Argentine economist-turned-president in 2023, shaping Latin American politics
Argentina has filed a request with the Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to halt the Sea Lion oilfield project north of the Falkland Islands, arguing it threatens Argentina’s sovereign rights. The UK defends the field as lawful and regulated by the Falkland Islands government. The move follows Milei’s hard line on Falklands oil and signals a sharp diplomatic escalation between Buenos Aires and London.
Argentina has reached the World Cup final after Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner in Atlanta, sparking awe across Buenos Aires. Fans pour into the Obelisk, city streets, and public spaces, while celebrations contrast with lingering online claims of refereeing bias.
The United States planned to send senior officials to monitor Brazil’s October elections, but Brazilian authorities denied visas, accusing the move of implying electoral interference. Lula da Silva’s government says Brazil will safeguard its sovereignty as Bolsonaro’s allies press foreign support. The dispute underscores foreign involvement concerns ahead of the vote.
Argentine president Javier Milei has insulted Brazil’s president and a top Brazilian judge while attending an event in São Paulo that confirmed Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential candidacy. Brazil has recalled its ambassador to consult with Brasília after diplomats said Milei attacked Brazil’s government, people and democracy; Lula has vowed to lead without outside interference.
Keiko Fujimori has been sworn in as Peru’s president, vowing a hardline approach to crime and instability after a tumultuous decade of leadership. She pledges military involvement in high-crime areas during emergencies and seeks to bolster ties with the United States while addressing El Niño impacts and inequality.
Argentina has issued a presidential decree expanding immigration powers to bar, deport, and revoke visas for individuals who promote hatred against Argentines or desecrate national symbols. The move follows a wave of backlash after Argentina's World Cup performance, including a post-match brawl and FIFA investigations. The decree emphasizes that criticism protected under the constitution remains exempt, but it leaves unresolved how hate speech will be defined or enforced against tourists and long-term residents.
A coordinated U.S.-Japan intervention in late July has only temporarily strengthened the yen. The currency has given back roughly half the gains from the operation and is trading near ¥159–¥160 to the dollar as of mid-August. Analysts say the yield gap between U.S. and Japanese debt and Japan's domestic policy mix are keeping downward pressure on the yen.
A truck bomb has detonated outside a police headquarters in Cúcuta, on the Venezuela border, injuring eight officers and three civilians. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez has blamed the National Liberation Army and offered a reward; authorities have deployed extra security as Colombia prepares for Abelardo de la Espriella’s inauguration in Cali next week.
The yen has strengthened in a coordinated intervention involving the U.S. and Japan, reflecting a shared aim to curb disorderly moves and protect global markets. Tokyo backs the move with Washington, while the U.S. signals continued readiness to act with Tokyo. Analysts warn of higher long-term borrowing costs amid global deficits and the AI buildout.
Petro has claimed thousands of tally sheets were manipulated after counts were transmitted to Colombia’s election agency. Officials and observers reject the fraud claims, and Abelardo de la Espriella is set to be sworn in this week, as Colombia prepares for a tightly watched transition.
SpaceX has reported quarterly results with strong revenue but ongoing losses, highlighting a heavy $18bn capex focus on AI infrastructure. Investors are watching for returns as Starlink remains the profit engine while the AI division remains loss-making and the public market faces a volatile response as lock-up expirations loom.
Brazil has downgraded ties with Argentina amid a diplomatic spat linked to Brazil’s election cycle, while U.S. actions and regional acrimony intensify. Investigations into a deadly Brazilian air crash add to scrutiny of aviation safety and governance.
Latin American governments are renewing ties with Israel, recognizing sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and restoring diplomatic channels after years of strain. Venezuela and Colombia are central to a broader regional realignment, with other states re-engaging in Israeli cooperation and security ties.
Adolfo Sachsida has joined Senator Bolsonaro's campaign and has proposed a public-debt ceiling that would trigger automatic spending cuts if gross debt exceeds a set threshold. The proposal aims to signal fiscal discipline ahead of the presidential contest with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and to appeal to conservative voters concerned about public spending.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in a handwritten Instagram statement published on 31 August 2026. The 39-year-old has said he has "nothing left to give" after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and to the 2026 final. Tributes and plans for a farewell match are under way; Argentina will meet friendly opponents in September.
The US is reviewing a position on the Falkland Islands amid reports it could pressure allies to meet defence spending targets. Britain reiterates the islanders’ wish to remain British, while Argentina’s claim remains unresolved. The UK warns that sovereignty rests with the islanders and will defend their right to self-determination.
Former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández has been cleared by a Honduran judge in a Pandora I corruption case tied to 2010–2013 public spending. Hernández has returned from the United States after a 2025 presidential pardon and has insisted he is innocent. Prosecutors can appeal the judge's decision, the judiciary has said.
An explosion at a Bolivian military depot killed, wounded and left 12 soldiers missing. Investigators are examining the causes as authorities vow a thorough, technical inquiry. Evacuations followed the blast as rescue teams search, while public officials urge transparency.
Labour figures warn the government over defence spending, as the prime minister’s stance on hitting 3% of GDP by 2030 remains uncertain. Defence investment plans are set to fund 2.7% by 2027–28, with government budget decisions still to be clarified. The debate comes amid heightened security concerns following Russian warnings.
The United States has signalled a potential shift in its stance on British governance of the Falkland Islands, with discussions suggesting the US could pressure Britain to boost defence spending. UK officials insist the Falklands will remain British, while the debate underscores growing strain over Nato commitments and European security. The chancellor has reiterated a target of 3% of GDP for defence spending, with a longer-term plan to reach 3.5% by 2035 as part of NATO commitments.
Argentina’s president has announced sanctions on firms involved in the Sea Lion offshore oil project, threatening penalties for shareholders and directors. The two owners, Navitas and Rockhopper, have Israeli links. Sea Lion’s first oil is projected for 2028 with a $2.2 billion capex. Navitas and Rockhopper say licences are valid and unchanged by the threat.
Argentina's president Javier Milei has publicly renewed Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas), has announced plans to sanction companies working on the Sea Lion oilfield and has ordered probes into entities tied to hydrocarbon exploration. His comments follow recent US remarks that have signalled Washington is reviewing its neutral stance, and Britain and islanders have reiterated support for self‑determination.
Nauru has inaugurated an embassy in Jerusalem, signaling unwavering support for Israel and aiming to expand its diplomatic presence in the capital. Israeli officials describe the move as boosting Jerusalem’s global standing and anticipate more countries following suit in the coming months.
The United States is strengthening security ties with Colombia, Ecuador and Peru as right‑wing leadership grows in the region. Washington has designated cartels as foreign threats and seeks closer military and economic cooperation, while regional partners push back on violence tied to narcotics networks.
Israeli hard-liner Itamar Ben-Gvir has urged publicly recognizing Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, triggering UK pushback and a flurry of diplomatic reactions. Britain rebuffs the claim and reaffirms Falkland islanders’ self-determination, while lawmakers scrutinize sanctions and trade implications tied to the dispute.
Prime Minister Burnham has pledged to fully fund the Defence Investment Plan and to meet NATO commitments by 2035, while promising stronger public control over energy and water utilities as the cost-of-living crisis intensifies. He also unveils a 10-year plan to boost living standards and address energy costs.
Iceland Foods plans to open a Stanley-based store in the Falkland Islands in December, marking the first UK high street brand on the islands. The deal is with Kelper Stores (Fortuna group) and stock will include Iceland-own labels alongside well-known brands; controversy around sovereignty tensions with Argentina remains in the background.
During a two-day visit to Ireland this weekend President Donald Trump has said he would "love to see" a united Ireland and called reunification "going to happen eventually." His remarks have prompted rebuttals from UK and unionist politicians, sparked protests in Dublin and renewed debate over the Good Friday Agreement's border-poll provisions.
Donald Trump has suggested in media interviews that the United States would not back Britain if Argentina were to seize the Falkland Islands. UK officials insist the islands remain British, while Argentina’s Milei advances sanctions and a claim. The issue has sparked renewed tension ahead of a broader geopolitical dispute between allies.
Burnham is expected to meet Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York as the UK‑US relationship navigates past earlier criticisms. He has held two official calls with Trump since taking office, and Parliament allies say the ties go beyond any one president or prime minister.
Argentina has escalated its sovereignty push around the Sea Lion oil field near the Falkland Islands. Milei’s govt has filed sanctions and legal actions against firms involved, threatens the UN-backed tribunal, and vows to defend sovereignty. The UK asserts islanders’ self-determination and resources rights.
UK Prime Minister has announced a new AI defence partnership with the United States, aiming to protect critical infrastructure and mitigate living-cost pressures. The plan is part of Britain’s broader push on AI governance as it hosts international discussions.
The national statistics agency INDEC has released new figures showing the poverty rate has jumped by 4.1 percentage points to 32.3% between January and June, with extreme poverty at 7.5%. Unemployment has climbed to 7.9%, while wages fail to keep pace with rising prices. Analysts warn social gains under Milei’s austerity are faltering, and the outlook remains challenging for 2026.
Central banks are keeping policy tight amid persistent inflation. Ghana and emerging markets face risks from oil prices while US inflation remains elevated. Markets watch for further rate moves as growth shows signs of resilience.
The Brazilian election is entering a decisive phase as legal battles and foreign interference concerns escalate. Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro lead a closely watched race ahead of the October runoff, with the judiciary and international pressures shaping public trust and policy direction.
Incumbent Lula faces far-right rival Bolsonaro in Brazil’s pivotal presidential election. Polls show a tight race with a potential runoff on Oct. 25. Both candidates frame the contest as a choice over democracy, sovereignty and regional influence as Latin America shifts politically.
Thousands protest in Rio as Flavio Bolsonaro leads in the first round, threatening a rightward shift. Lula da Silva trails but remains in the race for a October 25 runoff. Pro-democracy sentiment and fears of Bolsonaro’s amnesty for his father fuel the debate about Brazil’s democratic future.
Colombia has opened its embassy in Jerusalem, signalling a shift under President Abelardo de la Espriella toward closer ties with Israel. The move follows Petro’s criticism of Israel over Gaza and aligns with a broader regional realignment. The ceremony was attended by Israeli and Colombian officials as part of upgrading ties and strengthening security, trade, and information sharing.
Brazil's Lula da Silva and Bolsonaro head into a tight runoff as Meta faces court orders to ensure equal treatment on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp amid allegations of biased algorithmic reach and AI restrictions. The controversy has intensified scrutiny from courts, civil society groups and watchdogs.
Global markets face renewed pressure as debt costs rise for major tech players amid high energy and climate-weather impacts; fund managers reassess bets in Latin America amid political shifts.