At the table or on the menu? Europe wakes up to a world without order

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, European leaders publicly acknowledged the decline of the rules-based order that has underpinned modern Europe. This realization, long discussed privately and recognized elsewhere, became a central theme during the week-long event. The Greenland episode, involving Donald Trump's interest in acquiring the territory, highlighted the diminishing constraint of law on power. The meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte helped de-escalate immediate tensions related to US military bases on the island. The leaders' statements suggest a shift in understanding the current global landscape and its implications for Europe's future.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Monday that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, addressing the European Parliament in Brussels amid concerns about transatlantic relations. Rutte's remarks followed President Trump's comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he downplayed seizing Greenland but also belittled Europe's reliance on America. Rutte, who has fostered a relationship with Trump, defended his role in easing Trump's threats regarding Greenland, though he denied negotiating on behalf of Denmark, which along with Greenland, has rejected a potential American takeover. Members of the European Parliament pressed Rutte for details on his discussions with Trump and any potential deal concerning Greenland's future, but Rutte remained vague.

In January 2026, US envoys met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to urge Israel to transition to the second phase of a ceasefire in Gaza. The meeting occurred amidst ongoing conflict, as evidenced by reports of an Israeli strike that killed a 15-year-old Palestinian boy in Gaza City. The article includes images depicting the aftermath of the strike, including mourning family members and Palestinians receiving food donations. The envoys' urging suggests a desire for de-escalation and a shift in the nature of the conflict. The specific details of the proposed second phase of the ceasefire were not provided in this article.

In January 2026, President Donald Trump attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he discussed his Board of Peace initiative. The Board, initially focused on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, has expanded, raising concerns among Western allies who fear it could rival the United Nations. During the forum, Trump revoked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation to the Board due to Carney's assertive stance towards the U.S. Trump also threatened tariffs on Switzerland and pressured Denmark regarding U.S. control of Greenland, signaling potentially shifting global alliances and a willingness to use economic leverage. These actions have stirred discussions about a possible "new world order" under Trump's influence.

On January 24, 2026, an Israeli drone strike killed two children in northern Gaza as they were collecting firewood near Kamal Adwan Hospital. The children were from the same family. The incident is described as a violation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States in October 2025. Severe fuel shortages have forced Palestinians to seek alternative fuel sources. Since October 11, 2025, Israeli attacks have killed at least 481 Palestinians and wounded 1,206 others, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. The ministry also reports that the number of child deaths due to cold weather this winter has risen to 10.

The World Economic Forum in Davos addressed geopolitical issues, but neglected a potential global financial crisis. While leaders, including President Trump, discussed initiatives like the Board of Peace, the article argues that underlying financial problems were ignored. The author suggests that the US, despite Trump's assertive foreign policy, faces significant debt, an overvalued stock market, and declining investor confidence in US government bonds. The piece contends that these financial vulnerabilities could undermine the nation's ability to project power and influence on the world stage. The article implies that leaders at Davos were distracted by grand ambitions and failed to adequately address these critical economic realities.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, an annual gathering of global political and corporate leaders, is facing questions about its relevance in a fractured global economy. Occurring in January 2026, the summit takes place amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and a US president who is skeptical of multilateral cooperation and open trade. Critics argue that the WEF is long on talk but short on action, while supporters maintain that it provides a crucial platform for dialogue that can help manage global challenges. The forum's role is being debated as the world grapples with issues such as rebuilding Gaza and Iran's economic crisis. The WEF's ability to foster cooperation is being tested by increasing global divisions.

Sources say Israel intends to implement a policy at the Rafah border crossing, expected to reopen next week, that will prioritize Palestinian departures from Gaza over entries. The Rafah crossing, the primary access point for the over 2 million residents of Gaza, has been under Israeli military control since 2024. This plan coincides with the second phase of a US-backed plan where Israel is expected to withdraw troops further from Gaza and Hamas is due to yield control of the territory’s administration. While the details of how Israel will enforce this "more out than in" policy remain unclear, the move raises concerns among Palestinians about potential forced displacement, despite Israeli denials of such intentions. The policy comes as part of a US backed plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas.

The article examines Israel's objectives in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict and reconstruction efforts. Despite widespread destruction and significant Palestinian casualties over two years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the US President Donald Trump’s "Board of Peace" for Gaza's reconstruction. This raises questions about Israel's true intentions, given internal political divisions. Netanyahu faces pressure to cooperate with international efforts while appeasing his coalition, which includes members opposed to Gaza's rebuilding and supportive of Israeli settlements there. Despite Netanyahu's objections, the Rafah crossing is set to open and Turkiye and Qatar may join the Board of Peace.

In January 2026, Palestinians in Gaza, particularly in the Khan Younis area, are resorting to digging through garbage for plastic and paper to burn for warmth and cooking fuel due to the unaffordable cost of firewood. The dire situation highlights the difficult living conditions in the region. Separately, dozens of Palestinians gathered at Nasser hospital to mourn three Palestinian journalists, Anas Ghoneim and Abd Shaat, who were killed on Wednesday when an Israeli strike hit their vehicle. Funerals were held in Khan Younis for the journalists. The images from Gaza depict a stark contrast to previous visions for the region.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia will be held in the United Arab Emirates this weekend. This marks the first such meeting between the three nations. Zelenskyy expressed hope that Russia will be open to compromise, potentially leading to an end to the ongoing war. The US delegation reportedly consulted with Zelenskyy before traveling to Moscow. The announcement followed meetings between Zelenskyy and former US President Trump in Davos, where discussions focused on ending the war. Zelenskyy also addressed European leaders in Davos, urging them to take decisive action and strengthen Europe's global influence.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, President Donald Trump announced the formation of the Board of Peace, describing it as a new international oversight body. The charter-signing ceremony occurred before Trump's departure, although several key US allies were not in attendance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also met with Trump during the forum. Elon Musk made his first appearance at Davos, participating in discussions about space exploration and artificial intelligence. The BBC's Faisal Islam reported on these key events and other highlights from the day.

In Davos, Switzerland on January 22, 2026, US President Donald Trump launched the "Board of Peace," an organization aimed at resolving international conflicts. The initiative, initially intended to oversee Gaza's reconstruction after Israel's war, requires a $1 billion membership fee. Trump chairs the board, with figures like Tony Blair, Marco Rubio, and Jared Kushner in executive roles. While numerous countries have joined, others, including the UK, France, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia, have declined, raising concerns about the board potentially undermining the United Nations. Trump stated the initiative would collaborate with other entities, including the UN, to address major diplomatic issues. Palestinians in Gaza have expressed skepticism about the initiative.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump promoted his new "Board of Peace," a controversial organization aimed at resolving international conflicts. The board, which requires a US$1 billion membership fee, has invited leaders like Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Viktor Orban to join. This announcement follows Trump's decision to scrap tariffs against Europe and dismiss the idea of acquiring Greenland from Denmark, actions that eased tensions at the global meeting. Trump expressed his belief that the board is the "greatest ever formed" during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, another leader who has agreed to participate. The launch occurs amidst reports of Trump's disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, an annual gathering of global political and corporate leaders, is facing questions about its relevance in a fractured global economy. Occurring in January 2026, the summit takes place amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and a US president who is skeptical of multilateral cooperation and open trade. Critics argue that the WEF is heavy on discussion but lacks concrete action. However, supporters maintain that the forum's value lies in facilitating dialogue between rivals, potentially mitigating global issues. The article also touches on the economic crisis in Iran and the question of who will finance the reconstruction of Gaza.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump launched his "board of peace" initiative, claiming the world is currently "richer, safer, and more peaceful" than a year ago. The signing ceremony included ministers and heads of government from 19 countries, including Morocco, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia. Trump stated the organization, which he will chair, could be "one of the most consequential bodies ever created" and suggested it could potentially work with or even supplant the United Nations. The board was initially conceived as part of a Gaza ceasefire plan but has since expanded to encompass a broader geopolitical role. Trump also repeated his claim to have stopped eight wars.

On January 22, 2026, Israeli forces killed three Palestinian journalists in central Gaza. The journalists were working for an Egyptian aid organization when their vehicle was struck in what Israeli sources described as a targeted strike due to alleged drone use. The incident occurred in the Gaza Strip. In addition to the journalists, eight other Palestinians were killed in separate attacks throughout the area.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces killed at least 11 Palestinians in Gaza, marking one of the deadliest days since the October ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The casualties included two 13-year-old boys killed in separate incidents, three journalists filming near a displacement camp, and a woman. The journalists were reportedly killed while filming near a displacement camp in central Gaza; the Israeli military stated they identified suspects operating a drone that posed a threat. One boy was killed by Israeli drones near the Bureij refugee camp, along with his father and another man, while the other was shot by troops in Bani Suheila. The incidents occurred as the United States attempts to advance a second phase of a deal between the involved parties.

On January 21, 2026, Israeli fire struck the central Gaza town of Zahraa, killing three Palestinian journalists who were filming a newly established displacement camp managed by an Egyptian government committee. The journalists were traveling in a vehicle when the strike occurred. The incident took place on one of Gaza's deadliest days since the ceasefire. Mourners gathered at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City for the journalists' funeral. The event is part of ongoing conflict in the region, with a separate strike also reported in Qennarite village, south Lebanon.

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 11 people, according to Gaza health officials. Among the dead were three Palestinian journalists identified as Abdel Raouf Shaath, Mohammad Salah Qishta, and Anas Ghneim. The journalists were operating a drone near Al-Zahra when they were targeted. The Israeli military stated the journalists were operating a drone "affiliated with Hamas" and posed a threat, but the incident is under examination. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate stated the journalists were documenting the suffering of civilians in displacement camps. As of early January, at least 206 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war.

Three Palestinian journalists working for an Egyptian relief organization were killed in an Israeli strike in central Gaza. The Israeli military stated they targeted individuals operating a Hamas-affiliated drone that posed a threat and are examining the incident. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency identified the journalists as Mohammed Salah Qeshta, Anas Ghunaim, and Abdul Raouf Shaat, stating their car was hit in the al-Zahra area. Separately, eight other Palestinians, including two children, were reportedly killed by Israeli artillery and gunfire across Gaza on Wednesday. Since the ceasefire began on October 10th, at least 466 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, while the Israeli military reports three soldiers killed in attacks by Palestinian armed groups. Hamas condemned the strike as a violation of the ceasefire, while the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate called it a war crime.

At least 11 Palestinians, including two children and three journalists, were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza on January 21, 2026. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, six others were injured. The three journalists, Anas Ghunaim, Abdul Ra’ouf and Shaath Mohammad Qeshta, worked for the Egyptian Committee for Gaza Relief and were documenting a newly established displacement camp near the Netzarim Corridor when their vehicle was struck. The Egyptian Committee stated the vehicle was known to the Israeli military. Israeli Army Radio claimed the vehicle was targeted because occupants were using a drone to collect intelligence. In a separate incident in central Gaza, three members of a single family, including a child, were killed in eastern Deir el-Balah.

On January 21, 2026, Israeli forces demolished three Palestinian homes in the village of Shuqba, located in the occupied West Bank. The destruction was confirmed by a resident of Shuqba, who described the scene as "a real carnage." The article does not state the reason for the demolitions. The event is reported as part of ongoing coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces killed at least 11 Palestinians in Gaza, undermining a three-month-old ceasefire. Among the dead were three journalists traveling in a car to film a displacement camp in central Gaza; the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate stated they were on a humanitarian mission. Two 13-year-old boys were also killed in separate incidents, one while collecting firewood and another in an Israeli drone strike that also killed his father and a 22-year-old man. The Israeli military stated the strike targeting the journalists was due to the individuals operating a Hamas-affiliated drone and posing a threat to troops, adding that the incident is under examination. The journalists' vehicle was sponsored by the Egyptian Relief Committee, which said the vehicle was known to the Israeli military.

Donald Trump's address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, drew massive crowds, with hundreds of elites lining up for hours to secure a seat. The high demand resulted in overflow rooms for those unable to get into the main hall. Attendees included top executives, academics, politicians, and even the president of Latvia. The event took place amidst rising tensions between the US and Europe, partly due to Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland. Some attendees expressed concerns that Trump's speech would be provocative and overshadow the forum's agenda.