The US's scathing dismissal of the middle power strategy has backfired, with critics labeling it a misguided distraction that's wasting valuable time, money, and resources for its partners. By downplaying the importance of collaborative defense, the US may be inadvertently undermining its own leadership.
US lawmakers are facing a budget gridlock that's putting the Pentagon's funding at risk, with Senator John Kennedy warning that a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) bill may not be passed anytime soon. Instead, a continuing resolution to maintain current-year funding levels seems more likely.
In a major crackdown on piracy, the US Justice Department has seized over 1,000 websites and blocked nearly 2,000 domains used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup matches, protecting consumers from malicious software. This effort, dubbed Operation Offsides, is part of a broader initiative to safeguard copyrights and keep Americans safe online.
Congress is facing a defense funding impasse, with Senator Jeanne Shaheen warning that lawmakers must be disciplined about funding choices as a third reconciliation package is unlikely. Without a viable path to enactment, key defense provisions risk being left on the table.
Canada is considering a strategic move as an observer in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a decision Defence Minister David McGuinty says would be a forward-looking, low-risk step that wouldn't impact immediate fighter jet procurement plans. Joining GCAP as an observer is seen as a smart play for Canada's future, according to McGuinty.
Tensions are rising between the US and Canada, putting the Five Eyes Alliance to the test, as the Canadian government asserts its sovereignty in the face of a sensitive diplomatic incident. A recent meeting between separatist leaders from Alberta and US officials in Washington, D.C. has sparked concerns.
Australia's Trade Minister Don Farrell warns that relying too heavily on one trading partner can be a recipe for disaster, a timely reminder as China introduces new tariffs on Australian beef. With China's quota now exhausted, local exporters face an uphill battle to sell their products in the lucrative market.
The White House hailed an unprecedented global crackdown on activism, gathering over 65 countries for a summit that signaled a new era of cooperation against perceived threats. A key presidential memo, issued in 2025, has redefined US counterterrorism policy, flagging certain ideologies - including anti-capitalist and anti-American views - as potential warning signs of domestic terrorism.
Ransomware crews target small municipalities because nobody's watching. Nubivance gives Maine and New Hampshire towns a security program sized to a town budget.
Protect the town office
The White House touted a prime-time speech as proof of foreign interference and widespread voter irregularities, but it fell flat, with critics calling it a dud. Despite claims of a bombshell, the declassified documents so far have failed to validate allegations of election compromise.
One year after devastating layoffs slashed 1,350 jobs from the State Department, the effects are clear: a depleted workforce and a US diplomacy that's struggling to keep pace. The cuts have taken a profound toll, with voices from across the aisle and from former staff themselves warning of a dire impact.
Japan is revolutionizing its intelligence structure to strengthen its partnership with Australia, starting with a new National Intelligence Council and Agency that will oversee and streamline its intelligence operations. This overhaul will enable more secure and effective intelligence sharing, likened to pouring precious juice into sturdy cups.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is standing firm on Australia's terrorism laws, rejecting a proposal to drop the religious motivation test, and instead choosing to maintain the current definition. This decision comes amid a push for an ideology-agnostic framework that focuses solely on harm.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ousted Defense Minister Mikhailo Fedorov, citing the minister's unauthorized procurement decisions, a move that has sparked protests and concern among allies. The sudden dismissal follows a public feud with Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce program, launched in 2022, has seen a surprisingly low uptake, with only eight participants out of 634 applicants, despite 13 agencies offering 106 positions. This falls short of its goal to develop a more versatile and agile cyber workforce.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan's top military commander, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for high-stakes talks on defence cooperation and regional security, marking a significant deepening of ties between the two nations. The closed-door meeting in Ankara comes as part of a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
In a surprising U-turn, Turkey has confirmed its commitment to join the Canada-led Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member, reversing a decision made just days earlier. This renewed pledge marks Turkey's third public stance on the bank since its unveiling at the NATO Summit.
Full-platform Rapid7 rollouts - InsightVM, InsightIDR, event sources, agents, tuning - by a Registered Partner who has done it at state-agency scale, including OT/SCADA.
Talk deployment
Australia and India have joined forces to supercharge their cybersecurity partnership with the launch of PACTS, a game-changing agreement that promises to streamline collaboration and drive real results. This bold new framework replaces previous initiatives, bringing together key dialogues and taskforces under one cohesive umbrella.
Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, faced intense questioning from Senate Democrats over his comments on the 2020 election, with Senator Jon Ossoff pressing him for a straightforward answer on who won the presidential election. Clayton insisted he wasn't an election denier, but struggled to provide clear evidence to support his claims.
Jay Clayton dodged a direct answer on whether Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, sparking concerns about his stance on election security during his confirmation hearing for director of national intelligence. His evasive responses left senators, including Jon Ossoff, accusing him of not being honest or forthright.
China is undergoing a significant economic reset, shifting from a low-cost labor market to a hub of skilled talent, with innovation-driven growth at the forefront of its 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan. This transformation is set to propel the country into a new phase of outward-facing, commercially sophisticated growth.
Since the Taliban's rise to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, over 100 edicts have been issued, systematically stripping away the rights of women and girls. The latest decree, "Code on Judicial Separation of Spouses," has sparked outrage, allowing a girl's silence to be misconstrued as consent to marry and further restricting women's right to divorce.
With the sudden firing of two key Democratic commissioners, states are scrambling to rebuild their election defenses, which had previously received crucial support from federal agencies. This shake-up has significant implications for the security and integrity of the electoral process.
The European Union is cracking down on Russia's notorious cyber-espionage group, Turla, with coordinated sanctions aimed at disrupting their years-long campaign of malicious activities. Nine Russian individuals and four entities, including the FSB's Center 16, have been targeted in the punitive measures.
Senator Lindsey Graham's sudden passing has left a void in the Senate, with his family seeking comfort in prayers and privacy during this difficult time. The longtime South Carolina senator died late Saturday after a brief illness, with emergency responders rushing to his home in Washington, D.C.