Lithuania’s national opera house had stopped showing Tchaikovsky’s 1892 masterpiece in solidarity with Ukraine over the war with Russia. Then a new minister expressed fondness for the Russian composer, igniting a furor.
Tag: International Relations
Russia’s Abrupt Setback in Syria Creates Headaches for Putin
Losing Syrian military bases would hurt the Kremlin’s attempts to project power in the Middle East and Africa.
Coke, Pepsi and Other U.S. Companies Face Wall Street Pressure Over Labor Abuses in India
Pension funds and big investors are pressuring Coca-Cola, Pepsico and others over brutal working conditions in India’s cane fields. Some of the sugar buyers are tiptoeing toward change.
Australia Targets China’s Influence With Deals in Pacific Islands
In separate agreements with Nauru, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Australia is attempting to edge out China’s influence in the region.
Trump Tariffs? Europe Braces but Has No Clear Strategy
The incoming president promised “tariffs all the way” unless Europe bought more U.S. oil and gas. European officials have no clear strategy for avoiding a trade war.
Peter Mandelson to Be Named UK Ambassador to US
The veteran Labour lawmaker chosen by Prime Minister Keir Starmer has experience in trade policy and business and was once nicknamed “the Prince of Darkness” for his political tactics.
Putin Glosses Over Russian Setbacks, Including Syria
The Russian president, in a marathon annual news conference, said that he had not yet met with Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian leader who fled to Moscow, but that he planned to.
Europe Has a Leadership Vacuum. How Will it Handle Trump?
With Germany and France both in political turmoil, the new administration of Donald J. Trump will begin at a time of instability for the continent.
Zelensky to Meet With E.U. Leaders to Discuss Ukraine’s Future
As Donald J. Trump prepares to take office in the United States, President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a meeting hosted by the NATO chief to plot the path forward in the war with Russia.
China Lengthens Visa-Free Stays for Tourists
In its efforts to attract visitors, the country extended stays from less than a week to up to 10 days for visitors between destinations.