Around the World in 5 – 13
“ It is not the tyrannized who initiate despotism, but the tyrants. It is not those whose humanity is denied them who negate humankind, but those who denied that humanity (thus negating their own as well).”
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, brought new revelations of Russian involvement in espionage—this time in Brazil. Investigations led by The New York Times uncovered covert Russian espionage networks operating in the country, aimed at infiltrating undercover agents into Western institutions. Information drawn from hundreds of documents and interviews revealed that nine Russian agents have been operating over the past three years, with networks extending to eight other countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. Following counterintelligence efforts by Brazilian authorities, two of the nine agents have been arrested, while the others have fled to Russia. Russian military intelligence operatives are reported to have obtained Brazilian legal documents, allowing them to build false identities and social networks that enabled travel to Western nations and the gathering of intelligence—primarily on pro-Ukrainian initiatives.
In another wave of political upheaval, the Dutch coalition government has collapsed after far-right party leader Geert Wilders withdrew support, following disputes over migration policy. He is said to have pushed for ten additional measures in recent debates, including a halt to new asylum applications, the cessation of reception centre construction, and the rollback of family reunification provisions. Prime Minister Dick Schoof criticised Wilders’ actions as “irresponsible and unnecessary.” The coalition, in power for less than a year, had been composed of the conservative-liberal VVD, the Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB), and the centrist New Social Contract.
Continued tensions in Sudan have led to the deaths of five UN convoy members, who were delivering aid to the besieged city of el-Fasher. Both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army have blamed each other for the strike on the convoy. The attack comes amid a worsening hunger crisis, as recent strikes on critical food supply infrastructure have made humanitarian deliveries increasingly urgent. The convoy had been carrying essential food and nutritional supplies.
The United States has announced the withdrawal of troops and the closure of seven out of eight military bases in Syria. Thomas Barrack, appointed last month by President Donald Trump as the special envoy to Syria, stated that the move signals a decisive break from previously failed policies in the region. Opening statements confirm that the last remaining US base will be located in Al Hasakah.
In South Korea, the day concluded with the Democratic Party of Korea winning the recent snap election, bringing Lee Jae-myung to the presidency. A former human rights lawyer, Lee had previously failed in his presidential bids in 2017 and 2022. This time, however, he secured a landslide victory with 93.84% of the vote in Tuesday’s early elections. Political commentators suggest his election marks a return to stability following the failed declaration of emergency martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. In his acceptance speech, Lee vowed to heal the nation’s deep political divisions, pledging to do his “utmost to fulfil the great responsibility and mission entrusted to [him].”
Paisagem de Ouro Preto, Anita Malfatti, c.1948.
