Diplomacy 101: Undiplomatically Speaking
Where Beliefs Clash and Stories Flash
Courts, Convoys, and Containment
As the ICJ deliberates provisional measures in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, global reactions to the proceedings are hardening. The U.S. reiterated its support for Israel, while European capitals remain divided. Meanwhile, civil society and academic institutions increasingly cite the trial as a litmus test for Western credibility on human rights.
At sea, the Red Sea crisis continues to disrupt global logistics. Maersk announced permanent route shifts for key cargo lines, citing unacceptable risks from Houthi drone and missile attacks. The EU naval mission “Aspides” launched under a Greek command structure, marking rare operational cohesion from Brussels on defense. However, its mandate remains strictly defensive—underscoring continued discomfort with military engagement.
In the Pacific, Japan announced its largest defense budget in postwar history, including hypersonic missile research and naval expansion. Tokyo’s rearmament—framed domestically as a necessary deterrent—is reshaping regional defense architecture, especially with Australia and the U.S. reinforcing joint basing agreements.