2026 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes: The legal foundations that enable prosperity are rapidly eroding - Atlantic Council

• The Socialist Women's Union of Korea, affiliated with the ruling Workers' Party, concluded its Eighth Congress in Pyongyang on July 15 after a five-year hiatus. • During the two-day event, the organization revised its internal rules, reviewed the work of the Seventh Central Committee, and reelected Jon Hyang-sun as chair.

• Thailand has established four specific benchmarks to measure progress in Myanmar following talks between ASEAN foreign ministers and their Myanmar counterpart on July 12 in Bangkok. • The initiative is part of a "calibrated re-engagement" strategy designed to advance the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus through direct dialogue.

• South Korea is currently embroiled in a controversy regarding the reform of its criminal justice system to reduce the "inordinate powers" held by prosecutors. • The proposed reforms aim to implement a separation of powers by compartmentalizing the investigation, prosecution, and trial phases among different parties.

• The ruling Democratic Party of Korea has threatened to sue opposition lawmaker Rep. Joo Jin-woo for allegedly violating a recently enacted fake news law. • The legal action follows the distribution of a video clip featuring the first lady, which the ruling party claims contains false information.

• The Delhi High Court conducted India's first Covid-era virtual hearing via WhatsApp, presided over by Justice Talwant Singh. • The proceeding involved a high-stakes anti-suit injunctive action regarding an emergency arbitration case based in Singapore.

• The ruling Democratic Party of Korea has indicated it may slow the pace of its controversial prosecutorial reform plan following mounting criticism. • Concerns have been raised that the proposed revisions, including changes to the Criminal Procedure Act, could weaken legal protections for victims seeking justice.

• India summoned a senior Iranian diplomat to lodge a formal protest following attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. • The diplomatic action follows the death of an Indian seafarer during the maritime incidents, prompting India to demand accountability.

• Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, praised Cambodia's recent efforts to crack down on online scam operations. • Ambassador Atsushi reaffirmed Tokyo's commitment to collaborating with the Cambodian government and international organizations to fight transnational cybercrime.

• The Israeli Knesset passed a contentious bill on Wednesday with a 65–51 vote that significantly restricts the authority of the attorney-general. • The new legislation allows the government to disregard the attorney-general’s legal opinions and grants ministers control over the office's appointment and removal processes.

• President Donald J. Trump and his allies are reportedly intensifying a campaign to erode safeguards intended to keep U.S. elections free, fair, and secure. • The efforts are described as a pattern of undermining the rule of law, destabilizing election administration, and weakening institutional protections.

• The U.S. Senate is scheduled to convene at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to continue proceedings on judicial nominations. • Senators will resume consideration of Jeffrey Kuntz's nomination to be a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, with a cloture vote set for 12:00 noon.