Migrant Crisis
War and poverty in the Middle East and Africa have driven more than 1.7 million migrants across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe since 2014. Nearly 15,000 have drowned while attempting the journey in rickety boats. Europe has been so overwhelmed by the flood of migrants that there’s been a backlash against them. Several countries—including Hungary and Austria—have sealed their borders to keep them out. Tens of thousands of refugees remain stranded in Libya and Greece, creating a massive humanitarian crisis.
Russia
After 18 years in power, President Vladimir Putin retains an iron grip on the government. Despite many antigovernment protests in 2017, Putin is expected to run for—and easily win—another term in March. Relations with the U.S. remain seriously strained by Russia’s aggression, including its backing of armed separatist groups in Ukraine and the government of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. In July 2017, the U.S. Congress passed new sanctions against Russia for meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.