• US Economic Policy Shifts (Tariffs) and Global Repercussions

• US-Ukraine Strategic Minerals and Investment Agreement

• Security and Conflict Dynamics Across Regions:

  • Middle East Tensions (Yemen, Syria, Iran-Israel)

  • Conflict and Security in Other Regions (Colombia, Puntland-Somaliland)

• Diplomacy and Shifting International Alignments:

  • Asia-Pacific Dynamics (China/Taiwan/Somalia, NZ-Philippines, China Space Program, Bank of Japan)

  • Global Governance and Cooperation Efforts (UN Financing for Development, G20 Energy Transitions)

• Other Major International Events:

  • Wildfires in Israel and West Bank

  • Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration

• The papal conclave originated as a sequestered assembly of cardinals behind locked doors to elect the Bishop of Rome, evolving from turbulent early Church elections influenced by secular powers to a formalized ritual steeped in centuries of rules and tradition.

• Significant reforms, notably the 1059 decree by Nicholas II, the Third Lateran Council of 1179’s two-thirds majority rule, and Gregory X’s 1274 bull Ubi periculum, progressively shaped the conclave into a solemn, secretive process intended to ensure autonomy, consensus, and speed.

• Periods of schism, political interference, and corruption—from the 14th-century Avignon papacy and the Great Western Schism to Renaissance simony and modern state vetoes—revealed the conclave’s vulnerabilities and spurred further codification of rules, culminating in Pius X’s 1904 ban on external veto and John Paul II’s Universi Dominici Gregis in 1996.

• Today’s conclave, governed by detailed procedures for secrecy, voting, and smoke signals in the Sistine Chapel with electors under 80, reflects a global College of Cardinals and centuries of adaptation, yet remains an unpredictable spiritual contest guided by ritual and prayer.

The United States emerged from its fight for independence by leveraging European rivalries and embarked on continental expansion driven by Manifest Destiny, a process that eventually intensified internal conflict leading to the Civil War.

Following the Civil War, rapid industrialization propelled the nation onto the world stage, fueled by naval expansionist theories and resulting in overseas territories, the Panama Canal, and interventionist policies in Latin America and Asia.

The 20th century saw the US definitively abandon isolationism through its critical involvement in two World Wars, its leadership in establishing the post-WWII international system, and its subsequent role leading the West during the Cold War against the Soviet Union, marked by containment, global alliances, proxy wars, and the nuclear arms race.

In the post-Cold War era, the US navigated its position as the sole superpower, initiated a global War on Terror after 9/11, and now faces a complex landscape defined by renewed great power competition, particularly with China, alongside ongoing debates about its global role.

Based on expert surveys and authoritative foresight studies, this episode analyzes the likely geopolitical landscape around 2035.

It details a world shifting towards contested multipolarity, primarily defined by intensifying US-China competition, a weakened but disruptive Russia, and significantly elevated risks of major power conflict and nuclear proliferation.

Key trends include the rewiring of global trade and technology development along geopolitical lines (geoeconomics), the growing influence of middle powers, and profound challenges from climate change, societal divisions amplified by misinformation, and strained global governance.

Ultimately, the analysis anticipates a more fragmented and volatile global environment by 2035, though potential future scenarios range from renewed cooperation to deeper disorder, contingent on how key uncertainties resolve.

•Poland's response to the altered geopolitical landscape following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including its perception of threat and determination to enhance its defence capabilities.

•The scale and sustainability of Poland's increased defence spending, including the mechanisms like the Armed Forces Support Fund (FWSZ) and the political and public support for this expenditure.

•The ambitious military modernisation program across the land, air, sea, and cyber domains, detailing major procurements and their objectives.

•Poland's goals for personnel expansion of its armed forces, including the development of a reserve system and the challenges associated with recruitment and training.

•The geopolitical implications of Poland's military buildup, its role within NATO and the EU, its relationships with key partners and adversaries, and its aspirations for regional leadership.

•An assessment of Poland's potential to become a leading military power in Europe by the 2030s, considering both its projected force capabilities and the significant obstacles and challenges it faces in achieving this goal.

-The historical roots of the India-Pakistan nuclear rivalry following the partition of British India.
-The evolution of India's nuclear program, from its early vision to its overt testing in 1998.
-The origins and progression of Pakistan's nuclear program, including its reliance on procurement and external aid.
-An assessment of the current nuclear arsenals of India and Pakistan in terms of warhead estimates and fissile material production.
-The diverse delivery systems for nuclear weapons in India, encompassing land, air, and sea-based capabilities.
-The various nuclear weapon delivery systems in Pakistan, including land and air-launched options and the development of sea-based systems.
-India's declared nuclear doctrine of No First Use and its implications for its strategic posture.
-Pakistan's stated nuclear doctrine of Full Spectrum Deterrence, including the option of first use.
-The established command and control mechanisms for nuclear weapons in both India and Pakistan, highlighting civilian and military roles.
-The ongoing modernisation of nuclear arsenals by both nations and potential future scenarios for their nuclear interaction.

Oceania is now a region of heightened military focus due to intensifying geopolitical competition, primarily between the US and China.

In response, Australia has adopted a "Strategy of Denial" underpinned by the AUKUS alliance and is significantly increasing defence spending to enhance its maritime and long-range strike capabilities.

Simultaneously, New Zealand is also undertaking a substantial defence modernisation to enhance its combat capabilities and interoperability, particularly with Australia, aiming towards a more integrated 'Anzac' force.

In April 2025, against a backdrop of US-China tensions, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is pursuing proactive diplomacy, strengthening ties with Vietnam through a high-level visit and focusing on economic, security, and future-oriented cooperation.

Simultaneously, Japan aimed to manage its relationship with China through continued dialogue while addressing persistent frictions like trade restrictions and security concerns.

Japan also consistently emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait through multilateral platforms, aligning with its FOIP strategy and the US alliance

China is expanding its global military reach beyond its traditional territorial focus through a network of overseas military bases, dual-use facilities, intelligence outposts, and strategic access agreements.
This expansion is driven by the need to protect China's growing global economic interests, enhance its power projection capabilities, and challenge US dominance.
Beijing often employs strategic ambiguity, leveraging commercial infrastructure and engaging in incremental expansion, which has generated significant concern and scrutiny from the United States and its allies.

The international landscape was marked by a dangerous escalation between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir, leading to treaty suspensions and military clashes along the LoC.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict continued with intense fighting and the assassination of a high-ranking Russian general near Moscow, amidst complex diplomatic efforts and divergent views on peace proposals.

In Gaza, a severe humanitarian crisis unfolded as food stocks were depleted due to an Israeli blockade, alongside continued military operations and uncertain ceasefire prospects.

These major crises occurred against a backdrop of strained US-China relations, transatlantic trade disputes, and various other international developments including tensions around Iran's nuclear program and natural disasters, painting a picture of a volatile global environment.