Friday briefing: The US at 250: who gets to tell the story?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for diplomacy over conflict in West Asia, emphasizing that terrorism remains a critical global challenge. • Modi urged a shift away from "action-reaction" strategies, calling for a more comprehensive approach to dismantle the global terror ecosystem.

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) concluded its summit with a strategic goal to position itself as a global powerhouse challenging Western dominance. • Representing nearly half of the world's population, the group aims to foster a multipolar future, though the summit highlighted significant internal disagreements and divergent national interests.

• Geopolitical shocks and global conflicts are severely undermining Africa's climate goals by triggering widespread economic and environmental disruption. • These distant crises drive up inflation and increase the cost of energy, diverting critical funding away from vital climate resilience projects.

• CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Russia in late August 2026 aboard an Air Force C-17 “Globemaster III” heavy-lift transport plane. • During the visit, Ratcliffe reportedly met with Russian intelligence counterparts, though the specific nature and objectives of the meeting were not immediately disclosed.

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine, stating the war should stop "for humanity's sake." • The meeting highlights India's complex diplomatic position, as it remains one of the largest buyers of Russian oil despite ongoing Western sanctions.

• The World Government Summit (WGS) Dialogue hosted a virtual event titled ‘The Future of Global Leadership,’ featuring seven candidates for UN Secretary-General, including former presidents and ambassadors. • Participants debated the future of multilateralism, with candidates urging the UN to rebuild global trust and increase agility when responding to geopolitical tensions.

• During a meeting in Kyrgyzstan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to transition from an "endless war" to the "end of war" for the sake of humanity. • The exchange highlights India's diplomatic pressure on Russia to halt its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders to "stop this madness" and end all global conflicts during an interview with Euronews in Bishkek. • Guterres specifically highlighted the "never-ending" nature of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, noting that key actors involved in these conflicts were present with him.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to transition from an "endless war" to an "end of war." • The appeal was made during a meeting between the two leaders as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues without a clear resolution.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. • The two leaders held extensive discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing critical global developments.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that all global conflicts and wars should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue rather than on the battlefield. • Speaking at the SCO Summit in Bishkek on September 1, the Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to peaceful resolutions.

Proposal is how state department could enforce Trump’s executive order targeting what it calls ‘birth tourism’The US state department has proposed requiring parents applying for passports for their children to provide proof of their own citizenship or immigration status as part of Donald Trump’s ⁠latest effort to limit birthright citizenship.The ⁠draft guidance, reviewed by ​Reuters, is the first detailed look at how the state department could enforce Trump’s 6 August executive order targeting what it calls “birth tourism” and broadening historical exceptions to birthright citizenship. Continue reading...