The recent visit of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU College of Commissioners to India, is a testament to its view of India as a key voice in the Global South and a stabilising force amidst a rapidly changing global dynamic. However, a strong push is required to elevate their transactional relationship into something more meaningful for both parties.

Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 is pivotal. It will have to steer ASEAN toward regional peace, stability, and prosperity while reinforcing its centrality. All this during a time of heightened geostrategic rivalry, economic deglobalisation, rising protectionism, and nationalist trends.

Since the Ukraine crisis, Russia has been positioning itself strategically in the African continent, strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional security issues. It is leveraging economic, energy, agriculture and military ties and investments in order to be seen as serious a counterweight to the U.S. and the European Union’s presence in the continent. 

The Asia Pacific Economic Community summit, held in Peru from Nov 13-15, attracted many leaders, but most eyes were on President Xi Jinping of China who cut the ribbon on a Peruvian port, China’s largest investment in South America. Meanwhile the APEC CEO Forum was more interested in the impact of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump on their economies and on the region.

India’s defence sector is a success of the self-reliance push by New Delhi. Now it is looking to export, and the continent of Africa is a region of promise. It has geostrategic convergence and equipment complementarity with India.

Recent state elections in Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia in east Germany saw the far-right Alternative for Democracy (AfD) and the left-wing Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) make significant gains in vote share. With German federal elections just a year away, major parties like the ruling CDU and SPD which have seen voter support erode considerably, will now have to re-strategise to stay relevant in Germany’s transforming political landscape.

Russia has begun to make its presence felt in the Indo-Pacific as an independent player. A slew of high-level visits has shown Russian intention to engage, following its isolation by the West. The region is ambivalent, but open to listening to multipolar voices.

The European Parliament elections have thrown up a win for the right-wing parties – quite a change from the previous centre-left composition. There will be repercussions for the EU and domestic policies of the member countries. Is this election an indication of a future Europe turning right, or is it a reaction to domestic situations individually within states?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation turns 75 this year. It has exceeded its original mandate of a collective defence for Europe and is expanding rapidly. From restraining the rise of Russia, it is now seeking non-NATO allies in Asia who wish to restrain China. This requires a nimbler, more dynamic alliance. Can NATO respond to the transformation?

The Italy-Africa summit, held on January 28-29, followed Prime Minister Meloni’s Mattei Plan for greater engagement with Africa and the Global South. It gives Italy’s ongoing G7 presidency an edge and a means of addressing immediate concerns like energy and illegal migration. Italy must now follow through on its commitments by coordinating with partner countries, organisations and private sector.