This week, global political dynamics were marked by escalating conflicts across several regions, controversial foreign policy decisions by major powers, and significant developments in ongoing humanitarian issues.
On 24 July 2025, clashes erupted between Cambodia and Thailand amid rising tensions along their disputed border. At least 34 people were reported killed in fighting that broke out across 12 locations. Both sides have traded accusations over who initiated the violence. Thailand claimed the confrontation was triggered by surveillance conducted by Cambodian military drones and attacks on civilian areas. Cambodia denied the allegations, accusing Thailand instead of deploying cluster munitions—a weapon widely prohibited due to its severe impact on civilians. As of now, Thailand has issued no official response to this accusation.
In Malaysia, tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The protest, held on 26 July 2025, was fueled by soaring living costs and growing dissatisfaction with the slow pace of promised reforms. Three years into his tenure, Anwar is seen by many as having failed to deliver meaningful change despite numerous diplomatic efforts aimed at boosting foreign investment.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has grown increasingly dire. An Israeli blockade on aid has led to a rapidly worsening famine. The United Nations reported that all 2.1 million residents of Gaza now lack adequate access to food, with 900,000 children experiencing hunger and another 70,000 showing signs of malnutrition. In response to the deteriorating situation, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognize Palestine as a state during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September—a move that has drawn mixed international reactions.
Reacting to UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine, the United States announced on Tuesday that it will once again withdraw from the UN cultural agency. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that UNESCO’s decision runs counter to Washington’s foreign policy positions.
In global economic affairs, the United States and the European Union reached a trade agreement after extensive negotiations with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Under the deal, the U.S. will impose a 15 percent tariff on products from all 27 EU member states, while the EU agreed to purchase USD 750 billion worth of American energy and increase its investments in the U.S. by USD 600 billion.
Bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea also saw deepening engagement. Russia opened a regular commercial flight route between Moscow and Pyongyang, beginning with a first flight carrying 400 passengers from Sheremetyevo Airport. The Russian Ministry of Transport said the flights will operate once a month to meet rising demand.
Source:
“Kelaparan di Gaza Kian Parah, Dokter Pingsan saat Tangani Pasien.” CNN Indonesia. 27 July 2025. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20250727095349-120-1255381/kelaparan-di-gaza-kian-parah-dokter-pingsan-saat-tangani-pasien.
“Russia starts direct commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang.” AP News. 28 July 2025. https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-tourists-beach-resort-c2a979822196745ec5592ed7c067830b.
“Thailand and Cambodia exchange fire in deadly border clashes.” Aljazeera. 24 July 2025. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/24/thai-military-reports-clash-with-cambodian-troops-at-disputed-border-area.
Adhi, Irawan Sapto. “Demo Malaysia, Puluhan Ribu Warga Tuntut PM Anwar Ibrahim Mundur karena Biaya Hidup Melambung.” Kompas. 27 July 2025. https://apnews.com/article/france-recognize-palestine-state-macron-800ed63143f0653a7f215ad96f7038d3.
Bacon, Auzinea dan Alejandra Jaramillo. “Trump announces US and EU reached framework for a trade deal.” CNN. 28 July 2025. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/27/business/trump-us-eu-trade-deal.
Charlton, Angela. “French President Macron says France will recognize Palestine as a state.” AP News. 25 July 2025. https://apnews.com/article/france-recognize-palestine-state-macron-800ed63143f0653a7f215ad96f7038d3.
Leba, Elsa Emiria. “Bencana Kelaparan di Gaza Makin Mengkhawatirkan.” Kompas. 23 July 2025. https://www.kompas.id/artikel/bencana-kelaparan-di-gaza-semakin-mengkhawatirkan.
Lukiv, Jaroslav. “Cambodia calls for immediate ceasefire with Thailand as death toll rises.” BBC. 26 July 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy9x99n79v8o.
Silk, John. “US leaves UNESCO again over alleged anti-Israel agenda.” DW. 22 July 2025. https://www.dw.com/en/us-leaves-unesco-again-over-alleged-anti-israel-agenda/a-73370812.