Political New Recap: November 24th–30th, 2025
This week brought a mix of international summits, shifting alliances, election upheavals, and deepening geopolitical tensions. As always, the consequences extend far beyond the headlines — shaping foreign policy, domestic politics, and global stability.
7th African Union–European Union Summit convenes in Luanda
What Happened
On November 24–25, leaders from the European Union and the African Union met in Angola for the 7th AU–EU Summit. The summit marked the 25th anniversary of the formal partnership between the two unions. Its agenda included topics like peace and security, economic integration, sustainable development, migration and cooperation on trade and infrastructure.
Why It Matters
At a time when global power dynamics are shifting rapidly, renewed cooperation between Europe and Africa could provide a counterbalance to rising geopolitical tensions. The summit’s emphasis on multilateralism and shared prosperity suggests a strategic pivot towards collaboration rather than competition. If successfully implemented, agreements from this summit could lead to greater trade, security cooperation, and influence for African countries — potentially reshaping global economic and political balances.
Fallout from COP30 Climate Summit — global climate agreement ends with weakened commitments
What Happened
The COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil formally concluded during this week. Delegates adopted a final agreement that, critics noted, lacked firm commitments to phase out fossil fuels. While a number of measures around climate adaptation and financing were agreed upon, oil-producing and fossil fuel–dependent nations blocked stronger language on fossil fuel phase-outs, and commitments to deforestation limits and reductions in global meat consumption were not secured.
Why It Matters
The weak outcome of COP30 underscores the deep divisions among nations — particularly between environmentally vulnerable states and fossil-fuel producers. Without more aggressive action, climate change impacts are likely to worsen, especially for developing countries. The summit’s result may erode public trust in multilateral climate efforts and could encourage nations to pursue unilateral or regional policies instead. For global environmental and economic stability, this is a worrying signal.
Rising tensions in East Asia — Taiwan boosts defense budget amid mounting China threats
What Happened
On November 25, Taiwan announced a substantial supplementary defense budget — roughly $40 billion — aimed at strengthening its military capabilities as a response to ongoing pressure from China. This increase is part of a broader effort to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, with a projected 3.3% commitment for 2026. The plan includes major upgrades to air defenses, AI-driven defense projects, domestic weapons production and asymmetric warfare capabilities.
Why It Matters
Taiwan’s decision reflects serious strategic anxiety over China’s growing assertiveness. A stronger defense budget could enhance deterrence — but it also risks escalating tensions. For regional security, any miscalculation could trigger conflict in East Asia, disrupting global supply chains and challenging U.S. and allied commitments. Taiwan’s upgrades and China’s response will be a major test for regional stability.
Ukraine political shakeup — Chief of Staff resigns amid anti-corruption probe
What Happened
On November 28, the office of the presidency of Ukraine announced that Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, resigned. The resignation followed a raid on Yermak’s home by Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, tied to investigations linked to the country’s nuclear energy sector. While Yermak hasn’t been formally charged, the political fallout was immediate — the administration said it would reorganize the presidential office and begin consultation for a replacement.
Why It Matters
Yermak’s resignation signals deepening cracks within Ukraine’s leadership at a pivotal moment in its war effort and diplomatic negotiations. It could weaken internal unity, hamper decision-making and complicate ongoing peace talks or security planning. For external allies and observers, it raises questions about governance, transparency and Ukraine’s resilience under pressure.
Geopolitical realignment — tensions flare as Japan, Taiwan, China, and the U.S. navigate shifting alliances
What Happened
Tensions in East Asia grew sharper late in the week after public statements by Japan’s leadership supporting Taiwan’s security, prompting a strong rebuttal from Beijing. At the same time, diplomatic maneuvering involving the U.S., China, Japan and Taiwan intensified. China’s government — via state media — called on the U.S. to check what it labeled as Japanese militarism, arguing that provocative statements risked destabilizing the region.
Why It Matters
This diplomatic turbulence exposes the fragility of peace in one of the world’s most consequential regions. With global supply chains and semiconductor manufacturing heavily reliant on stability around Taiwan, escalating rhetoric could trigger economic and security ripples worldwide. The situation is a reminder that alliances and deterrence — not just military force — play a critical role in shaping global order.
New strategic alignment — Russia and China perceive shifts in U.S. diplomacy as opening for influence
What Happened
Analysts and reports this week highlighted how some foreign powers — notably Russia and China — view perceived shifts in U.S. diplomacy and trade strategy as opportunities to push their strategic agendas. With the U.S. working on trade deals and defense realignment, adversaries sense openings to exploit fractures within Western alliances. Particularly alarming are Russian moves in Eastern Europe and Chinese pressure in Asia, seen by many as leveraging U.S. distraction and global economic instability.
Why It Matters
If adversarial states succeed in leveraging cracks in Western cohesion, global security architecture could unravel further. Compromises over Taiwan, Ukraine and other hotspots may embolden authoritarian governments to challenge norms. The trend underscores the importance of diplomatic consistency and alliance solidarity — especially in times of domestic volatility.
Nigeria’s Escalating Security Crisis — State of Emergency declared over mass abductions
What Happened
During this week, Nigeria faced mounting security challenges following multiple mass kidnappings at schools. In response, the government declared a nationwide state of emergency and announced plans to deploy tens of thousands of new security personnel to combat the ongoing violence and restore public safety.
Why It Matters
The deteriorating security situation threatens the lives of thousands and undermines public trust in government institutions. For West Africa’s most populous nation, instability can have spill-over effects across neighboring countries, disrupt regional economies, and trigger humanitarian crises. International partners may face growing pressure to respond or assist — both diplomatically and materially.
What to Watch Next
- Will AU–EU cooperation lead to concrete trade and infrastructure projects that reshape Africa–Europe ties?
- How Taiwan and China respond to rising defense budgets and diplomatic provocations — could a crisis emerge, or will deterrence hold?
- Whether Ukraine’s leadership changes affect its war effort and negotiations with allies.
- If global powers exploit U.S. shifting diplomacy to assert influence — especially in Ukraine, East Asia, and Africa.
- How Nigeria’s security measures play out — will reforms be effective, or will violence deepen?
- Whether climate momentum from COP30 is lost, or if new grassroots and national efforts emerge to push for environmental action.
Thank you for choosing Political Jar for your Political News Recap for November 24th – 30th 2025