Geopolitics

Geopolitics covers the ways countries pursue power, security, influence and economic interests across borders. It includes diplomacy, conflict, alliances, trade, intelligence, migration and the domestic decisions that can shape relations between states.

The topic matters because international events can quickly affect everyday life, from prices and energy supplies to travel, security and democratic debate. It offers readers context for understanding how national choices fit into wider global competition and cooperation.

  • Trump lands at NATO summit as Iran strikes strain ties with allies

    President Donald Trump is arriving at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, carrying fresh frustration with several European allies over their responses to recent US-led military operations against Iran. His irritation opens a new front in his long-running push to pressure the alliance over burden-sharing, and it threatens to overshadow a meeting meant to concentrate…

  • Fifa hits back at Uefa hypocrisy claim over Balogun suspension reprieve

    Fifa has accused Uefa of hypocrisy in an escalating public dispute over its decision to lift the one-match suspension of the USA striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium, which the USA lost. Fifa argued that overturning red cards is a common disciplinary measure across Uefa-affiliated leagues…

  • USA knocked out of home World Cup by Belgium amid Balogun row

    The United States have been knocked out of the World Cup they co-hosted after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the opening knockout round in Seattle, ending the campaign before the quarter-finals in what stands as the nation’s worst loss in more than thirty years. The result matters both for its sporting significance and…

  • Pamplona bull run leaves three men in hospital as San Fermín festival opens

    At least three people were taken to hospital on the first proper day of Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls, part of the San Fermín festival in northern Spain. The event sees runners deliberately sprint in front of six fighting bulls, led by six steers, along a half-mile course through the city’s old town, and injuries…

  • Keir Starmer faces Trump criticism over defence spending at NATO summit

    Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is attending a NATO summit in Turkey today in what the Daily Mail casts as his final appearance on the world stage before he hands power to Andy Burnham in under a fortnight. The paper reports he faces criticism from US President Donald Trump over a defence spending plan seen…

  • USA knocked out of World Cup by Belgium amid Balogun red-card row

    The United States, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, have been knocked out at the last-16 stage after a heavy 4-1 defeat by Belgium in Seattle. The result matters both sportingly and politically: it came amid a furore over a red card shown to USA striker Folarin Balogun, a controversy linked to Donald Trump, and…

  • Home cooling without air conditioning: seven low-cost ways to block the sun

    Another UK heatwave is approaching after unusually high temperatures in May and June, prompting a rush to cool homes rather than warm them. This Guardian piece argues that costly, energy-hungry air conditioning is not the only answer, setting out seven cheaper, more sustainable ways to keep rooms cool. The core message from the experts quoted…

  • Belgium beat United States 4-1 after Fifa lifts Balogun ban

    Belgium said a controversial Fifa decision to lift a ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun, taken shortly before their World Cup last-16 tie in Seattle, galvanised their squad, who went on to beat the tournament co-hosts 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals. The episode matters because it drew accusations of political interference in football, after…

  • Yungblud draws support from SZA and Scott Ian after breakdown post

    British artist Yungblud (Dominic Harrison) has received an outpouring of public support from fellow musicians and celebrities after posting an emotional message on Instagram about online criticism, industry scepticism and repeated accusations that he is an “industry plant”. The post matters because it highlights the mental-health pressures faced by fast-rising artists and drew high-profile solidarity…

  • United States thrashed 4-1 by Belgium as Balogun reprieve backfires

    The United States were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup they are co-hosting, losing 4-1 to Belgium in the last 16 at Seattle Stadium — their heaviest defeat since 1990. The result ended growing national optimism that Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who had impressed earlier in the tournament, might reach the latter stages, and it…