Global Scans · Geopolitics · Weekly Summary

• [New] The complex geopolitical context and major political milestones (end of Powell's term, U.S. and German elections) could add volatility. Societe Generale
• [New] The main political groups in the European Parliament - EPP, S & D, Renew and Greens - agreed that platform algorithms pose a systemic risk to elections and public debate and that foreign interference demands tougher enforcement of the Digital Services Act, particularly during elections. EU DisinfoLab
• [New] 2026 could prove to be as important a year for geopolitics as 1989. / Iran Hoover Institution
• [New] China's narrative that the U.S. is unpredictable and prone to political interference will likely resonate in Hanoi. The Diplomat
• [New] Global politics and war are likely to move commodity prices and equity markets while the contrariness of US foreign policy will both spook and buoy investors. Financial Foundations Australia
• [New] The world appears to be becoming more open to China; or at least not fear it - an evolution that is in keeping with dominant Chinese interpretations of global geopolitics. History of the Present
• [New] At the same time political turmoil in Iran, which has reportedly left thousands dead, is threatening another energy shock. The Irish Times
• [New] Improvements: Foreign investment (e.g., U.S. partnerships), infrastructure upgrades, eco-friendly mining tech, and political stability post-Maduro could boost production to thousands of tons / year. Through my Asian lens
• [New] Unless opposition groups unite and respect the agreed rules of political competition, Iran faces a turbulent future that could be even worse than the present. Euronews
• [New] Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to remain in power through 2026 Against historical norms in Israeli politics, they predict Benjamin Netanyahu may complete his full term and prevail in elections toward the end of 2026, despite sustained political pressure. Charisma Magazine Online
• [New] The effort to jawbone the Fed further endangers the already questionable reliability of the US as a global financial center and the position of the US dollar, as US administrations would be strongly inclined to manipulate the money supply to get short term gains for their political position. War on China
• [New] In a world where trade flows shift overnight, overcapacity looms and politics dictates demand, success will depend less on reacting to volatility - and more on building resilience within it. Institute for Supply Management
• [New] On geopolitics, Trump said he has called off plans for a second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, citing the release of political prisoners and calling it a very important and smart gesture. Seeking Alpha
• [New] The PRC uses threats of violence and imprisonment to intimidate Taiwanese political leaders into accepting its claims of sovereignty over Taiwan. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Africa's only absolute monarchy, Eswatini's political situation is expected to remain unstable in 2025 and 2026. Coface
• [New] Most Western shipping companies have avoided the NSR in recent years, citing sanctions risks, high insurance premiums, and political uncertainty linked to Russia's war in Ukraine. High North News
• [New] Somali: Israel officially recognizes Somaliland, raising regional tensions and complex political risks in the Horn of Africa. The Africa Brief
• [New] Today, white nationalism is a key driver of support for political violence - a sign that white nationalism poses substantial danger to U.S. political stability. FlaglerLive
• [New] Despite Albanese's warn reception in Beijing, political and security concerns continued to complicate the bilateral relationship. The Conversation
• [New] Given the current political situation in Skopje, there will be no constitutional change in the Republic of North Macedonia to include the Bulgarian minority. The Western Balkans
• [New] Major power competition, regional political vulnerabilities, and critical economic interdependencies drive geopolitical risk in the Asia-Pacific in 2026. SpecialEurasia
• [New] Trade regulations and geopolitical turmoil are among the most prominent supply chain risks in 2026, as shifting tariffs, regional conflicts and political uncertainty continue to complicate global commerce. SupplyChainBrain

Last updated: 18 January 2026