SPF Podcast: Global Strategic Trends to 2055｜Putin’s India Visit Amid Tense Relations｜Nuclear Energy Promotion in the US

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026.
 

As the international political landscape continues to evolve, we begin the year by bringing together timely analysis, original commentary, and in-depth discussions on the issues shaping global affairs. This edition features a selection of recent articles, podcasts, and political insights that examine key developments and emerging trends.
 

We look forward to sharing perspectives that help inform and deepen understanding throughout the year ahead.

Event Report: Cross-Asian Dialogue on Rural Development Co-hosted with Nalanda University, Asian Confluence and Musubi-Te Foundation
From December 8 to 11, 2025, the Strategic Dialogue and Exchange Program co-hosted the workshop “Cross-Asian Dialogue on Rural Development” with Nalanda University, Asian Confluence and Musubi-Te Foundation at Nalanda University in Bihar, India. The event aimed to provide a vibrant cross-border, cross-sector platform for Asian leaders to share knowledges and generate innovative approaches for future possible collaboration to rural development across Asia.
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SPF President Sunami visits Libya to discuss cooperation with the Libyan Peace Institute
Following the MOU signed earlier this year
On December 23, 2025, SPF President Atsushi Sunami and his delegation visited Tripoli, the capital of Libya, where they were welcomed by H.E. Mr. Abdullah Allafi, Vice President of the Libyan Presidential Council; Abdullah Hameed, President of the Libyan Peace Institute; and a member of the House of Representatives (HOR). During the visit, they exchanged views on Libya’s security situation and the general elections to be held for the first time since the ceasefire agreement.
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SPF World Views: Global Strategic Trends to 2055
Richard Johnson, Defence Futures, U.K. Ministry of Defence
In this conversation, our guest Mr. Richard Johnson from the Defence Futures team of the U.K. Ministry of Defence joins SPF Senior Research Fellow Ippeita Nishida to discuss what’s new in the latest edition of the GST series, and how governments and partners worldwide are using these insights to test assumptions and rethink strategies for an uncertain future.
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The Iranian Nuclear Development Issue and The Concept of a Middle East Nuclear Consortium
Yuki Kobayashi (Senior Research Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation)
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Analyzing President Trump's Executive Orders on Nuclear Energy Promotion: U.S. Strategic Intent and Implications for Japan
Yuki Kobayashi (Senior Research Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation)
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Blue carbon collaboration at COP30: Technical outcomes and pathways
Santosh Kumar Rauniyar (Research Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation)
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Putin’s India Visit Amid Strained Indo-US Relations
Toru Ito (Professor, Department of International Relations & Graduate School of Security Studies, National Defense Academy of Japan)
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India’s Dependence on China in the Renewable Energy Industry and the Future Outlook
Masahide Takahashi (Senior Research Fellow, Middle East Institute of Japan)
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