geopolitics

Carbon dioxide emissions by country 2014

Is China the real target for Obama's sweeping new carbon rules?

The US is no longer the biggest greenhouse gas producer in the world. And Obama's aggressive new plan would only reduce global carbon levels by around one percent. So why is it being hailed? Because it could spur the rest of the world into action.

Is China the real target for Obama's sweeping new carbon rules?
Lavrov

Meet the hard-charging Russian diplomat pushing Putin's assertive foreign policy

Meet the hard-charging Russian diplomat pushing Putin's assertive foreign policy
Ukrainians have long relied on a natural gas supply from Russia.

If Russia tightens Ukraine's natural gas tap, will Europeans shiver?

If Russia tightens Ukraine's natural gas tap, will Europeans shiver?
Crimea, Ukraine

Poland sends distress signals over the Ukraine-Russia standoff

Poland sends distress signals over the Ukraine-Russia standoff
A US military aircraft prepares to land on a runway at the Futenma military base, adjacent to a densely populated city on Okinawa island.

After years of protests by locals, the US is moving its Okinawa military base

After years of protests by locals, the US is moving its Okinawa military base
Supporters of Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan

Turkey's political turmoil may be tied to its relations with Iran

Turkey's government has been rocked by a corruption scandal this week, and protesters are calling for the prime minister's resignation. While the details remain murky, a former US Treasury Department analyst says the problems are tied to Turkey's involvement with Iran in a sanctions-busting scheme uncovered last year.

Turkey's political turmoil may be tied to its relations with Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin

For Vladimir Putin, it's been a very good year

President Vladimir Putin is in a gracious mood this holiday season. And why not? He snubbed the US by taking in Edward Snowden, he kept the US and its allies out of Syria, and prevented Ukraine from drifting westward. Maybe that's why he's pardoning so many high-profile opponents.

For Vladimir Putin, it's been a very good year

Many countries praising Mandela, weren't there for him in the past

As world leaders gathered to remember Nelson Mandela, many would like to forget their countries' history of supporting apartheid.

Many countries praising Mandela, weren't there for him in the past
U.S. President Barack Obama greets Cuban President Raul Castro before giving his speech, as Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff looks on, at the memorial service for late South African President Nelson Mandela

This handshake is being heard — or rather, dissected — around the world

It's often the small signals that matter in diplomacy. And today had a doozy. President Obama greeted Cuba's President Raul Castro, as Obama was making his way to the podium to speak at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela. Did it mean something?

This handshake is being heard — or rather, dissected — around the world
Some of the disputed islands - known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China - in the East China Sea.

The US sends China a message with a couple of B-52 bombers

The Pentagon moved quickly to challenge a newly-declared Chinese security zone in the East China Sea. On Tuesday, two US B-52 bombers flew near a chain of Pacific islands claimed by both China and Japan.

The US sends China a message with a couple of B-52 bombers
LGBT flag

Gay rights is getting caught up in the geopolitics of eastern Europe

Gay rights may seem to be primarily an issue touching on culture and justice. But in eastern Europe, laws banning gay activities are part of the political tug-of-war between the EU and Russia.

Gay rights is getting caught up in the geopolitics of eastern Europe