ISSUE INSIDE

The U.S. views Greenland as vital for national security and global power / Reuters The U.S. Pursuit of Greenland: A Critical Geopolitical Shift Greenland, a vast and resource-rich island located between North America and Europe, has become a focal point of U.S. military and economic interest. Over the years, the island’s strategic value has caught the attention of U.S. policymakers, as it offers a critical position in the Arctic region. The United States views Greenland as a key asset for securing its dominance over the Arctic, countering rival powers such as Russia and China. The question of Greenland’s future remains uncertain, with both Denmark and Europe voicing opposition to U.S. acquisition, while the people of Greenland seek greater autonomy. Greenland's Geostrategic Significance Greenland's geographical position is one of the primary reasons for its importance in global politics. The island sits strategically in the Arctic, a region that has gained increasing atten...

Threats posed by space debris and strategies for safer orbits The Rising Threat of Space Debris and Global Solutions What Is Space Debris and Why Is It a Problem? Space debris refers to defunct satellites, rocket fragments, and other objects left behind in Earth's orbit. These remnants, moving at extremely high speeds, pose a significant threat to active satellites and crucial services like communication and weather forecasting. The number of space debris objects larger than 10 cm exceeds 40,000, while fragments between 1 and 10 cm surpass 1.1 million. These objects travel at speeds up to 28,000 km/h, making collisions highly destructive. Potential Risks of Space Debris Disruptions to Communication and Observation Services Collisions between debris and active satellites could lead to major disruptions in communication, weather monitoring, and Earth observation technologies. Kessler Syndrome: A Cascade of Collisions The Kessler Syndrome is a scenario where successive coll...

Trump’s U.S. foreign aid cuts impact global health and humanitarian efforts / Reuters Trump's Impact on U.S. Foreign Aid: Scaling Back USAID and Global Health Support In recent years, U.S. foreign aid has seen significant changes under the Trump administration, notably through the scaling back of USAID and its shift under the State Department’s control. This shift has raised concerns about the future of international development programs, particularly in sectors such as global health, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. As the U.S. has been a leader in providing substantial funding for worldwide development, these adjustments have far-reaching consequences for nations that rely heavily on American assistance. By rethinking U.S. foreign aid strategies, the Trump administration aims to focus on national priorities while maintaining global influence. Shifting USAID's Function Under the State Department USAID has been the backbone of U.S. international aid, handling progra...

Ishiba’s approach to strengthening the alliance, addressing trade and defense issues Shigero Ishiba’s Approach to Dealing with Trump’s America First Policy: Strengthening the US-Japan Alliance In early February, Japan's Prime Minister Shigero Ishiba will meet with President Donald Trump for the first time since the latter’s inauguration. This summit holds particular importance as both leaders will discuss key issues shaping the US-Japan relationship, including defense, trade, and economic cooperation. In this article, we explore how Ishiba plans to handle Trump's America First policy, and what strategies he will employ to safeguard Japan’s national interests while ensuring the continued strength of the US-Japan alliance. Strengthening US-Japan Security Cooperation One of the central topics of discussion during the upcoming summit will be the US-Japan security cooperation. As global tensions rise in regions like the South China Sea and North Korea, it is crucial for both co...

Walgreens halts 90-year dividend streak to address financial challenges and market pressures Walgreens Suspends Dividend After 90-Year Streak: Key Reasons, Impact, and What Comes Next The announcement by Walgreens to suspend its dividend in January 2025, after a staggering 90 years of consecutive payouts, has sent ripples across the investment community. A reliable source of income for many shareholders, the decision to suspend dividends was driven by several financial difficulties, some of which have been mounting for years. In this article, we will explore the underlying causes behind this move, its immediate impact on investors, and what the future might hold for the company. Understanding Walgreens' 90-Year Dividend Streak For over nine decades, Walgreens has been a consistent dividend payer, building a reputation for stability and reliable returns. Investors, particularly those seeking dividend income, have relied on Walgreens as a cornerstone of their portfolios. The dr...