Iran is an Islamic republic with a theocratic governance structure, where the Supreme Leader holds significant power over state affairs. The country faces international sanctions over its nuclear program and has been criticized for human rights violations. Iran maintains a confrontational stance towards Western policies in the Middle East.

China is a single-party state governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC), with President Xi Jinping consolidating significant power. The government maintains strict control over political expression, media, and civil society. China's foreign policy emphasizes sovereignty and non-interference, often clashing with Western nations on human rights issues.

A federal republic and global superpower, the U.S. plays a leading role in international diplomacy, defense (NATO), and economic institutions. Its politics are highly polarized domestically, but its foreign policy generally promotes liberal democratic values, human rights, and free trade.

A federal semi-presidential republic, Russia under President Vladimir Putin has become increasingly authoritarian. It exerts strong influence over former Soviet states, opposes Western NATO expansion, and is widely condemned for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has led to sanctions and global isolation.

An absolute monarchy under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid economic and social reforms (Vision 2030) while maintaining strict political control. It’s a major player in OPEC and Middle Eastern politics, often criticized for human rights abuses.

Venezuela
An authoritarian regime under Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela is in a political and economic crisis, facing sanctions and international isolation. It is supported by a few allies like Russia and China, while much of the West and regional neighbors back opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president.

Since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, Afghanistan has been governed as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Taliban's regime lacks international recognition and has imposed strict interpretations of Sharia law, significantly restricting women's rights and suppressing dissent. The political structure remains undefined, with the Taliban leader exercising unchecked authority.

Myanmar is under military rule following a coup in 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government. The military junta faces widespread domestic resistance and international condemnation for human rights abuses, particularly against the Rohingya minority.

North Korea is a totalitarian state under the Kim dynasty, with a centralized government and strict control over its population. The country faces international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program and has limited engagement with the global community.

Ethiopia is a federal parliamentary republic based on ethnic federalism. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government has faced significant internal conflicts, notably the Tigray conflict, leading to humanitarian crises. Efforts toward political reforms continue amid challenges to national unity.

Governed by Bashar al-Assad’s authoritarian regime, Syria has been in civil war since 2011. The country remains fragmented, with foreign powers involved and millions displaced. Syria faces international sanctions and is widely condemned for human rights violations and war crimes.

A presidential republic under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has increasingly centralized power and suppressed dissent. It plays a key regional role, balancing relations with NATO, Russia, and the Middle East, and often asserts an independent and sometimes controversial foreign policy.

A unitary republic led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine has become a symbol of resistance following Russia’s 2022 invasion. It is seeking EU and NATO membership, has rallied global diplomatic and military support, and is at the center of the current European security crisis.

The world’s youngest country, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but has since been plagued by civil war and political instability. It is governed by a fragile power-sharing agreement and remains heavily reliant on international aid and peacekeeping.

Cuba is a one-party communist state led by the Communist Party. The government suppresses political pluralism, controls the media, and restricts civil liberties. Recent years have seen public protests over economic conditions and calls for greater freedoms, met with government crackdowns.

India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the government has faced criticism for policies perceived as discriminatory against minorities and for increased restrictions on press freedoms. Despite these concerns, India maintains a robust electoral democracy.

A federal parliamentary republic with frequent political instability, Pakistan’s military continues to exert significant influence behind the scenes. It has complex relations with neighbors India and Afghanistan, and is a vocal advocate for Muslim causes, including the rights of Kashmiris and Palestinians.

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic. In 2025, Friedrich Merz became Chancellor following the collapse of Olaf Scholz's coalition. Merz's administration emphasizes stricter migration policies and aims to reassert Germany's leadership role in Europe, facing challenges from rising far-right sentiments.

France is a semi-presidential republic with a history of political stability. However, the 2024 legislative elections resulted in a hung parliament, leading to governmental instability. President Emmanuel Macron's administration faces challenges in forming a stable government amid a fragmented political landscape.

Mexico is a federal republic with a history of single-party dominance transitioning to a multi-party system. The country faces significant challenges from drug cartels and corruption. Mexico maintains close economic ties with the United States and is an active member of international organizations.