Turkey has suffered significant economic woes throughout the coronavirus pandemic, leading a tight general election last year that Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoΔan barely managed to survive.
China has increased provocations against the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea. A recent opinion piece in the government-run China Daily warned Manila 'against the horrors of war.'
South Africa's doubled down on its role in the BRICS economic bloc, forming tighter relationships with Russia, China and, now, Iran, after the group agreed to expand its membership.
Evan Gershkovich is perhaps the best-known American currently in a Russian jail, but he is not the only one. Negotiations for prisoners' releases appear stagnant.
The Biden administration has pursued a case against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange with charges under the Espionage Act, which some argue is a threat to journalism.