***What in the World? Weekly Quiz – June 15-21, 2020***

On June 11^th the United States and THIS country began strategic talks that will shape their relationship going forward. The influence of Iran in THIS country will be a consideration in the talks.

Russia commissioned the lead ship of a new class of nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines and a new class of SLBMs on Friday. The debut of the Prince Vladimir, first of the Borei class, highlights the upcoming expiration of THIS arms control treaty in light of Trump Administration actions to reduce or eliminate longstanding nuclear weapons agreements.

An American businessman and Marine Corps veteran was convicted of espionage in this country and sentenced to 16 years in prison in THIS country. The U.S. Ambassador denounced the conviction of Paul Whelan who claimed he was the victim of a sting operation; he was there for a friend’s wedding and he had no knowledge of what was on a flash drive he was handed.

Kim Yo Jong, sister to North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un, made news last week by THIS action, demonstrating her increased stature within the government’s leadership ranks.

Critics of the Philippines government are calling THIS legal action a major defeat for democratic values.

Poland has said an incident where their troops occupied an area across the border with THIS neighboring country was a mistake but offered no explanation as to why soldiers took up positions near a chapel and turned away visitors.

An international sports organization called for “tolerance, mutual respect and common sense” in the aftermath of a brouhaha over the question of athletes kneeling through the national anthem. THIS group reacted to President Trump’s Tweet that he would no longer watch their sport.

Last week the Institute of Economics and Peace released THIS index which ranks 163 independent states and territories with these countries topping the list: Iceland, New Zealand, Austria and Portugal.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized China for the mass detention of Uighars, ISIS and Boko Haram for attacks in Nigeria, and Nicaragua for harassing community leaders, during the release of THIS report.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is meeting with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyden and other EU leaders this week to discuss THIS important issue.