Blinken recently visited the Middle East in what is now his third visit since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th. The visit held hopes for a prolonged ceasefire and increased hostage release negotiations but was unsuccessful. Hostilities between Israel and Hamas resumed as soon as the truce period ended.
In the upcoming Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) presidential elections, incumbent Felix Tshisekedi will once again run against opposition leader Martin Fayulu. Measures are being taken to pressure the Congolese government into holding a fair election with integrity.
Finland is seeing an increasing number of migrants cross its border from Russia, increasing tensions between the two countries. As harsh winter conditions approach, it is unclear how either side will respond to the growing crisis.
Argentina was one of six countries to be chosen to join BRICS earlier this year, but with the election of Javier Milei as the new president-elect, this will no longer be the case.
BRICS recently expanded to allow for the integration of six new members into the group. Pakistan has also submitted a formal request to join the group, though this request is made complicated by Pakistan's history and relations with India.
Madagascans took to the polls on November 16th, though opposition parties are concerned about the legitimacy of the election, believing that the incumbent, Andry Rajoelina, is staging an institutional coup.
The Organization of Turkic States recently met for their 10th Summit. It is a group that works to advance trade and economic cooperation between member states and serves as a forum to discuss domestic and international issues.
The British Supreme Court has ruled against a deal that the British and Rwandan governments tried to make which would relocate asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda. Despite this, some government officials are considering other means of pushing the deal forward.
Colombian President Petro is working to boost public spending and increase economic growth, particularly in the face of his quickly declining approval ratings. Petro needs to prove that his policies can benefit the people or he's unlikely to win re-election in 2026.
Israeli forces have continued their attack on the Gaza Strip following the October 7th attack by Hamas. Recently, an Israeli missile struck a residential building in the city of Khan Younis; this strike followed a warning by Israeli forces which called for the evacuation of the area last week.
The Patterson Journal of International Affairs 