1. EU (EUROPEAN UNION) UPDATES
A. EU EXTENDS RUSSIA-RELATED INDIVIDUAL SANCTIONS FOR THREE YEARS
On 22 September 2026, the EU Council extended its individual restrictive measures against people and entities responsible for undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence for 36 months, until 22 September 2029. The measures cover more than 3,000 individuals and entities and include asset freezes, travel restrictions and restrictions on making funds available to listed persons and entities. The decision came after EU member states faced disagreement over renewing the listings, requiring additional negotiations before reaching consensus.
On 24 September, the EU also imposed sanctions on Russian media figure Xenia Fedorova, citing her role in foreign information manipulation and interference. This expands the EU's use of sanctions beyond conventional economic measures towards hybrid threats and information warfare.
PSIR significance: The development illustrates the EU's evolution as a geopolitical and security actor, using economic, financial and informational instruments as tools of foreign policy. It also highlights the internal challenge of consensus-based decision-making when member states have different strategic and economic interests.
B. EU DEEPENS ITS STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ARCTIC
The first-ever European Arctic Summit was held in Rovaniemi, Finland, on 13–14 September 2026, bringing together European leaders to develop a common strategic approach towards the Arctic. The EU highlighted the region's growing importance for security, geopolitics, climate change, connectivity and sustainable development, and called for a coordinated European response to emerging geopolitical challenges.
The summit is significant because the Arctic is increasingly connected to strategic competition, new transport routes, energy and critical resources, military security and relations with Russia and other major powers. The EU therefore increasingly views Arctic policy as part of its wider strategic-security agenda.
PSIR significance: The Arctic illustrates the emergence of new theatres of global power politics. It connects geography with resource politics, strategic competition, climate geopolitics and European strategic autonomy.
C. EU PROPOSES A NEW “ASSOCIATE MEMBER” RELATIONSHIP WITH CANADA
In her 16 September State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the EU's first “associate member.” The proposal envisages deeper cooperation in areas including defence industries, critical minerals, energy, batteries, AI, quantum technology, cyber security, supply chains and the Arctic, while maintaining the distinction between full EU membership and this proposed partnership status.
The proposal forms part of a broader effort to build stronger partnerships with like-minded states amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Von der Leyen described the proposed relationship as moving beyond the existing CETA framework towards a broader economic-security and strategic partnership.
PSIR significance: This is particularly relevant to the concepts of strategic autonomy, minilateralism and geoeconomics. It shows how the EU is attempting to build networks of cooperation around technology, defence, critical minerals and supply-chain security, rather than relying exclusively on traditional trade relations.
2. ASEAN UPDATES
A. ASEAN STRENGTHENS ECONOMIC RESILIENCE AMID GLOBAL GEO-ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY
At the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting in Manila on 19 September 2026, ASEAN ministers assessed the impact of the Middle East crisis and wider global geo-economic uncertainties on the region. ASEAN's economy was reported to have grown 4.9% in 2025, with 4.5% growth projected for 2026, supported by manufacturing, exports, investment and domestic demand. Ministers also advanced implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and preparations for the upgraded ATIGA, alongside measures to strengthen trade facilitation and ASEAN's resilience as a regional production base.
PSIR significance: This illustrates ASEAN's effort to preserve regional economic integration and resilience amid geopolitical fragmentation. It also shows how regional organisations can respond to external shocks without abandoning economic interdependence.
B. ASEAN DEEPENS ENGAGEMENT WITH BOTH CHINA AND INDIA WHILE MAINTAINING A MULTI-PARTNER REGIONAL ORDER
September saw ASEAN intensify engagement with several major and middle powers. During his 15–16 September visit to China, the ASEAN Secretary-General met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as ASEAN and China marked the fifth anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions covered regional and international developments and the future of ASEAN–China cooperation.
At the same time, the 23rd ASEAN–India Economic Ministers' Consultation on 22 September reviewed progress towards completing the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) review. ASEAN–India two-way trade reached US$114.1 billion in 2025, according to preliminary ASEAN statistics.
PSIR significance: This reflects ASEAN centrality and hedging/multi-alignment in the Indo-Pacific. ASEAN maintains substantial engagement with China while simultaneously deepening economic relations with India and other external partners, rather than aligning exclusively with any one major power.
3. APEC (ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION) UPDATES
A. APEC STRENGTHENS REGIONAL ENERGY SECURITY AS ELECTRICITY DEMAND SURGES
At the 16th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Beijing on 10–11 September 2026, APEC economies agreed on three major deliverables covering universal access to high-quality energy, the relationship between AI and energy, and energy-security cooperation. Ministers also stressed the need to strengthen energy-supply-chain resilience and diversify energy sources and routes as electricity demand rises across the Asia-Pacific. APEC noted that regional electricity consumption could nearly double by 2060, driven partly by electrification, data centres and changing transport needs.
PSIR significance: The development shows how energy security is becoming a regional and geoeconomic issue, linking economic growth, AI, critical infrastructure and strategic supply chains. It also illustrates APEC's role in addressing common economic-security challenges through regional cooperation without supranational integration.
4. NAFTA (NOW USMCA) UPDATES
A. USMCA LABOUR MECHANISM TARGETS YOKOHAMA TIRE FACILITY IN MEXICO
On 25 September 2026, the United States invoked the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM) to request that Mexico review alleged violations of workers' rights at Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mexico in Coahuila, concerning freedom of association and collective bargaining. The U.S. also suspended liquidation of entries of goods from the facility while the review proceeds. The case originated from a petition submitted on 26 August by a Mexican labour union and a workers' rights organisation.
PSIR significance: The case demonstrates how contemporary regional trade agreements increasingly incorporate labour rights and enforceable social standards, linking economic integration with domestic governance and workers' rights. It also shows how the USMCA's Rapid Response Labor Mechanism provides a direct enforcement channel within North American economic integration.
5. UNITED NATIONS (UN) UPDATES
A. 81st UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY OPENS WITH A FOCUS ON RESTORING TRUST IN MULTILATERALISM
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly opened on 8 September 2026, under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The session comes amid wars, humanitarian crises, geopolitical tensions and growing pressure on the multilateral system. The General Debate began on 22 September, bringing world leaders together for the annual High-Level Week.
The September programme also placed several major global issues at the centre of the UN agenda, including the right to development, climate action and sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness, racial justice and nuclear disarmament.
Particularly significant was the 23 September high-level meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, which reaffirmed the principle that development should involve participation, equality and equitable access to economic resources.
PSIR significance: The opening of the 81st UNGA reflects the continuing struggle over the future of multilateralism and global governance. The emphasis on restoring trust is especially relevant to debates on UN reform, North–South relations, legitimacy of international institutions and the effectiveness of collective action. The prominence given to the right to development also connects the UN agenda with longstanding Global South demands for a more equitable international order.
6. UN - SPECIALIZED AGENCIES & RELATED ENTITIES- UPDATES
A. WHO PUSHES FOR A STRONGER GLOBAL PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK
On 25 September 2026, world leaders renewed their commitment to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response at a high-level UN meeting. The development followed negotiations under the WHO Pandemic Agreement, with Member States also advancing work on pathogen access and benefit-sharing. The discussions focus on ensuring that countries can share pathogen information and scientific resources while also ensuring more equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and other health technologies during future pandemics.
PSIR significance: This illustrates the evolution of global health governance from a purely public-health issue into a question of international cooperation, equity and global governance. It also reflects the continuing North–South debate over access to technology, intellectual property, health security and benefit-sharing.
7. WTO (WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION) UPDATES
A. WTO WARNS THAT THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM IS AT A CRITICAL JUNCTURE
On 15 September 2026, the WTO released its World Trade Report 2026, warning that the multilateral trading system is facing its most serious and sustained disruption in 80 years. The report argues that WTO rules need to adapt to changing economic realities, technological change and geopolitical tensions. It estimates that strengthening multilateral trade cooperation could increase global GDP by about 2.9% (roughly US$3 trillion) by 2050, while a highly fragmented trading system could impose substantial losses on global output and exports.
The report is particularly significant because it presents multilateral cooperation itself as a response to trade fragmentation. Around 72% of global merchandise trade continues to take place under WTO most-favoured-nation (MFN) tariff terms, indicating that despite growing geopolitical and trade-policy tensions, the multilateral framework remains deeply embedded in global commerce.
PSIR significance: The report directly connects with the debate over the future of globalisation and the liberal international economic order. It illustrates the tension between multilateralism and geo-economic fragmentation, while raising questions about whether institutions created for an earlier phase of globalisation can adapt to protectionism, strategic trade policies, technological change and great-power rivalry.
8. THIRD WORLD DEMANDS – UPDATES
A. G77 DEMANDS REFORM OF THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE AND GREATER GLOBAL SOUTH REPRESENTATION
At its 50th Annual Ministerial Meeting on 25 September 2026 in New York, the G77 and China adopted a ministerial declaration calling for a more just and equitable international economic order and greater participation of developing countries in global economic decision-making. The Group specifically demanded reforms of the IMF and World Bank, improved global sovereign-debt architecture, greater access to concessional finance, new/rechannelled Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), fulfilment of Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments, and stronger representation of developing countries in international financial institutions.
The declaration also called for strengthening the WTO's special and differential treatment for developing countries, technology transfer, structural transformation and industrialisation, and stronger action against illicit financial flows. It reaffirmed that South-South cooperation should complement, not substitute for, North-South cooperation.
A particularly striking G77 argument was that developing countries currently spend around US$1.4 trillion annually servicing external debt, which the Group contrasted with the much smaller amount received annually in ODA. It argued that this represents a continuing net transfer of financial resources from the Global South towards wealthier economies.
PSIR significance: This is a direct contemporary expression of the Third World/Global South demand for restructuring the international economic order. It connects the traditional NIEO agenda—greater representation, development finance, debt justice and technology transfer—with contemporary demands for reform of the IMF, World Bank, WTO and global debt architecture.
9. GLOBALISATION UPDATES
A. DIGITAL GLOBALISATION EXPANDS, BUT THE DIGITAL DIVIDE DEEPENS
A UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Global Trade Update released on 4 September 2026 found that digitally deliverable services now account for 56% of global services exports, reflecting the growing importance of digital platforms, software, finance and other remotely delivered services in the world economy. However, the gains are highly unequal: least developed countries account for only 0.6% of global services exports, and digitally deliverable services constitute just 16% of their services exports, compared with about 61% in developed economies. UNCTAD warns that gaps in digital infrastructure, skills, international payments and AI readiness could deepen existing inequalities.
UNCTAD also noted that digital trade rules are increasingly being developed through bilateral and regional agreements, creating a more fragmented regulatory landscape rather than a single universal framework. It identifies stronger digital infrastructure, skills, regulatory capacity and greater participation of developing countries in international rule-making as important ways to make the digital economy more inclusive.
PSIR significance: This represents a new phase of globalisation driven by services, digital technology and AI rather than merely physical trade in goods. At the same time, it reproduces the traditional North–South divide in a new form: countries with greater technological capabilities capture a larger share of the gains, while weaker digital capacity can marginalise developing economies.
10. TRANSNATIONAL ACTORS UPDATES
A. ICRC LEADS GLOBAL PUSH TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW
In September, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) used the UN General Assembly platform to push for renewed political commitment to international humanitarian law (IHL). On 23 September, the ICRC joined six founding states of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL, calling on governments to participate at the highest level in a forthcoming conference on the protection of civilians and the rules of war. The ICRC also highlighted the growing humanitarian funding gap and the difficulty of sustaining assistance amid prolonged conflicts.
PSIR significance: The development illustrates how a transnational humanitarian actor can influence international norms and state behaviour without possessing sovereign authority. It highlights the role of non-state actors, international humanitarian law and global civil society in contemporary international governance.
11. DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS UPDATES
A. UN EXPERTS DOCUMENT THE DEEPENING DISMANTLING OF DEMOCRACY IN NICARAGUA
On 16 September 2026, the UN Human Rights Office reported that Nicaragua's democratic institutions had been systematically dismantled, with constitutional and institutional changes weakening political pluralism, checks and balances and independent institutions. The UN report documented continuing repression of political opponents, civil-society organisations, journalists and human-rights defenders.
On 22 September, UN experts further reported a wave of enforced disappearances and deaths in custody, describing the repression as part of a broader campaign against dissent. They called for investigations, accountability and protection of victims and their families.
PSIR significance: Nicaragua illustrates the contemporary relationship between democracy, human rights and state power. It raises questions about the protection of political pluralism, civil liberties and institutional checks and balances, while demonstrating the role of international human-rights mechanisms in documenting abuses when domestic accountability mechanisms are weakened.
12. ENVIRONMENT UPDATES
A. UN CLIMATE SUMMIT PUSHES FROM CLIMATE PLEDGES TO IMPLEMENTATION
On 23 September 2026, the UN convened the Climate Summit 2026 in New York, bringing together governments, businesses, finance and civil society to accelerate implementation of existing climate commitments. The summit focused on clean-energy transition, climate finance, resilience, critical minerals and early-warning systems, with the emphasis on turning existing commitments into concrete action rather than simply announcing new pledges.
A particularly important initiative was the push for greater international cooperation on critical energy-transition minerals, alongside efforts to expand clean-energy infrastructure and climate-resilient development. These issues are increasingly connected to energy security, industrial policy and geopolitical competition.
PSIR significance: The development shows the evolution of global environmental governance from commitment-making towards implementation. It also demonstrates how climate policy is becoming intertwined with energy security, critical minerals, development finance and global power politics.
13. GENDER JUSTICE UPDATES
A. UN WARNS OF A GLOBAL RETREAT ON GENDER EQUALITY
On 17 September 2026, UN Women and UN DESA released the Gender Snapshot 2026, warning that progress towards gender equality is seriously off track. The report found that one in three national gender-equality institutions had experienced an erosion of their institutional power during the previous two years, while funding for gender-equality initiatives and women's rights organisations had declined. At the current pace, global gender equality would not be achieved until 2197, far beyond the original 2030 SDG target.
The report also highlighted the continuing under-representation of women in political decision-making and called for stronger institutions, greater investment and women's equal participation in power and leadership.
PSIR significance: The development moves gender justice beyond a social-policy issue into the realm of global governance and power relations. It demonstrates how weakening institutions and declining political participation can undermine international commitments such as SDG 5, while reinforcing the feminist IR argument that who exercises power—and whose voices are represented—shapes international outcomes.
14. TERRORISM UPDATES
A. UN SECURITY COUNCIL REAFFIRMS GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO COUNTER TERRORISM 25 YEARS AFTER 9/11
On 11 September 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the UN Security Council adopted a Presidential Statement reaffirming that terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The Council stressed that counter-terrorism requires national, regional and international cooperation while respecting international law and the UN Charter. The UN also noted that terrorism has become increasingly fragmented and diffuse, requiring states to adapt their responses.
The September agenda also saw concrete international cooperation: the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism signed arrangements with the World Customs Organization on 22 September, while the UN and NATO completed a joint counter-terrorism project in Jordan.
PSIR significance: The development highlights the evolution of international counter-terrorism cooperation after 9/11, from military responses towards intelligence-sharing, border management, terrorist travel prevention and multilateral coordination. It also reinforces the continuing tension between national security measures and international-law/human-rights obligations.
15. NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION UPDATES
A. IAEA REFERS IRAN'S NUCLEAR NON-COMPLIANCE TO THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL
On 10 September 2026, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution concerning Iran's non-compliance with its nuclear safeguards obligations and referred the matter to the UN Security Council. The move followed continuing difficulties in verifying Iran's nuclear activities and came amid heightened tensions surrounding its nuclear programme. Iran criticised the decision as politically motivated and warned that such measures could undermine confidence in the NPT system.
The development was followed by renewed international emphasis on the importance of IAEA verification and the NPT safeguards system. At the IAEA General Conference in September, Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that the Agency's impartial verification role remains essential amid growing nuclear risks.
PSIR significance: The episode highlights the tension between nuclear non-proliferation, national sovereignty and international verification. It also demonstrates the importance of the IAEA as an institutional pillar of the NPT regime and the difficulty of maintaining consensus when nuclear issues become entangled with wider geopolitical conflict.
16. GLOBAL POWER POLITICS UPDATES
A. XI JINPING–DONALD TRUMP SUMMIT SIGNALS AN ATTEMPT TO STABILISE US–CHINA GREAT-POWER RIVALRY
On 24 September 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a state visit to Washington and held talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The two leaders agreed to work towards what China described as a “constructive China–US relationship of strategic stability”, while continuing dialogue on trade and economic issues. They also discussed AI, Taiwan, the Middle East, Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula, and agreed to support each other's hosting of the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and G20 Summit.
The summit is significant because it comes amid continuing US–China competition over trade, technology, AI, strategic security and Taiwan, yet both sides are simultaneously seeking mechanisms to prevent rivalry from escalating into sustained confrontation. Xi's visit was also his first state visit to Washington in 11 years.
PSIR significance: The development illustrates great-power rivalry combined with strategic accommodation. It is useful for analysing the contemporary balance of power, strategic stability, complex interdependence and management of great-power competition. It also shows how economic, technological and security issues are increasingly interconnected in US–China relations.
