Executive Summary 

This weekly report provides a comprehensive analysis of critical events, emerging threats, and significant developments across our global watchlist countries. Our Geopolitical & Security Analysis Teams continuously monitor and assess incidents affecting regional stability, security, and business operations.

Key Global Concerns:

Venezuela Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization: The FTO designation sharpens sanctions and law-enforcement authorities and, according to legal analysts, could be used to justify more assertive U.S. operations under existing authorizations; President Trump's unilateral airspace closure further isolates Venezuela from international commerce and humanitarian access. 

Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Warfare: Cross-border fighting erupted following TTP attack killing 16 Pakistani officers; Recent Pakistani airstrikes in Khost province reportedly killed at least 10 civilians (nine children and one woman), with additional injuries in Kunar and Paktika.

Nigeria Security Emergency: Nationwide emergency declared after 350+ school children kidnapped; military unable to prevent mass abductions despite years of counter-insurgency operations

Middle East Ceasefire Violations: Israeli operations intensify despite formal truces, two Palestinians killed after surrendering in Jenin, continued airstrikes in Lebanon/Syria, expanded West Bank incursions

Electoral Crises Proliferate: Kosovo snap elections December 28 following government invalidation; Honduras disputed November 30 elections marked by violence; Myanmar December polls amid territorial losses to resistance forces

Guinea-Bissau Military Coup: Armed forces seized parliament control November 26th after disputed elections; President Embaló location unknown, adding to West African democratic reversals

European Militarization Accelerates: Poland constructing Kaliningrad border fortifications; Serbia recently announced plans to reinstate mandatory military service; Russia provides nuclear submarine modules to North Korea

Economic Pressures Mount: Bolivia cuts public spending 30%; Mexico projects near-zero growth; Afghanistan’s trade deficit is equivalent to roughly half of GDP, reflecting deep structural imbalances; U.S. pauses $3.7 billion in foreign assistance

Regional Security Frameworks Collapse: Burkina Faso withdraws from ECOWAS; Chad expels French forces; African states increasingly turn to Russian Wagner Group for security partnerships.

Strategic Overview