Novo Nordisk launched an oral GLP-1 obesity drug in the US on January 5, 2025, achieving 2 million prescriptions by early May—the highest volume launch for any GLP-1 product in the country. The pill offers a less burdensome alternative to injections and is attracting new patients, with most users new to GLP-1 therapy, indicating market expansion. The launch follows a period of corporate restructuring at Novo Nordisk, including a CEO change and layoffs, after losing market share to rival Eli Lilly. The oral drug gives the Danish company a chance to regain market share from Eli Lilly.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the Taiwan question is central to China's core interests and the foundation of US-China relations, just before President Trump's scheduled visit to Beijing on May 14-15. The remarks come amid continued US arms sales to Taiwan, including a record $11 billion package last year and the recent delivery of 108 tanks. The statement underscores ongoing tensions between the US and China over Taiwan policy.

Europe is falling behind the US and China in artificial intelligence development due to insufficient data centre capacity, fragmented investment, and regulatory burdens. EU tech CEOs call for deregulation and strategic consolidation, while a new infrastructure company, Krios Infrastructure, launches to address power constraints for AI data centres in Europe.

During Exercise Balikatan 2026, the US Army offloaded and fired a HIMARS launcher on Balabac Island in the southwestern Philippines, marking the first live-fire on that island. The deployment demonstrates US efforts to extend long-range strike capabilities toward the South China Sea and strengthen deterrence against China, utilizing Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement access sites. This is part of a broader pattern of positioning American missile systems across multiple Philippine locations, including the Batanes Islands near Taiwan, and represents the most explicit demonstration of US long-range strike and sea denial capabilities in the Western Pacific to date.

The US Board of Immigration Appeals has reinstated deportation proceedings against Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian green-card holder and former Columbia University student who participated in pro-Palestinian protests. The board overturned a February ruling by immigration judge Nina Froes, who had blocked deportation after finding the government's evidence inadmissible. Mahdawi was arrested in April 2025 during a citizenship interview and detained for two weeks without charge. His legal team accuses the Trump administration of weaponizing immigration law to silence dissent. The case is part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism, including the firing of judges who ruled against deportation.

The Trump administration released its counterterrorism strategy, listing 'violent left-wing extremists,' 'narcoterrorists,' and 'Islamist terrorists' as top threats, a shift from the Biden administration's focus on right-wing extremism. Senior director Sebastian Gorka emphasized targeting groups like antifa and those promoting 'extremist transgender ideology,' using all constitutional tools to map and neutralize them domestically and internationally. The strategy also accuses Europe of being an 'incubator' for terrorism fueled by mass migration, warns that European policies guarantee more terrorism, and calls for Europe to act, while noting European nations remain key partners. The strategy reflects ongoing US pressure on allies and a focus on domestic political opponents.

South Korea expressed relief after US President Donald Trump suspended the 'Project Liberty' mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, easing pressure on Seoul to participate. The decision follows a mysterious explosion on a South Korean cargo ship that Trump blamed on Iran, and South Korea had been reluctant to join due to focus on China and North Korea threats.

Russia's strategy of undermining Western-led international institutions while relying on its UN Security Council veto is being undercut by Trump's aggressive dismantling of the same system. Trump has withdrawn from dozens of UN agencies, established a rival Board of Peace where Russia lacks veto power, and used military force against Russian partners Iran and Venezuela, leaving Russia looking like a second-tier power unable to protect allies or maintain influence in multilateral forums.

An analysis argues that the shift in US foreign policy from alliance-based coordination to transactional deal-making was forged during the Afghanistan withdrawal, particularly under Trump. It details how the US sidelined the Afghan government, negotiated directly with the Taliban, and bypassed allies, a pattern that continued into the Biden era and now shapes US-Iran policy. The article draws on interviews and a new book to argue that this approach has undermined American hegemony and turned the US into a 'rogue state' with global consequences. The US-Iran war escalated after a US-Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump has threatened allies like Spain over their lack of support.

The United States has accused Hezbollah of attempting to sabotage diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel through attacks and threats. US State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated that Washington is working to create conditions for good faith conversations between the two nations. The US continues to facilitate good faith negotiations between the two countries.

Google DeepMind has invested millions in Fenris Creations (formerly CCP Games), the developer of EVE Online, to use the game as a testbed for AI research in long-term planning, memory, and learning. The studio also announced its independence after being bought back from South Korean publisher Pearl Abyss for $120 million.

The Trump administration, after dismantling USAID and cutting humanitarian aid, is pressuring African countries to accept deportees in exchange for access to raw materials and data. Several African states are pushing back against these demands, signaling a potential strengthening of African agency in international relations.

Private utility companies, including DTE Energy and Duke Energy, are funding ostensibly grassroots front groups to oppose community efforts to take over electric grids (municipalization) in cities like Ann Arbor, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. These groups spread misleading claims about costs and reliability to protect utility profits, which are threatened by public power movements that typically offer lower rates and better reliability. The practice involves dark money, industry consultants, and tactics like hiring canvassers from plasma centers.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick addressed the SelectUSA Investment Summit, encouraging foreign investment in the US despite the administration's 'America First' policies and ongoing tariff disputes. He announced a visa assistance deal with the State Department to facilitate foreign investor entry. The summit featured state-level delegations, including Oklahoma's MOU with Hitachi on AI and infrastructure, and Iowa's push for Middle East defense partnerships. Lockheed Martin also announced a leadership change with Skunk Works head Orlando Sanchez Jr. becoming aeronautics president.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has demanded that the United States issue visas for its national football team to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the host country's obligations under international sports regulations. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that visa issuance should not be affected by political tensions and called on FIFA to uphold its credibility. Iran's Interests Section in Washington is prepared to assist. The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The demand comes amid ongoing regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February and a subsequent fragile ceasefire.