20 January 2026 General Brief
In domestic news, read about the Pentagon preparing to deploy federal troops to Minneapolis, the potential for a US Invasion of Iran, Trump’s ending of Somalia’s Temporary Protected Status, and the death of the TACO Trade. In international news, read about China’s growing naval prowess, Europe’s deliberation over Greenland, the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, and the erosion of liberal politics in Japan.
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Iran at the Brink: The Potential for US Invasion
As protests grow in Iran, the potential for a US invasion has grown. Growing tensions between the Trump Administration threaten regime change in Iran.
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Trump Ends Somalian TPS
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has revoked Somalia’s Temporary Protected Status, threatening citizens of Somalia dissent by removing their protection from persecution in the United States.
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Turning Toward the Centre: the Erosion of Liberal Politics in Japan
Yoshihiko Noda’s CDP shifts towards moderation to gain voter trust, risking the essence of Japanese liberalism amidst the rise of hardline conservative parties like Sanseito.
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The EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement
The EU and Latin America have strengthened ties through the long-awaited trade agreement EU-Mercosur FTA, aimed at boosting both economies and developing resilience against the Trump administration.
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Europe Deliberates Over Greenland
Trump’s threats of tariffs on European nations over Greenland have intensified tensions, prompting strong reactions from European leaders and a potential EU counter-strategy involving substantial tariffs.
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China’s Growing Naval Process
President Trump announced plans for “Trump-class Battleships” amid concerns over China’s naval expansion, highlighting a growing military rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region.
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The Death of the TACO Trade
“Trump Always Chickens Out” (TACO) trade, a feature of his administration, has lost its persistence following the abrupt removal of Venezuela’s Nicholas Maduro.
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Pentagon Prepares to Deploy Federal Troops to Minneapolis
As Donald Trump threatened to impose the Insurrection Act, Minneapolis is working to prepare for the arrival of Federal Troop deployments in Minnesota.