World | Deutsche Welle

Can Thailand's new government deliver on growth promises? After taking a gamble in seeking a new mandate, Thailand's newly reelected PM Anutin Charnvirakul has cast himself as a force for stability. But his government will quickly be tested by steep economic challenges. European NATO defense spending rose by almost 20% in 2025 European NATO members and Canada increased their defense spending by an aggregate of 19.6% in 2025, the second consecutive year at that rate. German defense spending, famously sluggish to rise, reached 2.4% of GDP. US war in Iran: China casts itself as savior of SE Asia As the US-Israel war with Iran sends fuel prices surging across Southeast Asia, Beijing is using the crisis to position itself as a steadier and more reliable partner than Washington. India sees spike in social media censorship amid Iran war Activists in India are sounding the alarm over the removal of content from social media, especially posts criticizing the government and its Iran war stance. Australia bans visitors from Iran for 6 months amid war Australia is concerned Iranian visitors may overstay their visas because of the war in the Middle East. UN recognizes slave trade as gravest crime against humanity The UN General Assembly has passed the resolution on transatlantic slavery despite opposition from the US and European countries. An Iranian to negotiate with: Who is Mohammad Qalibaf? Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is one of Iran's most influential politicians and has close ties to the military. But he is also often associated with corruption, as well as his role in the suppression of protests. Hungarian election: Will Europe's far-right help Orban win? Leading European populists are throwing their weight behind Viktor Orban's reelection campaign. But the Hungarian prime minister lags behind the opposition due to talk of corruption, scandal and his Russian ties. How countries are tackling the global energy crisis With energy prices soaring and the Strait of Hormuz still closed, the world must cut demand. From 4-day workweeks and petrol rations to turning down the air con, here's what some countries are trying. Nigeria moves to broaden security alliances amid ongoing insurgency threats Nigeria is expanding security partnerships as extremist threats rise, strengthening cooperation with France, receiving continued US military support, and renewing engagement with EU leaders. Is Iran cashing in millions from Strait of Hormuz blockade? An Iranian lawmaker claims Tehran is quietly charging tankers up to $2 million for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The move threatens to turn the key waterway into a high-stakes toll booth. How well armed is Iran, and can it replenish missiles? Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu say that Iran's missile capacity is "destroyed" and "degraded," yet Iran still strikes. How many missiles and drones remain, and how quickly can Iran rebuild its arsenal?