Framing The World, CL Edition
Among the latest news stories addressed in the latest issue of Framing: In South Africa, a court has ruled invalid a donation to a white supremacist group, saying the threat of “white genocide” is unfounded. In the United States, President Trump announced new tariffs on imports and ruled out Ukraine's entry into NATO. In Uruguay, the center-left returned to power with new President Yamendú Orsi. The Philippines and Japan strengthened their military cooperation in response to tensions with China. In Japan, the number of births reached a record low, while in Europe inflation showed signs of slowing. Finally, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, clashes in North Kivu claimed some 7,000 lives.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
NORTH AMERICA
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
ASIA AND THE FAR EAST
WESTERN EUROPE AND EUROPEAN UNION
ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)
TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
South Africa, the threat of “white genocide” is not real. A court ruled Feb. 20 that the threat of “white genocide” is not real, in a ruling that invalidated a testamentary bequest to a white supremacist organization. A Cape Town man, Grantland Michael Bray, had decided to allocate a portion of his inheritance to Boerelegioen, a group that promises to defend white South Africans from impending genocide. Upon Bray's death, his brothers went to a court to block the payment. The judge agreed with them because Boerelegioen does no service to society and merely glorifies apartheid. Moreover, under South African law, a testamentary bequest can be annulled if it funds illegal and discriminatory activities.
Guinea, persecution of civil society activists continues. Civil society activist Abdoul Sacko was found Feb. 19 in a critical state and with signs of torture, probably left for dead by the masked men who had taken him from his home in Conakry a few hours earlier. Sacko's abduction follows the disappearance under similar circumstances of other Guinean civil society figures, including journalist Habib Marouane Camara and human rights activists Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah.
Aurelia Puliafito
NORTH AMERICA
United States of America, Starmer flies to Washington to meet Trump. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer flew to Washington to attend a meeting with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, February 26. The discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, with Trump stating that the mere presence of American workers in the rare earth industry on Ukrainian territory would be enough to deter any Russian threat; and also on the figure of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, denying ever having called him a “dictator”. The economic ties between the two countries appear to remain strong: Trump expressed confidence in the possibility of reaching a trade agreement without the need to impose trade tariffs.
(Lorenzo Graziani)
New tariffs on imports for the USA. President Donald Trump recently announced his intention to impose a 25% tariff on imports of certain products, including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and lumber. Given the context of strong trade tensions between global economies, Trump's new plan has been met with considerable concern. The measure is aimed at protecting local production but could increase production costs and reduce exports. American consumers, in fact, may face a significant rise in vehicle prices. There are also concerns about the reactions from other competing economic powers: Europe and Japan might respond with similar tariffs on American products. Despite everything, the president continues to reaffirm his position, assuring that his sole purpose is to safeguard the country’s economic security.
(Caterina De Rosa)
Trump, no to Ukraine joining NATO: US President Donald Trump shuts the doors to Ukraine joining the Atlantic Alliance. The President announced it shortly before the meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, declaring his absolute opposition to a possible Ukrainian membership in NATO.The end of the conflict remains the priority, and the United States assures that they will work hard to reach a peace agreement, but security guarantees for Ukraine will have to be ensured by Europe. "Europe will have to provide for Ukraine's security, (...) there will be no American soldiers on Ukrainian ground", concludes Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense. For Trump, the possible entry of Ukraine into the Atlantic Alliance is at the origin of the conflict and, precisely for this reason, the tycoon has firmly declared his opposition to such upheaval in NATO.
(Bianca Colli)
Trump and Zelensky Clash in the Oval Office. On Friday morning, Ukrainian President Zelensky, President Donald Trump, and his vice JD Vance gathered in the White House's Oval Office for an open-door meeting aimed at promoting the signing of an agreement on Ukraine’s mineral resources. However, after about thirty minutes, the meeting took an unexpected turn. As the discussion shifted to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the potential role of the United States in securing peace, sharp differences emerged between the three men, escalating the tone of the conversation. Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude, threatening to pull the U.S. out of the conflict unless an agreement was signed. Trump then abruptly concluded the meeting, prompting the Ukrainian delegation to leave the White House. The anticipated signing of the agreement collapsed. Despite the critical moment for the end of the war, diplomatic relations between the two countries remain at a standstill, and it remains uncertain when the two leaders will return to the negotiation table.
(Giovanni Ferrazza)
Lorenzo Graziani, Caterina De Rosa, Bianca Colli and Giovanni Ferrazza
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Uruguay, the center-left returns to power. On Saturday, March 1st, the newly elected President Yamandú Orsi took office, replacing the republican leader Luis Lacalle Pou. A former history teacher, Orsi entered national politics through a swift rise in local administration in the Canelones district, securing the position of Governor in 2015. Politically inspired by the social democrat and former president José "Pepe" Mujica, Orsi is closely aligned with what were referred to in the early 2000s as the Pink Tide presidencies center-left governments focused on regional integration and distancing from U.S. political-economic influence. The current political landscape in the continent has changed significantly, leaving uncertainty about how this new presidency will evolve, whether it will be reformist or not compared to Lacalle Pou's administration.
Mexico - United States, the March 4 deadline looms. On Thursday, February 27, U.S. President Donald Trump stated via his social media platform "Truth" that tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada would take effect "as planned" on Tuesday, March 4, following a previous 30-day postponement. The rationale behind this decision is that the two U.S. neighbors are allegedly not cooperating satisfactorily in addressing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, primarily fentanyl, into U.S. territory. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded calmly to the matter, stating: "We know that President Trump has a personal way of communicating and setting negotiation timelines. We must think proactively to reach an agreement”, implying Mexico's openness to trade negotiations.
Lucas Torres
ASIA AND THE FAR EAST
Philippines and Japan strengthen military cooperation. The Philippines and Japan are further reinforcing their defense cooperation, driven by an increasingly unstable security environment. On February 24, during an official visit to Manila, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani emphasized the need to enhance coordination with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro to ensure stability and security in the region and the international community. In recent years, both countries, allies of Washington, have strengthened their strategic ties in response to growing tensions with China. In this regard, in 2024, by signing the historic Reciprocal Access Agreement, they have enabled their armed forces to operate in each other’s territories. Teodoro also underscored the importance of defending the international order, opposing any unilateral attempts by China or other nations to reshape international law through force.
(Valeria Picciolo)
China, military drills in the Tasman Sea. On Friday, February 21, the Chinese navy started military drills in international water between Australia and New Zealand. The presence of three Chinese warships, rare but not unprecedented, was noticed on Thursday afternoon, but it was not until the live-fire training had started that Canberra learned about the Chinese plans thanks to a pilot of Virgin Australia. Many airline companies were consequently forced to divert the routes of some planes that were supposed to fly over that area. However, Beijing defined the accusations of lack of transparency unreasonable, affirming that safety notices were repeatedly issued in advance and confirming that the organised naval exercise was conducted in a safe and professional manner, fully in accordance with international law. In addition, a Chinese military affairs expert informed that the PLA Navy is expected to keep on expanding its capabilities, and as a result, voyages of Chinese ships at far sea are likely to become routine.
(Antonella Franzelli)
Japan, falling birth rates. A recent report by the Japanese Ministry of Health revealed that the number of births in the country has hit a new record low, highlighting the growing difficulties in sustaining the social security system. In 2024, births fell by five per cent year-on-year to 720,988, extending a decline that has been going on for nine years. This is the lowest figure since 1899. At the same time, deaths increased by 1.8% to a record 1.62 million, marking the largest annual decline in population ever observed. The pension system is also under pressure: in the last 20 years, the number of workers has decreased by about three million, while the number of pensioners has increased by almost 40 per cent. This dynamic is set in a financial framework marked by one of the highest public debts in the world, making crisis management even more complex.
(Francesco Oppia)
The Trump administration approves a $397 million package for the maintenance of Pakistan's F-16 fleet. In New Delhi, there are fears of a possible - Balakot 2018 - Pakistan breach of US-imposed end-use agreements. Although Washington ensures strict monitoring with surveillance teams and operational restrictions, Indian intelligence remains sceptical, believing that Pakistan can circumvent the constraints imposed.In parallel, the US has offered India access to the F-35, advanced fifth-generation fighter jets. Beijing, for its part, has reinforced the Pakistani air force with JF-17 Thunder jets and is preparing to supply J-10C fighters, equipped with AESA radar and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, further changing the balance of power in the region. Washington's double game, supporting both India and Pakistan, seems aimed at containing Chinese influence.
(Ratì Mugnaini Provvedi)
Ratì Mugnaini Provvedi, Francesco Oppia, Valeria Picciolo and Antonella Franzelli
WESTERN EUROPE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Elections in Germany. Friedrich Merz's Cdu won the German elections with 28.6%, one of the worst results ever for the conservatives but enough to govern. The ultra-right AfD achieved a historic result with 20.8%, overtaking the Spd, which collapsed to 16.4%, its worst result since 1949. The Greens achieved a result of 11.6%, while the liberals of the Fdp, with 4.3%, are excluded from the Bundestag, having failed to pass the 5% threshold. The radical left of the Linke surprised with 8.8%. The turnout in this election rose to 82.5%. To govern, Merz is aiming for a ‘grand coalition’ with the SPD, which would guarantee a solid majority with 328 seats. Germany is still divided: the Cdu dominates in the West, while the AfD is first in the East. Now the formation of the new government, which could take office by Easter, is awaited.
EU, Clean Industrial Deal presented. The European Commission presented in recent days the Clean Industrial Deal, the new plan that aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy, promote the decarbonisation of industry and ensure adequate manufacturing capacity for green technologies in Europe. The plan, for which more than EUR 100 billion will be mobilised, includes measures to support energy-intensive industries, incentives for the production of clean technologies and the promotion of circularity to reduce waste and dependence on foreign suppliers. To finance the transition, the plan will strengthen the Innovation Fund and create an Industrial Decarbonisation Bank.
Bianca Franzini
ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
Europe, February inflation data. Inflation in France fell to its lowest level in four years, rising by 0.9% year on year in February, down sharply from 1.8% in January. In Italy, inflation remained stable at 1.7% and in Spain it was unchanged at +2.9%. European bond markets therefore reacted positively to the French data, which is expected to prompt the ECB to cut deposit rates again next Thursday (6 March). However, the German data, with inflation surprisingly unchanged at 2.8%, complicates the central bankers' task, although analysts attribute this to an unexpected rise in food prices and point out that core inflation, as in the rest of Europe, is declining slightly but steadily.
US, Apple investments. Apple will invest $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, creating 20,000 new jobs in an investment plan that includes a new manufacturing facility in Texas, a supplier academy in Michigan, and greater investment in existing local partners. The plan is actually an acceleration from existing programs, adding $39 billion in investment and 1,000 more jobs per year, and is aimed at gaining an exemption from Trump-imposed tariffs on imports from China. CEO Tim Cook said the company believes in American innovation and aims to strengthen its presence in the US, with cloud server production to begin in Texas and expansion of existing data centres in Arizona, Oregon, Iowa, Nevada and North Carolina. Finally, production of M-series chips will remain in Taiwan, but some components will be manufactured at a TSMC facility in Arizona.
Cars, growth in EVs. In January, sales of electric vehicles in Europe rose by 37% and non plug-in hybrids by 17%, as carmakers sought to meet new European emissions standards. However, the overall market fell by 2.1% due to lower demand for plug-in hybrids, petrol and diesel cars. Stellantis, which is struggling with a change of CEO, saw sales fall by 16%, while Volkswagen and Renault increased deliveries slightly. Automakers face billions of dollars in fines if they fail to boost sales of electric models, although France is pushing for looser rules and Germany's newly appointed chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has called for combustion engines to be allowed to be sold after 2035. Meanwhile, Tesla, which has suffered a 45% slump in European sales, is trying to form an alliance with Toyota, Ford and Stellantis to meet emissions limits, while Mercedes-Benz is teaming up with Volvo and Polestar.
Technology, Nvidia's quarter. Nvidia reported strong profit and revenue growth as major tech companies rush to develop AI infrastructure, with revenue up 78% to $39.3 billion and net income up 80% to $22.1 billion. Despite a recent drop in the share price after DeepSeek said it could train AI models with less advanced (and cheaper) chips, CEO Jensen Huang reassured investors by highlighting the "incredible" demand for its next-generation Blackwell chips, which generated $11 billion in the quarter alone. Initial production and overheating problems did not undermine the transition to the new architecture, although gross margins fell from 76% to 73% due to the increased complexity of the chips.
Leonardo Aldeghi
CENTRAL-EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA
Romania, The General Prosecutor's Office has ordered 47 searches across the country. The accusations against the suspects include serious crimes such as anti-constitutional actions, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, the establishment of a fascist organization, and false statements regarding the financing of the election campaign. Calin Georgescu, the nationalist, pro-Russian, and anti-NATO candidate who won the first round of the presidential elections in November, was also detained, interrogated, and later released. The Romanian Constitutional Court annulled the election results due to alleged Russian interference in favor of Georgescu and rescheduled the elections for May. Georgescu was detained while on his way to submit his candidacy for the new elections.
Serbia, In Belgrade, the police have raided the offices of four non-governmental organizations. These NGOs were receiving funding from USAID, the U.S. government agency for international aid, which Donald Trump intends to gradually shut down. Many believe that Serbian authorities are seeking to take advantage of the accusations made by the U.S. government against USAID to tighten control over NGOs critical of the government and President Aleksandar Vučić, known for his conservative and nationalist positions. All four organizations focus on human and civil rights, the rule of law, and democratic elections. This is happening as protests against the government, which began in November, continue across the country.
(Silvia Pasetto)
US-Ukraine Mineral Agreement: Western Unity at Risk? The recent agreement between the United States and Ukraine on critical minerals has sparked debate about international security. Backed by the Trump administration, the deal requires Kyiv to cede 50% of profits from strategic resources like gas, oil, and rare minerals in exchange for military support. However, doubts have emerged regarding the actual size of Ukraine’s mineral reserves, as many of these resources are located in Russian-occupied areas. Meanwhile, direct negotiations between Trump and Moscow, with minimal involvement from Europe, risk undermining transatlantic unity and strengthening Russia’s war of attrition strategy. These developments heighten uncertainty about regional stability and raise questions about Ukraine’s future security, highlighting tensions between Western support for Kyiv and Moscow’s increasing geopolitical pressure.
(Federica Placidi)
Silvia Pasetto and Federica Placidi
MIDDLE-EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)
Turkey, Öcalan announces the dissolution of the PKK. Abdullah Öcalan, the historical leader of the PKK, recently declared that the armed group should dissolve and abandon the armed struggle. In a message released from the Imralı prison, he called on his followers to lay down their arms and work towards a political solution to the conflict. This move comes after decades of conflict between the PKK and Turkey, which has resulted in thousands of casualties. Turkish President Erdoğan welcomed the appeal, calling it a historic step toward ending terrorism. The international community is closely following the developments, hoping for lasting peace, but uncertainties remain regarding the actual implementation of this proposal.
(Matteo Francescucci)
Israel; increasing pressure on Syria: targeted airstrikes by the Israeli Air Force on military sites in southern Syria continue. In addition, Israel is recovering its historical ‘peripheral policy’, i.e. the attempt to establish strategic relations with all possible non-Arab actors in order to break its encirclement and weaken its Arab adversaries. In this case, the Jewish state has been trying for weeks with the classic divide and rule, seeking the support of the Kurds of the SDF in northern Syria and the Druze in southern Syria, so as to acquire two allies to use as buffer forces against Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
(Michele Magistretti)
Israel, suspected terrorist attack in the town of Pardes Hanna. According to reports by the Israeli authorities, on Friday morning, a car driven by a 53-year-old man from the West Bank drove into a bus stop in the town of Pardes Hanna, in the north of the country. According to the first reconstructions, this was a voluntary act, in a way that could be attributed to an act of terrorism. There were no victims, but one person was seriously injured.
(Davide Shahhosseini)
Matteo Francescucci, Michele Magistretti and Davide Shahhosseini
TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Democratic Republic of Congo, around 7,000 victims since the beginning of the clashes in North Kivu. Since the advance of the M23 rebels began in the region bordering Rwanda, in the east of the country, the number of victims is said to be around 7,000. The latter figure was given by the Congolese Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa, during a speech at the UN Human Rights Council. In recent weeks, clashes between the regular army and the M23 group have particularly intensified in the suburbs of Goma, the main centre of North Kivu. According to intelligence sources in some Western countries, the rebels are allegedly supported by neighbouring Rwanda, which is accused by the Congolese government of wanting to destabilise the region in an attempt to appropriate the mineral resources present in that border area.
(Davide Shahhosseini)
UK-US: Starmer Seeks Agreements with Trump. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Donald Trump at the White House in a summit months in the making. Trump hinted at a possible trade deal, while London avoided direct demands to stay on Trump’s good side. Security guarantees for Ukraine remain unresolved, a key issue in the talks. The UK government has worked to build ties with the Trump administration, but uncertainties over America’s future role in Europe and the president’s unpredictability make any agreement fragile.
EU-USA: Macron seeks to persuade Trump, while Europe reaffirms support for Kiev. As Trump distances himself from Europe, EU leaders are scrambling to maintain U.S. support while reinforcing their backing for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron is in Washington to persuade Trump that abandoning Kyiv would be a “strategic mistake.” Meanwhile, top EU officials and several European leaders are in Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity with President Zelenskyy. The EU is preparing a €20 billion military aid package, while discussions continue on a potential European peacekeeping force. With Trump pressuring Ukraine into a deal and Europe fearing U.S. disengagement, leaders are racing to secure new defense strategies.
(Gonzalo Pereyra)
The Death of Nasrallah and the Risk of Global Escalation. The death of Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut in September 2024, whose funeral was held on February 24, 2025, has raised new questions about international security and Middle Eastern stability. His elimination increases the risk of retaliatory attacks against Israeli and Western targets, fueling an escalation that could extend beyond Lebanon’s borders. The new leader, Naim Qassem, has vowed to maintain the group’s political and military stance, but the loss of such an influential figure could make Hezbollah more vulnerable to internal and external pressures. Israel, on high alert, fears new attacks from Hezbollah or other groups linked to the Shiite axis, while the international community watches with concern over the potential deterioration of global security.
(Federica Placidi)
Federica Placidi, Gonzalo Pereyra and Davide Shahhosseini
Framing The World is a project conceived and created by the collaboration between members of the team of Mondo Internazionale associates.
Antonella Franzelli: Asia and Far East
Alessia Boni: Latin America and the Caribbean
Aurelia Puliafito: Sub-Saharan Africa
Bianca Colli: North America
Bianca Franzini: Western Europe and the European Union
Caterina De Rosa: North America
Davide Shahhosseini: Terrorism and International Security
Federica Placidi: Terrorism and International Security
Francesco Oppia: Asia and Far East
Giovanni Ferrazza: North America
Giulio Ciofini: Sub-Saharan Africa
Gonzalo Pereyra: Terrorism and International Security
Leonardo Aldeghi: Economics and International Finance
Leonardo Di Girolamo: Asia and Far East
Lisa Pasolini: Latin America
Lorenzo Graziani: North America
Lucas Torres: Latin America and the Caribbean
Matteo Francescucci: Middle-East and North Africa
Michele Magistretti: Middle-East and North Africa
Ratì Mugnaini Provvedi: Asia and Far East
Silvia Pasetto: Central and Eastern Europe and Russia
Valeria Picciolo: Asia and Far East