LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN

BRICS Summit Underway in Brazil
The annual BRICS summit, now in its 11th year, has begun in Brazil’s capital, Brasilia. BRICS is an acronym that stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, encompassing the world’s five biggest emerging economies. One of the major themes for this year’s summit is strengthening economic growth, but talks so far have been dominated by the crises in Bolivia and Venezuela. Along with political developments in Latin America, talks were also focused on mending the relationship between Brazil and China. According to Reuters, there will be an announcement at the summit detailing China’s plan to make a billion-dollar investment in the Brazilian port of Sao Luis, further extending the influence of China’s Belt and Road Initiative into South America.

INDO-ASIA-PACIFIC

Japan Cancels Cherry Blossom Party
The Japanese government canceled its annual cherry blossom party after allegations of cronyism against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government. The publicly funded event, which honors well-known individuals for their achievements while admiring the blossoms on the cherry trees, has taken place every April since 1952. Opposition politicians, however, have accused Abe of inviting too many of his own supporters to the last event. They claim he allocated funds toward hosting voters from his own constituency last year. The amount of money spent on the event has almost doubled under Abe's administration, as has the number of guests. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that the government had "listened to various opinions" and decided to cancel next year's party.

MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA

Four Killed by Security Forces in Iraqi Protests
Iraqi security services killed at least four people protesting the government in Baghdad in an effort to push the protesters back towards their main camp in the central part of the city. According to Baghdad police and medics, the effort was ineffective as protestors continued to protest in the same location after the killings. More than 300 Iraqis have been killed during the protests, which originally began on October 1. The protesters are demanding change as they see Iraq’s political elite as increasingly focused on self-enrichment. They are also concerned about Iraq’s deals with Iran as poverty and unemployment increase, while Iraqi healthcare and education services languish.

EASTERN EUROPE & RUSSIA

Turkey Threatens to Buy Russian Jets
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threatened to purchase Russian jets ahead of a summit with President Donald Trump this week in Washington. Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin had reportedly discussed the sale two weeks ago in a private meeting in Sochi. The United States already pulled out of an F-35 jet deal with Turkey after the NATO ally purchased a Russian missile defense system. The purchase had been interpreted by observers as a stark defiance to NATO military strategy and symptomatic of an emerging rift between Turkey and the West. Russia would benefit from such a sale, as its economy has been stagnating and it has been seeking to increase its influence in the Middle East. The statement comes amid heightened tensions with Turkey over the ongoing military escalation in northern Syria and continued Turkish democratic backslide.

AFRICA

New Ebola Vaccine to Be Tested in D.R.C.
More than half a million Congolese citizens will be given a new vaccine for ebola in the coming year. Progress has been made with the disease, with treatments successful at a 90 percent rate when the illness is detected early, but it still remains a source of concern for many people in the D.R.C. The new vaccine, made by American company Johnson and Johnson, has not been completely studied yet, and some scientists worry about the long-term side effects recipients may suffer from in this final clinical trial. According to BBC, many in the D.R.C. are already wary of offered vaccinations.

WESTERN EUROPE & CANADA

Historic Flooding in Venice
The Italian city of Venice experienced historic flooding on November 12, impacting cultural landmarks and causing millions of dollars in damage. When the flood was at its highest, more than 80 percent of the UNESCO world heritage site was underwater. The flood, which peaked at 187 centimeters (74 inches), was the worst Venice has seen since 1966, when a 194-centimeter (76.3-inch) flood hit the city. It is also the second worst flood since official records began in 1923. The Italian government is set to declare a state of emergency, with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte saying the government would now act quickly to provide funds and resources. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro blamed climate change for the high water levels, saying the impact would leave “a permanent mark.” In response to the flooding, the government is expected to accelerate the progress of the Mose project, which would build a hydraulic barrier system to shut off the lagoon in the event of rising sea levels and winter storms.