The Globalist Tuesday 30 December
Dec 30, 2025
Ruth Michelson, a Middle East correspondent, discusses the recent Trump-Netanyahu meeting, revealing the lack of concrete steps towards a Gaza ceasefire and the focus on disarming Hamas. Ryuma Takahashi shares insights on the evolving Asian security landscape and the Taiwan-China situation, noting rising tensions. Zoe Grunwald dives into UK's political debates, including the implications of Alaa Abdel Fattah’s return and the contentious invitation of far-right AFD to a security conference. Lastly, Petri Anttsoff rounds up Nordic news from storm impacts to tourist campaigns.
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Hard Power Rising In Asia
- Dragonfly identifies erosion of restraint and rising hard power across Asia in 2026.
- Barbara Kellerman warns geoeconomic weaponisation and supply‑chain fracturing will pressure regional balancing.
Increased Capability, Unclear Intent
- Taiwan-China tensions risk disruptive military exercises rather than immediate full-scale invasion.
- Barbara Kellerman sees increased Chinese capability but no current imperative for invasion.
Japan’s Delicate Balancing Act
- Japan is pursuing a more proactive security posture while needing to balance trade with China.
- Barbara Kellerman says Tokyo must tread carefully to avoid further escalation with Beijing.