Recent Developments in Global Politics

Recent developments in global politics demonstrate complex and often interrelated dynamics. Some of the main issues that emerged included changing geopolitical forces, challenges to democracy, and the impact of the environmental crisis. Amid tensions between major powers, such as the United States, Russia and China, multilateral diplomacy has become increasingly important. First, tensions between the United States and China continue to grow, especially in the areas of trade and technology. China has increased its influence in the Asia-Pacific, with initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at strengthening economic connections and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the US is trying to stem China’s influence through strategic alliances, including with countries in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific. Second, the issue of democracy and human rights has received significant global attention, especially after the events in Myanmar and Belarus. The military coup in Myanmar in 2021 shows the vulnerability of democratic institutions in the region. Meanwhile, mass protests in Belarus have highlighted the people’s struggle for freedom, with the impact of exacerbating the international isolation of dictator Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. Furthermore, the climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges faced by countries around the world. The UN Conference on Climate Change (COP) continues to be a vital platform for countries to negotiate concrete steps to reduce carbon emissions. Several countries, including small island states, are calling for urgent action to protect their masses from the impacts of climate change, reinforcing the urgency of the issue on the international stage. In addition, the conflict in Ukraine has changed the map of global alliances. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 prompted a strong reaction from Western countries who imposed economic sanctions and provided military support to Ukraine. This hastened the divide between countries that support the principles of sovereignty and those that take a neutral or pro-Russian position. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has also left a significant mark on global politics. The handling of this health crisis shows disparities in countries’ capacity, especially in access to vaccines. The expected international cooperation does not always materialize, marked by the “vaccination of nationalism” that is seen when some countries focus on their own interests. Lastly, information technology plays an important role in global politics. Disinformation and propaganda through social media have become tools used by countries to influence public opinion and global policy. Therefore, it is important to strengthen digital literacy and ensure the ethical use of technology. Recent developments in global politics reflect ever-increasing uncertainty and complexity, where every action has significant cross-border impacts.