🧠 World Briefing Plus | Weekly Video Insight. Two Flashpoints, One Lesson: Power Consolidation Knows No Borders

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1. Cambodia–Thailand on the Brink

Tensions between Southeast Asian neighbours Cambodia and Thailand have escalated dramatically in recent days. Despite a reported ceasefire effort brokered by Malaysia, heavy artillery exchanges continue, raising the risk of the region’s first major interstate conflict in decades. What’s fueling the flames? Who benefits from instability? And why is the international response so muted?

2. Zelensky’s Power Grab?

Back in Europe, Ukraine’s parliament passed legislation that guts the independence of key anti-corruption bodies, placing them under the control of a presidentially-appointed prosecutor. It’s a staggeringly short-sighted move — one that risks EU and donor trust, and plays directly into the Kremlin’s and hardline MAGA base narratives about Ukrainian democracy. I explain why this may mark a turning point in Zelensky’s presidency — and not in a good way.