Global Brief: US & Seattle

Washington State Impacts

• 🔥 Seattle Gas Prices: Seattle-area gas prices reached an all-time high of $6.05 per gallon in King County amid...

The EU has developed an impressive range of new trade tools in direct response to rising geopolitics and the weaponisation of trade policy by major powers.

China signals its global ascent by rolling out the red carpet for Putin right after hosting Trump.

• Russia appears increasingly isolated and...

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Barbara Lee introduced legislation to abolish Super PACs, reigniting debate over money in politics.

• Core argument:...

Seattle-area drivers face record pain at the pump as King County averages hit an all-time high of $6.05 per gallon. Washington now ranks second...

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin showcased their "inquebrantable" relationship in Beijing, focusing on bilateral economic ties, the Middle East conflict, and Ukraine war. This meeting highlights China's growing centrality in global geopolitics.

Iran threatens to expand conflict beyond the Middle East should the US launch strikes, as explored in this 48-minute analysis with expert Alia Brahimi. The discussion focuses on escalating geopolitics, war risks, and international implications.

Tensions between the United States and China have flared up again after President Donald Trump announced his intention to hold direct talks with Taiwan.

Nicolle Wallace hosts The Weeknight on May 20, 2026, delivering in-depth analysis of White House updates, Congress investigations, Supreme Court...

• Sweden showcased its integrated total defence model, blending military forces, civil agencies and industry for NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
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Seafood conflicts are intensifying across the Indo-Pacific, a critical strategic arena for the United States amid rising competition. This underscores how resource disputes are becoming central to broader geopolitical maneuvering in the region.

A new paper maps the geopolitical implications of the European Green Deal and outlines a strategic foreign policy agenda to address them.

Thomas Massie’s resurfaced warning that only Congress holds constitutional authority to declare war against Iran has reignited debate after his...

Iran is rolling out a new vetting and charging system for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, giving Tehran fresh economic and political leverage...

Putin concluded his China visit with 42 agreements spanning energy, trade, technology, and finance, spotlighting a shift to rouble and yuan transactions to accelerate global de-dollarisation.

Global Strategic Developments

• 🔥 Xi-Putin Strategic Coordination Deal: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed...

Putin’s Beijing visit centers on energy deals as Russia leans harder on China amid Western sanctions over Ukraine. Discussions cover oil, gas exports,...

During his official visit to Japan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres holds a press conference expected to address global peace and security...

Trump faces simultaneous attacks from unlikely political directions over Senate strategy and ethics.

• WSJ Warning: The editorial board slammed...

Three separate safety events this week underscore persistent public safety strains across Seattle neighborhoods.

• Georgetown police arrested a...