As leaders and diplomats from more than 40 nations arrive in South Africa for a historic G20 summit, the Trump administration’s decision to skip the event is raising eyebrows. With demonstrations expected, we discuss the stakes and what Africa’s first-ever G20 summit could mean for the continent.

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For a second time, Kosovo’s parliament has failed to elect a prime minister. We assess the implications for the region.

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Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, accuses Russia of an unprecedented act of sabotage. How dangerous a game is Russia playing here? Meanwhile: Zelensky heads to Turkey for talks with president Erdoğan and US envoy Steve Witkoff – but without Russia’s participation. Plus: Zürich’s Christmas market comes to Paris. 

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In recent months, rocket testing and loudspeaker broadcasts have been added to the list of border incursions in South Korea by North Korean troops. We consider whether military talks could offer a solution. 

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German finance minister Lars Klingbeil travels to Beijing at a time of serious questions about just how reliant Germany’s economy is on China. Plus: Andrew Ross Sorkin on the next financial bubble, Pope Leo goes to Hollywood and Shezad Dawood on using art to profile the environment.

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Switzerland’s hopes rise for tariff relief as talks in Washington intensify. Plus: Chile prepares for a lurch to the right in Sunday’s elections. And: the winner of the Latte Art Grading System World Championship.

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Venezuela is preparing guerrilla-style resistance in the case of a US attack and the UK halts some intelligence-sharing with Washington over increasingly unpredictable offensives in the Caribbean. Then: Saudi Arabia hosts Tourise. Plus: Japan’s carmakers feel the sting of US tariffs.

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Iraq holds parliamentary elections plagued by political boycotts and voter disillusionment. Can they buck the trend? Then: will a new EU intelligence community secure the bloc’s international standing? Plus: the latest aviation news and Abu Dhabi’s cultural offerings. 

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We explore life on the ground in Ukraine with a charity founder and the business editor of the ‘Kyiv Independent’ as Russian attacks limit the country’s ability to provide heat and electricity to its citizens. Plus: The Booker Prize winner and Christie’s London head of jewellery.

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Syria’s leader can celebrate the UN Security Council lifting sanctions, just ahead of his visit to the White House today. Plus: We ask the founders of A Land for All: is there is a better two-state solution for the Middle East? Also: Baillie Gifford Prize winner Helen Garner.

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