1-15 January 2026

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• In 2025, the world's wealthiest individuals rapidly increased their fortunes. In the US, the number of billionaires rose from 813 to 935, with their combined wealth reaching $8.1 trillion. Notably, the wealth of the 15 richest individuals grew by 33% to $3.2 trillion. Elon Musk broke records by increasing his wealth from $421 billion to $726 billion in one year. Jeff Bezos has $242 billion, while the Walton family has $378 billion in assets. This growth increased global wealth by $2.2 trillion.

• The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) has emerged as a trade route that will complement risky routes such as the Suez Canal. The project has great importance because the canal's blockage in 2021 affected 12% of global trade. Positioned as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, whose investments exceed $1.3 trillion, IMEC focuses on sustainability and risk sharing. However, conflicts and political uncertainties in the region are slowing the project's progress. In the long term, the corridor promises a partnership-based and trust-oriented model of connectivity.

• In Iran, economic collapse and high inflation have triggered widespread protests. Protests that spreading across Tehran quickly turned into demands for political freedom. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country is effectively in a state of war with the United States and Israel. While the Washington administration opposed nuclear enrichment capacity, Trump and Netanyahu reiterated their threat to use military force. As clashes between security forces and protesters continue, social tensions are expected to persist due to sanctions and oil restrictions.

• President Trump's claim to Greenland triggered international legal debates. Denmark’s sovereignty over the island dates back to the 18th century and is recognized under international law. Although the US offered $100 million to purchase the island in 1946, the proposal was rejected. Today, the people of Greenland have right to decide their own independence through a referendum. For a diplomatic solution, the US and Denmark are expected to cooperate on security matters.

• In a U.S. military operation, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and taken to a warship. During the operation, clashes occurred in Caracas, and the country's infrastructure was largely deactivated. Maduro is accused of drug trafficking in New York City. The Trump administration aims to assume an active role in Latin America and control the energy sector through this move. While Washington plans to manage transition process itself, the operation is seen as a show of force against external actors such as China.

• The recognition of Somaliland as an independent republic by Israel has intensified regional competition. Due to its strategic location, Israel wants to gain intelligence and operational power in this region. Türkiye, on the other hand, has long played an active role in Somalia through security and infrastructure projects. Türkiye, which trains the Somali army through the TURKSOM Military Training Base, also assumed responsibility for maritime security with the 2024 agreement. This situation in the Horn of Africa has initiated a low-intensity cold war dynamic between Türkiye and Israel.

• Despite its rich mineral reserves, Canada has seen a decline in investments in the sector. Mineral exploration spending fell to $4.2 billion in 2023, and the decline continued in 2024. Uncertain policies and land rights issues in the country are driving investors to other regions. The mining sector contributed $117 billion to the economy in 2023 and created employment opportunities for 711,000 people. To revive investment, the government needs to eliminate regulatory uncertainties and provide a predictable framework.

• Türkiye’s decision to grant visa-free entry to citizens of China has created significant momentum in tourism. Under the new policy, Chinese tourists can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Following the announcement, flight searches for İstanbul increased 6.3 times, while overall interest rose by more than 50%.  Flights between the two countries increased from 21 to 49 per week. Demand is expected to increase further with the Spring Festival holiday in 2026. This move reduces travel barriers and makes Türkiye a popular destination for Chinese tourists.