Copy of Copy of Global Pulse #7

Global Pulse

3rd week of December

ASIA PACIFIC

China envoy visits Cambodia seeking to de-escalate fighting with Thailand.

Writer: Hrishik Bains

The Chinese special envoy for Asian affairs went to Cambodia this week to invite the two countries to settle their border dispute, which has caused around 60 deaths and the displacement of more than 500000. The negotiations are through the peace-making initiatives of China and the US jointly. These are right before a special ASEAN meeting aimed at getting the two sides back to a ceasefire after they have recently broken it. The question arises about the role of Beijing in conflict resolution because it could be a new model for regional leadership that would affect ASEAN's diplomatic unity.

China envoy visits Cambodia seeking to de-escalate fighting with Thailand

Writer: Asmita Sharma

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has continued despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, with both sides accusing each other of heavy military escalation. The clashes have killed dozens and displaced over half a million civilians, creating a serious humanitarian and economic crisis along the border. ASEAN foreign ministers are meeting in Malaysia to revive a fragile ceasefire, previously brokered by Malaysia and the United States. The situation highlights deep-rooted territorial mistrust and raises concerns over regional stability in Southeast Asia.

AMERICAS

Man suspected in Brown U shooting, MIT professor’s killing found dead

Writer: Riddhima Sarraf

On 13^th December, a mass shooting took place at brown university, Rhode Island, inside the engineering building, during an exam review meeting. Two students were found dead while nine are still under hospital care. The suspected shooter is an ex brown student, Nuno Loureiro, he is also believed to have killed a MIT professor. He was later found dead from self-inflicted wound after the incident. FBI has offered $50,000 as reward for tips on the investigation. This incident has led to exam cancellations and delayed admission notice at brown university and increased security and preparedness measures at nearby universities i.e. Havard, MIT, etc.

Was the brown shooting an isolated act of violence, or a symptom of deeper failures in gun control and institutional preparedness?

War Talk Returns to the Americas: Trump Reopens the Venezuela Question

Writer: Hrishik Bains

Donald Trump again sparks geopolitical instability in the Western fraction of the globe through his statement about military intervention against Venezuela. The USA shows signs of preparing forceful actions against Latin America through its increasingly bitter and antagonistic statements. The new tensions between Washington and Caracas are likely to lead to outcomes on the already intricate energy markets in the area, and on the relationships with the Latin American countries that are increasingly wary of outside interference. The United States has undergone a complete structural transformation in its system of control over the Americas. A question arises in connection to this situation. The U.S. military demonstrates its power in these situations, which suggests different ways for the U.S. to establish control over the Americas.

Which leads us to a question- Whether this represents strategic communication or a total transition to military power for the United States to shape the Americas?

AFRICA

India’s Modi visits Ethiopia and calls for renewed bilateral relations.

Writer: Hrishik Bains

India has raised the status of its bilateral relations with Ethiopia to a Strategic Partnership as a result of Narendra Modi's historic state visit to Addis Ababa. The action comes as a sign of the increasing diplomatic and economic involvement of India in Africa, with security cooperation, digital technology, trade facilitation, and debt relief under the G20 framework being the areas of agreement. The partnership mirrors New Delhi's more extensive Global South strategy by placing Africa at the core of its multipolar outreach. The relationship between the two countries opens up a total alteration of India's foreign policy line or just a limited shift for Africa's influence rivalry?

Nigeria's Tinubu seeks $30 billion budget reset to end overlapping fiscal years.

Writer: Asmita Sharma

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proposed a $30 billion budget reset to end overlapping fiscal cycles and restore discipline in public finances. The plan seeks to repeal and re-enact the 2024 budget so spending runs on a clean calendar-year basis through December 2025. Lawmakers have criticized repeated budget rollovers for weakening accountability and delaying capital projects. If approved, the reform could improve fiscal transparency and boost investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.

EURASIA

Russia-Pakistan Eurasian Forum 2025 underscores bilateral cooperation, shared avenues of mutual development

Writer: Riddhima Sarraf

The Russia-Pakistan Eurasian forum took place in Moscow on 16^th and 17^th December, is marked as an important step of deepening of bilateral cooperation, shared avenues of mutual development. The key focus is on the speres of trade, energy and transport linkage within the Eurasian border space. The shows  expanding influence and partnership beyond its immediate borders, considering the current political state it finds itself under. For Pakistan, engagement with Russia helps its foreign policy strategies and reduces over-dependence on traditional partners. In conclusion, the forum is based on economic interests rather than ideological alignment, showcasing changes in the upcoming Eurasian power politics.

Given India’s long- standing strategic partnership with Russia and its equally enduring rivalry with Pakistan, how does the Russia-Pakistan engagement develop future Indian diplomatic strategies?

Pakistan seeks oil deal with Russia as energy ministries hold talks, RIA reports

Writer: Asmita Sharma

Pakistan and Russia are holding talks on a potential oil-sector agreement, focusing on cooperation in exploration, production, and refining. Pakistan aims to lower its energy import costs, while Russia is seeking new markets amid Western sanctions. Discussions are being led by the energy ministries of both countries, with possibilities including refinery upgrades and continued crude oil supplies. This engagement reflects Pakistan’s growing energy ties with Russia since it began importing Russian crude in 2023

MIDDLE EAST

‘Alarming’ medicine shortages in Gaza amid Israeli restrictions.

Writer: Asmita Sharma

Severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies in the Gaza Strip are crippling emergency and intensive care services, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. More than half of essential medicines and over two-thirds of medical consumables are reportedly out of stock, limiting treatment for hundreds of thousands of patients. The shortages are linked to ongoing restrictions on aid entry despite a ceasefire, deepening an already critical humanitarian situation. Health officials have appealed for urgent international intervention to prevent further loss of life.

Deadly Attack on U.S. Troops Poses Growing Challenge for Syria’s Leader

Writer: Harshine

A deadly attack targeting U.S. troops in central Syria has underscored the growing security challenges facing Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The attack, which President Donald Trump linked to the Islamic State, resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers and has highlighted the fragile political and security environment in the country. Since assuming power after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, al-Sharaa has struggled to consolidate control over a deeply fragmented state marked by sectarian violence and competing armed groups. Efforts to unify the military and advance national reconciliation have been hindered by ongoing clashes and rising tensions with Kurdish militias in northeastern Syria. The incident also complicates Syria’s engagement with the United States, as the future of U.S. military presence in the country remains uncertain amid counter-terrorism operations, regional power rivalries, and concerns over Iran’s influence.