Recent international developments demonstrate an increasingly strong interconnection between domestic political dynamics, security issues, and shifts in global governance.
In Europe, the Spanish government plans to prohibit social media use for individuals under the age of 16 in order to protect minors from the negative impacts of the digital environment. The proposal, announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the World Governments Summit, includes strict age-verification mechanisms and increased platform accountability for illegal content, and is currently awaiting parliamentary approval. The policy follows similar measures adopted in Australia and aligns with ongoing discussions in several European countries.
In the United States, the Department of Justice released the private archives of Jeffrey Epstein on Friday (30/1), revealing the extent of his connections with numerous global figures, including business leaders, politicians, presidents, and members of royal families. An investigation by The New York Times found that Epstein gained access to elite circles through falsified background claims, leveraged relationships at Bear Stearns, and used the influence of his partner and foundation to approach prominent figures such as Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Through networks of connections, political donations, and philanthropic cover, Epstein was able to climb the social hierarchy while operating a sex-trafficking enterprise that later shocked the world.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, on Monday (2/2), the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was partially reopened for pedestrian movement as an initial step in implementing the second phase of the Gaza peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump, after having been closed since May 2024. Israel imposed strict inspections on those crossing, while a number of Palestinian patients began evacuation for medical treatment with support from Egyptian healthcare facilities. Nevertheless, approximately 22,000 Gaza residents are still in urgent need of medical evacuation due to the severe health conditions in the territory.
At the same time, indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Oman were described by both sides as proceeding positively, although no concrete steps have yet been produced to reduce tensions. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations were progressing very well while warning of severe consequences should Iran fail to reach an agreement regarding its nuclear program. Iran, for its part, reiterated that it is willing to negotiate only on nuclear issues and rejected discussions concerning missile programs and support for allied groups. Amid the diplomatic process, the United States increased its military presence in the region, while Iran showcased a new ballistic missile test as a signal that its military capabilities remain intact.
In Eastern Europe, on Friday (6/2), Russia’s security situation drew renewed attention after Deputy Head of Russian Military Intelligence Vladimir Alekseyev was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in an apartment in northwest Moscow. The incident occurred amid a series of killings targeting senior Russian military officers, which Moscow has suspected to involve Ukraine, although Kyiv has not issued any response regarding Alekseyev’s death. The shooting took place one day after negotiations among Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Abu Dhabi aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, which has lasted nearly four years.
In the Asia-Pacific region, on Friday (6/2), Indonesia and Australia signed a security agreement in Jakarta committing both countries to consult each other should either face threats, as stated by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto following his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The agreement, first announced in November, expands bilateral security and defense cooperation and reflects a commitment to trust-based neighborly relations, consistent with Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy principle. The agreement is also modeled on the 1995 security pact that was suspended in 1999 after Australia led the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste.
Meanwhile, on Sunday (8/2), Thailand is preparing to hold an election that could produce its fourth prime minister in less than three years. The election takes place amid continuing political instability, economic slowdown, and external pressures such as border tensions with Cambodia and the rise of transnational cybercrime. Several parties have begun positioning diplomats as potential foreign affairs officials, reflecting growing recognition that Thailand’s stability and prosperity are heavily shaped by global dynamics and underscoring the need for stronger international cooperation to address regional challenges.
Source:
“Bagaimana Jeffrey Epstein Kenal sampai Seret Pejabat-Presiden?”. CNN Indonesia. 6 Februari 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260205195946-134-1325110/bagaimana-jeffrey-epstein-kenal-sampai-seret-pejabat-presiden/1.
Malekian, Somayeh., et al. “Gaza-Egypt border crossing at Rafah partially reopens after more than 2 years”. ABC News. 3 Februari 2026. https://abcnews.go.com/International/gaza-egypt-border-crossing-rafah-partially-reopens-after/story?id=129777294.
Motamedi, Maziar. “Iran says talks with US in Oman ‘a good start’, more discussions expected”. Aljazeera. 6 Februari 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/6/iran-us-hold-talks-in-oman-as-fears-of-war-hang-over-region.
Saiyasombut, Saksith., Calvin Yang. “Thailand Election 2026: Foreign policy in spotlight as leaders look outward amid shifting world”. CNA. 7 Februari 2026. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thai-election-foreign-policy-political-parties-changing-global-landscape-5901156.
“Wakil Kepala Intelijen Militer Rusia Tewas Ditembak di Moskow”. CNN Indonesia. 6 Februari 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260206181232-134-1325489/wakil-kepala-intelijen-militer-rusia-tewas-ditembak-di-moskow.
Wertheimer, Tiffany. “Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s”. BBC News. 5 Februari 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y2nddvmryo.
Widianto, Stanley., dan Renju Jose. “Indonesia signs security pact with Australia”. Reuters. 6 Februari 2026. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-signs-security-treaty-with-australia-prabowo-says-2026-02-06/.