Mourners Grieve Navalny’s Passing, As Kremlin Monitors

Hi Global Recap readers,

Today ushers in a fresh month.

For many, it’s a new start, but for Navalny and his family, it’s a painful end.

Yet, the gathering of his supporters, braving the intimidating police and threats from unknown people, might just be the glimmer of a resistance against Putin’s relentless dictatorship.

Russia

Mourners Grieve Navalny’s Passing, As Kremlin Monitors

Thousands of supporters of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who recently died “suddenly” in prison, have gathered for Navalny’s funeral despite threats of arrest.

• 🚫 Obstruction. Navalny’s team faced difficulties in finding a hearse, a funeral home, and a venue for the memorial service, as “unknown people” threatened and banned them from working with them.

• 💒 Cheers. Chants and cheers were heard at Navalny’s funeral today. Reportedly, people were chanting “Russia without Putin,” and “Russia will be free.”

• 🚓 Repression. In recent years, Russian authorities have become increasingly strict in suppressing public expressions of grief or criticism toward the government. Following the mourning of Navalny’s death, police:

  • dismantled makeshift memorials,

  • made hundreds of arrests, and

  • even installed surveillance cameras around the cemetery.

For more photos, click here.

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US

Shutdown Averted, Ukraine Aid Pending

The US Congress passed a short-term spending bill to keep the government running until March 22. The bill avoids a shutdown that could have damaged the economy and the credit rating of the country.

• 🤝 Bipartisan. The bill received support from both Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate.

• 🚧 Obstacles. However, the bill does not resolve the disputes over funding levels, border security, and aid to Ukraine.

• 🌎 Implications. The bill sets the stage for more negotiations and potential conflicts over US foreign policy and national security.

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NATO

Putin’s Nuclear Bluff

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened a nuclear conflict with the West over Ukraine, but NATO’s deputy chief dismissed it as mere "psychological intimidation."

• ✍🏻 Context. The warning came as French President Emmanuel Macron suggested sending troops to help Ukraine defend itself from a possible Russian invasion.

• 🔥 Heat. Putin claimed that any Western intervention in Ukraine would “really threaten a conflict with nuclear weapons.”

• ❄️ Chill. NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoană also reiterated that the alliance had no intention or plans to deploy troops to Ukraine.

Hopefully, this normalization of nuclear saber-rattling and ground troop intervention does not escalate the situation.

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Vietnam

Vietnam’s War Against Human Rights

Vietnam, despite its recent surge in international prominence in trade, diplomacy, and security, has maintained a relatively low profile on the global stage.

For instance, did you know that Vietnam is one of the few remaining communist countries in the world? Yet, many people primarily associate it with being the battleground for the Vietnam War.

Recently, they have been thrust back into the spotlight due to a leaked official directive that exposes their communist leaders, who fear losing control domestically.

• 😰 Fears. The party’s secret directive specifically highlights the risks posed by foreign influence and dissent.

• ✍🏻 Solution. So, what do they need to do to hold on to power? Strengthen their grip on their citizens.

• 📑 Directive. The document, known as Directive 24, was obtained by a human rights organization known as Project88. The directive repeatedly calls for the government’s “proactive” action against such dangers to its grip on power.

• 🌎 Partnerships. Vietnam has signed 18 free trade deals and upgraded its ties with the US to a "comprehensive strategic partnership."

Noteworthy parts of the directive:

Some believe that the US-China economic partnership, after China’s opening up, played a significant role in China’s rise to superpower status.

Is the US once again aligning with the wrong type of government?

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UK

Expelled Politician Wins Gaza Vote

George Galloway, a notorious anti-Israel activist, has won a by-election in Rochdale, England, by appealing to the town’s Muslim voters.

He ran on a pro-Palestinian platform, blaming both Labour and Conservatives for supporting Israel in its war against Hamas.

• 🔥 Firebrand. Galloway is a controversial figure who has been expelled from Labour.

• 👊 Challenge. Galloway’s victory poses a headache for Labour leader Keir Starmer, who has faced divisions over his party’s stance on Gaza.

• 🌎 Impact. Galloway’s campaign highlights the growing influence of the Israel-Hamas conflict on British politics and society.

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