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French-UK relations have often been in the political and economic “deep freeze” since Brexit. Yet the two G7 and G20 nations have reemerged in recent years as regional leaders, including building Europe’s relationship with US President Donald Trump’s administration.

The UN celebrated its 80th birthday on Thursday. But Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used the occasion to warn that its founding charter is under assault like never before.

One of the key drivers of the UK Strategic Defense Review released earlier this month is the military threat from Russia, especially following its invasion of Ukraine. However, London’s focus extends well beyond Europe, including to the Asia-Pacific region with the new AUKUS alliance.

Much of the global climate agenda in 2025 is focused on November’s COP30 summit, which has the potential to be the most important climate event since the Paris summit in 2015. However, before then, a series of stepping-stone events are being held, including Monday’s Heat Action Day.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have many challenges, not least as some of the most vulnerable climate change nations in the region. However, rarely a month goes by in which world powers do not double down on their diplomatic wooing of them.

In 2022, the UK was widely ridiculed internationally for having three prime ministers in a single year. Yet, France went one better in 2024 with a remarkable four premiers in office within 12 months.

US President Donald Trump had pledged previously to find a solution to the Ukraine war within 24 hours of assuming office. Yet, more than 100 days into his second term, the conflict continues, with no end in sight and key players in Europe now planning for a potentially “long game” ahead.