Latest news for 25 June 2025

UNITED STATES

Mamdani upsets Cuomo in NYC race.

Grassroots support has helped 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani pull off an upset in New York’s mayoral primaries, beating the controversial (if establishment) former governor, Andrew Cuomo. That leaves Mamdani as the favourite for November, though his suite of proposals (from rent freezes to government grocery stores) might face enough pushback to give independent rivals a shot. (BBC)

Comment: Wondering why ex-diplomats would be tracking the NYC mayoral election? We’ve got good reasons!

UZBEKISTAN

When life gives you lemons.

Lemon prices in Uzbekistan have surged after Turkey (the world's largest exporter) moved to pause foreign sales amid a weak harvest. (Fresh Plaza)

Comment: So you can add lemons to the long and growing list of food items copping export controls as capitals fear price spikes at home.

FRANCE

On the brink?

It seems France’s latest wafer-thin government is now wobbling, with Prime Minister François Bayrou set to face a no-confidence vote as the country’s vexed pension reform talks stumble. (Euractiv)

Comment: There were rumours a few weeks ago that President Macron might again dissolve parliament — keep an eye out for those to resurface, whether as a pressure tactic to force lawmakers to compromise, or because the prez means business.

HONG KONG

National security for kids.

Local authorities have sent out a “friendly reminder” about Hong Kong’s national security laws to international-linked schools. It’s turned heads just ahead of annual US Independence Day celebrations, with reports authorities are warning some students and teachers not to take part in what’s ordinarily a routine affair. (SCMP)

UNITED STATES

A new foreign policy?

US Vice President JD Vance has taken to social media to set out what he describes as an emerging new US foreign policy doctrine that’ll change the country and the world for the better: “1) clearly define an American interest; 2) negotiate aggressively to achieve that interest; 3) use overwhelming force if necessary.” He cites the recent US approach to Iran by way of example. (X)

Comment: The Veep tweeted this from his personal account, indicating it’s an initial reflection rather than any kind of official declaration. But with an eye to the 2028 elections, it also reads like a way to balance his stated wariness on the use of US power abroad, with the president’s historic decision to proceed with hits on Iran.

MALI

Nuclear diplomacy.

With Mali’s junta leader appearing in Moscow, the West African nation has signed three deals with Russia covering trade, nuclear energy, and political-security cooperation. (Anadolu Agency)

Comment: Moscow has a history of signing these deals to project itself as a global player, but any meaningful ramp-up will be a stretch right now. Eg, Putin often writes cheques his state-owned nuclear firm struggles to cash, whether it’s his stalled plans at home in Beloyarsk, delayed plans in Turkey, or his abandoned plans for Bulgaria.