Executive Summary
The reporting week ending February 14, 2026, marks a pivotal juncture in the systemic reconfiguration of the global security architecture. Based on a comprehensive review of strategic, tactical, and economic indicators, the international community is witnessing a transition from a rules-based multilateral order to a model of “centralized impulsive power” characterized by direct interventionism and the weaponization of economic dependencies.1 The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC), themed “Under Destruction,” serves as the primary diplomatic backdrop, where Western leaders have explicitly acknowledged the erosion of post-Cold War norms in favor of highly conditional alliances and regional hegemonies.2
In the European theater, the Russo-Ukrainian War remains a conflict of unprecedented attrition. Russian forces continue to sustain casualties at rates unseen in major power conflicts since World War II, yet they maintain the strategic initiative through a “grinding” offensive that prioritizes incremental territorial gains over personnel preservation.4 Concurrently, the Middle East is on a knife-edge as the United States reinforces its regional naval presence with a second aircraft carrier strike group, backing a thirty-day nuclear ultimatum delivered to the Iranian regime.6 This maritime buildup is inextricably linked to the Western Hemisphere, where the recent ouster of the Venezuelan administration has allowed Washington to secure alternative energy flows, effectively insulating the American economy from potential Persian Gulf disruptions.8
In the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN chairmanship has coincided with an escalation of Chinese “grey-zone” activities in the South China Sea, forcing a recalibration of regional security partnerships.9 Meanwhile, Sub-Saharan Africa faces a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, where the fall of El Fasher has triggered mass atrocities and localized famines that the African Union (AU) has thus far been unable to mitigate.11 Global financial markets continue to experience high volatility following the “Black Friday” collapse of gold and cryptocurrency, while US inflation remains “sticky” at 2.4 percent, complicating the transition to a new Federal Reserve leadership.13 Collectively, these developments suggest a world entering a “perilous new normal” where the threshold for military intervention has significantly lowered.8
I. Global Strategic Environment: The Munich Security Conference and the New World Order
The proceedings at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) from February 13–15, 2026, provided the most transparent look to date at the diverging strategic philosophies of the world’s major powers. The overarching sentiment, encapsulated in the annual Munich Security Report, is that the international system is no longer undergoing “careful reform” but is instead “under destruction”.2 This destruction is being driven not only by external adversaries but by a fundamental shift in how established powers, particularly the United States, view their global responsibilities.
The Transatlantic Divergence
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s keynote address at the conference signaled a radical departure from the traditional “caretaker” role of the United States in the Western alliance. Rubio articulated a “highly conditional” partnership, warning European allies that the era of the US managing the West’s “managed decline” is over.17 This rhetoric reflects a broader “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, which emphasizes national borders, economic sovereignty, and the rejection of what Rubio termed “postwar delusions” regarding the end of history.8
| Strategic Positioning at Munich 2026 | Primary Objective | Key Rhetorical Theme |
| United States (Rubio) | Conditional Alliance | “The Old World is Gone” 2 |
| United Kingdom (Starmer) | European Rapprochement | “Move Closer to the Single Market” 17 |
| Ukraine (Zelenskyy) | Sustainable Defense Aid | “Our Unity is the Best Interceptor” 17 |
| European Union (von der Leyen) | Independent Sovereignty | “Security Shock Therapy” 17 |
| France (Macron) | Combined Nuclear Strength | “Europe Must Defend Its Interests” 17 |
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer utilized the forum to distance the United Kingdom from the “Brexit years,” emphasizing that European security is now indivisible and that the UK must move closer to the EU Single Market to bolster its industrial defense base.17 This rapprochement is driven by an “urgent” need to address Russian aggression, which Starmer characterized as a “path for Europe’s future” if not checked by a unified response.17 Conversely, French President Emmanuel Macron hinted at a more autonomous European defense strategy, suggesting that European adversaries must be confronted by “combined nuclear strength,” independent of the shifting political winds in Washington.17
The Crisis of Accountability and Impunity
A deeper thematic undercurrent identified in recent geopolitical analyses is the emergence of “centralized impulsive power,” where decision-making is highly personalized and detached from multilateral stabilizing mechanisms.1 The arrest of the Venezuelan president and the threats regarding the acquisition of Greenland are viewed as symptoms of a system where centers of power no longer feel accountable to international law.1 This normalization of impunity among global elites—highlighted by the recurring references to the “Epstein files” and their impact on figures like the former Israeli Prime Minister and the former CEO of DP World—has eroded public trust in institutional legitimacy, further fueling populist movements across the West.1
II. The Eastern Front: High-Intensity Attrition in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has entered a phase of “grinding” attrition that defies modern military doctrine. As of mid-February 2026, the conflict is characterized by astronomical casualty rates and a slowing of frontline movements to levels reminiscent of World War I.4
Military-Technical Analysis of Russian Performance
Data-driven assessments indicate that the Russian Federation has sustained approximately 1,245,000 casualties since February 2022, with roughly 40,000 occurred in 2026 alone.5 Despite these losses, the Russian Ground Forces continue to attack along multiple axes, though their territorial gains in January 2026 were lower than the averages recorded in late 2025.5 In the most active sectors, Russian advances are currently measured between 15 and 70 meters per day, the slowest rate for any major offensive campaign in the last century.4
| Comparative Attrition Data (2022-2026) | Statistic | Implications |
| Total Russian Casualties | 1.2M – 1.245M | Highest for a major power since WWII 4 |
| Verified Russian Deaths | 177,433 | Mediazona/BBC confirmed count 21 |
| Projected Combined Casualties | 2,000,000 | Expected threshold by Spring 2026 4 |
| Russian Advance Rate | 15-70 m/day | Indicates extreme defensive density 4 |
| Russian GDP Growth (War Economy) | 0.6% (2025) | Signals long-term industrial stagnation 4 |
The Russian military-industrial complex is showing signs of structural strain. While the economy has shifted to a war footing, growth has slowed to 0.6 percent, and the lack of globally competitive technology firms continues to hamper long-term productivity.4 Furthermore, the Kremlin’s decision to throttle the Telegram messaging application—a primary tool for frontline command and control (C2)—has provoked a backlash among Russian military bloggers, who warn that such censorship efforts are degrading tactical coordination.22
Ukrainian Tactical Resilience and the PURL Initiative
Ukrainian forces have maintained a policy of “active defense,” recently achieving localized advances in the Hulyaipole direction and conducting a successful mid-range strike campaign against Russian assets in occupied Zaporizhia.22 A critical factor in Ukraine’s continued resistance is the “Prioritized Ukrainian Requirements List” (PURL) initiative, which has raised $4.5 billion since the summer of 2025 to fund NATO purchases of US-manufactured weapons.22 Additionally, the UK has announced a $545 million investment in hypersonic weapons, drawing on battlefield lessons from Ukraine to counter the evolving threat from Russian glide bombs and cruise missiles.21
Diplomatic Tracks: The Geneva Trilateral
A significant diplomatic development this week is the confirmation of US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled for February 17–18 in Geneva.23 This trilateral format will reportedly discuss a 20-point peace plan, with current sticking points including the status of a “free economic zone” in the Donbas and a potential moratorium on energy infrastructure strikes.22 President Trump has publicly urged President Zelenskyy to “get moving” on a deal, warning that the “strategic initiative” remains in Russian hands and that the window for a favorable settlement is closing.4
III. The Middle East: Naval Confrontation and the Iranian Ultimatum
The Middle East has reached a level of tension not seen since the “Tanker Wars” of the 1980s. The region is currently the site of a massive US naval build-up designed to provide the necessary leverage for a high-stakes diplomatic confrontation with the Iranian regime.6
The “Gerald R. Ford” Deployment and the 30-Day Deadline
The US Department of Defense has ordered the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to transit from the Caribbean to the Middle East, where it will join the USS Abraham Lincoln.6 This deployment follows President Trump’s February 12 warning that Iran has roughly one month to reach a comprehensive deal on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, or face “very traumatic” consequences.7 US officials have stated that the presence of two carrier strike groups is essential “in case we don’t make a deal,” providing a credible threat of kinetic action against Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure.6
| US Central Command Naval Posture (Feb 2026) | Asset Type | Primary Mission |
| USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) | Aircraft Carrier | Regional Deterrence / Strike 6 |
| USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) | Aircraft Carrier | Power Projection / Interdiction 6 |
| Guided-Missile Destroyers | Surface Combatant | Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) 6 |
| USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) | Amphibious Assault | Specialized Operations 19 |
Iranian officials, including Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, have categorically rejected the ultimatum, stating that the ballistic missile program is a “firmly established” element of the state’s defense doctrine and a “red line” that will not be negotiated.7 Intelligence reports suggest that Iran is attempting to restore its missile stockpile to pre-war levels of 1,800 to 2,000 units, with a production rate of approximately 300 missiles per month.28
Covert Operations and the Internal Iranian Crisis
Parallel to the conventional military buildup, a sophisticated information warfare campaign is underway. The United States has reportedly smuggled over 6,000 Starlink terminals into Iran to assist protesters in circumventing the regime’s nationwide internet shutdown, which was imposed on January 8.7 This effort aims to facilitate the organization of anti-regime demonstrations, which have persisted despite a brutal crackdown that has seen the arrest of university students, doctors, and cultural figures across the country.27
In a significant intelligence development, President Zelenskyy met with exiled Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi on the sidelines of the MSC, signaling an increasing alignment between the Ukrainian defense and Iranian dissident movements.21 This follows verified reports that Iran continues to supply “Shahid-type” drones with jet engines and real-time operator guidance to the Russian military, an activity Zelenskyy says “must be stopped immediately”.17
The Syrian and Iraqi Security Vacuum
The regional stability is further threatened by the ongoing US withdrawal from Syria, including the recent completion of the mission at the Al Tanf Garrison on February 11.7 This withdrawal has created a vacuum that Syrian government forces have struggled to fill. A critical failure occurred at the Al Hol detention camp, where an estimated 5,700 ISIS detainees were transferred to Iraqi custody, but hundreds of others escaped due to the lack of discipline and training among the newly deployed Syrian government guards.7
The Israel-Lebanon-Gaza Nexus
While a ceasefire has been in place since October 2025, the reporting week saw a sharp escalation in tactical strikes. Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, citing the “rehabilitation” of Hezbollah’s artillery capabilities and the movement of Hamas militants near the “Yellow Line”.30 In Southern Lebanon, the IDF conducted strikes on 20 different locales, utilizing quadcopters, artillery, and drone missions to target Hezbollah personnel both north and south of the Litani River.32
In Gaza, the US has launched “Phase 2” of its peace plan, which involves the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.30 However, the transition is stalled by Hamas’ refusal to disarm and Israel’s insistence on full demilitarization. The humanitarian cost remains staggering; over 492 Palestinians have been killed since the October ceasefire began, and 11 children died of hypothermia in January alone due to substandard shelter conditions.33
| Middle East Casualty and Displacement Indicators (Feb 2026) | Data Point |
| Palestinians Killed in Gaza (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026) | 492 33 |
| Palestinians Injured in Gaza (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026) | 1,356 33 |
| Palestinians Displaced in West Bank (Jan 2026) | 694 35 |
| UNRWA Personnel Killed (Total) | 390 33 |
| ISIS Detainees Transferred to Iraq | 5,700 7 |
IV. The Western Hemisphere: Venezuela and the “Donroe Doctrine”
The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, in “Operation Absolute Resolve” remains the most consequential geopolitical event in the Western Hemisphere in decades.19 This action marks the practical implementation of the “Donroe Doctrine”—a radical reinterpretation of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine that prioritizes the exclusion of extra-hemispheric powers and the direct management of strategic resources by the United States.8
Geo-Economic Annexation of Energy
Under the new “Trump Corollary” to the National Security Strategy (NSS), Latin America is viewed as both a security perimeter and a vital economic asset.8 The United States has assumed de facto control over Venezuela’s oil industry, which contains roughly 241 billion barrels of recoverable crude—the world’s largest proven reserves.8 By securing this supply, Washington has created a “strategic buffer” that makes military escalation in the Middle East more “affordable,” as alternative supplies can mitigate the economic shock of any Persian Gulf disruption.8
This move specifically targets China, which previously received approximately 80% of Venezuelan oil exports.19 The operation has effectively severed Beijing’s access to a reliable energy lifeline in the Western Hemisphere and anchored the oil trade within dollar-based systems, reinforcing the central role of the petrodollar.8
Regional Fragmentation and Sovereign Erosion
The intervention has deeply divided Latin American states. While the Bukele government in El Salvador has aligned with Washington—securing investment in exchange for permitting the deportation of Venezuelan migrants—other states view the operation as a historic violation of the principle of non-intervention.36 Analysis suggests that “Operation Absolute Resolve” has accelerated the erosion of international law, replacing normative discourse with “Realpolitik” where the effectiveness of the law depends entirely on real power relations.37
| Venezuela Transition Metrics (Feb 2026) | Indicator |
| Status of Former President | Facing Trial in New York 19 |
| Strategic Control | US Managed Transition 8 |
| Recoverable Crude Reserves | 241 Billion Barrels 8 |
| Pre-Intervention Oil Destination | 80% to China 19 |
| US Naval Incidents | USS Truxtun/USNS Supply Collision 38 |
The presence of a massive US naval fleet in the Caribbean has not been without operational hazards. On February 11, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Truxtun and the supply ship USNS Supply collided during a replenishment-at-sea operation, resulting in minor injuries to two sailors and highlighting the strain on US naval assets currently maintaining a dual presence in the Caribbean and the Persian Gulf.38
V. Indo-Pacific: South China Sea Grey-Zone Tactics
As the Philippines assumes the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2026, the South China Sea has become the primary theater for “assertive transparency”—a strategy where Manila documents and publicizes Chinese maritime aggression to build international pressure.9
Tactical Escalations and the Thitu Island Collision
The reporting week saw a significant spike in maritime incidents. A Chinese coast guard vessel deliberately rammed the Philippine ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Thitu (Pag-asa) Island on Sunday morning.39 The incident followed a three-minute water cannon attack that damaged the stern of the Philippine vessel.39 China’s Southern Theater Command defended the action, claiming the Philippine vessel had ignored warnings and was “stirring up trouble” by roping in outside powers for joint air patrols.40
| South China Sea Escalation Log (Feb 2026) | Feature | Action Taken |
| Thitu (Pag-asa) Island | Spratlys | Ramming / Water Cannon 39 |
| Scarborough Shoal | EEZ | Unilateral Nature Reserve Declaration 9 |
| Sabina Shoal | EEZ | Water Cannon / Anchor Line Cutting 41 |
| Sandy Cay Reef | Spratlys | Maritime Interdiction 39 |
| Luzon Coast | Mainland | CCG Approach within 30 Nautical Miles 9 |
Analysts suggest that Beijing is utilizing “grey-zone” methods to provoke Manila into firing the first shot, thereby gaining a pretext for a larger military retaliation.42 Furthermore, the deployment of a new US rotational force in the northern Philippines, intended to support the Typhon missile system, has been characterized by Beijing as a move to “contain China,” further complicating the negotiations for a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC).16
ASEAN Diplomacy and Internal Divisions
The Philippines’ push to finalize the COC is being met with “cautious silence” by several other ASEAN members, who fear that “megaphone diplomacy” will give China an excuse to further escalate.10 Despite agreements to hold monthly in-person meetings, deep-seated disagreements over whether the COC should include third-party dispute resolution mechanisms remain unresolved.9 This diplomatic friction allows Beijing to pursue a “divide-and-conquer” strategy, managing relations with some claimant states while maintaining an escalatory approach toward the Philippines.9
VI. Sub-Saharan Africa: The Sudan Humanitarian Emergency
Sudan is currently experiencing the world’s most severe displacement and hunger crisis. As the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nears its third year, the risk of total state collapse and regional destabilization has reached an acute level.12
Mass Atrocities in El Fasher and Darfur
The capture of El Fasher by the RSF in late 2025 has led to some of the worst documented atrocities of the war. UN human rights officials have confirmed more than 6,000 killings in the first three days of the RSF offensive, with at least 500 people killed in a single incident at Al-Rashid dormitory at El Fasher University.11 Survivors have described “apocalyptic scenes” of bodies piled along exit routes and the use of trucks to crush living civilians.43
| Sudan Humanitarian Crisis Metrics (Feb 2026) | Statistic |
| Population Facing Famine | 2,000,000 45 |
| Internally Displaced Persons | 9.5 million 12 |
| Refuges in Neighboring Countries | 3.0 million 12 |
| Child Deaths (Malnutrition) | 522,000 12 |
| Healthcare Facilities Non-Functional | 70% in Conflict Zones 12 |
| Cholera Cases (Cumulative) | 113,000 12 |
The conflict has increasingly focused on strategic infrastructure. The RSF recently seized the 22nd Division base in Babanusa and the Heglig oil field, halting production and threatening the state’s primary revenue source.12 Furthermore, both sides have integrated advanced drone weaponry into their operations, leading to high civilian casualties, including a December strike on a kindergarten and hospital in Kalogi that killed 114 people.12
The 39th African Union Summit: Institutional Paralysis
The AU Summit in Addis Ababa on February 14–15, 2026, attempted to address the crisis but was overshadowed by institutional divisions. While the Peace and Security Council (PSC) issued a communiqué condemning the RSF’s violations and calling for an immediate humanitarian truce, the organization remains unable to secure a meaningful ceasefire.46 Egypt, currently chairing the PSC, is pushing for the reintegration of Sudan into the AU, a move that critics argue is shaped more by regional power plays than by an adherence to AU norms regarding democratic governance.47
VII. Global Economic Stability: Black Friday Fallout and Inflation
The global economy is currently grappling with the aftermath of a “Black Friday” market shock, which saw the historic collapse of gold, silver, and cryptocurrency valuations.13
The US Inflation Report and the Federal Reserve
The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2026, released on February 13, showed a monthly increase of 0.2 percent and a 12-month increase of 2.4 percent.14 While this is a decrease from the 2.7 percent recorded in December, “sticky” inflation in the shelter and medical care sectors continues to pressure the Federal Reserve.49
| US CPI Sector Breakdown (Jan 2026) | 12-Month % Change |
| All Items | 2.4% 14 |
| Shelter | 3.0% 14 |
| Food at Home | 2.1% 14 |
| Energy (Total) | -0.1% 14 |
| Gasoline | -7.5% 14 |
| Transportation Services | 1.3% 14 |
| Medical Care Services | 3.9% 14 |
The transition of the Federal Reserve chairmanship to Kevin Warsh has led to expectations that interest rate cuts will be postponed until at least June 2026, given the strength of recent labor signals and the persistence of core inflation at 2.5 percent.14
The AI Investment Bubble and Traditional Software
Market analysts are increasingly concerned with the ramifications of the estimated $600 trillion in AI investments announced by mega-tech companies for 2026 alone.15 This massive capital allocation has created uncertainty regarding the long-term viability of traditional software companies and the potential for a technological “collision course” between US and Chinese ambitions in space and cyber domains.15
Safe Haven Assets and the “Black Friday” Shock
Gold, which briefly breached the $5,000 level, is currently consolidating in the $4,600 to $4,900 range following a severe sell-off.13 Bitcoin has also seen a sharp decline, dropping below $80,000 and remaining in a “neutral to bearish” state as investors wait for clearer signals regarding global geopolitical stability.13 The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, remains near all-time highs, reflecting a market that continues to bet on the resilience of the US corporate sector despite the surrounding global disorder.13
VIII. Tactical and Political Developments in Emerging Theaters
In addition to the major conflict zones, several regional developments have contributed to the general state of global uncertainty.
- Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a sweeping majority in the February 12 elections, promising a return to stability after years of political dysfunction and religious violence.24
- Thailand: Following the February 8 general elections, complex coalition discussions are expected to take several months, potentially leaving a governance vacuum in a key Southeast Asian economy.51
- The Arctic: Tensions are rising over the “Arctic Information Offensive,” with Russia stopping the publication of its officials’ salary data and the US reiterating its intent to acquire strategic resources in Greenland through both diplomatic and potentially military means.19
- Space: The Space Summit 2026 in Singapore highlighted the growth of the Asia-Pacific space sector and the increasing risk to critical satellite infrastructure as Starlink’s deployment becomes more central to global conflict dynamics.16
IX. Synthesis and Strategic Forecast
The convergence of the reported events for the week ending February 14, 2026, suggests a global environment that has moved beyond the point of “managed competition” into one of “unilateral restructuring.” The “Donroe Doctrine” in the Americas, the “grinding” attrition in Ukraine, and the naval buildup in the Persian Gulf are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader shift toward a world where the primary mechanism for resolving disputes is the application of overwhelming force or the leveraging of absolute economic control.4
The immediate future (Q1-Q2 2026) is likely to be defined by three critical triggers:
- The Iran Deadline: The expiration of the US ultimatum in mid-March will determine whether the Middle East descends into a wide-scale regional war or whether the “trauma” of the ultimatum forces a fundamental realignment of the Iranian regime.
- The Geneva Negotiations: The outcome of the Geneva talks will indicate whether the Ukraine war will transition into a “frozen conflict” or whether the lack of concessions will lead to a new escalation phase involving hypersonic and AI-driven autonomous systems.
- The ASEAN COC: The Philippines’ ability to navigate the internal divisions of ASEAN will determine if a rules-based order can be preserved in the South China Sea or if the “perilous new normal” of grey-zone collisions will eventually spark a direct clash between the PLAN and the US Navy.
The global economy, while showing resilience in the US equity markets, remains vulnerable to the systemic shocks of the “Black Friday” collapse and the weaponization of energy flows. As the world moves toward the Islamic holy month of Ramadan (starting Feb 17), historical patterns suggest a potential uptick in regionalized attacks, particularly in the Sahel and Middle East, which may further strain the international security architecture.51 The “old world” is indeed gone, and the nature of the replacement order remains under violent negotiation.
Please share the link on Facebook, Forums, with colleagues, etc. Your support is much appreciated and if you have any feedback, please email us in**@*********ps.com. If you’d like to request a report or order a reprint, please click here for the corresponding page to open in new tab.
Sources Used
- January – February 2026: a chain of geopolitical scandals as a democratic wake-up call | by Hayat Outahar – Medium, accessed February 14, 2026, https://medium.com/@hayatoutahar/january-february-2026-a-chain-of-geopolitical-scandals-as-a-democratic-wake-up-call-b7a3fa26fe8a
- Rubio warns Munich Security Conference ‘the old world is gone’ – The National News, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/2026/02/13/rubio-warns-munich-security-conference-the-old-world-is-gone/
- Munich Security Conference – Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz, accessed February 14, 2026, https://securityconference.org/en/msc/
- Russia’s Grinding War in Ukraine – CSIS, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-grinding-war-ukraine
- British Defence Intelligence Update Ukraine 14 February 2026, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70050
- Trump says Iran regime change could be ‘best thing’ as second carrier heads to Middle East, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2026/02/14/trump-says-iran-regime-change-could-be-best-thing-as-second-carrier-heads-to-middle-east.html
- Iran Update, February 13, 2026 | ISW, accessed February 14, 2026, https://understandingwar.org/research/middle-east/iran-update-february-13-2026/
- The ‘Donroe Doctrine’: Venezuela Signals a New Phase of US Global Strategy, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.investing.com/analysis/the-donroe-doctrine-venezuela-signals-a-new-phase-of-us-global-strategy-200673139
- The Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship comes at a perilous time, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.thinkchina.sg/politics/philippines-asean-chairmanship-comes-perilous-time
- Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Philippines, ASEAN, and the South China Sea – CSIS, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.csis.org/analysis/rhetoric-vs-reality-philippines-asean-and-south-china-sea
- Sudan: RSF violations in capture of El Fasher amount to war crimes – ohchr, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/02/sudan-rsf-violations-capture-el-fasher-amount-war-crimes
- Sudan Crisis Situation Analysis: Period: 26/01/26 – 01/02/26 – ReliefWeb, accessed February 14, 2026, https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-crisis-situation-analysis-period-260126-010226
- Weekly Financial Markets Analysis: February 8-14, 2026 – Trendo, accessed February 14, 2026, https://fxtrendo.com/weekly-outlook-february-8-14-2026/
- CPI Home : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.bls.gov/cpi/
- February 2026 US Inflation report & Japan’s Election Results Take Over the Economic Landscape – CFI, accessed February 14, 2026, https://cfi.trade/en/blog/economic/us-inflation-data-for-february-2026-japans-election-results-take-over-the-economic-landscape
- South China Sea: Latest News and Updates, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.scmp.com/topics/south-china-sea
- Munich Security Conference live: Zelenskyy asks leaders if they are …, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/feb/14/munich-security-conference-live-marco-rubio-keir-starmer-eu-europe-ukraine-russia-latest-news-updates
- Macron swipes at Trump tariffs and Greenland threats; Zelenskyy has strong words for Russia – as it happened, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/feb/13/munich-security-conference-rubio-flies-in-amid-testing-times-for-us-europe-ties-live?page=with%3Ablock-698f49a18f08a3236d063f4f
- The Deadly Mutation of the 2026 Monroe Doctrine – Modern Diplomacy, accessed February 14, 2026, https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/01/09/the-deadly-mutation-of-the-2026-monroe-doctrine/
- Middle East News | Today’s latest from Al Jazeera, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.aljazeera.com/middle-east/
- At least 5 killed, 13 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day, accessed February 14, 2026, https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-killed-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day-3/
- Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 11, 2026 | ISW, accessed February 14, 2026, https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-11-2026/
- AP News Summary at 5:46 a.m. EST, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.wdrb.com/news/national/ap-news-summary-at-5-46-a-m-est/article_10c5d775-5a88-5d66-808b-edc810480758.html
- US to broker Russia-Ukraine talks next week – Newspaper – DAWN.COM, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.dawn.com/news/1973102/us-to-broker-russia-ukraine-talks-next-week
- Trump is ‘tearing apart’ transatlantic partnership, warns Ocasio-Cortez – Munich Security Conference live, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/feb/13/munich-security-conference-rubio-flies-in-amid-testing-times-for-us-europe-ties-live?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-698f46828f0893c883d510ea
- U.S. Military Prepares for Possible Weeks-Long Operations Against Iran, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-111/All/U-S-Military-Prepares-for-Possible-Weeks-Long-Operations-Against-Iran-48826
- AP News Summary at 3:00 a.m. EST, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.wdrb.com/news/national/ap-news-summary-at-3-00-a-m-est/article_10c5d775-5a88-5d66-808b-edc810480758.html
- Iran Update, February 11, 2026 | ISW, accessed February 14, 2026, https://understandingwar.org/research/middle-east/iran-update-february-11-2026/
- Rubio says UN plays ‘no role’ in resolving conflicts: ‘It could not solve the war in Gaza’, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-february-14-2026/
- Middle East Overview: February 2026 – ACLED, accessed February 14, 2026, https://acleddata.com/update/middle-east-overview-february-2026
- Lebanon 9 February 2026 #2 | International Crisis Group, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.crisisgroup.org/content/lebanon-9-february-2026-2
- Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah: February 2–8, 2026 – Long War Journal, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2026/02/israeli-operations-in-lebanon-against-hezbollah-february-2-8-2026.php
- UNRWA Situation Report #207 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the Occupied West Bank, including East, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/unrwa-situation-report-207-situation-gaza-strip-and-west-bank-including-east-jerusalem
- Palestine in Pictures: January 2026 – The Electronic Intifada, accessed February 14, 2026, https://electronicintifada.net/content/palestine-pictures-january-2026/51218
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – Occupied Palestinian Territory, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.ochaopt.org/
- The Impact of the Second Trump Administration on Latin American Foreign Policy, accessed February 14, 2026, https://unu.edu/cris/journal-article/impact-second-trump-administration-latin-american-foreign-policy
- Regional implications of the United States’ operation in Venezuela. The hurted hemispheric geopolitics. – Ministerio de Defensa, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.defensa.gob.es/documents/2073105/3332608/eeuu_en_venezuela_2026_dieeea01_eng.pdf/510ce86a-ec46-6fcc-d7da-de0811f3aaba?t=1768219942394
- Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, Feb. 12 – China.org.cn, accessed February 14, 2026, http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2026-02/12/content_118331712.shtml
- New Clash in the South China Sea: Chinese Ship Damages Philippine Vessel, accessed February 14, 2026, https://militarnyi.com/en/news/new-clash-in-the-south-china-sea-chinese-ship-damages-philippine-vessel/
- China Conducts Naval, Air Patrols Around Disputed South China Sea, accessed February 14, 2026, https://chinaglobalsouth.com/2026/02/07/china-south-china-sea-patrols/
- The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver? | The Star, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/02/13/the-philippines-wants-to-seal-south-china-sea-code-of-conduct-can-it-deliver
- A Calm Before the Storm: South China Sea Powder Keg, accessed February 14, 2026, https://saisreview.sais.jhu.edu/a-calm-before-the-storm-south-china-sea-powder-keg/
- El Fasher massacre – Wikipedia, accessed February 14, 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Fasher_massacre
- Sudan: UN rights chief says worse is to come without international action – UN News – the United Nations, accessed February 14, 2026, https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1166925
- World Report 2026: Sudan | Human Rights Watch, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2026/country-chapters/sudan
- Communiqué of the 1330th meeting of the PSC held at Ministerial level, on 12 February 2026 on the situation in Sudan, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.peaceau.org/en/article/communique-of-the-1330th-meeting-of-the-psc-held-at-ministerial-level-on-12-february-2026-on-the-situation-in-sudan
- The AU summit is an opportunity for decisive action to end the war in Sudan, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/02/au-summit-opportunity-decisive-action-end-war-sudan
- Morocco Wins Election to African Union Peace and Security Council, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/02/278376/morocco-wins-election-to-african-union-peace-and-security-council/
- Consumer Price Index Summary – 2026 M01 Results – Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm
- Consumer Price Index News Release – 2026 M01 Results – Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.htm
- Geopolitical Calendar – Control Risks, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.controlrisks.com/our-thinking/geopolitical-calendar
- Russian Strike on Ukraine’s Odesa Kills Woman – Governor – The Moscow Times, accessed February 14, 2026, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/14/russian-strike-on-ukraines-odesa-kills-woman-governor-a91951