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Panama City Faces Stark Socioeconomic Disparities Amidst Urban Development

Panama City Faces Stark Socioeconomic Disparities Amidst Urban Development

Panama City, despite its modern skyline often compared to Dubai or New York, is grappling with significant socioeconomic disparities. The city exhibits visible homelessness, poverty, and social inequality, with luxury hotels and casinos coexisting alongside neighborhoods that lack basic infrastructure such as organized trash collection, stable plumbing, and safe living standards. This contrast is evident in areas like Curundú, an informally developed residential area facing funding barriers and societal stigma. Research conducted by Duke University students highlighted these issues, noting that while some parts of the city boast modern amenities, others struggle with inadequate public services and infrastructure. The historical context of U.S. control over the Panama Canal also plays a role, with past policies leading to uneven development and segregation.

Analysts weigh how Democrats’ midterm wins could shift Trump’s Latin America policy

Analysts weigh how Democrats’ midterm wins could shift Trump’s Latin America policy

Analysts are examining how recent Democratic wins in the U.S. midterm elections might impact Latin America during President Donald Trump's final two years

Kazakhstan Addresses CIS Security Council Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Cyber Threats

Kazakhstan Addresses CIS Security Council Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Cyber Threats

Aida Balayeva, representing Kazakhstan, addressed the meeting of CIS Security Council secretaries in Moscow, focusing on pressing international and regional security challenges. The discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States. Balayeva outlined key priorities for Kazakhstan, including countering terrorism and extremism, addressing cyber threats, combating international drug trafficking, and preventing emergencies. She emphasized the critical importance of joint efforts across these areas, especially given the escalating risks. Particular attention was given to emerging security risks associated with artificial intelligence being used in terrorist and other unlawful activities. The agenda also covered critical infrastructure protection and strategies to counteract digital drug trafficking networks. The Kazakh delegation presented specific proposals to enhance cooperation in combating new formats of terrorist threats and transnational drug syndicates. Balayeva...

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Hamad of Bahrain Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Security in Riyadh

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Hamad of Bahrain Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Security in Riyadh

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain in Riyadh. The meeting focused on reviewing the historical relations between the two nations, exploring avenues for bilateral cooperation, and discussing ways to strengthen and develop these ties. Additionally, the leaders addressed the latest regional developments and the ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability in the region. King Hamad expressed gratitude for the warm reception and commended the efforts of King Salman and the Crown Prince in fostering strong relations and supporting Bahrain. The Crown Prince, in turn, reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to deepening its fraternal ties with Bahrain across all sectors and wished for continued progress and prosperity for Bahrain and its people. The meeting saw the attendance of several high-ranking officials from both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, underscoring the importance of the discussions.

SCO Secretary General Emphasizes Trilateral Cooperation with CSTO and CIS at Moscow Forum

SCO Secretary General Emphasizes Trilateral Cooperation with CSTO and CIS at Moscow Forum

On November 10, 2026, Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), participated in the International Collective Security Forum in Moscow. During his address at the plenary session, 'Global Challenges of the 21st Century and the Transformation of Collective Security Mechanisms,' Yermekbayev highlighted the critical importance of interaction between the SCO, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This cooperation is based on a trilateral 'road map' that was approved in Beijing in September 2025. He stressed that these three organizations possess significant potential for developing ties, including exchanging expert assessments, countering transnational risks and challenges, and expanding professional contacts among their relevant structures. Yermekbayev also noted that a proposal from Russia and Belarus to develop a Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the XXI Century is currently under c...

Geopolitics Undergoes Fundamental Transformation, Shifting Power Dynamics Beyond Traditional Measures

Geopolitics Undergoes Fundamental Transformation, Shifting Power Dynamics Beyond Traditional Measures

Geopolitics is experiencing a profound transformation, moving beyond traditional measures of power based on territory and resources. The discipline, historically focused on the relationship between space and power, must now adapt to a world where power is increasingly defined by positions within networks, access to infrastructure, technological command, and the ability to influence global flows. This shift is occurring in a politically fragmented yet materially interdependent world, where disruptions in one area can have far-reaching consequences across continents. For instance, a disruption at a strategic maritime chokepoint can impact supply chains globally, and decisions by major digital technology companies can alter business operations worldwide. The political landscape is evolving towards a multipolar order, but its underlying infrastructure is multinodal, creating complex interdependencies. This new reality means that control over a territory no longer guarantees control over the flows that pass thr...

Panama and Costa Rica Presidents Discuss Security Alliance and Regional Forum

Panama and Costa Rica Presidents Discuss Security Alliance and Regional Forum

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Costa Rican President Laura Fernández held a telephone conversation to discuss strengthening their bilateral alliance on security matters, particularly in combating narcoterrorism. Both leaders emphasized the effectiveness of their joint efforts in this area. President Fernández expressed gratitude for the teamwork, stating that both nations are confronting narcoterrorism together. President Mulino echoed this sentiment, describing the relationship as a "joint and very firm effort." During the call, President Mulino extended an invitation to President Fernández to attend the CAF Latin America and Caribbean International Forum, scheduled to take place in Panama from January 27 to 28, 2027. President Fernández indicated her strong interest in attending, highlighting Panama's priority for Costa Rica due to shared interests. The forum aims to gather government leaders, business figures, investors, multilateral organizations, and representatives from various sectors to ...

Panama and Costa Rica Affirm Strong Alliance in Security and Anti-Narcotics Efforts

Panama and Costa Rica Affirm Strong Alliance in Security and Anti-Narcotics Efforts

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Costa Rican President Laura Fernández recently held a telephone conversation to underscore the effective alliance between their nations in security matters and the fight against drug trafficking. According to a statement from the Panamanian Presidency, both leaders discussed strategic alliances aimed at jointly combating narcoterrorism. President Fernández expressed gratitude for the teamwork in security, stating that both countries are confronting narcoterrorism together. President Mulino echoed these sentiments, describing the relationship as a concerted and firm effort. During the call, President Mulino also extended an invitation to President Fernández to attend the CAF Latin America and Caribbean International Forum, scheduled to take place in Panama from January 27 to 28, 2027. This forum aims to gather government leaders, business figures, investors, and multilateral organizations to foster dialogue and address regional challenges.

U.S., Armenia, and Azerbaijan Launch Technical Groups to Advance Trump Route Infrastructure Project

U.S., Armenia, and Azerbaijan Launch Technical Groups to Advance Trump Route Infrastructure Project

The United States, Armenia, and Azerbaijan have initiated trilateral technical planning groups to advance the 'Trump Route,' a significant infrastructure project. This route is designed to establish a multi-use connection between mainland Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan, traversing Armenian territory. The agreement to develop this project was reached during the Washington Summit in August 2025, brokered by President Trump. The newly formed technical groups, led by Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Brendan Hanrahan, will focus on resolving complex technical issues. The initial groups will concentrate on transport and electricity transmission, aiming to integrate the project with existing regional infrastructures.

Tunisian Prime Minister Outlines 2027 Budget Aimed at Sustainable, Wealth-Creating Economy

Tunisian Prime Minister Outlines 2027 Budget Aimed at Sustainable, Wealth-Creating Economy

Tunisian Prime Minister Outlines 2027 Budget Aimed at Sustainable, Wealth-Creating Economy

How the US was left exposed to the flesh-eating screwworm, years into the outbreak

How the US was left exposed to the flesh-eating screwworm, years into the outbreak

MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON, Nov 9 (Reuters) - For decades, planes dropped billions of factory-bred sterile flies to keep the flesh-eating New World screwworm out of North America’s cattle. That controls the pest because sterile males mate with wild females – whose eggs then fail to hatch.

U.S. Tin Supply from Congo Faces Geopolitical Risks Amidst Rwandan Influence

U.S. Tin Supply from Congo Faces Geopolitical Risks Amidst Rwandan Influence

The United States is set to restart large-scale tin refining in Henry County, Virginia, by 2027, marking the first time in decades such operations will occur on American soil. This initiative aims to secure a supply of up to 3,600 metric tons of tin annually from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg has lauded this as a significant achievement for U.S.-DRC strategic partnership and domestic job creation, with the tin destined for critical U.S. industries including circuit boards, automotive manufacturing, and defense systems. However, the primary source of this tin, Alphamin’s Bisie mine in North Kivu, DRC, is located in a region heavily influenced by Rwanda-backed M23 forces and their allies. Rwandan troops are reported to operate alongside these forces, maintaining control over Goma and surrounding areas. This geopolitical reality introduces significant supply chain risks, as Rwanda's President Paul Kagame's proxies control the strategic territory around the mine...