Coming in just under the wire, here’s your Foreign Telegram for March 2023. In an extremely busy month for international affairs, four stories stood out. In the realm of political protest, France and Israel have been in constant uproar over controversial government plans. In France, President Macron has pushed a hike in the retirement age, while in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition seeks changes to the nation’s judiciary. The other overarching topic in March 2023 was diplomacy, particularly of Asian countries outside of Asia. China has had a busy month, brokering a surprise rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia – sidelining the US – and doubling down on its “no limits partnership” with Russia with a state visit to Moscow. Japan, China’s primary regional rival, also expanded its diplomatic reach this month, with visits to India and, more importantly, Ukraine. The blocs of the 21st century are forming as we speak.

Tune in for detailed analysis of all four of these key geopolitical events. Take a break from the hectic pace of domestic affairs with a Foreign Telegram.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rationalpolicy/episodes/Episode-13—Foreign-Telegram–March-2023-e21ggv4

Links:

• Twitter thread explaining Israeli judiciary controversy: https://twitter.com/AviWoolf/status/1640308321327407104?s=20
• Piece on China-brokered Iran/Saudi deal: https://rationalpolicy.com/2023/03/15/when-the-cats-away/
• National Review piece on China/Russia/Iran axis: https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/03/the-multiheaded-hydra-menacing-america/
• Piece on strategic importance of Japan: https://rationalpolicy.com/2023/03/17/stating-the-obvious/