Since US President Donald Trump started his second term, his ‘Make America Great Again (MAGA)’ agenda has ushered in a wave of setbacks for liberal institutions and global cooperation. Within hours of his inauguration, Trump signed executive orders withdrawing the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris Climate Accords, a confirmation of his disdain for multilateral governance frameworks [1]. Most recently, his agenda has involved revoking foreign student enrolment and research grants from renowned higher education institutions, such as Harvard, for being ‘anti-American’. This long list of reversals of government policies, also includes consequences for the flow of humanitarian aid. 

“If we must die, we will die standing…” a protester demonstrating in Port-au-Prince for the end of the gang violence and accountability for the temporary government told Le Nouvelliste in March 2025. Haiti has been engulfed in a dire security and humanitarian crisis since 2021. The conflict arose out of increased economic inequality and failing governance after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Moïse’s presidency was marred by accusations of corruption, authoritarianism, and ineffective governance. His assassination left a power vacuum that exacerbated the nation’s instability, allowing the country’s already fragile institutions to crumble further and creating the opportunity for gangs to expand their control.

Last month, Germany and Namibia marked 35 years of development cooperation, celebrating over €1.5 billion in aid provided by Germany since Namibia gained independence in 1990. It was framed as a symbol of enduring friendship and shared commitment, but beneath the surface of diplomatic pleasantries, there has been criticism and growing discontent—particularly among Namibians still waiting for justice for colonial-era atrocities. 

The Sahel, a vast, semi-arid belt stretching across Africa, faces a complex and escalating crisis. Persistent violence, instability, and extreme poverty have plunged millions into a devastating humanitarian situation. The recent massacre of 170 civilians serves as a harrowing testament to the deteriorating security situation within the country. The situations in neighboring Niger and Mali are equally dire, and their deteriorating conditions pose a significant threat of a regional domino effect, plunging the entire Sahel into further turmoil.

Today's world is a complex tapestry of socio-political dynamics, with conflicts erupting in various regions. One such conflict that has recently escalated and caught the world’s attention is Sudan. A nation steeped in a rich cultural heritage and blessed with abundant resources has been grappling with internal strife for years