2026 so far in geopolitics

Here’s what’s happened in geopolitics in 2026 so far.

In the Arctic, tensions surged after the United States openly discussed options to acquire Greenland, prompting Denmark to warn that any forced move would effectively shatter NATO.

In Latin America, shockwaves rippled after Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was captured by the U.S. following a dramatic operation that upended the country’s power structure. The fallout has rattled regional governments, sent oil markets swinging, and reopened fears of instability spreading across the Caribbean and northern South America.

In the Middle East, Yemen has slid back toward chaos. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now backing rival forces, southern separatists briefly declared a roadmap to independence, and fighting reignited along key borders — turning Yemen into a battleground not just against the Huuthis, but between Gulf powers themselves.

This as Iran faces its most volatile moment in years, with nationwide protests over economic pressures spreading across all provinces and prompting a security crackdown.

Authorities imposed a nationwide internet shutdown as part of their response, while officials and foreign leaders issued statements amid uncertainty over whether the unrest could have broader regional consequences.