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The Diplomatic Insight Weekly

The Diplomatic Insight Weekly: 26th Dec-1st Jan

Published 7 days ago • 2 min read

Hello Reader

Yes, the new year has arrived. But is there anything new under the sun when it comes to global geopolitics?

As the last week of the year, you might've expected things to have slowed down a bit.

Speeches, promises, and well wishes - that's what we get from world leaders. But conflicts, competition, cooperation, and diplomacy continue.

Excluding those self-important speeches and pledges, we bring you substantial developments from the last week.

Happy new year to all our readers!

Here’s your weekly roundup of the week’s most important stories, news, and articles from The Diplomatic Insight.

Top Stories of the Week

[1] US Launches Strikes on IS Targets in Nigeria​
"Powerful" & "deadly" precision hits!
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The Africa command never released a number of casualties, and the actual impact of the strikes remains unknown.
[2] China Pledges Aid to Cambodia, Supports Ceasefire with Thailand​
Guns fall silent, China steps in to facilitate.
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After 20 days, both countries agreed to stop fighting on Saturday. While Chinese FM sat down with both counterparts in Yunnan.
[3] Bangladesh Holds State Funeral for Ex-PM Khaleda Zia​
Farewell to the first woman leader of the country!
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Just when Bangladesh nears its most-anticipated general elections, the one of the two major power contenders - BNP has lost its leader; to age and prolonged illness.
[4] Israel Becomes First Country to Recognize Somaliland​
"In the spirit of Abraham Accords?"
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No matter how Netanyahu puts it, a condemnation is all this recognition gets; from the UNSC and the OIC while Houthis have even warned of military action.
[5] Mali and Burkina Faso Reciprocate American Travel Restrictions​
The principle of reciprocity!
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Official communications from both countries tell that these new measures mirror the exact conditions faced by their own citizens when entering the US.
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From Diplomatic Insight Group

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How Chinese Modernization is perceived among SCO member countries?

Apart from governments and policy stakeholders, this survey set out to directly ask people how they feel about China's modernization. People from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan took part in the survey.

Wonder what the responses were.

A Deeper Look

You may love these opinions and blog articles by contributing authors

​10 Things to Watch in Southeast Asia in 2026​

"The region’s leaders and peoples face a convergence of political transitions, economic shifts, and strategic tests that will shape the trajectory of Southeast Asia in 2026," writes Harry Myo Lin as he details 10 issues to look out for.

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​From Dialogue to Energy Deals: China Deepens Middle East Role​

"Rather than directly challenging U.S. influence, Beijing complements existing security arrangements and gradually expands its economic and diplomatic footprint, thereby diluting U.S. dominance over time," writes Imma Elenoire Laudieri Di Biase.

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​New Possibilities, Old Dilemmas: Pakistan’s Friend-Shoring Moment​

"Can Pakistan, in its current economic and institutional condition, be sufficiently reliable to function as a friend-shoring hub for a high-stakes critical mineral supply chain?" Aamina Urooj unpacks this question as more & more countries look to diversify their critical minerals pipeline.

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