remain unclear.

  • Trump’s European threats could make it harder for future US leaders to repair ties

    Trump’s European threats could make it harder for future US leaders to repair ties

    The transatlantic alliance, once heralded by President Joe Biden’s 2021 proclamation that ‘America is back,’ now faces unprecedented strain during Donald Trump’s second term. The diplomatic landscape has undergone radical transformation as Trump dismantles seven decades of European partnerships that facilitated German reunification and Soviet collapse.

    Trump’s approach has deviated dramatically from conventional diplomacy, treating allied nations with confrontational rhetoric typically reserved for adversaries. His administration’s most shocking maneuver involved demanding Denmark cede control of Greenland, which Trump dismissively characterized as a substantial ‘piece of ice.’ This proposition risked fracturing NATO and represented a fundamental departure from established international norms.

    The former president escalated tensions by publicly branding Denmark ‘ungrateful’ for American protection during World War II, despite the nation suffering the highest per-capita casualty rate among coalition forces in Afghanistan. Trump further undermined diplomatic decorum by revealing private communications with European leaders and delivering a provocative address at Davos where he suggested Europe required authoritarian leadership, remarking that ‘sometimes you need a dictator.’

    This diplomatic rupture has compelled American allies to pursue independent strategies. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, having resisted Trump’s territorial ambitions, declared the rules-based international order an ‘illusion’ and independently negotiated trade agreements with China. Simultaneously, the European Union and Mercosur bloc finalized a free trade agreement specifically designed as countermeasure against Trump administration policies.

    European leadership responded with unusually blunt criticism. French President Emmanuel Macron warned against ‘colonial adventures,’ while Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever described crossing ‘so many red lines’ that threatened national dignity. Even traditional conservative allies expressed alarm, with UK’s Nigel Farage labeling Trump’s Greenland approach the ‘biggest fracture’ in transatlantic relations in decades.

    While Congressional Republicans largely maintain support for Trump’s unconventional methods, dissenting voices like Nebraska Representative Don Bacon condemn the Greenland threat as ‘absurd’ and ‘totally unnecessary.’ Democrats advocate for stronger transatlantic responses, with California Governor Gavin Newsom employing vivid dinosaur metaphors to characterize Trump’s diplomatic style.

    Foreign policy experts suggest the damage may extend beyond repairability within a single presidential term. Former Biden deputy national security adviser Jon Finer observes that rational nations now perceive American reliability as limited to ‘four-year increments, if at all,’ fundamentally altering how global partners engage with the United States.

  • US sanctions six Palestinian aid groups it accuses of ties to Qassam Brigades

    US sanctions six Palestinian aid groups it accuses of ties to Qassam Brigades

    In a significant move targeting Hamas’s financial infrastructure, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on six Palestinian humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza on Wednesday. The designated entities—Waed Society, Al-Nur, Qawafil, Al-Falah, Merciful Hands, and Al-Salameh—stand accused of functioning as a clandestine support network for Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades.

    The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) revealed that Hamas’s internal security personnel have been formally assigned to operate within several of these organizations, particularly Waed Society and Al-Salameh. According to official statements, Merciful Hands, Al-Nur, and Al-Falah have allegedly directed funds directly to Hamas’s military operations, while Qawafil has purportedly completed projects specifically designed to benefit the organization.

    Despite their public-facing activities—which include medical support for war wounds, distribution of food and medicine, community support sessions, and advocacy for Palestinian prisoners—these groups allegedly serve as fronts for Hamas’s financial operations. The Treasury also sanctioned The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), identifying it as a coordination body for flotilla attempts to break the Israeli siege on Gaza, along with its UK-based founder Zaher Khaled Hassan Birawi.

    Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K Hurley emphasized that the Trump administration would not tolerate Hamas’s exploitation of financial systems to fund terrorist operations. The designations immediately freeze all U.S. assets belonging to these entities and prohibit any transactions through American banking systems, effectively rendering credit cards like Visa and Mastercard unusable for these organizations.

    The Treasury statement clarified that the sanctions specifically target Hamas’s operational strategy rather than legitimate political advocacy, noting that members of the Palestinian diaspora retain the right to gather and advocate for their political concerns. This action represents the latest development in the ongoing U.S. campaign to disrupt Hamas’s financial networks while maintaining distinction between legitimate humanitarian work and terrorist financing operations.

  • Albanese government buzzing after Canadian PM’s Trump take-down

    Albanese government buzzing after Canadian PM’s Trump take-down

    The Albanese government is actively engaging with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s forceful critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to international relations, according to Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers. The speech, delivered at the Davos Economic Forum, characterized the current global situation as a “rupture, not a transition” of the rules-based order.

    Carney’s address warned that middle powers like Australia and Canada face significant disadvantages when negotiating bilaterally with hegemonic nations, stating they “negotiate from weakness” and are forced to “accept what is offered.” His comments gained particular relevance amid ongoing political fallout from Trump’s controversial threats to seize Greenland, a move analysts suggest could destabilize NATO and strain U.S.-European alliances.

    Treasurer Chalmers described Carney’s speech as “very thoughtful, and obviously very impactful,” confirming it has prompted multiple discussions within the Australian government. Chalmers acknowledged that the “old certainties” Australia previously relied upon are deteriorating, citing economic crises, trade tensions, NATO discussions, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as contributing factors to this geopolitical fragmentation.

    The Treasurer emphasized Australia’s need to navigate this changing landscape by maintaining commitment to international institutions while maximizing opportunities presented by the current volatility. He noted that middle powers like Australia and Canada possess “extraordinary advantages” despite the challenges of global instability.

    Adding to the conversation, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urged current leader Anthony Albanese to adopt Carney’s approach directly, characterizing Trump as valuing different principles than his presidential predecessors. Turnbull specifically encouraged Albanese to deliver a similar message of sovereignty and middle-power cooperation, stating: “We will not be bullied, we will maintain our sovereignty. As a middle power, we will work with other middle powers to stand up to the bully.”

  • Slashed incomes and gamers go cold turkey: the fallout from Uganda’s internet shutdown

    Slashed incomes and gamers go cold turkey: the fallout from Uganda’s internet shutdown

    Uganda’s recent general election triggered a nationwide internet shutdown with profound consequences for citizens, businesses, and democratic processes. The government-ordered blackout, officially implemented to ‘ensure peace and protect national stability’ during the electoral period, effectively paralyzed the digital economy and restricted information flow throughout the country.

    Mobile money agent Mirembe Tracy experienced immediate financial devastation when withdrawal systems disconnected. Her weekly earnings of approximately 450,000 Ugandan shillings (£130) vanished entirely, leaving her unable to pay rent. ‘That money is what I use to pay rent. Losing it was a total loss,’ she told the BBC. Like thousands of others dependent on digital transactions, she found herself with no income source beyond minimal prepaid airtime sales that provide no commission.

    The disruption extended throughout Kampala’s economy. SafeBoda, the popular ride-hailing platform for motorcycle taxis, saw its entire server infrastructure rendered inoperative. Co-founders reported that both riders and dependent businesses were forced offline indefinitely. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Namukwaya Olivia, who relies on Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp to market traditional cultural clothing, described complete operational paralysis: ‘We could not send pictures, we could not receive orders, and we could not make deliveries.’

    Journalists faced particularly severe challenges in fulfilling their professional duties. Ngabo Amon described smartphones becoming ‘largely useless’ as research, communication, and content transmission capabilities disappeared. The blackout created an information vacuum that prevented accurate election coverage and real-time reporting of developing situations. Some journalists resorted to physically transporting footage by bus from rural areas to Kampala—a process that rendered news obsolete by arrival time.

    The African Union election observation mission noted that the shutdown ‘limited access to information, freedom of association and curtailed economic activities,’ while simultaneously ‘creating suspicion and mistrust’ in the electoral process. President Yoweri Museveni’s landslide victory extended his 40-year rule amid opposition allegations of ‘fake results’ and ‘ballot stuffing.’

    Beyond economic and professional impacts, the blackout created personal hardships. Kenyan journalist Caroline Mutai described the psychological toll: ‘The shutdown almost gave me depression.’ Students like Aaron Benitez lost educational connectivity as online learning platforms and communication channels failed. ‘We usually study online, sometimes on Zoom, but during that time everything just stopped,’ he reported.

    Even after partial restoration following President Museveni’s victory declaration, many social media platforms remain restricted or slow, driving widespread adoption of VPN services. The episode served as a stark demonstration of how deeply digital accessibility underpins modern life, economic stability, and democratic transparency in contemporary Uganda.

  • Trump to unveil ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos after Greenland backtrack

    Trump to unveil ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos after Greenland backtrack

    DAVOS, SWITZERLAND – President Donald Trump is poised to introduce his controversial ‘Board of Peace’ initiative during Thursday’s sessions at the World Economic Forum, following his unexpected reversal on proposed tariffs against Europe and military action regarding Greenland.

    The newly established conflict resolution body, which requires a $1 billion commitment for permanent membership, will host a charter signing ceremony with approximately 35 world leaders having committed participation according to senior administration officials. The board has attracted leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, and Saudi Arabia’s leadership, though key European allies remain notably skeptical.

    Trump enthusiastically promoted the initiative during meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday, declaring it ‘the greatest board ever formed.’ The announcement comes against the backdrop of the President’s expressed frustration at not receiving Nobel Peace Prize recognition despite his claims of resolving multiple international conflicts.

    Originally conceptualized for Gaza reconstruction following the Hamas-Israel conflict, the board’s charter deliberately avoids geographical limitations, raising concerns among diplomats that it might evolve into a parallel organization to the United Nations. This development occurs alongside continuing Ukraine peace negotiations, with Trump scheduled to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky following the board’s inauguration.

    The President reiterated his controversial assessment that both Russian and Ukrainian leadership would be ‘stupid’ not to reach a peace agreement, while simultaneously announcing a breakthrough in NATO discussions regarding Greenland’s strategic importance. Trump revealed he had established a ‘framework of a future deal’ with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, resulting in the cancellation of tariffs previously scheduled for February 1st against European allies.

    Special envoys including Jared Kushner and businessman Steve Witkoff are scheduled to travel directly from Davos to Moscow for Thursday discussions with President Putin, underscoring the administration’s multifaceted diplomatic approach.

  • 19th-century slave empire plan resonates with Trump foreign policy

    19th-century slave empire plan resonates with Trump foreign policy

    As President Donald Trump completes his second year in office, his unconventional foreign policy approach has drawn striking parallels to a largely forgotten 19th century expansionist movement. The administration’s assertive stance toward neighboring nations—including controversial claims on Greenland, interventions in Venezuela, and coercive rhetoric toward Mexico and Cuba—resonates with the ambitions of the Knights of the Golden Circle, a secret society that flourished during the 1850s.

    Founded in 1854 by Virginia physician George W.L. Bickley, the Knights envisioned creating a slaveholding empire encompassing the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. This ‘Golden Circle’ would center its operations in Havana and control global production of lucrative cash crops through enslaved labor. Historical records suggest the organization attracted prominent figures including Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest and Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

    The Knights initially sought to annex territories to strengthen slavery’s political power before pivoting to support Southern secession as tensions escalated. Their ideology combined territorial expansion with white supremacist beliefs, viewing hemispheric dominance as America’s ‘manifest destiny.’

    Contemporary analysts note that Trump’s ‘America First’ approach—particularly his personalized ‘Donroe Doctrine’—similarly treats neighboring nations as strategic assets rather than sovereign equals. His administration’s pressure campaigns against Cuba, Venezuela, and Mexico reflect a modern iteration of hemispheric control ambitions, albeit through economic coercion and political influence rather than direct territorial conquest.

    What distinguishes Trump’s approach is its transactional rhetoric and dismissal of multilateral norms. Unlike Cold War-era interventions framed in ideological terms, current policy emphasizes tangible gains and unilateral action. This modern manifestation of expansionist thinking demonstrates how historical patterns of American imperialism have adapted to contemporary political contexts while maintaining core assumptions about geographic entitlement and hemispheric dominance.

  • Trump removes tariffs threat, agrees to ‘framework’ for Greenland deal

    Trump removes tariffs threat, agrees to ‘framework’ for Greenland deal

    In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has retracted his threat to impose tariffs on several nations regarding their positions on Greenland. The announcement came following high-level discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

    Trump revealed through his Truth Social platform that the two parties have established a preliminary framework agreement concerning Greenland’s future trajectory. While specific details of the arrangement remain undisclosed, the understanding proved sufficient for Trump to cancel previously scheduled tariffs that were set to take effect on February 1st.

    The threatened tariffs had created tension among NATO allies, with several member nations facing potential economic repercussions for their stance on Greenland’s development and international status. The breakthrough suggests a compromise has been reached that addresses Trump’s concerns about the strategic Arctic territory while maintaining alliance cohesion.

    This development represents a notable shift in Trump’s approach to international diplomacy, moving from economic coercion to negotiated settlement through established multilateral channels. The framework agreement marks a temporary resolution to what had become a contentious issue in transatlantic relations, though the specific terms and implementation details await further clarification.

  • World order in ‘midst of a rupture’: Canada PM Carney tells Davos

    World order in ‘midst of a rupture’: Canada PM Carney tells Davos

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a stark assessment of the international system during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, declaring that the world is experiencing a fundamental rupture rather than a transitional phase. Speaking before U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled appearance, Carney characterized the current global environment as one defined by intensifying great power competition and the deterioration of rules-based governance.

    The Prime Minister, who entered Canadian politics last year, reiterated his consistent warning that the world cannot return to the pre-Trump era of international relations. While not explicitly naming the American president, Carney’s analysis clearly addressed the transformative impact of Trump’s policies on global affairs.

    Carney acknowledged Canada’s historical benefits from American-led hegemony, which previously provided public goods including secure maritime routes, financial stability, collective security frameworks, and dispute resolution mechanisms. However, he emphasized that a new reality has emerged where powerful nations increasingly utilize economic integration as tools of coercion rather than cooperation.

    In a particularly striking metaphor, Carney warned that middle powers like Canada must collaborate effectively or risk becoming ‘on the menu’ in great power competitions. He challenged these nations to move beyond simply building defensive walls and instead pursue more ambitious collective strategies.

    The address gained additional significance following reports from Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper revealing that Canadian military planners have developed contingency models for a potential U.S. invasion. According to anonymous senior officials, these plans involve insurgency-style tactics similar to those used against Soviet and American forces in Afghanistan.

    This military planning context follows concerning rhetoric from President Trump, who has repeatedly referred to Canada as a potential 51st state and recently shared a social media image depicting both Canada and Venezuela under the American flag. The Davos meeting has been further overshadowed by Trump’s threats to enforce U.S. control over Greenland, prompting Carney to affirm Canada’s support for Greenland and Denmark’s right to self-determination.

  • Trump defends Greenland bid and tariffs at Davos as EU weighs retaliation

    Trump defends Greenland bid and tariffs at Davos as EU weighs retaliation

    At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump vigorously defended his controversial proposal to acquire Greenland from Denmark while justifying his tariff-based economic approach. The American leader characterized the Arctic territory as a critical strategic asset for national and international security, asserting that “no nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States.”

    Trump’s address came amidst growing European opposition to both his territorial ambitions and economic policies. The president explicitly ruled out military force while demanding “immediate negotiations” for the purchase, framing it as a straightforward transaction rather than an expansionist maneuver.

    Regarding economic policy, Trump positioned tariffs as fundamental to American prosperity, declaring that “We have made some great trade deals; everyone knows when the U.S. grows, you will follow.” This defense followed his weekend threat on Truth Social to impose escalating tariffs—starting at 10% on February 1 and potentially reaching 25% by June—on eight NATO allies including the UK, Germany, and France unless they acquiesced to the Greenland acquisition.

    European leaders mounted a coordinated response ahead of Trump’s appearance. French President Emmanuel Macron rejected what he termed “the law of the strongest,” criticizing Trump’s approach as “new colonialism” and reaffirming Europe’s commitment to international law. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that tariff threats risked creating a “downward spiral” in transatlantic relations, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the proposed measures as “completely wrong.”

    The confrontation escalated following Trump’s speech, with the European Parliament formally suspending work on approving a previously negotiated U.S.-EU trade deal. European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed an emergency summit in Brussels to coordinate retaliatory measures, potentially targeting €110 billion ($129 billion) worth of American exports.

    Trump further complicated diplomatic tensions by attacking European renewable energy policies, particularly wind power, which he dismissed as a “hoax” that allegedly benefits China. However, industry data from the World Wind Energy Association directly contradicted his claims, showing China as the world’s largest wind power market with cumulative installed capacity exceeding 600 GW by mid-2025, including 51.4 GW added in the first half of that year alone.