Author: Rachel Maddow

Sanctions and Tariffs Emerge as the Biggest Global RiskGrowing economic battles between major powers are now viewed as the greatest threat to world stability, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026. Released ahead of the WEF’s annual Davos summit, the report identifies “geoeconomic confrontation” — the strategic use of sanctions, tariffs, and trade restrictions — as the top risk facing the world this year. The study, based on responses from more than 1,300 experts and leaders across business, government, academia and civil society, ranks economic confrontation above misinformation, social division, extreme weather and armed conflict. Half of…

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has officially crossed the $4 trillion valuation mark, joining an exclusive group of tech giants that includes Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. Driven by investor excitement around artificial intelligence, tech stocks have reached record highs over the past year — and Alphabet is now the world’s second-most valuable company, sitting just behind Nvidia. Despite growing warnings that tech stocks may be overvalued — including caution from Google’s own leadership — investor enthusiasm hasn’t cooled. Alphabet’s share price has climbed roughly 75% over the past year and continues to rise in early 2025, reflecting confidence that Google will…

Germany’s new chancellor is wasting no time shaping Europe’s trade future. Friedrich Merz has thrown his weight behind expanding the EU’s global trade network, backing both the newly approved Mercosur pact and a long-awaited free trade agreement with India that could be signed within weeks. Berlin Bets Big on Free Trade Speaking during a visit to India, Merz said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa could travel to New Delhi by the end of the month to sign an EU-India free trade agreement. He framed the deal as a vital step at a…

Tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel are escalating rapidly, with reports that Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed possible US military intervention. At the same time, Iranian authorities are warning of retaliation, nationwide protests are entering a third week, and a near-total internet blackout has now lasted more than 60 hours. Iranian leaders have issued stark threats in response to any potential US strike. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said both Israel and US military bases and shipping hubs would be considered “legitimate targets” if Iran were attacked. Iran does not recognise Israel and…

Governments around the world are facing mounting pressure to address the outsized role of extreme wealth in the climate crisis. Campaigners are urging leaders to ban high-polluting luxury goods and introduce tougher taxes on fossil fuel profits, arguing these measures are essential to keeping global climate targets within reach. New research from Oxfam highlights just how uneven global emissions have become. The richest one per cent of the world’s population had already used up their entire annual carbon budget only ten days into 2026. This marks the point at which emissions exceed levels compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C,…

The United States has seized a fifth oil tanker in recent weeks, escalating its naval campaign to block sanctioned vessels moving in and out of Venezuela. Officials say the latest operation reinforces Washington’s warning that attempts to bypass restrictions will be met with force. Targeting Venezuela’s Shadow Shipping Network The tanker, Olina, was described by US officials as part of a so-called “ghost fleet” — ships accused of concealing ownership and falsifying registration to transport embargoed oil. Authorities said the vessel had departed Venezuela and was attempting to evade detection when it was intercepted. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said…

Iran’s protest movement escalated sharply on Thursday night as crowds poured into the streets of Tehran and residents shouted slogans from their rooftops, answering a call for mass demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Night-Time Protests Sweep the Capital Witnesses said neighbourhoods across Tehran erupted at 8pm local time, the hour Pahlavi had urged people to demonstrate on both Thursday and Friday. Protesters chanted slogans including “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while others openly praised the former monarchy, shouting: “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will return!” Thousands were seen gathering in the streets,…

Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic has once again been thrust into the spotlight after the White House said President Donald Trump has not ruled out using military force as part of his renewed push to bring the island under U.S. control. The comments have sparked firm resistance from European allies, Canada and leaders in Denmark and Greenland, all of whom insist the mineral-rich territory’s future can only be decided by its people. White House Keeps Military Option on the Table White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that Trump views acquiring Greenland as a national security priority,…

North Korea has carried out new hypersonic missile tests under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting the country’s push to strengthen its nuclear deterrent ahead of a major political meeting, the Workers’ Party congress. The tests were reported on Monday, a day after neighboring countries detected multiple ballistic missile launches, which they described as provocations. The launches coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s departure for China to meet President Xi Jinping. Kim Emphasizes Military Readiness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill involved a hypersonic weapon system and aimed to evaluate combat readiness, enhance…

Tokyo’s famous fish market ushered in 2026 with a dramatic sale that underlined the enduring allure of premium bluefin tuna. A Staggering Price at Toyosu A 243 kilogram bluefin tuna was sold for a record-breaking 510 million yen, about €2.78 million, at the first auction of the year at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market. The sale took place at the traditional pre-dawn New Year auction, an event known for its symbolism and sky-high bids. The winning bidder was Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the head of the Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain. A regular presence at these auctions, Kimura eclipsed his…