Test yourself on the week of July 18: Ortega makes an alarming announcement, Zelensky holds cabinet talks, and the Houthis implement a blockade.

  • Politics

The FIFA Men’s World Cup is over, which means there are no more excuses for not staying on top of the latest global developments. See if you kept up with this week’s international news quiz!

Have feedback? Email [email protected] to let me know your thoughts.

The FIFA Men’s World Cup is over, which means there are no more excuses for not staying on top of the latest global developments. See if you kept up with this week’s international news quiz!

1. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced on Sunday that what would no longer take place in his country?

The declaration marks the culmination of years of democratic backsliding, during which Ortega’s administration has dismantled most forms of opposition, FP’s Catherine Osborn reports in Latin America Brief.

Ad

2. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held “key talks” on Monday in an effort to address widespread protests over his decision to do what?

Fedorov spearheaded Ukraine’s mid-range drone campaign against Russia, which has started to turn the tide of the war in Kyiv’s favor. But whether that strategy can lead to long-term battlefield gains is an open question, FP’s Sam Skove reported last week.

3. Which country did Yemen’s Houthi rebels declare a naval blockade against on Monday?

Ad

Despite recent escalatory actions from both Riyadh and the Houthis, neither is interested in a return to full-scale war, Annelle Sheline writes.

4. Why did thousands of protesters demand the resignation of India’s education minister on Monday?

It is one of the biggest demonstrations yet that is affiliated with the Cockroach Janta Party movement, which focuses on issues mainly tied to education policy, FP’s Michael Kugelman writes in South Asia Brief.

Ad

5. In his first move to ease the cost of living, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 5 percent tax cut on Tuesday on which living expense?

Meanwhile, on the foreign-policy front, Burnham has an opportunity to reset the United Kingdom’s relationship with the United States, Andi Hoxhaj argues.

6. Cameroon’s ruling party called a rare meeting of senior leaders on Wednesday. Although the agenda was not made public, this came amid rising criticism over the absence of President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, who has spent the last 45 days abroad. How old is Biya?

Ad

Biya’s reelection in 2025 came amid concerns about his ability to govern during his current term, which would end when he is 99 years old, R. Maxwell Bone wrote in October.

7. On Thursday, a day after the United States and Saudi Arabia announced a landmark nuclear deal, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a new condition to the pact. What did Trump say needs to happen for the deal to go through?

Riyadh has long made it clear that it will not join the accords, and thus normalize relations with Israel, until Israel establishes a clear path to Palestinian statehood, FP’s Alexandra Sharp writes in World Brief.

8. A South African court on Friday ordered a halt to impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over a 2020 scandal concerning what?

Despite rampant corruption, intergovernmental agencies appear to have given South Africa a pass in recent years, Max Meizlish and David May argued in November.

9. Spain won the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup final on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0. Despite 12 shots on goal, Spain was only able to convert one in extra time. How many shots on goal did Argentina have?

The decision by the Argentine squad to turn its back on the Spanish team as it assembled on the podium was the culmination of a “tetchy, petulant and distasteful performance” from La Albiceleste, the Athletic writes.

10. On Sunday, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar selected Judit Polgar as his nominee for president. Polgar is considered a prodigy at which game?

On Monday, Polgar said she would not accept the nomination for the mostly ceremonial position, the Guardian reports.

It’s a big world out there! Brush up on global goings-on by subscribing to World Brief, Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter.

Great job! Now, dig deeper by subscribing to Foreign Policy’s one-stop regional newsletters: Africa Brief, China Brief, Latin America Brief, South Asia Brief, and Southeast Asia Brief.

Perfection! You’re a pro who needs the in-depth insights offered in Situation Report, our newsletter on national security and defense.

Have feedback? Email [email protected] to let me know your thoughts.

  • Politics

Drew Gorman is a deputy copy editor at Foreign Policy.

Source: Foreign Policy