Global perceptions of the U.S. have deteriorated for a second consecutive year and are now worse than views of Russia, an annual study on ​democracy published on Friday showed, as U.S. President Donald Trump's policies continue ‌to severely strain the NATO alliance.
The Denmark-based Alliance of Democracies Foundation, which commissioned the survey, said the U.S. was also most frequently named in response to which country posed the greatest threat to ​the world, after Russia and Israel. The survey did not go into ​details on the criteria used, but the Alliance says its aim is ⁠to defend and advance democratic values.


Global Survey Shows Declining Trust in US; China Perception Remains Positive

Russia is reportedly preparing to test-fire its RS-28 Sarmat missile ahead of Victory Day celebrations, in a move likely to send a powerful strategic message to the West amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Often referred to as a “doomsday missile,” the Sarmat is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads and evade modern defence systems.

The planned test comes as geopolitical tensions between Moscow and NATO continue to escalate.

Russia Tests Sarmat-2: The Doomsday Weapon NATO Can't Stop

A widening rift between Donald Trump and NATO allies is emerging as reports suggest Washington may reduce troop deployments in Spain and Italy while considering the deployment of the hypersonic “Dark Eagle” missile system near the Middle East. At the same time, Iran’s IRGC has issued fiery warnings against US naval forces, while Tehran reportedly accelerates efforts to relocate and secure missile stockpiles underground. The developments are adding fresh strain to an already volatile regional standoff.


Trump Mulls Reducing US Troops in Spain & Italy Amid Iran War 

Italy's Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims, saying Italy supports US efforts in the Strait of Hormuz and has offered naval help.

‘Don’t understand’: Italy’s defence minister responds as Trump threatens to pull US troops from Europe

Donald Trump hints at reducing US troops in Italy and Spain as tensions grow over Iran policy, NATO divisions, and disagreements on Israel-related issues.

Trump signals US troop cuts in Italy, Spain amid rift over Iran operations

US President Donald Trump criticises NATO allies over Iran and Ukraine support, praises King Charles, and signals possible troop withdrawal from Germany. 

Trump criticises NATO on Iran, Ukraine support, praises King Charles III after congress speech

The United States is reportedly considering measures against certain NATO allies amid disagreements over the ongoing Iran conflict. According to reports, tensions within the alliance have escalated due to differences in military support, access rights, and strategic coordination during the crisis. The proposed actions are said to reflect growing frustration in Washington over allied responses, raising concerns about unity and cohesion within NATO at a time of heightened global instability.


US Considers Action Against NATO Allies Over Iran Conflict

Tensions in Europe are rising as France conducts nuclear-capable drills in Poland using Rafale fighter jets, while Russia sends nuclear-capable bombers near NATO airspace. The high-stakes manoeuvres come amid growing security concerns, with leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk discussing deeper nuclear coordination. The developments underline an increasingly tense military standoff in Europe.


France Deploys Rafale Jets To Poland As Russia Bombers Test NATO Skies

Leaders from the European Union have gathered in Cyprus to discuss key geopolitical challenges, including Ukraine and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. A major focus is strengthening the bloc’s mutual defence clause under Article 42.7, with calls for unity within NATO as global uncertainties rise. The meeting reflects Europe’s growing push to reinforce collective security and strategic coordination.


EU Preps 'Blueprint' For Mutual Aid Clause Amid Trump Worries; Italy PM Says NATO Must Remain United

NATO intercepted Russian strategic bombers and fighter jets that flew over the Baltic Sea, a muscular display of air power on the alliance’s eastern flank away from the spotlight on the Middle East.
French Rafale fighters were deployed from a Lithuanian air base where they are stationed as part of a decades-long NATO air-policing effort.


Russian TU-22M3 Bombers Buzz NATO Airspace

Breaking: Russia Deploys Nuclear Bombers at NATO Doorstep

Former UK Defence Secretary George Robertson claimed that the country had lost track of military veterans who can be recalled at a time of danger. As per estimates, UK has around 95,000 reservists. 

UK Can't Trace 95,000 Reservists: Ex-NATO Chief Makes Big Claim

The global technology race between the United States and China is heating up, with both nations competing for dominance in AI, semiconductors, and innovation. While the US still leads in advanced chips, research talent, and cutting-edge technology, China is rapidly catching up with massive investments, faster implementation, and global expansion. Recent polls suggest a surprising shift, with some US allies and global audiences increasingly viewing China as a more reliable partner and even a technological leader.

US Vs China: Who Has Better Technology? | Allies Shifting To China: Polls

Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO, calling the alliance “useless,” as Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer moved ahead with talks on a new European-led maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

Donald Trump Slams NATO as Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer Launch Hormuz Push 

The same day, Trump slammed his predecessor Joe Biden for making America a “laughing stock” for the decisions he took during his tenure as the president. 

Trump mocks NATO, calls it 'useless, paper tiger', tells them to ‘stay away’

When a British military base in Cyprus was struck by a drone early in the Iran conflict in March, the UK’s response time drew attention.

'They’re toys': Has Iran war exposed Britain’s weakened armed forces & shrinking Royal Navy?

A fallback plan to ensure Europe can defend itself using NATO’s existing military structures if the U.S. departs is gaining traction after getting buy-in from Germany, a long-term opponent of a go-it-alone approach.

The officials working on the plans, which some officials are referring to as “European NATO,” are seeking to get more Europeans into the alliance’s command-and-control roles and supplement U.S. military assets with their own.

Europe Accelerating Fallback NATO Plan in Case Trump Pulls Out

#Gravitas Amid repeated threats by U.S. President Donald Trump of pulling out of the alliance, European countries are reportedly fast-tracking a contingency plan to set up a Europe-led NATO.  


European-Led NATO in Planning if Trump Pulls Out

Following failed peace talks in Pakistan, the US military launched a naval blockade against all Iranian ports. Supported by NATO minesweepers, the operation aims to stop Iran from collecting illegal shipping tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.


Strait of Hormuz at risk? What a naval blockade would mean for global trade

US President Donald Trump has intensified rhetoric against Iran, claiming that its only remaining leverage is control over the Strait of Hormuz. He accused Tehran of relying on “extortion” tactics as tensions continue to rise over shipping routes and energy security. The remarks come amid ongoing disputes over maritime control, toll proposals, and broader geopolitical negotiations affecting global oil flows and regional stability.


US-Iran Talks: Trump Issues Ultimatum To NATO To Help in Opening Strait of Hormuz

Tensions are rising within the Western alliance as the Iran conflict exposes divisions between the United States and its NATO partners. NATO is facing criticism from Donald Trump, who accused allies of failing to fully support US positions during the crisis. Meanwhile, UK leadership has stressed that NATO remains vital to American interests, even as diplomatic friction grows over the handling of the Gulf and Iran-related tensions.


NATO Under Pressure As Iran War Deepens Rift With US Allies

Donald Trump has again attacked NATO for not supporting the US in the Iran war, following a private meeting with its Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House.

In a post shared to Truth Social after the meeting, the US President said: "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN."

NATO Toils to Avoid Becoming Casualty of Iran War

Donald Trump has reportedly issued a strong ultimatum to European allies, demanding concrete commitments and action to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open amid rising tensions with Iran. NATO’s Secretary General confirmed that allies are taking steps to meet US expectations. The situation underscores growing pressure on Europe and highlights the strategic importance of this key global oil route.


Trump Wants Concrete Commitments & Action, NATO Chief Says Allies Are Doing Everything US Is Asking

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that NATO allies are doing everything US is asking, and Europe is providing massive amount of support.

'Some allies were slow to deliver support': NATO Chief succumbs to Trump pressure?

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