This week we break down a whirlwind of global events, from a high-stakes summit in Alaska to a dangerous new phase in the Middle East. We analyze the motivations behind the Trump-Putin meeting and the international backlash to Israel's plan for Gaza City, and look at the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over drug cartels.

Episode Highlights

• The Trump-Putin Summit: We explore the upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Putin in Alaska, which is intended to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine. We look into why this bilateral meeting has sparked concern and confusion, especially regarding Ukraine's exclusion from the initial talks, and what a potential territorial exchange might mean for the region.
  
  
• Gaza's Escalation & Global Backlash: We dive into the international response to Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City, including strong rebukes from the United Nations and key allies like Germany, who has halted arms exports to Israel. We also discuss the significant policy divergence between the U.S. and the UK on the issue of a Palestinian state.
  
  
  
  
  
• The U.S. vs. Mexican Cartels: We explain the U.S. administration's official designation of drug cartels as "global terrorist organizations" and a new directive to use military force against them. We also examine the tension this creates with Mexico, whose president has stated that U.S. military will not be entering Mexican territory.
  
  
  
• China-Russia Joint Naval Drills: We break down the recent joint naval exercises between China and Russia in the Sea of Japan, which simulated attacks on adversarial submarines and amphibious ships. We discuss the significance of these drills as a demonstration of their growing "no-limits" strategic partnership and a response to U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

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