Geopolitics & Policy
Geopolitics & Policy news — Monday 19 October 2026
67 stories from 5 sources, every one in English. Each links to its publisher.
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Alberta voters choose Canada over independence in boost for Carney
South China Morning Post Tech
Voters in Canada’s oil-rich Alberta province overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada, with early referendum results Tuesday delivering a boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for national unity amid US President Donald Trump’s trade…
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Alberta votes on path to independence as Carney fights to keep Canada united
South China Morning Post Tech
Voters in Canada’s oil-rich Alberta province overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada, with early referendum results Tuesday delivering a boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for national unity amid US President Donald Trump’s trade…
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Myanmar Coup Administration Releases Photos of Detained Leader Aung San Suu Kyi
The photos reportedly show the 81-year-old receiving two books and a sealed diplomatic package from Britain's King Charles III.
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Woman tells UK court that comedian Russell Brand raped her
South China Morning Post Tech
A woman told police that British actor and comedian Russell Brand had grabbed her breasts before dragging her into a toilet at a bar and orally raping her, a London court heard on Monday. Brand, once one of Britain’s most high-profile…
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Woman tells UK court Russell Brand dragged her into bar toilet and raped her
South China Morning Post Tech
A woman told police that British actor and comedian Russell Brand had grabbed her breasts before dragging her into a toilet at a bar and orally raping her, a London court heard on Monday. Brand, once one of Britain’s most high-profile…
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Zelensky should get ‘somebody else’ to negotiate to end Ukraine war, Trump says
South China Morning Post Tech
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the United States on Monday of deliberately delaying the delivery of interceptor missiles to his country, as tensions between Kyiv and Washington escalated over military aid and intelligence…
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Zelensky accuses US of delaying missiles as Trump calls for new Ukraine negotiator
South China Morning Post Tech
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the United States on Monday of deliberately delaying the delivery of interceptor missiles to his country, as tensions between Kyiv and Washington escalated over military aid and intelligence…
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US-China AI talks must ensure safety of both tech and business
South China Morning Post Tech
In New York last month, US-China talks on artificial intelligence opened up a path of cooperation. This was affirmed by the Xi-Trump summit in Washington where both presidents agreed to establish a formal AI dialogue and hotline. With the…
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US-China AI talks must ensure safety of both tech and business
South China Morning Post Tech
In New York last month, US-China talks on artificial intelligence opened up a path of cooperation. This was affirmed by the Xi-Trump summit in Washington where both presidents agreed to establish a formal AI dialogue and hotline. With the…
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Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil asks US Supreme Court to review deportation case
South China Morning Post Tech
Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil on Monday asked the US Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that opened the door for US President Donald Trump’s administration to rearrest and deport the Palestinian activist. Khalil’s lawyers…
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Palestinian activist takes deportation fight to US Supreme Court
South China Morning Post Tech
Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil on Monday asked the US Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that opened the door for US President Donald Trump’s administration to rearrest and deport the Palestinian activist. Khalil’s lawyers…
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Trump says he’s open to meeting Xi and Putin in China for nuclear talks
South China Morning Post Tech
US President Donald Trump said on Monday he was open to a three-way meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to China next month, with nuclear weapons on the agenda. “We would have it…
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Trump says he’s open to meeting Xi and Putin in China for nuclear talks
South China Morning Post Tech
US President Donald Trump said on Monday he was open to a three-way meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to China next month, with nuclear weapons on the agenda. “We would have it…
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US charges 28 in California sweep targeting alleged non-citizen voting
South China Morning Post Tech
US federal authorities charged more than two dozen foreign nationals Monday in California as part of a statewide sweep targeting people who officials say have illegally registered or voted in US elections. The arrests are part of a Trump…
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US arrests over 2 dozen in California sweep targeting alleged non-citizen voters
South China Morning Post Tech
US federal authorities charged more than two dozen foreign nationals Monday in California as part of a statewide sweep targeting people who officials say have illegally registered or voted in US elections. The arrests are part of a Trump…
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China’s flag carrier scrambles to fly stranded passengers out of fuel-starved Cuba
South China Morning Post Tech
Dozens of Air China passengers stranded in Cuba by successive cancellations were due to fly out on an extra flight on Monday, as a US oil embargo deepens the island’s energy crisis. The disruption has hit one of Cuba’s last direct air…
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China’s flag carrier scrambles to fly stranded passengers out of fuel-starved Cuba
South China Morning Post Tech
Dozens of Air China passengers stranded in Cuba by successive cancellations were due to fly out on an extra flight on Monday, as a US oil embargo deepens the island’s energy crisis. The disruption has hit one of Cuba’s last direct air…
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Saudi Arabia executes 2 Bangladeshis over ‘indecent acts’ in holy city of Mecca
South China Morning Post Tech
Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals, a man and a woman, after they were convicted of committing “indecent acts” in a mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. Bangladesh said it was not informed before the sentences were…
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Saudi Arabia executes 2 Bangladeshis over ‘indecent acts’ in a Mecca mosque
South China Morning Post Tech
Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals, a man and a woman, after they were convicted of committing “indecent acts” in a mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. Bangladesh said it was not informed before the sentences were…
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Rwandan government critic found beheaded in Uganda
South China Morning Post Tech
A former Rwandan soldier living in Uganda, where he had become a vocal critic of his government back home, was found decapitated near Kampala, a police spokesperson said Monday. Rwandan authorities have been accused of assassinating…
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Beheaded body of Rwandan government critic found in Uganda
South China Morning Post Tech
A former Rwandan soldier living in Uganda, where he had become a vocal critic of his government back home, was found decapitated near Kampala, a police spokesperson said Monday. Rwandan authorities have been accused of assassinating…
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In Skepticism We Trust: Ukraine Reacts to the Diesel Deal
War on the Rocks
Welcome to The Ukraine Compass, a weekly digest of Ukrainian commentary and analysis from across the political spectrum only for War on the Rocks members. Each week, we bring you a curated selection of articles from Ukrainian media…
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Police probe wave of hoax bomb threats targeting schools across Europe
South China Morning Post Tech
Hundreds of schools in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Hungary and Serbia were sent bomb threats on Monday, with some evacuated as authorities said the warnings appeared to be a hoax. It is not yet known whether the incidents were connected to…
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‘Islamist’ bomb threats sent to hundreds of schools in UK, Hungary, Serbia
South China Morning Post Tech
Hundreds of schools in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Hungary and Serbia were sent bomb threats on Monday, with some evacuated as authorities said the warnings appeared to be a hoax. It is not yet known whether the incidents were connected to…
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Rubio pitches US business in Central Asia, says China ties need not suffer
South China Morning Post Tech
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that Washington wanted to compete for business in Central Asia without asking countries to stop working with China, as the United States and five regional governments outlined proposals to…
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Rubio pitches US business in Central Asia, says China ties need not suffer
South China Morning Post Tech
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that Washington wanted to compete for business in Central Asia without asking countries to stop working with China, as the United States and five regional governments outlined proposals to…
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US Supreme Court rejects bid by accused 9/11 mastermind to revive plea deal
South China Morning Post Tech
The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by accused September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two alleged accomplices that sought to revive plea deals which were later revoked. Mohammed and two others charged with…
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US Supreme Court denies bid by accused 9/11 mastermind to revive plea deal
South China Morning Post Tech
The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by accused September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two alleged accomplices that sought to revive plea deals which were later revoked. Mohammed and two others charged with…
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Trump to create new NIH division, task force for women’s health
South China Morning Post Tech
US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order alongside first lady Melania Trump on Monday creating a task force and a National Institutes of Health (NIH) division focused on women’s health, the White House said. The task force…
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Trump to create new National Institutes of Health division, task force for women’s health
South China Morning Post Tech
US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order alongside first lady Melania Trump on Monday creating a task force and a National Institutes of Health (NIH) division focused on women’s health, the White House said. The task force…
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Kenyan starvation cult leader found guilty of murder of 191 children, 1 adult
South China Morning Post Tech
Starvation cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 28 others were found guilty of murder by a Kenyan court on Monday over the deaths of 190 children and an adult in one of the world’s worst cult-related tragedies in recent history. The preacher was…
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Kenyan cult leader convicted of murder over starvation of nearly 200 children
South China Morning Post Tech
Starvation cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 28 others were found guilty of murder by a Kenyan court on Monday over the deaths of 190 children and an adult in one of the world’s worst cult-related tragedies in recent history. The preacher was…
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Houthi attack kills 53 at Yemen government training camp
South China Morning Post Tech
Fifty-three people were killed and 200 were injured in an attack on Monday by the Iran-aligned Houthis on a government security forces training camp in Yemen’s Shabwa province, according to the local authority, as fighting in the…
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Houthi attack kills 53 at Yemen government training camp
South China Morning Post Tech
Fifty-three people were killed and 200 were injured in an attack on Monday by the Iran-aligned Houthis on a government security forces training camp in Yemen’s Shabwa province, according to the local authority, as fighting in the…
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How the Fossil Fuel Industry ‘Captured’ Australia and Maintains Its Political Dominance
By framing coal and gas as essential to jobs, prosperity and national identity, the industry continues to resist the transition to renewable energy.
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Hindutva Goons Unleash Violence on Anti-Modi Protesters
Activists of the Hindu Raksha Dal, an outfit that furthers the Sangh Parivar’s agenda, were caught on camera beating students and youth participating in the Delhi protests.
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Amid Economic Challenges, China Turns to Vulnerable Workforce to Fix Its Social Security Problems
China is looking to “optimize and enhance” its social security program. People fear that will translate to pressure on gig economy workers and rural migrant workers.
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A Warm Welcome for US Secretary of State in Central Asia
Not only can Rubio avoid the most pressing international crises by jetting off to Central Asia, but he – and the Trump administration more broadly – were guaranteed to receive a warm welcome in the region.
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What the New China-North Korea Bridge Really Means
12 years after construction finished, the New Yalu River Bridge is finally open. Will North Korea's economy open too?
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Behind the Veil of Religious Harmony in Cambodia
Aggregate rankings mistake the absence of overt conflict and the fear of speaking up for genuine tolerance.
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South Korea, US Pull Apart as the Alliance Strains
Restricted intelligence sharing, an investment spat, and remarks by a U.S. commander point to a widening gap between the allies.
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France’s PM calls for curfews as nation grapples with unrest
South China Morning Post Tech
France announced partial curfews in Paris and other cities on Monday after weekend demonstrations over soaring prices degenerated into some of the worst street violence in recent years. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu did not rule out…
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France imposes curfews in Paris and major cities after worst riots in years
South China Morning Post Tech
France announced partial curfews in Paris and other cities on Monday after weekend demonstrations over soaring prices degenerated into some of the worst street violence in recent years. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu did not rule out…
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The Daily Roundup
The Wire China
October 19th, 2026 | Welcome to The Wire’s daily news roundup. Each day, our staff gathers the top China business, finance, and economics headlines from a selection of the world’s leading news organizations. The post The Daily Roundup…
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Palestine Action, Sally Rooney’s books and the absurd fallout of a UK ban
South China Morning Post Tech
Irish writer Sally Rooney is a publishing sensation, often described as the “voice of a generation” and the first great millennial novelist. More than six million copies of her books have been sold globally since her debut novel in 2017…
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Palestine Action, Sally Rooney’s books and the absurd fallout of a UK ban
South China Morning Post Tech
Irish writer Sally Rooney is a publishing sensation, often described as the “voice of a generation” and the first great millennial novelist. More than six million copies of her books have been sold globally since her debut novel in 2017…
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Ecological Imbalance Is Driving Bear Encounters in Mongolia
As of early October, the Mongolian authorities have received 754 calls reporting bear sightings in various provinces and towns.
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What the Greens Misunderstand About the Ukraine Conflict
As a policy, the Greens decision to not support military assistance to Ukraine is a deeply flawed one. As a political position it is self-defeating, too.
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Drone Dominance
ChinaTalk
Travis Metz joins WarTalk today. He was recently promoted to DIU’s acting director after spending the past year running the Drone Dominance Program . Co-hosting are Bryan Clark, senior fellow at Hudson Institute and a retired submariner…
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Elon Musk says he will give SpaceX share to ‘every kid in America’
South China Morning Post Tech
Tech billionaire Elon Musk said on Monday that he would give every child in the United States a share in his SpaceX rocket company. “Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every kid in America,” Musk, the richest man in the…
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Elon Musk says he will give SpaceX share to ‘every kid in America’
South China Morning Post Tech
Tech billionaire Elon Musk said on Monday that he would give every child in the United States a share in his SpaceX rocket company. “Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every kid in America,” Musk, the richest man in the…
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The Pentagon Doesn’t Need to Reinvent Supply Chain Transparency
War on the Rocks
As the United States seeks to rebuild its defense industrial base, Washington is scrambling to understand an industrial ecosystem that it no longer controls, nor largely understands. China has been able to achieve strategic advantage…
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March Separately, Strike Combined: Rethinking Mass and Maneuver on the Transparent Battlefield
War on the Rocks
Between May 10 and 13, 1940, German Panzer Group Kleist advanced through the densely wooded Ardennes Forest, which the French considered impenetrable to large, mechanized formations. Numbering five armored and three motorized infantry…
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French protests over declining school standards amid China catch-up ambitions turn violent
South China Morning Post Tech
France experienced a weekend of shocks as weeks-long high school student protests for better study environments were hijacked by violent looters across major cities, angered by rising fuel prices and an ongoing cost of living crisis. While…
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French protests over declining school standards amid China catch-up ambitions turn violent
South China Morning Post Tech
France experienced a weekend of shocks as weeks-long high school student protests for better study environments were hijacked by violent looters across major cities, angered by rising fuel prices and an ongoing cost of living crisis. While…
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Professor S.I. Keethaponcalan on Two Years of the AKD Presidency in Sri Lanka
“The NPP government made a sensible decision to accept and continue most of the economic policies and programs Ranil Wickremesinghe introduced.”
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What Is Behind Bangladesh’s Continuing Law and Order Crisis?
The government must rebuild public trust in the police force and insulate law enforcement from political influence.
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China cuts US Treasury holdings, iPhone Duo pre-orders: 5 weekend reads you missed
South China Morning Post Tech
We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. China cuts US Treasury holdings to…
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China cuts US Treasury holdings, iPhone Duo pre-orders: 5 weekend reads you missed
South China Morning Post Tech
We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. China cuts US Treasury holdings to…
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Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Campaign Is at an Inflection Point
If the new security framework fails to adopt a holistic approach to counterterrorism, it will once again end up treating the symptoms while ignoring the causes.
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After War of Words, China Says Relations With Philippines at ‘Critical Juncture’
Growing political polarization has the potential to undermine Manila’s ability to handle its ongoing maritime disputes with Beijing.
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Lula and Bolsonaro trade barbs in fiery Brazil run-off debate
South China Morning Post Tech
Brazil’s Senator Flavio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva traded barbs in their first face-to-face presidential debate on Sunday in a contentious back-and-forth just one week before the election’s run-off. Polls before the…
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Lula and Bolsonaro trade barbs in fiery Brazil run-off debate
South China Morning Post Tech
Brazil’s Senator Flavio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva traded barbs in their first face-to-face presidential debate on Sunday in a contentious back-and-forth just one week before the election’s run-off. Polls before the…
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Bomb threat forces Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to divert to Bulgaria
South China Morning Post Tech
A bomb threat forced an Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna to divert to Sofia late on Sunday, but searches found no danger and the aircraft was cleared to resume its journey overnight, the airline and Bulgaria’s BTA news…
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No danger found after bomb threat diverts Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv
South China Morning Post Tech
A bomb threat forced an Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna to divert to Sofia late on Sunday, but searches found no danger and the aircraft was cleared to resume its journey overnight, the airline and Bulgaria’s BTA news…
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Deepavali vs Diwali Sparks New Political Row in Malaysia
Is the Malaysian Indian Congress using Hindu identity politics to regain its political relevance ahead of the next general election?
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Indonesian Stock Exchange Plunges After Fresh MSCI Downgrade Threat
Citing the lack of action on promised reforms, the global index provider has proposed demoting the country from "emerging market" to "standalone market" status.