AFRICA
African Union Backs Equal Earth Map: The African Union has backed a campaign to end the use of the 16th century Mercator mapping technique advocating instead for the use of a projection which more accurately represents Africa’s size and that of other equatorial regions.  The “Correct The Map” campaign urges organizations to adopt the 2018 Equal Earth projection, which aims to reflect countries’ true sizes. An African Union official told Reuters that the Mercator fostered a false impression that Africa was marginal, despite being the world’s second-largest continent by area, with over a billion people.

AMERICAS
U.S. Immigrant Population Declines: As of June, 2025, 51.9 million immigrants lived in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. In January, the number was 53.3 million. If net immigration turns out to be negative this year, it would be the first time in decades. However, as response rates have plunged among non-citizens, these numbers may be partly artificial. President Donald Trump has introduced sweeping measures to reduce immigration. Intensified vetting for visa applicants and revoking visas from thousands of students have made it more difficult for international students to enroll in universities.

ASIA PACIFIC
China and India Mend Ties: Amid India’s concerns over escalated tariffs imposed by the United States, China and India are attempting a thaw in bilateral ties. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on Aug. 31, marking his first visit to China in seven years. Earlier that month, the two countries discussed resuming direct flights. However, underlying distrust stemming from years of border disputes may derail further progress in facilitating trade and investment flows. Furthermore, India is currently involved in multiple trade agreements with countries to the west.

EUROPE
Russia Uses Negotiations as a Tool of War: Russia has failed to break Ukraine’s front line for a third consecutive summer. Its ongoing, offensive to seize the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine continues to have a heavy toll. The Alaska summit on Aug. 15 suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to persuade U.S. officials to refrain from imposing additional sanctions or to accept Russian control over the remaining parts of Donbas. While Russian diplomats call for negotiations, Russian forces continues to push for a breakthrough in their offensive. These parallel tracks appear aimed to increase Russia’s leverage in any future settlement. 

By Yun Hyun-ji, Editor