TWTW Special Edition, 350th Issue

CWA # 2051

The World This Week

TWTW Special Edition, 350th Issue

THE WORLD THIS QUARTER (Jan-Mar 2026)

Major Developments across the world, from East Asia to the US

TWTW Special Edition
5 April 2026

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Welcome to the 350th issue of The World This Week. We have prepared it as a Special one, focussing on major developments during Jan-Mar 2026. This edition presents a collection of commentaries on key global political developments.

The United States (Jan-Mar 2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trump’s World Order
The Trump approach is 21st-century gunboat diplomacy with the US as sole dealmaker, renting out its military and economic power rather than promising it to allies, while pursuing a bilateral and transactional relationship.
Shreya Upadhyay

China’s Domestic Landscape (Jan-Mar 2026):
The "Two Sessions," Recalibrated growth targets, Technology prioritization, and Military purges
The first quarter has seen a significant sharpening of China’s domestic trajectory, characterized by the consolidation of economic trends, a renewed emphasis on technological self-reliance, and a tightening of political discipline.
Anand V

China’s External Landscape (Jan-Mar 2026):
Regional assertion, Pragmatic recalibration with the West and Avoiding military entanglement in the Middle East
From Asia to Africa to Europe, Beijing’s diplomacy was premised on advancing China’s diplomatic agenda by affirming its strategic interests, repairing strained ties where necessary, and positioning itself as an indispensable global actor
Amrita Jash

East Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
China’s military operations near Taiwan, Japan-China tensions and South Korea’s security challenges
East Asia during this quarter witnessed China becoming increasingly assertive, while the US-led alliance system defined the regional political, economic, and security landscape
Haans J Freddy

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
Southeast Asia currently faces a mix of growth opportunities and significant challenges stemming from the war in West Asia, tariff disputes, and rapidly worsening climate change.
Ashik J Bonofer

The Middle East (Jan-Mar 2026)
The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts
Though the US-Iran war was the most important regional development, during the first quarter, from Gaza to the Gulf, the region witnessed recalibrations of conflict, shifting alliances, and evolving diplomatic strategies and dilemmas
Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)
Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives
While the civil wars, are moving in a dangerous direction, especially in Sudan, and traditional/non-traditional security threats are equally impacting Africa, the continent is also showing positive signs of economic recovery
S Shaji

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)
Trade diversification & FTAs, Increased defence spending, Tightening irregular migration and Economic slowdown
Europe is looking forward to increasing its defence expenditure, diversifying trade and pursuing strategic autonomy
Himani Pant

Russia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Assertive Military Posture, Attempts for an Economic Turnaround and Search for Partners
During the quarter, Russia pursued a dual diplomatic track - confronting the West while deepening ties with partners in Asia and the Middle East
Ramya B

India and the World (Jan-Mar 2026)
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy, Balancing the US relations and Resetting the China ties
New Delhi demonstrated pragmatism, cautious engagements and strategic agility in its foreign engagements over the three months. India’s foreign policy was primarily focused on embracing BRICS leadership, navigating Trump tariffs
Adarsh Vijay

India and the Neighbourhood (Jan-Mar 2026)
Continuity, Caution and Calculated assertiveness
During the first quarter, there was continuity and recalibration in India's approach towards its neighbourhood, characterised by diplomatic outreach, crisis management, economic engagement, and strategic signalling
Nanda Kishor M S

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regime’s Consolidation Game
In Myanmar, the elections, the silencing of the political opposition, and the relentless military campaign against resistance forces signal a regime focused on perpetuating its grip on power rather than governing inclusively
Bibhu Prasad Routray

Nepal (Jan-Mar 2026)
Political Upheaval, Generational Change and Economic Uncertainty
Emerging from the Gen Z protests of September 2025, the country entered the new year under an interim government led by a former chief justice, focused on restoring stability and holding elections
Nishchal N Pandey & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

Afghanistan (Jan-Mar 2026)
Gender Repression, Leadership Rifts, Regional Realignments and Clashes with Pakistan
Afghanistan today is neither in immediate collapse nor on a credible path to stabilisation. Instead, it occupies an uneasy space defined by tactical resilience and structural fragility.
Anwesha Ghosh

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