Global Scans · Government · Weekly Summary

• [New] Since 2023, the federal government has introduced policies to force a shift towards EVs as one element of its net-zero emissions by 2050 plan. Fraser Institute
• [New] Downside risks abound: an AI boom or crash, China's property and debt problems, fiscal stress, and weakening policy credibility. semiwiki
• [New] US trade policy remains aggressive, with explicit threats of 100% tariffs for companies that do not manufacture domestically. semiwiki
• [New] Executives are losing sleep over escalating US geopolitical assertiveness, widening trade coercion, tariff threats, and political interference in monetary policy. semiwiki
• [New] Iraq has placed a strong focus on border security as military clashes intensify in northeastern Syria between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces, with officials warning of potential threats spilling over into Iraqi territory. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing region with a projected CAGR of 22% through 2033, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and government smart grid initiatives. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The Australian Government is leading the way in turning the game-changing potential of genomics into improved prevention, risk-reduction, early detection, treatment and outcomes of cancer. Mirage News
• [New] A government panel has started work on restricting entry into Japan by foreigners, a policy that could further spread xenophobia around Japan. The Asahi Shimbun
• [New] The European Parliament and Council have adopted Regulation 2025/2455, creating a unified EU Chemicals Data Platform managed by the European Chemicals Agency. Eurofins Scientific
• [New] Geneva The World Trade Organization has released its flagship World Trade Report 2025, revealing that artificial intelligence could increase the value of global cross-border flows of goods and services by nearly 40% by 2040, provided the right policy environment is in place. GCC BUSINESS WATCH
• [New] The Government of Canada stepped up with a bold new approach to increase the supply of housing in Canada, and launched Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will build and finance affordable housing at scale, while catalyzing a more productive homebuilding industry. Mirage News
• [New] The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement is expected to incorporate expanded national security provisions, potentially disrupting supply chains. Diplomatist
• [New] The new GLAAS findings underline how accelerating progress on SDG 6 depends on stronger WASH systems and sectors - including financing, policy, governance, capacity and data, which will promote sustainability and build upon what is already working. World Health Organization: WHO
• [New] Chinese foreign policy is shaped by a paradox: it wants to project power and yet it seeks to avoid conflict. Al Jazeera
• [New] As governments worldwide grapple with tech regulation, software that balances innovation with compliance will be essential for businesses operating in sensitive sectors. Coaio Limited
• [New] Sydney is set for a sweltering day on Sunday as the state government moves to protect swimmers with a new $4.2 million bull shark warning system following an unprecedented spate of attacks. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] Divisions could slow U.S. leadership in crypto regulation, giving other jurisdictions an edge in attracting innovation. Tekedia
• [New] Researchers have discovered that the Chinese threat actor known as Mustang Panda is targeting U.S. government organizations through a sophisticated spear-phishing operation with emails that reference American policy toward Venezuela. CYFIRMA
• [New] The Israel Defense Forces said Monday that it remained on alert for possible surprise scenarios as anti-government unrest in Iran has prompted the United States to threaten intervention over the killing of protesters. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] American concerns over Arctic security, and their threats of tariffs, have helped prompt Canada's government to re-focus on the Arctic. BBC News
• [New] Amsterdam's city government is weighing a significant shift in its tourism and sustainability policies by proposing a full phase-out of ocean-going cruise ships by 2035. Smart Meetings
• [New] The majority American owned Joint Venture will operate under defined safeguards that protect national security through comprehensive data protections, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurances for U.S. users. Newsroom | TikTok
• [New] Given the high levels of inventory in both China's primary and secondary housing markets, and with housing policy likely to remain reactive, Morgan Stanley expects the value of new home sales in China to fall 10.5% in 2026 from the preceding year to RMB 7.57 trillion (USD 993 billion). Luxuo

Last updated: 28 January 2026