The CLAWS U.S. Newsletter (October 16–31, 2025) captures a period of escalating domestic unrest and heightened global assertiveness in U.S. foreign policy. Domestically, nationwide “No Kings” protests erupted across major American cities, denouncing the administration’s concentration of executive power amid a six-week-long government shutdown that has cost the U.S. economy up to $14 billion. Internationally, Washington pursued an aggressive and multifaceted foreign policy — deepening military cooperation with allies and intensifying confrontation with adversaries. Key developments included a high-level Trump–Zelensky meeting at the White House on Ukraine’s defense needs, U.S. sanctions on Russia’s oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, and expanded maritime strikes on drug-trafficking vessels near Venezuela. The U.S. announced plans to share nuclear-powered submarine technology with South Korea, signed a landmark 10-year defense pact with India, and mediated a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. Meanwhile, Trump’s claims of Pakistan conducting secret nuclear tests, the potential resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons testing, and renewed U.S.–China trade talks underscored Washington’s growing assertiveness in global affairs amid domestic political turbulence.
The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi, India is an independent think tank on strategic studies and land warfare. The mandate of CLAWS covers national security issues, conventional military operations and sub-conventional warfare.