GlobalPULSE: 17 FEB 2025

Report 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

• Argentina and Peru face severe natural disasters, with Patagonia’s wildfires and heavy rainfall in Peru threatening infrastructure, livelihoods, and biodiversity.
• Brazil shot down a Venezuelan drug-laden plane, while cartel-style executions surged in Mexico City, highlighting expanding organized crime networks.
• Colombia’s Clan del Golfo faces a terrorist designation from the U.S., and El Salvador is transferring gang-affiliated minors to adult prisons, raising human rights concerns.
• Kosovo’s elections, Romania’s presidential resignation, and growing protests in Georgia highlight deepening political instability in the region.
• Moldova reported Russian drone intrusions, Belarus engaged in a prisoner swap with Western countries, and Russia strengthened ties with Syria’s new leadership.
• The fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire saw breakdowns, with hostage release delays and U.S. threats of retaliation if Hamas does not comply.
• China reportedly supplied chemicals critical to Iran’s missile production, raising concerns over regional security.
• South Sudan’s leadership reshuffle, Cameroon’s response to U.S. aid suspensions, and Kenya’s tax controversy with British American Tobacco signal economic and governance shifts.
• Pakistan moves toward economic stabilization with an IMF-backed plan, while Indonesia injects liquidity into its banking sector to support real estate growth.
• Australia condemned a dangerous interception by a Chinese fighter jet over the South China Sea, underscoring rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

Across Latin America, environmental crises and security threats are reshaping governance priorities, with Argentina battling its worst wildfires in decades and Mexico City facing rising cartel-style violence. Meanwhile, U.S. migration policies continue to impact the region, with Venezuela receiving deportation flights from the U.S. and Honduras reporting a surge in remittances. In Europe & Eurasia, political unrest intensifies as Kosovo’s elections strain regional relations, protests in Georgia escalate over government legitimacy, and Moldova confronts Russian drone incursions. Meanwhile, Montenegro positions itself as the next EU member amid ongoing accession negotiations.

MENA faces renewed ceasefire tensions, with Hamas delaying hostage releases and Israel threatening renewed war. Syria’s new leadership navigates governance challenges, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt reject U.S. proposals to relocate Palestinian refugees. Iran’s missile program advances with Chinese support, raising regional security concerns.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, economic, health, and governance issues take center stage. Cameroon restructures its HIV response amid U.S. aid cuts, Ghana secures EU funding for a cholera outbreak, and South Sudan’s leadership shakeup signals shifting political dynamics. The Asia-Pacific region grapples with economic restructuring and rising geopolitical tensions. India seeks space and technology partnerships with Elon Musk, while North Korea denounces U.S. policies on Gaza. Meanwhile, Australia criticizes China over unsafe military maneuvers in contested airspace.