Your Weekly Diplomatic Briefing - 23rd-29th May

The world changes within seconds; And it's been a week!

May 30, 2025

Hello reader!!

Like international politics as usual, this week’s stories span from tensions to groundbreaking collaborations.

Harvard fights for international students, Russia and China aim for the moon, and Europe recalibrates its stance on Israel. PLUS exclusive insights from Kazakhstan’s Ambassador and a taste of Turkish cuisine in Islamabad.

Let’s explore the week that was!

Here’s your weekly roundup of the week’s most important stories, news, and articles from The Diplomatic Insight.

Top Stories of the Week

[1] Harvard Can No Longer Enroll International Students
Trump’s crackdown on universities has finally culminated into what has been in the pipeline for so long.

But Harvard is not ready to give up so easily on its academic integrity and duty towards international students.

[2] China, Russia to Build Nuclear Plant on Moon
Who will build the nuclear plant on the moon? Turns out, humans will not.

Russia and China have other plans, as the Director General of the Russian space agency told the media that the construction will be done autonomously.

[3] Trump Warns Putin ‘Playing with Fire’ Amid Intensified Ukraine Strikes
From “absolutely crazy” to “playing with fire” Putin has angered Trump as the ceasefire is more complicated than Trump thought. 

While air has eased between US and EU on tariffs, the latter is still clutching at the straws when it comes to Europe’s security.

[4] Europe Turns East: Meloni Arrives in Samarkand, Heads Next for

Italy-Central Asia Summit
Meloni’s arrival in Samarkand indicates a clear desire to expand relations with the country, well beyond the energy sector. 

But Italy is not alone in looking East. France’s Macron is on a week-long tour of Southeast Asia, set to speak at the Shangri La Dialogue - becoming the first European leader to do so.

[5] Iran Rejects Enrichment Freeze for Nuclear Deal with US
Of the two matters that are in limbo, Iran-US nuclear negotiations are just as stubborn as the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. 

Iran is not willing to freeze uranium enrichment but gladly, the talks are not freezing either. Despite no headway, Iran’s President appreciated Oman’s facilitation of talks on his recent trip to the country.

[6] Israel’s Gaza Strikes No Longer Justified: German Chancellor
Europe is changing its stance on Israel, but not overnight. While the German Chancellor now recognizes the illegitimacy of Israeli strikes, Italy has also come forward to warn Israel. 

Meanwhile, Ireland takes a step ahead and gives a green signal on the drafting of a legislation banning trade with Israel.

From DiploTV

Exclusive conversation with H.E. Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan. In 26 minutes, we explore the evolving economic, educational, and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

If you’re a student or businessman in Pakistan, keep in mind: Kazakhstan is opening doors for you!

The Ambassador shares updates on business visa policies, scholarships for Pakistani students, and trade opportunities. Watch the interview on Youtube:

A Deeper Look

You may love these opinions and blog articles by contributing authors

May 28th added another year to Azerbaijan's long history of being a Republic.

Though interrupted by the Soviet invasion of 1920, present-day Azerbaijan still starts its history from 1918.

While most travelers have Baku on their list, much less is known about this country's political history.

Food lovers are obsessed with the flavors of Turkish cuisine, and for all the right reasons!

Did you know that a whole week is dedicated to celebrating Turkish Foods? And well, who can complain!

The Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad also jumped on the bandwagon, hosting a delicious reception at his house.

Limited military confrontation of May has re-ignited debates on South Asia's nuclearization.

While we are past the stage to argue if nuclearization was a sane move to begin with, the nuclear posturing is certainly changing.

Since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump has ended up heightening Europe’s insecurities, every day.

Maheen Wiqar analyzes Europe’s dilemma and writes:

“Europe’s greatest threat is not choosing between the US and China, but failing to choose itself.”

Want to be featured in our Op-ed section? Send your insights, opinions, and articles!

ARE YOU READY FOR
….IDSF 2025 Vienna..!!

Join us at the 4th International Digital Security Forum in Vienna, 4–6 June!

Under the theme “Balancing Sovereignty and Solidarity in the Digital Age,” IDSF is gathering leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to tackle cybersecurity, AI governance, and disinformation.

📍 Find us at Booth #7 in the MuseumsQuartier exhibition hall,

Where Dr. Farhat Asif (President, IPDS) and Mr. Muhammad Asif Noor (CEO, DIG) will showcase our woman-led South Asian model of hybrid diplomacy.

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