GlobalPULSE: 21 APR 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 lifted currency controls, triggering an 11% devaluation of the peso, as President Milei pushes market reforms amid high inflation and $44B in international support.
• Russia intensified attacks in Ukraine, killing over 30 civilians in Sumy; the U.S. warned peace efforts could end without progress.
• Colombia suspended its ceasefire with FARC dissidents in four regions after renewed violence, jeopardizing peace efforts.
• Haiti approved a “war budget” as gangs gained further control; the capital and nearby towns remain overrun.
• Israel’s strike on Gaza killed 37 civilians, heightening tensions as ceasefire talks with Hamas stall.
• Iran and the U.S. held indirect talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, signaling a potential diplomatic opening.
• El Salvador faces renewed scrutiny as U.S. lawmakers prepare to assess controversial prison conditions.
• China and Egypt launched joint military drills, while Saudi Arabia plans to pay Syria’s World Bank debt, signaling shifting alliances.
• South Sudan and Somalia saw territorial losses to rebel and extremist groups, deepening regional instability.
• Indonesia approved controversial military law, allowing soldiers to hold civilian posts, raising authoritarianism concerns.
• North Korea condemned U.S.–South Korea drills, intensifying rhetoric over regional military maneuvers.
• Taiwan’s TSMC posted record profits, underscoring the island’s central role in global semiconductor supply chains.
• Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed ties, while Philippines uncovered underwater drones linked to China.

Latin America experienced major economic and diplomatic shifts as Argentina lifted currency controls, Bolivia deepened ties with Russia over lithium, and Mexico refused to restore relations with Ecuador. Colombia, Guatemala, and Haiti reported surging violence. In Europe & Eurasia, Ukraine faced heavy strikes, Serbia reshuffled leadership to ease protests, and Moldova scheduled elections. Tensions escalated in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen amid new diplomacy between Iran and the U.S. In Sub-Saharan Africa, security deteriorated in Somalia and South Sudan, while Uganda and Kenya faced authoritarian drift. In Asia-Pacific, military, political, and trade tensions dominated headlines—from North Korea's threats to U.S.-China tech competition—while economic uncertainty persisted in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.