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Is water the next geopolitical battle?
Analysis

Is water the next geopolitical battle?

More than 70% of the earth’s surface is covered in good old H2O, so it would seem there’s plenty to go around. But the vast majority, at least 97%, is contained in the oceans as saltwater. The growing scarcity of freshwater for drinking, cooking, industrial, and agricultural uses is quickly moving water up as a global risk. In fact, our parent company, Eurasia Group, added it to its Top Risks list for 2026 as “The water weapon.”

Palm touching a screen with dots on a blue background imitating AI
Sponsored posts

The next era of mobility

Robotaxis, autonomous trucks, and drone networks are moving closer to reality. As costs fall and infrastructure grows, physical AI is unlocking new markets and business models. See what's driving the next era of mobility by subscribing to Bank of America Institute.

Why Trump can't end the Iran war on his terms
by ian bremmer

Why Trump can't end the Iran war on his terms

President Trump unveiled “Project Freedom,” an initiative to escort ships and restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, on Sunday. By Tuesday evening, he had unceremoniously suspended it by Truth Social post, shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters how committed the administration was to it.

The media's trust problem
Ian Explains

The media's trust problem

Do you trust us? A recent Pew Research Center poll found that fewer than half of Americans have trust in journalists to act in the public’s best interests — a share that has been falling for years. At the same time, partisanship is surging, and generative AI is challenging the very notion of truth.

​Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 6, 2026.
What We're Watching

Trump does a U-turn on “Project Freedom,” US may refresh ties with Eritrea, Solomon Islands face a political showdown

Trump suspends “Project Freedom” as Iran reviews new peace proposal, US to refresh ties with one of world’s most repressive countries, Political showdown in the Solomon Islands

Two Walmart employees looking at each other and talking at a store
Walmart sponsored posts

Walmart’s $1 billion investment is strengthening associate careers

Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.

Iran tensions rising again: Is the ceasefire about to collapse?
ask ian

Iran tensions rising again: Is the ceasefire about to collapse?

In this "ask ian," Ian Bremmer breaks down the rapidly unraveling situation following the US announcement of “Project Freedom” and why tensions with Iran are escalating again.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets his supporters as he arrives at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters as the BJP won the Assam state assembly election and was on course to win West Bengal, in New Delhi, India, May 4, 2026.
What We're Watching

Modi wins in opposition stronghold, Guyana and Venezuela try to settle border dispute, Trump considers vetting AI models

India’s Modi consolidates grip after historic state election win, Venezuela and Guyana are back in court over border dispute, Trump administration weighs a hands-on approach to AI

As ties with the US fray, Canada looks across the Atlantic
Analysis

As ties with the US fray, Canada looks across the Atlantic

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a meeting of the European Political Community in Armenia this weekend, a first by the leader of a non-European country. He was invited to discuss common interests in trade, energy, and security. In a speech that echoed his address to the World Economic Forum in Davos two months earlier, Carney called on middle powers, including Canada and European nations, to work together in the wake of disruption of the established world order — implicitly pointing to the United States. “It’s my strong personal view that the international order will be rebuilt,” he told the crowd in Yerevan, “but it will be rebuilt out of Europe.”

Purple map on a purple background
Sponsored posts

One year on: Progress on Europe’s digital commitments

One year after announcing its European digital commitments, Microsoft shared an update on progress across the region, highlighting new investments and expanded infrastructure to support AI adoption, strengthen resilience, and protect data. As demand for AI grows, organizations across Europe are increasingly focused on digital sovereignty, seeking greater control over data, stronger security, and assurance that critical systems remain available amid geopolitical uncertainty. Microsoft’s latest update outlines progress across key areas, including cloud expansion, cybersecurity, and privacy protections, helping enable AI and cloud adoption at scale while aligning with European regulations and priorities. Read the full update here.