Global Scans · Politics · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: Break up of traditional political structures is on the cards in many parts of the world as technology brings challenges to slow and bureaucratic decision-making. New forms of more agile democratic structures are likely to emerge.

• [New] With expanding government initiatives, rising public demand for faster services, and growing trust in AI applications, adoption will accelerate globally. Newstrail
• [New] With the increasing cost of living in Australia, alongside a potential housing crisis and a myriad of other economic and social issues facing the nation, whichever party wins the upcoming election will have their work cut out for them. Statista
• [New] Aligning the forthcoming defence acquisition policy with national security goals, encouraging R&D investments and providing a level playing field to the private and foreign players will be pivotal to accelerating India's role in the global A & D value chain. KPMG
• [New] The increases to nations' GDP will be unequally dispersed, with North America and China experiencing the most gains while the Global South gains far less. allAfrica.com
• [New] Aramco's strategy includes developing 2.66 GW of solar projects with partners, and it plans to generate up to 12 GW of renewable energy by 2030 as part of Saudi Arabia's national program. The Brand Hopper
• [New] Multiple federal regulatory proceedings converging in late 2025 will establish the framework governing AI infrastructure development for the next decade, creating extraordinary positioning opportunities for companies that engage proactively rather than reactively with evolving requirements. Alvarez & Marsal
• [New] With the adoption of New Zealand's first AI Strategy, AI adoption rates are predicted to shift as research found that businesses are more likely to invest in AI adoption if their governments provide supportive policy framework. DLA Piper
• [New] Geopolitical Influence and Regional Stability: Australia's influential role in Indo-Pacific geopolitics prompts adversaries to leverage cyber operations for influence, disruption, or coercion, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions. CYFIRMA
• [New] Experts warn that unless there is a serious diplomatic effort to address Russian security concerns, the risk of further confrontation - whether through proxy conflicts, cyber operations, or economic warfare - remains high. teleSURenglish
• [New] Global population now exceeds 8.2 billion, and is projected to reach ~9.7 billion by 2050.Nations face dual demographic challenges: rapid growth in developing countries and declining fertility, especially in developed nations - a looming risk of population collapse. OAS
• [New] In the short term (2025-2026), BRICS transactions in national currencies are expected to increase by 15-20% compared to 2024 levels. Diplomat magazine
• [New] Space-based defence innovations hold a central place in dominant defence strategies 2025 by facilitating comprehensive geospatial intelligence and advanced warning systems crucial for national security. International Military
• [New] Governments worldwide are acutely aware of the catastrophic consequences cyber threats impose on national security. International Military
• [New] The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) have the potential to surpass the US in economic and military power over the next 25 years. Dollar Collapse
• [New] The Netherlands provides a stark preview of the choices facing every European nation: invest heavily in grid infrastructure or risk exclusion from the AI-driven future. PPC Land
• [New] Sovereignty Undermined: The expanded MLS might require India to give access to native genetic resources without retaining national control. PMF IAS
• [New] Ecuador's parliament has approved a new law on protected areas that has drawn sharp criticism from Indigenous groups, legal experts and environmental advocates who say it threatens Indigenous land rights and violates both national and international protections. ICT News
• [New] Developments in cybersecurity, data governance, and other digital regulations, will, in form at least, be familiar to Chinese legal frameworks. Cambridge Core
• [New] Other nations that will be significantly affected include India, the Philippines, China, and Latin America and Caribbean countries like Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador. ODI: Think change
• [New] Tuvalu, a tiny island nation, may be underwater by 2050 due to climate change and rising sea levels. Business Insider
• Volatile bond markets, global geopolitical tensions and pension costs pose significant risks. Edie
• Geopolitical Risks: Trade optimism and easing tensions globally favor high-beta currencies like AUD, reducing safe-haven flows into the USD. Moneta | Trade Forex, Indices, Commodities & More

Last updated: 16 July 2025