International

• The Los Angeles Times has released a curated list of 15 recommended international series to stream in 2026. • The guide is designed to help viewers maintain the global excitement following the conclusion of the World Cup soccer tournament in the U.S. • The recommendations are provided by a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and former senior culture editor with extensive experience in television analysis.

• The U.S. State Department is hosting a meeting with international officials to discuss the threat of left-wing terrorism. • Counterterrorism experts argue that the Trump administration's specific focus on the far left fails to provide necessary context regarding the broader spectrum of political extremism. • This shift in focus is significant as it highlights a potential imbalance in how the government identifies and prioritizes domestic and international security threats.

• The FDA has introduced a new fast-track program for the approval of biologics, including experimental gene therapies for conditions like sickle cell disease and cancer. • Traditionally, the agency requires a rigorous three-phase trial process involving healthy volunteers, dose-finding studies, and large-scale clinical trials to ensure safety. • Critics argue that these political shortcuts may undermine the FDA's international reputation and its standing as a global authority on drug safety.

Exclusive: bill from Democratic lawmaker comes two days after Marco Rubio vowed to dismantle war crimes tribunalDemocratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar introduced a resolution Wednesday urging the United States to join the international criminal court (ICC), marking the first congressional pushback against the Trump administration’s pledge to “systematically disable” the war crimes tribunal through sanctions and diplomatic pressure.Omar’s bill came two days after Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, vowed to dismantle the court. Continue reading...

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted the urgent need for global governance of artificial intelligence, warning that the "cost of waiting is rising." • Guterres emphasized that a new panel report provides independent, global scientific data to help governments understand and manage the significant risks associated with AI. • The announcement comes amid international signals and strategic actions by China as the world prepares for the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026.

• Investors are monitoring the Thai stock market on July 14, 2026, focusing on domestic earnings reports to guide trading strategies. • TISCO’s upcoming financial results are expected to be a primary driver of activity and sentiment within the banking sector. • Maybank Securities (Thailand) predicts early market consolidation as rising crude oil prices, triggered by renewed Middle East geopolitical risks, increase investor caution.

• Deloitte Thailand's "2026 M&A Trends" survey reveals a "tale of two markets" where corporate confidence in mergers and acquisitions is returning alongside increased caution. • Organizations are increasingly integrating AI into critical deal phases, including target screening, due diligence, risk assessment, and post-merger integration planning. • This shift matters as AI allows deal teams to analyze larger data volumes and identify risks faster, though human judgment remains essential for final decision-making.

• President Trump signed an executive order on Monday, July 13, 2026, reducing the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by over 90%. • The affected areas span more than 3.2 million acres of land in southern Utah, much of which is considered sacred by Native American communities. • Critics argue that the drastic reduction opens thousands of acres of previously protected land to the oil and gas industry and commercial developers.

• European technology investment in Q2 2026 is experiencing a structural shift as capital organizes around strategic sectors. • Funding models have evolved beyond traditional equity, with a growing reliance on "hybrid capital" including debt, grants, public backing, and strategic capital. • This diversification is driven by companies requiring funds for operational needs beyond basic product development and market expansion.

US secretary of state claims the global tribunal is interfering with US military and law enforcement operationsMarco Rubio, the US secretary of state, launched a campaign to dismantle the International criminal court (ICC) on Monday, claiming that the global tribunal was interfering with US military and law enforcement operations at the risk of American sovereignty.Rubio invoked images of US Border Patrol agents and elected leaders being “dragged before an international court” and tried by judges from around the world in a lengthy op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal Monday. Continue reading...

• On July 9, iQIYI, a leading Chinese online entertainment platform, released its Global Trending Content report for the first half of 2026. • The platform recorded a significant 130% growth in engagement, driven by a diverse array of Asian productions from Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. • This growth underscores iQIYI International's expanding appeal and its strategic position as a primary destination for global audiences seeking diverse Asian popular culture.

• A severe legal conflict is escalating between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and Israel's highest court, threatening to trigger a major constitutional crisis. • The dispute is characterized as a "Trumpian clash," reflecting a deep ideological struggle over judicial authority and executive power. • This confrontation matters as it challenges the fundamental balance of power within the Israeli state and the independence of its judiciary.

• German scholars argue that a commitment to international law is a strategic necessity for "middle powers" with limited global influence to maintain a stable international order. • The authors highlight a contradictory application of legal standards, noting the failure to enforce law during the Ukraine war and the prioritization of Israel's protection over humanitarian law in Gaza. • Critics claim that international law ignores "Realpolitik" and hinders efforts to punish regimes like Iran or prevent nuclear proliferation.

• EIC-backed startups are shifting their strategy from passive networking at international trade fairs to converting global exposure into tangible business growth. • The initiative addresses a common industry failure where high-profile corporate meetings and handshakes often result in few concrete outcomes or follow-up deals. • By focusing on structured business development, these startups aim to better leverage their European Innovation Council support to scale across diverse markets including the UK, Germany, and France.

• This academic article analyzes the evolving security narratives of the European Union and NATO, focusing on the shift toward "resilience" and "total defence." • The research examines how these frameworks aim to strengthen societal resilience to protect critical infrastructure and democratic stability against hybrid threats. • This shift matters as it signals a move away from traditional military-centric defense toward a comprehensive approach involving civilian populations and non-military sectors.

• The European Union has delayed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until 2027. • This postponement affects several Schengen nations, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Portugal, following technical failures with the Entry/Exit System (EES). • The decision stems from biometric system chaos and slow implementation that have already caused significant disruptions for millions of international visitors at airports and land crossings.

• Over 100 international organizations are calling for stricter AI safety measures to protect children, arguing that AI companies—rather than parents—should bear the primary responsibility for safety. • The demand comes ahead of an upcoming United Nations summit, where the groups aim to influence global policy and regulatory frameworks regarding artificial intelligence. • This initiative highlights a growing concern over the potential risks AI poses to minors, including exposure to harmful content and data privacy violations.

• SBS drama "Manager Kim," starring So Ji-sub, has achieved rapid success both in South Korea and globally. • The series surpassed the 20% viewership mark within four episodes, reaching national ratings of 21.6% and a peak instantaneous rating of 25.1%. • Internationally, the show ranked number one in 20 countries as of July 4, according to FlixPatrol data, maintaining top-two positions across major Asian markets including Japan and Vietnam.

• The FDA has issued reminders to over 2,200 medical product companies and researchers to comply with clinical trial results submission requirements. • Data shows that 29.6% of required trial results are currently missing from ClinicalTrials.gov, with negative outcomes frequently going unreported. • This lack of transparency creates a publication bias that distorts the reality of drug development by overrepresenting successes and hiding failures.

• Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi has criticized the international community for excluding the group from global meetings. • Hanafi argued that humanitarian aid provided to Afghanistan should be delivered based on need rather than being tied to political conditions. • The discussions focused on reviewing recent developments within Afghanistan and identifying methods to better support the Afghan population.

• Between late June and early July 2026, global systems faced a convergence of political transitions, economic shifts, and intensifying climate pressures. • International actors are closely monitoring Tehran's succession process to determine if Iran will maintain policy continuity or recalibrate its nuclear diplomacy and regional security posture. • The situation is critical because Iran's internal political changes could redefine relations with Gulf states and cause volatility in global energy markets.

• Research by the Institute for the Future of Journalism (IBT) indicates a significant decline in the quantity and range of international news coverage within the BBC's flagship bulletins. • The study suggests the broadcaster may be failing to meet its international news remit, potentially narrowing the public's perspective on global events. • This trend is critical as it impacts the BBC's role in providing a comprehensive global outlook and maintaining its status as a world-leading news source.

• An analysis of the launch of five international news channels emphasizes that leadership, diplomacy, and trust are more critical to success than technology. • The process highlights the importance of effective team management and the cultivation of strong stakeholder relations to ensure operational viability. • These insights matter because they challenge the common assumption that technical infrastructure is the primary driver of media launches.

• Thailand is launching an aggressive tourism campaign for the second half of the year to sustain rising international arrivals and strengthen both long-haul and short-haul markets. • The strategy focuses on key Asian markets, utilizing digital campaigns in China, aviation expansion in India, and promoting cross-border travel for visitors from Malaysia. • To ensure regional leadership despite volatility, the initiative targets high-frequency connectivity in Taiwan and Hong Kong while treating the Philippines and Myanmar as emerging growth markets.

• Students and alumni of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata are increasingly gaining global recognition for their independent films. • These filmmakers are showcasing their work at prestigious international venues, including the Busan and Cannes film festivals. • The trend highlights a growing success in securing international grants, entering co-production markets, and establishing cross-continental collaborations.

• Thailand has secured over $4.1 billion (approximately 137 billion baht) in investment pledges for its electric vehicle supply chain. • These investments aim to solidify Thailand's position as the primary automotive manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia as global carmakers shift toward clean energy. • Analysts expect the Thai stock market to move sideways next week as investors await U.S. inflation data and a decision on a THB 400 billion loan decree.

• The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has raised concerns over the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System, warning that potential border delays could deter international visitors. • Industry estimates suggest that 41 million trips and USD 45 billion in tourism spending are at risk if the system disrupts the travel experience. • This scrutiny comes as Europe seeks to maintain its competitiveness against growing tourism markets in North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

• The European Central Bank released balance of payments data for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the euro area's current account surpluses. • The region recorded its largest bilateral surpluses with the United Kingdom at €236 billion and Switzerland at €78 billion, both increasing from the previous year. • Other notable surpluses were recorded against emerging economies (€140 billion), advanced economies (€111 billion), and offshore centres (€36 billion).