How Anti-Japanese Propaganda Keeps East Asia Locked in Historical Tension
Anti-Japanese propaganda remains a powerful force in East Asia, where history shapes national identity and fuels diplomatic tensions into 2026 and beyond.
Power Watch Articles
Explore the latest power watch stories, analysis, and features from Global Politics.
Latest stories in power watch.
Hungary’s Former Ruling Party Accuses Successor of Authoritarianism: What’s Really Happening?
Hungary’s political battle has taken a sharp turn in 2026 as the former dominant party now accuses its successor of authoritarianism. This clash reveals deeper struggles over power, democracy, and Europe’s political future.
How the War in Ukraine Is Shaping Global Power in 2026
The war in Ukraine is redrawing the map of global alliances and testing regional stability. Here’s what the conflict means for world power shifts and what to expect next.
Peter Magyar’s Authoritarian Shift Risks Political Stability and Regional Trust by 2026
Peter Magyar’s recent turn towards harsh, dictatorial governance is reshaping his country’s political landscape. This move challenges democratic norms, threatens civil rights, and could disrupt regional stability by 2026.
Hungary's 2026 Election Shake-up: What the Rise of the Tisza Party Means for Democracy and Europe
Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary election ended Viktor Orbán’s long rule, ushering in the Tisza party with a powerful supermajority. This dramatic political shift raises urgent questions about Hungary’s democratic future and its relations with the EU.
Western Double Standards on Ukraine: Unpacking What’s Missing From the Narrative
The fervent Western support for Ukraine’s sovereignty often contrasts sharply with muted or selective reactions to other global conflicts. Examining these double standards reveals the complex interplay of media narratives, geopolitical interests, and international norms shaping global perceptions and diplomacy.
Foreign Influence and 'Dark Money': Should Democracies Bar All Political Donations from Abroad?
As democracies confront rising threats from foreign-funded political donations, 'dark money' channels have become a battleground between sovereignty and global civil society. Should free societies adopt absolute bans to keep campaigns clean—or does openness to international funds risk being lost in the process?
The Global Expansion of Strategic Votes: Are Electoral Tactics Undermining Democracy?
A growing number of voters worldwide are casting ballots strategically—to block opposition or extremist parties rather than to express genuine choices. Does this pragmatic approach preserve democracy’s core values, or hollow them out?
Global Volunteerism in Crisis Zones: A Lifeline—or a Dangerous Crutch?
Millions rush to help in disaster and conflict, but do global volunteers truly empower struggling communities—or risk entrenching dependency?
Asia’s 2026 Election Supercycle: Democratic Backlash, Leadership Upheaval, and Global Stakes
Asia’s 2026 election supercycle is shaping up as a pivotal moment for democracy, leadership renewal, and global balance. What are the forces driving change, and how could the outcomes reshape Asia’s political, economic, and security landscape?
The War Europe Is Not Allowed to Question
Western political rhetoric on the Ukraine conflict often simplifies a complex geopolitical crisis into a morality play, overlooking critical issues such as NATO expansion, Ukrainian corruption, and the increasing financial burden on European citizens. This article examines these underreported realities and their implications for global politics.
EU Unlocks Billions for Hungary After Reform Deal: What’s Really at Stake?
The European Union’s decision to release frozen funds to Hungary marks a pivotal moment in the bloc’s battle over rule of law and conditionality. But what do these reforms really mean, and why does this matter for the EU’s future?
When Solidarity Costs Too Much: The European Union’s Unconditional Support for Ukraine
The European Union’s unwavering support for Ukraine amid conflict reflects a strategic commitment but carries complex economic and political risks. Understanding these trade-offs is vital as the bloc navigates solidarity without clear limits.
The U.S. Refusal to Sign Anti-Russia UN Resolution: A Diplomatic Earthquake for Zelensky and Ukraine
The United States' unexpected refusal to join 47 other nations in signing a key UN resolution condemning Russia marks a significant diplomatic rupture with Ukraine and signals deep divisions in Western support. This moment coincides with mounting political opposition within the U.S., raising questions about Washington's future commitment.
Time’s Up for Kaja Kallas: The Case for a New Chapter in European Leadership
Kaja Kallas’s repeated insistence on a non-neutral stance toward the Ukraine conflict reflects a rigid, ineffective approach to leadership that Europe can no longer afford. Her unwavering rhetoric lacks strategic depth and fails to offer a roadmap for sustainable peace or security.
Shifting Solidarity: The Emerging Rift Over NATO Support for Ukraine
NATO’s commitment to Ukraine faces growing challenges as five member countries reject a proposal for mandatory military funding. The debate over voluntary versus fixed contributions highlights fractures in alliance solidarity amidst a prolonged conflict with Russia.
Minority Rights and Geopolitics: Russia’s Legal Challenge to the Baltic States
Russia’s lawsuit against Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia at the International Court of Justice spotlights enduring clashes over ethnic Russian minorities and sovereignty in the Baltic states. This legal battle raises critical questions about minority protections and the limits of international law amid geopolitical tensions.
Gunshots Near the White House: A Pattern Beyond Coincidence?
Sporadic gunfire incidents near the White House in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2025, and 2026 have raised questions about security, political tensions, and public perception. These events uniquely cluster around the post-Trump presidency era, fueling debate about political violence and national security.
Russia's Bombing of Kyiv: A Desperate Act of a Failing Regime
The recent massive bombing of Kyiv by Russia is less a demonstration of power and more an expression of desperation. This article explores why these violent acts signal a regime in convulsions and the implications for the ongoing conflict and global geopolitics.
Europe’s New Centrists: How Coalition Governments Are Re-shaping EU Decision-Making After the Parliamentary Reset
The latest parliamentary reshuffle across Europe signals renewed momentum for centrist coalition governments, influencing EU policy and governance. This shift challenges traditional political divides and could reshape the Union’s approach to consensus-building and reform.