Friday marks the seventh anniversary of the UK’s EU exit referendum, yet the nation is still widely perceived not to be “making Brexit work.”

Latin America has previously been called the “lost” or “forgotten” continent, yet it is now assuming a much higher strategic importance, especially in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This week’s downfall of Boris Johnson and the death of Silvio Berlusconi — two of Europe’s best-known and most successful populist politicians — has shone a spotlight on how much European politics has changed in the last few decades. 

The focus in much of Europe during the summer months often turns toward Spain, the euro zone’s fourth largest economy, given that it is one of the leading tourist destinations in the region. However, two major political events are intensifying the focus on the country this year.

For much of the post-Second World War era, the close partnership between Germany and France has been the engine of ever closer European integration. However, that calculus is changing, potentially significantly so.

Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak have different political philosophies and personas, yet they are both hoping that they can “re-spark” the special relationship after years in the deep freeze.

Joe Biden began his presidency with the Asia-Pacific region as the focal point of his foreign policy. Yet, almost two and a half years later, the continuing conflict in Ukraine has dramatically recast his international priorities.

Next Monday’s International Day for Biological Diversity is perhaps the most important ever, with an increasing number of scientists suggesting the planet is facing a possible sixth mass extinction event. 

In the build-up to this week’s G7 summit, a wide range of issues, from climate change to the global economy have been discussed by Western ministers. However, the overriding issue to be discussed in Hiroshima from May 19-21 is the conflict in Ukraine and its ongoing ramifications.