This Article is part of a monthly series. For the most recent article in the series, click here.
The World In Review: August-September 2025
Africa:
Madagascar—Protests break out across Madagascar, mostly led by young activists dissatisfied with perceived corruption in the government and cuts to water and power in the capital of Antananarivo. Following a brutal crackdown, President Andry Rajoelina partially concedes to protestors’ demands by dissolving the nation’s government in early October, but most protestors push further for his resignation. On October 14th, Rajoelina fled the country as the army took control of posts across the nation.
Sudan—The Rapid Support Forces continue their siege of El Fasher, the last major city in Sudan’s Darfur region under government control. Humanitarian convoys to El Fasher remain blocked, putting hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk of starvation.
South Sudan—Riek Machar, former Vice President of South Sudan, is charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity after he was sacked in September by President Salva Kiir. Machar’s criminal case has raised fears of escalation amidst the unstable political situation in South Sudan.
East Asia:
China—Xi Jinping and Donald Trump hold a call in mid-September on a deal concerning the status of TikTok. In mid-October, Xi announces sweeping restrictions on exports containing Chinese-mined rare earth metals; afterwards, Trump threatens to retaliate with tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese goods.
Japan—Sanae Takaichi is elected president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party after the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, making her the party’s first female president. Following her election as party leader, junior coalition partner Komeito withdraws from the coalition, throwing Takaichi’s effort to be elected as Prime Minister into doubt. Meanwhile, opposition parties in the Diet attempt to find a possible unity candidate to beat out Takaichi.
Europe:
Czech Republic—The ANO Party, led by former Prime Minister and billionaire Andrej Babiš, wins the most seats in the October parliamentary election. Babiš’s populist, Ukraine-skeptic party will lead coalition talks to determine the next government in the following weeks.
France—Sebastien Lecornu, appointed as Prime Minister following the ouster of Francois Bayrou in September, resigns from office after 26 days, making his government the shortest-lived in French history. President Macron reappoints him as Prime Minister days after his resignation.
Moldova—The Pro-European Union Party of Action & Solidarity wins a majority in Moldova’s parliamentary elections in late September, defeating a number of pro-Russian political parties.
Ukraine War—The Trump Administration shifts its position on the War in Ukraine, advocating for full restoration of Ukrainian territory. This is in contrast to its position two months ago, which was more amenable to territorial concessions. In late September, Poland scrambles aircraft after a Russian drone attack on Western Ukraine approaches its border.
Latin America + Caribbean:
Argentina—The United States government purchases $20 million worth of Argentine Pesos in an attempt to stabilize the latter’s economy. Donald Trump promises further assistance to Argentina, but states that this assistance will be contingent on President Javier Milei’s La Libertad Avanza party winning in the upcoming midterm elections.
Peru—Following a shooting at a concert that intensified scrutiny surrounding rising crime rates — and adding to the series of scandals throughout her presidency — President Dina Boluarte is unanimously impeached and removed from office. President of Congress Jose Jeri becomes President in her place, the seventh holder of the office in less than a decade.
Venezuela—The United States strikes another boat off the coast of Venezuela in early October; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth states that four “narcoterrorists” were killed. In mid-October, the Trump administration authorizes covert action in Venezuela, including possible strikes on Venezuelan territory.
Middle East:
Gaza War—Israel and Hamas sign off onto the first phase of Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza Peace Plan, with Hamas agreeing to release all hostages remaining in Gaza in return for a partial Israeli withdrawal and prisoner exchanges. All living hostages and eight bodies of dead hostages are returned, while around 20 bodies remain in Gaza. Israel states that it will limit the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, claiming that it will not allow the full amount until all bodies of dead hostages are returned. In Gaza, clashes erupt between Hamas and armed members of the Dughmush family, a prominent clan in the Strip, as Hamas attempts to reassert control in areas of Israeli withdrawal.
Syria—President Ahmed al-Sharaa visits Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The Russian government commits to helping rebuild Syria following the toppling of the Assad regime in December.
Iraq—The United States begins withdrawing parts of a force dedicated to fighting Islamic State forces in Iraq following an agreement made with the Iraqi government last year.
South + Southeast Asia:
India—India and China agree to resume direct flights between each other after a 5-year suspension, as relations between the two countries gradually improve. In mid-October, Donald Trump claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying oil from Russia. Philippines—Dozens are killed after an earthquake strikes islands in Cebu Province, located in the central islands of the Philippines.
Leave a Reply