President Donald Trump’s military operation in Venezuela and the capture of the country’s Head of State, Nicolás Maduro, early this year, were dramatic and unprecedented. U.S. forces carried out precision strikes and a raid in Caracas that resulted in Maduro being taken into custody. The Trump administration has framed the intervention as part of a campaign against drug trafficking and ‘narco terrorism’. Still, critics argue it was also aimed at forcing regime change and securing access to Venezuela’s oil resources. The operation has sparked legal and diplomatic controversy, with questions about congressional authority and international law.

Iran is currently facing a major uprising that could threaten the rule of Supreme Leader Khamenei, though neighbouring powers remain cautious about any sudden change at the top. Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets calling for the fall of the Islamic regime and the return of the monarchy under the Shah, Pahlavi. In response, the government has cracked down harshly, and reports indicate that around 2,500 people have been killed in the violence so far, though unofficial estimates are much higher. 

Greenland has emerged as another point of contention, with both Denmark and the United States vying for influence over the territory. Strategically located in the Arctic, Greenland holds significant value for military positioning, natural resources, and shipping routes. The U.S. has shown interest in strengthening its presence, citing national security and Arctic defence, while Denmark maintains sovereignty and seeks to protect its territorial claims. 

This tussle over Greenland is part of a broader scramble among global powers for control and influence in the Arctic region.

And how can we forget the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russia’s full-scale invasion continues into 2026. The war has caused heavy fighting, destruction of infrastructure, and thousands of civilian and military casualties as Ukraine defends its territory with Western support. China has taken a diplomatic line calling for respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution, while also maintaining strong economic ties with Russia.

In Latin America, Venezuela’s situation shows how global power competition plays out. U.S. actions to remove Maduro have challenged long-standing political and economic links with Russia and China, even as both countries criticised the U.S. and called for respect for national sovereignty.

In the Middle East, tensions around Iran’s internal unrest and external pressures have drawn international attention, and the U.S., China, and Iran continue to play complex but distinct roles. 

It is important to see beyond the posturing and attempts by global powers to vie for influence and to understand how these moves affect ordinary people, markets, and regional stability. While Russia, China, and the U.S. signal strength through military demonstrations, economic sanctions, and strategic alliances, the real impact is felt in supply chains, energy prices, and the political landscapes of countries caught in the middle.

The United States has reportedly asked Kenya to reconsider or avoid certain deals with China, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and technology projects, citing concerns over national security and debt dependency. This puts Kenya in a delicate position, balancing opportunities for Chinese investment with pressure from the U.S., a key strategic partner.

2026 is shaping up to be a year of strategic tension amid multiple interconnected crises. The U.S.–Russia–China dynamic will shape the rules of engagement, influence global power balances, and affect international trade and investment decisions. 

States and companies must prepare for economic, political, and security impacts even if direct conflict remains limited. Kenyan companies in particular should monitor energy and currency markets closely, as there are bound to be changes. They should also seek to diversify supply chains and consider local alternatives where possible. Scenario planning for global trade disruptions is essential, especially for Europe, the Middle East, and energy commodities. They should also avoid direct exposure to high-risk regions when exploring opportunities amid global uncertainty. What is important is to be able to prepare for any eventuality in these globally uncertain times.