Channelling the heavyweights of Russia's past, the current president sees it as his job to "retake" territory he deems to be Russian. It is a fundamental part of who he is.
The 74-year-old former PM is campaigning across the country, vowing to position Pakistan as an economic powerhouse in Asia ahead of general elections on 8 February.
Not that long ago, nobody took these men seriously. Today, they are ministers in Israel's government, with expanded remits and power over the Occupied West Bank. How did it get to this?
The outspoken outsider has gone from renegade candidate to radical president. He must use his charisma to overcome major challenges and deliver for his coalition of supporters.
Guterres's comments against Israel's collective punishment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza have infuriated Israel. But his illustrious career demonstrates a commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
Is the Red Sea moving toward an ordered space governed by capable states or toward a grey zone edging toward disorder? Read our February cover story to find out.
Israel wants Palestinians to leave the Strip as part of its 'depopulation and resettlement' strategy, but Egypt is fighting to give Palestinians the option to return to their homeland