Copy of Global Pulse #6

Global Pulse

2nd week of December

ASIA PACIFIC

Australian Police Investigating Sydney Shooting as Terrorism.

Writer: Riddhima Sarraf

A mass shooting took place in Australia at a Jewish Hanukkah event in Sydney. 15 people were declared dead and around 40 people remain under hospital supervision following the attack. Australia’s Albanese refers to the attack as ‘dark moment for our nation’.  Two suspects were found guilty, a pair of father and son. The father was killed at the scene, while the son remains in a critical condition in hospital. Following the attack London and New York step up the security for Hanukkah events. 

How do attacks on religious gatherings impact social harmony and minority security in multicultural societies? 

Japan protests after Chinese fighter jets lock radar on Japanese planes.

Writer: Riddhima Sarraf

The latest reason of conflict between Japan and China is the security issue that was raised by Japanese prime minster over the attack on Taiwan, which China sees as interference in its claimed territory. This has led to making new military and diplomatic retaliations on both sides. Japan and United States held a joint military flight drills including bombers and jets over Sea of Japan to showcase a stronger cooperation between the two, in response to the Chinese – Russia bomber maneuvers near its territory. Latest development indicates a very dangerous escalation, as Chinese fighter jets locked fire-control radar on Japanese F-15, as regional dynamics evolve, the coming period indicates signs of uncertainty and caution.  

What does the recent escalation between Japan and China reveal about shifting security dynamics in the Indo- Pacific? 

AMERICAS

US seizure of rogue oil tanker off Venezuela signals new crackdown on shadow fleet.

Writer: Riddhima Sarraf

The United States seized a Venezuelan oil tanker in the Caribbean last week on 10^th December, citing violation of sanctions put on the oil trade of Venezuela. The oil tanker had been trying to hide its location for weeks, allegedly part of ‘Dark Fleet’, a global network of vessels that conceal their identity to evade sanctions. Venezuela condemned this move calling it an act of global piracy, supported in its standby Russia and Iran. This incident has raised concerns about already fragile U.S. – Venezuelan relations. 

How does the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil tanker raise questions about maritime law and sovereignty? 

Chile Elects Most Right-Wing President of Post-Pinochet Era

Writer: Jiya Soni

Chile elected far-right leader José Antonio Kast as its 38th president after he secured 58 percent of the vote in a run-off election, defeating centre-left candidate and former labour minister Jeannette Jara. Kast’s victory marks the first time since the end of Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship that such a conservative government will take power in the country. Campaigning on a hardline platform focused on crime control, immigration crackdowns, and socially conservative values, Kast capitalised on public frustration over rising insecurity and economic slowdown. His win is widely seen as part of a broader right-wing resurgence across Latin America, following recent conservative victories in countries such as Argentina and Ecuador, and signals a potential shift in the region’s political and ideological trajectory.

AFRICA

From Gorée to Energy Sovereignty: Africa’s Path to Energy Independence

Writer: Jiya Soni

Africa has been pushing for energy sovereignty, i.e., control over its own energy resources rather than having it shaped by external states, since COP27. African Leaders at various conferences emphasize that the continent must use its oil, gas, and renewable energy resources to power local districts and close the energy access gap that has been prevalent for decades. The African Development Bank is signing new grant agreements worth $18 million with São Tomé and Príncipe to support development projects, including energy and climate initiatives, and seeking massive investments to boost infrastructure across Africa. This also reflects the continent’s broader aim for self-determination-based growth and regional cooperation.  

Can Africa achieve true energy sovereignty, economic growth, and self-determination all together?  

West African bloc rejects Guinea-Bissau's military transition plan

Writer: Asmita Sharma

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected a transition programme announced by Guinea-Bissau’s military rulers, calling for a swift return to constitutional order. The regional bloc warned of targeted sanctions against individuals obstructing the restoration of civilian rule. Army officers, identifying themselves as the Military High Command, overthrew President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on November 26 and appointed Major-General Horta Inta-a as interim president the following day. ECOWAS’ response reflects growing regional concern over the resurgence of military takeovers in West Africa and underscores efforts to uphold democratic norms and deter unconstitutional changes of government in the region.

EURASIA

European military aid to Ukraine falls short of offsetting halted US support

Writer: Hrishik Bains

The Kiel Institute published a recent study which shows that European military support for Ukraine has decreased rapidly. The United States military assistance reduction creates doubts about Europe's ability to step up as a replacement for Washington's role in the alliance. The European Union member states have allocated €4.2 billion to establish new military support programs. These will operate until October 2025. The funding level indicates that military aid commitments will reach their lowest point since 2022. The three countries of Germany, France, and the UK have made additional contributions, yet their combined total remains below what the Nordic countries allocate based on their GDP. Europe faces a fundamental problem with its capability to sustain long-term warfare because its declared resources do not match its actual military capabilities. 

 Kyiv, the sleepless city under bombardment

Writer: Sanjana Rao

Russian forces have continued intensive missile strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, targeting critical energy infrastructure and repeatedly plunging the city into darkness. Recent attacks on thermal power plants supplying electricity to the capital have left residents facing prolonged power outages, sleep deprivation, and heightened psychological stress. Ukrainian energy officials have described the strikes as highly precise, exploiting legacy Soviet-era infrastructure vulnerabilities. As repair efforts continue following each wave of attacks, the recurring destruction has underscored Russia’s strategy of psychological warfare aimed at eroding civilian morale during winter. The sustained bombardment highlights the humanitarian toll of the conflict and raises broader concerns about Ukraine’s resilience, civilian protection, and Europe’s energy security amid prolonged hostilities.

MIDDLE EAST

China's Diplomacy with Gulf States

Writer: Riddhima Sarraf

China urges GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) to seal free trade agreement, emphasizing stronger economic ties. China to also strengthen coordination with Saudi Arabia on regional and international spheres, more particularly on the issues of trade, regional stability, etc. This show China’s increasing interests in the Middle East region and its efforts to position itself as a key player of the region. 

How does China’s efforts signa, its strategic ambitions and effect the power dynamics of the region? 

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

Writer: Arsh Mandlaus

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.