Political News recap October 19th-26th 2025

The week brought seismic shifts across national and global politics: elections, historic firsts, huge protests and trade deals all moved the needle. Here are the major stories you should be aware of.

 Historic Election in Bolivia

What Happened:
On October 19 (and reported shortly thereafter), centrist politician Rodrigo Paz secured the presidency of Bolivia in a runoff, defeating former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga and formally ending nearly two decades of rule by the left-wing Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.

Why It Matters:
This represents a profound political realignment in Bolivia: the departure of a long-entrenched socialist party opens the door for different economic policies, greater investor confidence and shifts in the country’s foreign relations. It also signals how economic difficulty and governance fatigue can upend decades-old political orders.

 Japan Elects Its First Female Prime Minister

What Happened:
On October 21, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan confirmed Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister. Her cabinet appointments, however, included just two women among 19 ministers.

Why It Matters:
While the milestone of a female prime minister is symbolically powerful in a traditionally male-dominated political environment, Takaichi’s conservative agenda suggests limited progress on gender equality. The move also signals a sharper pivot to the right in Japan’s politics and has implications for its diplomacy and defence alliances, especially given tensions with China, the U.S., and South Korea.

Large-Scale “No Kings” Protests Continue in U.S. Cities

What Happened:
Across the United States, the “No Kings Protests” movement held large demonstrations (on October 18–20) protesting perceived authoritarian drift under the Donald Trump administration. Events in Washington D.C., Denver, Anchorage and many other locations drew thousands of participants.

Why It Matters:
Such large-scale protests reflect deep political polarization and rising civic engagement. They serve as a signal to elected officials that significant segments of the population are mobilized and vigilant. The scale of civil‐society action can shape policy debates, election messaging and the broader political climate.

U.S. Announces New Trade Deals with Southeast Asia

What Happened:
On October 26, the U.S. announced finalized trade deals with both Malaysia and Cambodia, agreements designed to strengthen economic ties in Southeast Asia and shift supply-chain dependence away from China.

Why It Matters:
These trade deals reflect a strategic economic and geopolitical move: diversifying markets, reducing China-centric risk, and reinforcing U.S. influence in the region. For the U.S., they help counterbalance China’s growing presence; for Malaysia and Cambodia, they offer economic opportunity—but also raise questions about labor standards, governance and regional competition.

Government Shutdown in the U.S. Approaches a Critical Phase

What Happened:
The U.S. remains in a partial federal government shutdown (triggered October 1) due to funding disputes over foreign‐aid rescissions and federal spending. By October 26, key debates were underway in Congress and on major news shows about how long the shutdown will last.

Why It Matters:
A prolonged shutdown affects millions of Americans—federal employees, contractors, service users—and undermines confidence in government functionality. Politically, it poses risks for the party in power and sets the stage for election messaging, public frustration, and institutional strain.

U.S. Military Leadership Warns of Strategic Lag Against Major Powers

What Happened:
Senior U.S. defense officials and strategists have warned that the United States is entering a “catch-up” mode in areas of defense innovation, particularly in long-term competition with China and Russia.

Why It Matters:
This strategic self-assessment signals that U.S. defense policy may need substantial recalibration—not just in tactics, but in spending, technology, industrial base and alliances. Such warnings often precede major budget shifts, reorganizations of military‐industrial strategy and diplomatic realignments.

Polling and Political Maneuvering Ahead of Key U.S. Elections

What Happened:
On October 26, analysts and pollsters appeared on television to discuss how the shutdown, trade policy, and domestic unrest are shaping upcoming midterm and local elections in the U.S.
Why It Matters:
Polling is not just about measuring sentiment—it shapes campaign strategy, spending, media coverage and party positioning. Politicians use these readings to calibrate messages, target states or districts, and anticipate voter behavior. A shift in the polls can trigger strategic pivots.

What to Watch

• How Rodrigo Paz’s government in Bolivia handles economic reforms and international alliances.
• Whether PM Takaichi’s government in Japan delivers on its conservative agenda—and its stability given the coalition context.
• Whether the U.S. “No Kings” protest movement evolves into a sustained political force.
• The unfolding of U.S.–Malaysia/Cambodia economic ties and their ripple effects across ASEAN.
• The duration and political fallout of the U.S. shutdown.
• Defense budget debates in the U.S., particularly in light of warnings of strategic lag.
• The impact of domestic policy failures or successes on U.S. electoral outcomes.