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Takaichi’s mandate to be put to the test by Washington
Scott Foster reports that despite a commanding domestic mandate, Takaichi faces mounting pressure from Washington over large-scale US-bound investments while pursuing an expansive techno-industrial growth strategy at home. Balancing defense buildup, fiscal stimulus and China ties will test her autonomy.

Merz visits Beijing: Strategic autonomy requires pragmatism
Diego Faßnacht reports that Chancellor Merz’s rhetorical distancing from Washington necessitates pragmatic engagement with Beijing. A large business delegation underscores Germany’s structural interdependence with China, signaling managed economic continuity rather than confrontation.

Compromise or hold out? Ukraine’s elites divided on war’s endgame
James Davis reports that Geneva talks exposed deep divisions within Ukraine’s elite between compromise and continued resistance, while European maximalist demands clash with Moscow’s red lines. With battlefield attrition ongoing, negotiations risk replicating Minsk-style deadlock.