https://billsandbenches.com/2026-08-21https://billsandbenches.com/share-home.svg https://billsandbenches.com/news/us-south-korea-alliance/2026-08-21https://billsandbenches.com/share-us-south-korea-alliance.svgFront view of the National Assembly building in Hanoi, showcasing its modern architecture and...Analysis of a US President's social media post and its implications for the US-South Korea alliance (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/implications-mecca-pact-india/2026-08-21https://billsandbenches.com/share-implications-mecca-pact-india.svgA black and white photo of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. showcasing its architectural...The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye has sparked concern in India's strategic circles, with the government examining its implications for national security... https://billsandbenches.com/news/japan-seeks-become-indonesia/2026-08-21https://billsandbenches.com/share-japan-seeks-become-indonesia.svgBusiness professionals in formal discussion, advocating teamwork and diversity. Government &...Japan is increasing its efforts to become Indonesia's primary strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on defense, energy, and economic cooperation. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/ancient-rock-painting-offers/2026-08-21https://billsandbenches.com/share-ancient-rock-painting-offers.svgOverhead shot of a workspace with a politics theme, featuring a laptop, planner, and clipboard...A 4,000-year-old rock painting in Indonesia provides insight into the motivations behind one of humanity's greatest migrations, with researchers suggesting that a shared cultural identity may have... https://billsandbenches.com/news/china-praises-malaysia-support/2026-08-20https://billsandbenches.com/share-china-praises-malaysia-support.svgFemale engineer in an elegant auditorium looking focused while using a digital tablet for...Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed support for China's claim to Taiwan, sparking a negative reaction from Taipei (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/myanmar-military-chief-visits/2026-08-20https://billsandbenches.com/share-myanmar-military-chief-visits.svgWoman in black blazer reading a book at an office desk, displaying a serious and focused...Myanmar's military chief Ye Win Oo has begun a three-day visit to Thailand aimed at expanding security cooperation between the two countries (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/north-korea-rejects-trump/2026-08-20https://billsandbenches.com/share-north-korea-rejects-trump.svgClose-up of the word 'VOTE' on a minimal background, emphasizing voting importance. Government &...Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed recent claims of communication between Washington and Pyongyang, calling U.S. gestures unworthy of comment. Despite Trump’s... https://billsandbenches.com/news/dr-moses-haregewoyn-advocates/2026-08-20https://billsandbenches.com/share-dr-moses-haregewoyn-advocates.svgA protest in Nuremberg against EU Article 13, highlighting digital rights activism. Government &...Dr. Moses Haregewoyn, President of Automated Health Systems, argues that global health leadership must prioritize operational and administrative expertise to ensure healthcare policies effectively... https://billsandbenches.com/news/putin-visit-disputed-island/2026-08-20https://billsandbenches.com/share-putin-visit-disputed-island.svgProfessionals collaborating in a modern office, focusing on a tablet and taking notes...Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island has further strained relations between Japan and Russia, with both sides trading barbs over the disputed territory. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/us-icc-sanctions-pose/2026-08-20https://billsandbenches.com/share-us-icc-sanctions-pose.svgAmerican flags displayed prominently on a historic Wall Street building in New York City...The US sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) President Akane Tomoko pose a significant challenge for Japan, which has been a strong supporter of the ICC and the rule of law. Japan's... https://billsandbenches.com/news/kazakhstan-kurultai-election-domestic/2026-08-20https://billsandbenches.com/share-kazakhstan-kurultai-election-domestic.svgThe dome of the capital building with a fountain in front of it. Government & Policy equipmentKazakhstan's upcoming Kurultai election will test the country's ability to support its increasingly active regional and international diplomacy with a functional domestic institution. https://billsandbenches.com/news/pakistan-supreme-court-orders/2026-08-20https://billsandbenches.com/share-pakistan-supreme-court-orders.svgA large American flag hangs on a historic government building in Washington, D.C., showcasing...Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a hospital for examination and treatment, amid growing concerns over his health. https://billsandbenches.com/news/india-japan-defense-technology/2026-08-19https://billsandbenches.com/share-india-japan-defense-technology.svgA lawyer attentively reviewing documents at his desk in a law office setting. Government &...Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro's visit to India highlights the importance of industrial endurance in defense technology cooperation between the two countries. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/russia-fake-missile-test/2026-08-19https://billsandbenches.com/share-russia-fake-missile-test.svgThe US Capitol dome in Washington DC with a jet flying above under clear blue skies. Government...Russia's warning of a planned missile launch in the Southern Ocean has raised concerns about the country's intentions and its use of hybrid warfare tactics. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/japan-defense-enhancements-strategic/2026-08-19https://billsandbenches.com/share-japan-defense-enhancements-strategic.svgOfficials delivering a political speech in a modern conference room with an American flag...Japan's efforts to strengthen its Self-Defense Forces are driven by regional security concerns, particularly China's military buildup and North Korea's alliances, rather than a shift toward... https://billsandbenches.com/news/xi-jinping-reframes-jiang/2026-08-19https://billsandbenches.com/share-xi-jinping-reframes-jiang.svgA female politician delivers a speech with bodyguards and an American flag in the background...In a speech commemorating the 100th anniversary of Jiang Zemin’s birth, Xi Jinping recast the former leader’s tenure as a foundational period for China’s current political trajectory, emphasizing... https://billsandbenches.com/news/myanmar-military-massacre-survivors/2026-08-19https://billsandbenches.com/share-myanmar-military-massacre-survivors.svgDetail of the US Capitol dome in Washington, D.C., featuring an American flag waving beside it...Survivors of a 2024 massacre in Myanmar's Rakhine State have recounted the torture and execution of at least 70 men by the military. The incident occurred in the village of Byain Phyu, where... https://billsandbenches.com/news/bangladesh-confronts-growing-militancy/2026-08-19https://billsandbenches.com/share-bangladesh-confronts-growing-militancy.svgFront facade of the U.S. Department of Education building in Washington D.C., featuring large...A recent UN report has raised concerns about al-Qaida's efforts to establish cells in Bangladesh, sparking a media frenzy and increased police vigilance. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/south-korea-nuclear-dilemma/2026-08-19https://billsandbenches.com/share-south-korea-nuclear-dilemma.svgTwo professionals working on laptops in a modern office cubicle setup. Government & Policy...South Korea faces a growing nuclear threat from North Korea and a decreasing reliability of the United States as a security guarantor, leading to a debate on acquiring nuclear weapons. https://billsandbenches.com/news/cambodia-security-state-scam/2026-08-19https://billsandbenches.com/share-cambodia-security-state-scam.svgClose-up of a vintage typewriter with a paper showing the words 'National Security.'. Government...Cambodia's ruling families have leveraged a crackdown on online scams to boost their military might, seize billions of dollars' worth of real estate, and consolidate authoritarian control. https://billsandbenches.com/news/why-kim-jong-un/2026-08-18https://billsandbenches.com/share-why-kim-jong-un.svgCloseup of ornate Corinthian columns showcasing intricate designs and classical architecture...Despite North Korea's strengthened position, Kim Jong Un may have strategic reasons to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump again, including nuclear recognition, security reductions, and... https://billsandbenches.com/news/india-rotor-clap-iii/2026-08-18https://billsandbenches.com/share-india-rotor-clap-iii.svgTwo African American men in formal attire discussing documents in an office setting with flags...The Indian Air Force's recent Exercise Rotor Clap III highlights efforts to counter drone threats, with potential implications for Pakistan. The drill, part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, tested... https://billsandbenches.com/news/kyrgyzstan-shuts-down-firms/2026-08-18https://billsandbenches.com/share-kyrgyzstan-shuts-down-firms.svgTwo professionals discussing documents in an office with an American flag in the background...Kyrgyzstan has ordered the liquidation of 19 additional companies as part of its efforts to address Western concerns over sanctions evasion linked to Russia. The move follows EU pressure and... https://billsandbenches.com/news/iran-tajikistan-finalize-fuel/2026-08-18https://billsandbenches.com/share-iran-tajikistan-finalize-fuel.svgA large white building with a dome with United States Capitol in the background. Government &...Tajikistan and Iran have reportedly finalized a long-term agreement for the export of Iranian oil to energy-starved Tajikistan, as the country seeks alternative suppliers and routes amid increased... https://billsandbenches.com/news/india-collapsing-roads-highways/2026-08-18https://billsandbenches.com/share-india-collapsing-roads-highways.svgStudents from a number of universities held a peaceful demonstration in front of the house of...India's rapidly expanding road infrastructure has been touted as one of the great success stories of the Narendra Modi era. However, the country's newly built expressways and national highways... https://billsandbenches.com/news/trump-last-minute-exercise/2026-08-18https://billsandbenches.com/share-trump-last-minute-exercise.svgMonochrome photo of the New York State Capitol building with its reflection in water...US President Donald Trump's order to reduce the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise has raised concerns about the readiness of the South Korea-US alliance. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/taiwan-urban-resilience-drills/2026-08-18https://billsandbenches.com/share-taiwan-urban-resilience-drills.svgModern architectural façade with glass panels and reflections by the river in Berlin. Government...Taiwan's urban resilience drills are becoming a core part of its deterrence strategy, focusing on preserving critical functions and institutions in the face of China's coercive efforts. https://billsandbenches.com/news/allies-military-ai-systems/2026-08-17https://billsandbenches.com/share-allies-military-ai-systems.svgA political leader speaks indoors with two guards, all wearing face masks for safety. Government...As militaries around the world adopt artificial intelligence (AI) systems, the question of interoperability between different AI systems has become a pressing concern. The US, Japan, and South... https://billsandbenches.com/news/south-asia-hidden-territorial/2026-08-17https://billsandbenches.com/share-south-asia-hidden-territorial.svgModern building in Canberra with dramatic shadows and flagpoles under a bright sky, showcasing...India's territorial disputes in the Himalayas go beyond the well-known Kashmir Valley, with three other contentious regions that could spark conflict. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/kim-min-seok-wins/2026-08-17https://billsandbenches.com/share-kim-min-seok-wins.svgProfessionals engaged in teamwork at a modern office desk reviewing documents. Government &...Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has been elected as the leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) in a ranked-choice runoff, defeating outgoing party chair Jung Chung-rae. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/kazakhstan-kurultai-election-looms/2026-08-17https://billsandbenches.com/share-kazakhstan-kurultai-election-looms.svgCapitol Hill. Government & Policy PoliticsKazakhstan is set to hold its first Kurultai election on August 23, replacing its previous bicameral parliament with a unicameral body. The election is expected to be dominated by the newly formed... https://billsandbenches.com/news/thailand-denies-reports-using-185458/2026-08-17https://billsandbenches.com/share-thailand-denies-reports-using-185458.svgModern office building with palm trees under a clear sky. Government & Policy professional...Thailand's government has denied reports that it plans to use military and security cooperation as leverage in its ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/vietnam-australia-strengthen-comprehensive-3245eb/2026-08-17https://billsandbenches.com/share-vietnam-australia-strengthen-comprehensive-3245eb.svgA view of the capitol building from across the water. Government & Policy PoliticsThe recent visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to Australia has resulted in the signing of three joint statements, marking a significant milestone in the Vietnam-Australia relationship. https://billsandbenches.com/news/china-normalizes-presence-waters-330610/2026-08-17https://billsandbenches.com/share-china-normalizes-presence-waters-330610.svgA contemporary workspace featuring a laptop, coffee cup, and a sign with the word 'Politics'...China is normalizing its law enforcement presence in the waters east of Taiwan, following the announcement of boundary negotiations between Japan and the Philippines. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/indonesia-transgender-community-faces-103786/2026-08-17https://billsandbenches.com/share-indonesia-transgender-community-faces-103786.svgProfessional woman holding a book poses confidently in an office setting with flags in the...Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s 2025 decree labeling LGBTQ+ culture as a national security threat has coincided with a surge in violent attacks against transgender women. Activists warn of... https://billsandbenches.com/news/saudi-arabia-pakistan-turkiye-af6be4/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-saudi-arabia-pakistan-turkiye-af6be4.svgSimple top view of a note with the word 'Politics' on a white background. Government & Policy...Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye signed the Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement to enhance collective security against aggression, raising questions about its implications for India. The pact... https://billsandbenches.com/news/india-fcra-amendment-bill-a72538/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-india-fcra-amendment-bill-a72538.svgA stunning view of classic architecture in Lima, Peru, bathed in warm sunset light. Government &...The introduction of a new amendment to India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act has drawn criticism from opposition parties and U.S. lawmakers, raising concerns over its impact on Christian... https://billsandbenches.com/news/taliban-ideological-identity-why-530c1e/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-taliban-ideological-identity-why-530c1e.svgA woman giving a speech at a podium with an EU flag in a conference setting. Government & Policy...Five years after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, the international community is still struggling to understand the movement's nature. This article explores why international policies... https://billsandbenches.com/news/afghanistan-resistance-grows-fears-bd32ae/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-afghanistan-resistance-grows-fears-bd32ae.svgStunning daytime view of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, showcasing its architectural...Five years after the Taliban’s return to power, new anti-Taliban movements are emerging across Afghanistan, challenging the group’s dominance. However, concerns persist that Pakistan may exploit... https://billsandbenches.com/news/japarov-plans-tashiev-presidency-05ec83/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-japarov-plans-tashiev-presidency-05ec83.svgMajestic view of the Idaho State Capitol with its iconic dome under a cloudy sky. Government &...Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov disclosed in an interview that he had initially intended for his former ally Kamshubek Tashiev to succeed him, but changed his mind due to Tashiev’s unpreparedness... https://billsandbenches.com/news/parliamentary-committee-calls-full-6eafef/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-parliamentary-committee-calls-full-6eafef.svgA stunning look up at the Texas Capitol dome in Austin, showcasing its intricate design and...A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs says India’s current approach to the Arctic and Antarctic is insufficient and urges the creation of a dedicated polar... https://billsandbenches.com/news/china-influence-nepal-tibetan-c0021a/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-china-influence-nepal-tibetan-c0021a.svgA multicultural group of professionals engaged in a business meeting in a modern conference...The cancellation of an international conference on Tibetan studies in Nepal has highlighted China's efforts to exert control over the region's association with Tibetan Buddhism. https://billsandbenches.com/news/taiwan-protests-indonesia-naval-9c6fa9/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-taiwan-protests-indonesia-naval-9c6fa9.svgA stunning daytime view of the iconic U.S. Capitol Building under a partly cloudy sky...Taiwan has called on Indonesia to clarify its participation in a joint naval exercise with China in waters east of Taiwan, which took place in Taiwan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The exercise... https://billsandbenches.com/news/singapore-israel-tightrope-745b7b/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-singapore-israel-tightrope-745b7b.svgIlluminated modern building with Turkish flag at night, showcasing architecture. Government &...Singapore's relationship with Israel is complex and delicate, balancing historical gratitude with a commitment to international law and a two-state solution. (Source: The Diplomat) https://billsandbenches.com/news/indonesia-naval-exercise-china-6d84e6/2026-08-16https://billsandbenches.com/share-indonesia-naval-exercise-china-6d84e6.svgProtest sign with monopoly man and money. Government & PolicyA joint naval exercise between China and Indonesia in waters east of Taiwan has drawn criticism from Taiwan and the U.S., with Beijing framing it as a validation of its sovereignty claims... https://billsandbenches.com/legislatures/2026-08-21 https://billsandbenches.com/policy-areas/2026-08-21 https://billsandbenches.com/institutions/2026-08-21 https://billsandbenches.com/elections/2026-08-21 https://billsandbenches.com/about/ https://billsandbenches.com/sources-and-methods/ https://billsandbenches.com/corrections/