Deep Dive: The WTO in the Age of Tariff Wars –– Still Relevant, No Longer Decisive

Deep Dive

Deep Dive: China’s Middle East Balancing Act

Why China cannot afford instability in the Strait of Hormuz: an ONEST Deep Dive on Beijing’s Iran calculus, disputed military-support reports, diplomacy, shipping risks, the May UN Security Council presidency, and what could be at stake in a Trump-Xi summit.

By Olga Nesterova • 9 min read

Deep Dive

What Counts as a War Crime? Definition, Examples, Prosecution and Today’s Cases

War Crimes Explained: Definition, Prosecution and What It Means for Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Venezuela and Iran.

By Olga Nesterova • 8 min read

Deep Dive

Deep Dive: The $1.5 Trillion Divorce from Multilateralism

A deep dive into Trump’s expected $1.5T defense budget, the break from multilateralism, NATO strain, Ukraine spillover, and who benefits.

By Olga Nesterova • 7 min read

Explained

The Next UN Secretary-General — Four Candidates, Four Visions for a Fractured World

A clear analysis of the four UN Secretary-General candidates, their visions, and what their leadership would mean for the future of the United Nations.

By Olga Nesterova • 6 min read

Global Briefing

APRIL 22: Global Financial Strains, Fragile Truce Dynamics, Shifting Alliances

KEY MOMENTS * The United Arab Emirates quietly explores a potential U.S. financial backstop as war-driven pressures ripple through sovereign reserves. * A last-minute extension of the U.S.–Iran truce prevents immediate escalation—but tensions in the Strait of Hormuz intensify. * Europe signals a possible policy shift toward Israel as

By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read

Diplomatic Notes

Diplomatic Note: Who could become the next UNSG? Part 1

By Olga Nesterova • 1 min read

APRIL 20: Seizure Escalates, Ceasefire Nears End, Talks Uncertain

KEY DEVELOPMENTS The fragile U.S.–Iran ceasefire is now entering its final hours — under pressure. A direct U.S. military seizure of an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman has triggered new threats from Tehran, raised oil prices, and cast serious doubt over whether a second round

By Olga Nesterova • 9 min read

Global Briefing

APRIL 17: Paris Coalition on Hormuz as Ceasefire Holds and U.S. Expands Enforcement

Middle East ceasefire holds as U.S. expands Iran blockade globally, over 40 countries coordinate on Hormuz security, and economic pressure builds worldwide.

By Olga Nesterova • 6 min read

Explained

Who Could Become the Next UN Secretary-General — and Why This Choice Matters Now

Who will lead the United Nations next? ONEST breaks down the 2026 Secretary-General candidates, the UN selection process, and why this leadership choice matters now.

By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read