That Was the Week That Was - 8th March 2025

Week Ending 8th March 2025

Hello again, fellow observers of global mayhem. If last week felt like a diplomatic chess match, this week was more like a pub brawl—just with fancier suits and longer press briefings. Let’s unpack the drama.

1. China’s Two Sessions: The Communist Party’s Annual Show-and-Tell
It’s that time of year again when China’s leadership gathers to deliver grand speeches, approve policies, and pretend that all decisions weren’t made weeks ago in a backroom somewhere. The headlines? A big push for self-reliance in technology, an increase in defence spending (because, of course), and some carefully veiled warnings to Washington. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the nervous tapping of calculators in global trade offices.

2. International Women’s Day: Celebrations and Sobering Realities
March 8th rolled around with its usual mix of uplifting stories and stark reminders of how far we still have to go. Women in Iran and Afghanistan continue to fight for basic rights, while in the West, the discussion is shifting towards workplace equity and political representation. Progress is happening—but let’s not kid ourselves, there’s still a fair bit of heavy lifting to do.

3. Munich Security Conference: The Annual "What Now?" Gathering
World leaders met in Germany for another round of "what’s going wrong and how worried should we be?" With Europe increasingly unsure about how much it can count on Washington, NATO’s future remains a hot topic. If the transatlantic relationship were a marriage, this would be the part where one partner nervously asks, "We’re still good, right?"

4. African Union Summit: Local Solutions, Global Problems
African leaders met in Addis Ababa to discuss the continent’s many security challenges. Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and regional instability were all on the agenda. Plenty of fine speeches were made, but actual solutions? Still a work in progress. The real question is whether Africa can take charge of its own security or if external powers will continue to shape the narrative.

5. India Hosts Indo-Pacific Security Forum: Quietly Watching Beijing
Over in New Delhi, defence officials and analysts gathered to discuss security in the Indo-Pacific. The message? "We’re all keeping a very close eye on China." With Beijing growing bolder in the South China Sea and beyond, India, Japan, and Australia are deepening their strategic partnerships. Washington, naturally, is hovering nearby with a watchful eye and a cheque book.

How It All Ties Together

• Power Games Everywhere: China’s big policy announcements, NATO’s concerns, and shifting alliances in the Indo-Pacific show how global power balances are in flux.
• Diplomatic Talk vs. Real Action: Whether it’s in Africa, Munich, or Beijing, there’s still a frustrating gap between grand statements and actual problem-solving.
• The Long Game: Beijing is planning decades ahead, Europe is figuring out its next move, and the Indo-Pacific is bracing for whatever comes next.

What’s Coming Next?

• U.S. Foreign Policy Wobbles: With an election looming, expect allies and rivals alike to start preparing for potential policy shifts.
• Europe’s Defence Dilemma: If the U.S. pulls back from NATO, how will Europe respond?
• China’s Next Moves: Keep an eye on how policy shifts from the Two Sessions translate into real-world action—especially in tech, trade, and military posturing.

Fun Fact of the Week

China’s ‘Two Sessions’ is so meticulously staged that journalists and analysts read into seating arrangements and speech order like tea leaves. If someone’s chair moves up a row, expect a promotion; if they disappear entirely, well… best not to ask.

That’s your weekly digest. Keep calm, stay informed, and remember—behind every headline, there’s always a bit more to the story.

End of Report.