NIAS Area Studies


PAKISTAN READER

Photo Source: AP
   NIAS Course on Global Politics
National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore
For any further information or to subscribe to GP alerts send an email to subachandran@nias.res.in

US Presidential Debate 2024: Trump exposes Biden’s weaknesses, promises stronger America

  Ayan Datta & Sayeka Ghosh

On 27 June, US President Joe Biden and former US President Donald Trump clashed for the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections. The debate was moderated by CNN.

US presidential debates have been held annually since the Kennedy-Nixon exchange in 1960, and have become a crucial part of the US political system. The debates play a pivotal role in US politics by influencing undecided voters. 

To ensure a fair exchange and prevent crosstalk, the candidates were allotted specific speaking times: two minutes to answer questions, followed by one minute for responses and rebuttals, and one additional minute at the moderators’ discretion. The candidates’ microphones were controlled to prevent interruptions. 

The following analysis classifies the various themes discussed in the debates under two heads: external and internal issues.

External Issues
Ukraine: Biden says Ukraine is vital for global stability, Trump stresses “America First”

On Ukraine, Biden emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, stating: “Ukraine’s democracy is vital to global stability.” He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to re-establish the Soviet Empire, and that failing to support Ukraine could lead to further aggression against other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries. Biden pointed out that the US, along with its NATO allies, has provided substantial funding and military support to Ukraine to counteract Russian aggression.

In contrast, Trump criticised the extensive financial aid provided to Ukraine, arguing: “We should be focusing on America first, not meddling in conflicts that don’t directly impact us.”  He stressed that the European nations should contribute more to NATO, given their geographical proximity to Russia. Trump claimed that under his leadership, NATO members had increased their financial contributions significantly. Further, he expressed belief that the war in Ukraine should never have started, and pledged to settle the conflict swiftly if re-elected.

Middle East: Biden reiterates three-stage plan, Trump calls him “bad Palestinian”
On Middle East issues, Biden outlined his proposal, endorsed by various international bodies, to resolve the conflict through a three-stage plan: trading hostages for a ceasefire, establishing a ceasefire with additional conditions, and ending the war. He stressed his commitment to a two-state solution and the importance of providing Israel with the necessary weapons while avoiding civilian casualties. 

However, Trump suggested that Israel should be allowed to finish its military operations against Hamas without interference. He criticised Biden’s approach, arguing it was too lenient and ineffective. He said: “Middle East policy under my administration was about strength and peace through power. Biden’s approach is weak and emboldens our adversaries.” Trump highlighted his efforts to strengthen US support for Israel and his role in organising international opposition to Iran’s missile attacks. He accused Biden of unduly favouring Palestine, saying: “He’s become like a Palestinian. But they don’t like him, because he’s a very bad Palestinian.”

NATO: Biden stresses NATO’s role in stability, Trump says Europe’s not paying enough
On NATO, Biden underscored the alliance’s significance in maintaining global stability and preventing wars in Europe. He argued that NATO’s strength lies in its collective defence agreements and the support of numerous countries worldwide. Biden suggested that Trump’s stance on potentially leaving NATO would undermine this stability and encourage further Russian aggression.

Trump, on the other hand, took credit for revitalising NATO by pressuring member countries to increase their defence spending. He contended that European nations were not contributing their fair share and that the US was bearing an unfair financial burden. Trump’s rhetoric suggested a more transactional approach to international alliances, prioritising financial contributions over strategic unity.

Immigration and border security: Biden opposes “putting children in cages,” Trump stresses strong enforcement
Biden advocated for a firm but humane approach to border security, highlighting that Trump’s policy of “separating families and putting children in cages is not the answer.” He emphasised the need for secure borders while ensuring migrants are treated with dignity and respect. His plan included increasing the number of border agents and asylum officers, deploying better technology at the border, and addressing the root causes of migration from Central America. He argued that these measures have already reduced illegal crossings and are essential for a fair and effective immigration system. Biden supported pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly those who have contributed positively to society, such as recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. 

In stark contrast, Trump focused on stringent enforcement and constructing a border wall. He criticised Biden’s policies as too lenient, claiming they have led to an increase in illegal immigration and a rise in criminal activity. He accused Biden of opening “the floodgates, letting in criminals and terrorists.” Trump insisted that only a strong physical barrier and strict enforcement measures can safeguard the country from what he described as chaos and lawlessness at the border. He dismissed Biden’s approach as naive, arguing that it fails to protect American citizens adequately. Trump opposed citizenship opportunities for undocumented migrants, labelling them as “amnesty” that would encourage further illegal immigration. 

Internal Issues
Economy: Biden argues he inherited economy “in freefall,” Trump says he made US “greatest economy in history”

Biden defended his economic record by highlighting the challenges he inherited, including an economy “in freefall” due to Trump’s mishandling of COVID-19 and unwarranted tax cuts for businessmen. He pointed to the creation of 800,000 new manufacturing jobs under his tenure and his administration’s efforts to reduce the cost of essentials like prescription drugs. However, he conceded that working-class Americans faced high housing prices, gas, and groceries. Noting these persisting issues, he pledged to address corporate greed by building more housing units and introducing rent ceilings.

Trump countered by asserting that his administration had built “the greatest economy in history” before the pandemic. He criticised Biden’s handling of inflation, accusing him of overspending and causing economic instability. Trump proposed a ten per cent tariff on goods entering the US to reduce trade deficits, a move he claimed would not be inflationary but force other countries, especially China, to pay more.

Gender and social inequalities: Biden emphasises women’s rights; Trump takes credit for Roe v Wade
On racial inequalities, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve relations between Black and White communities through policies aimed at economic and social justice. He pointed to initiatives to address systemic racism and support minority communities. Trump dismissed Biden’s efforts, claiming that under his presidency, unemployment rates for Black Americans were at historic lows and accused Biden of failing to deliver real progress.

On abortion, Biden criticised the overturning of Roe v. Wade, arguing that it undermined women’s rights and compared it to turning civil rights issues back to the states. He highlighted the hardships faced by women unable to access necessary medical care due to restrictive state laws. Trump took credit for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Roe v. Wade judgement, which returned the issue to the states. He expressed support for abortion in exceptional cases like rape, incest, and the life of the mother, and criticised Biden for allowing “radical” abortion policies. 

January 6 riots and democracy: Biden claims assault on democracy, Trump says he called peaceful protests
Biden condemned the attack on the Capitol as an assault on democracy. He stressed that Trump should held accountable for inciting the violence and stressed the importance of upholding democratic principles. 

Trump denied responsibility, stating: “January 6 was a day of patriotism, not insurrection. I called for peaceful and patriotic protests. The failures that day were on Nancy Pelosi and the D.C. mayor, who rejected my offer for National Guard support.” He questioned the integrity of the investigation into the riots, and accused Biden of weaponising the justice system against his political opponents.

Climate change and the US: Biden stresses on renewables and agreements, Trump promises energy independence 
Biden outlined his administration’s commitment to combating climate change through investments in renewable energy and international cooperation. He stressed the urgency of the issue and the need for the US to lead by example. 
Trump criticised Biden’s climate policies, arguing that they hurt the economy and energy independence. He questioned the effectiveness of global climate agreements and emphasised the importance of utilising American energy resources.

Closing Statements: Biden stresses unity against challenges, Trump promises to make America great again
The candidates’ closing statements reflected their competing visions for America. Biden called for unity and a collective effort to address the nation’s challenges, emphasising his commitment to building a better future for all Americans. Trump focused on restoring America’s greatness, stating: “we’re in a failing nation, but it’s not going to be failing anymore. We’re going to make it great again.”

Print Bookmark

October 2026 | CWA # 2294

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar  | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)

Switzerland President Parmelin's India visit I China's Golden Week
October 2026 | CWA # 2293

Lekshmi MK | Lekshmi MK is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The US "Super Intelligence Force":
October 2026 | CWA # 2292

Glynnis Winona B | Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student in the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies and Public Policy at St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru.

Brazil Elections 2026:
October 2026 | CWA # 2289

Namrata L Ghanghatkar and Urja Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar and Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Congo's Ebola crisis & Ethiopia's Tigray conflict
October 2026 | CWA # 2288

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The Houthi-Saudi Arabia Escalation:
October 2026 | CWA # 2280

Lekshmi MK | Lekshmi MK is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

Ocean State Report:
October 2026 | CWA # 2275

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS),

Myanmar's deepening Rohingya crisis I US withdrawal from Iraq
October 2026 | CWA # 2273

Akshath Kaimal | Akshath Kaimal is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

War returns to Tigray:
September 2026 | CWA # 2272

Namrata L Ghanghatkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The US Consumer Price Index Report:
September 2026 | CWA # 2271

Urja R Kudalkar | Urja R Kudalkar is a Post graduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. She is currently a Research intern at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Femicide in Afghanistan:
September 2026 | CWA # 2270

Urja R Kudalkar | Urja R Kudalkar is a Post graduate student at Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. She is currently a Research intern at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Militant groups in Iraq:
September 2026 | CWA # 2266

Nithin V | Nithin V is a postgraduate student in International Relations, with an interest in geopolitics, international political economy, and climate governance. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Venezuela Oil Agreement:
September 2026 | CWA # 2265

Sreemaya Nair | Sreemaya Nair is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai. She is also a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The SCO Summit 2026:
September 2026 | CWA # 2264

Sreemaya Nair | Sreemaya Nair is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai. She is also a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The SCO Summit in Bishkek:
September 2026 | CWA # 2260

Yesasvi Koganti | Yesasvi Koganti is an undergraduate scholar at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. She is also a Research Intern at NIAS, Bengaluru. 

The State of Food Security and Nutrition:
September 2026 | CWA # 2259

Aparna A Nair | Aparna A Nair is a postgraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. She is currently a Research Assistant at NIAS.

The Trial of Joshua Wong:
September 2026 | CWA # 2258

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The US-Iran War Week 26:
August 2026 | CWA # 2256

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Lake Ontario
August 2026 | CWA # 2255

Priyanka Makhijani | Priyanka Makhijani is a postgraduate student at the department of Public Policy, School of Social Science, Ramaiah University of Applied science. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

China's First Land-Based Rocket Recovery:
August 2026 | CWA # 2254

Namrata L Ghanghatkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The US-Canada tariff tensions:
August 2026 | CWA # 2253

Akshath Kaimal | Akshath Kaimal is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, and is part of the NIAS Pakistan Reader team.

The case against Meta:
August 2026 | CWA # 2252

Namrata L Ghanghatkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The US and North Korea:
August 2026 | CWA # 2251

Adwaith Sankar | Adwaith Sankar is a final-year undergraduate student pursuing Political Science and International Liberal Studies through the NUS-Waseda Double Degree Programme. He is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS),

Kim Jong Un:
August 2026 | CWA # 2249

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS),

General Ratko Mladic I Kidnapping in Nigeria I Wildfires in North Africa
August 2026 | CWA # 2241

Urja R Kudalkar | Urja R Kudalkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, RUAS, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The Board of Peace Plan for Gaza:
August 2026 | CWA # 2235

Adwaith Sankar | Adwaith Sankar is an undergraduate student pursuing Political Science and International Liberal Studies through the NUS-Waseda Double Degree Programme. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

Southeast Asia (April-June 2026)
August 2026 | CWA # 2232

Dattesh D Parulekar | Dr Dattesh D. Parulekar is an Assistant Professor at the School of International and Area Studies, Goa University.

Latin America (Apr-Jun 2026):
August 2026 | CWA # 2226

Nithin V | Nithin V is a postgraduate student in International Relations, with an interest in geopolitics, international political economy, and climate governance. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Colombia's ban on Female Genital Mutilation:
August 2026 | CWA # 2222

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)

Peru's new President Netanyahu's Washington visit
July 2026 | CWA # 2217

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)

The Berlin Pride attack
July 2026 | CWA # 2216

Manikranth Chakravarthula | Manikranth Chakravarthula is a doctoral student at the Conflict Resolution and Peace Research Programme, School of Conflict and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The Houthis:
July 2026 | CWA # 2213

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Bengaluru

The US-Iran War, Week 22:
July 2026 | CWA # 2211

Priyanka Makhijani | Priyanka Makhijani is a postgraduate student at the department of Public Policy, School of Social Science, Ramaiah University of Applied science. She is currently an intern at NIAS. 

AI's Rogue Agent Breach:
July 2026 | CWA # 2210

Adwaith Sankar | Adwaith Sankar is an undergraduate student pursuing Political Science and International Liberal Studies through the NUS-Waseda Double Degree Programme. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

ASEAN Regional Forum:
July 2026 | CWA # 2209

Namrata L Ghanghatkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The return of US-Canada Tariff Tensions:
July 2026 | CWA # 2208

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate student from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

The US-Saudi Arabia Nuclear Cooperation Agreement:
July 2026 | CWA # 2204

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The Houthis target Saudi Arabia:
July 2026 | CWA # 2203

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

US-Iran War, Week 21:
July 2026 | CWA # 2197

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate student from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

The US-Iran War, Week 20:
July 2026 | CWA # 2195

Radhika M Agarwal | Radhika M Agarwal is a an internt at NIAS and also a postgraduate student at the Department of Politics and International Relations in Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar.

The C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue: 
July 2026 | CWA # 2189

Dhivya KM | Dhivya K M is an intern at NIAS and is also a postgraduate student from the Department of Financial Economics, Madras School of Economics, Chennai.

The IMF World Economic Outlook: 
July 2026 | CWA # 2184

Deb Dutta | Deb Dutta completed his graduation from the Department of Political Science, Sir Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE), Puducherry. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

UNHCR Global Trends Report 2025: 
July 2026 | CWA # 2180

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate student from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

Iran after Ali Khamenei
July 2026 | CWA # 2177

Deb Dutta | Deb Dutta completed his graduation from the Department of Political Science, Sir Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE), Puducherry. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

PM Takaichi's India visit: 
July 2026 | CWA # 2174

Yesasvi Koganti | Yesasvi Koganti is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. She is also an intern at NIAS, Bengaluru. 

The Israel-Lebanon Framework:
July 2026 | CWA # 2172

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran negotiations:
June 2026 | CWA # 2164

Shreya Upadhyay | Dr Shreya Upadhyay is an Assistant Professor at Christ (deemed to be) University, Bengaluru, and Fellow, Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies.

The United States (April-June 2026)
June 2026 | CWA # 2159

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate student from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

The US-Iran MoU
June 2026 | CWA # 2151

Rohini Reenum | Rohini Reenum is a doctoral student at NIAS. She is working on Governance in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction using the case study of the BBNJ Agreement.

Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Jews:
June 2026 | CWA # 2149

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran MoU:
June 2026 | CWA # 2136

Acsah H | Acsah H is a postgraduate student at the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Institute of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, MAHE, Manipal, Udupi. She is currently a research intern at NIAS.

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:
June 2026 | CWA # 2135

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026:
June 2026 | CWA # 2134

Aishal Hab Yousuf | Aishal Hab Yousuf is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies. Stella Maris College, Chennai. She is currently an intern at NIAS, Bengaluru.

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026: Four Major Takeaways
June 2026 | CWA # 2132

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran War, Week Fourteen:
June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum | Rohini Reenum is a doctoral student at NIAS. She is working on Governance in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction using the case study of the BBNJ Agreement.

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:
May 2026 | CWA # 2127

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru

The Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting 2026:
May 2026 | CWA # 2124

Glynnis Winona B | Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies, and Public Policy, St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengalur

The Crisis in Cuba:
May 2026 | CWA # 2121

Deb Dutta | Deb Dutta completed his graduation from the Department of Political Science, Sir Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE), Puducherry. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the Border Tensions:
May 2026 | CWA # 2120

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Conflicts in the Middle East
May 2026 | CWA # 2116

Yesasvi Koganti | Yesasvi Koganti is currently pursuing undergraduate studies at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. 

India, the UAE, and PM Modi’s visit:
May 2026 | CWA # 2114

Glynnis Winona B | Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies and Public Policy, St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru

What makes the UAE a global player?
May 2026 | CWA # 2112

Nithin V | Nithin V is a postgraduate student in international relations at Loyola College, Chennai. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Why does the Falkland Islands dispute keep recurring?
May 2026 | CWA # 2109

Aishal Hab Yousuf | Aishal Hab Yousuf is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

North Korea's Constitutional Amendment 2026:
May 2026 | CWA # 2104

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
May 2026 | CWA # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Conflicts in the Middle East:
May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:
May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V | Nithin V is a postgraduate student in International Relations, with an interest in geopolitics, international political economy, and climate governance. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

King Charles's US Visit: 
May 2026 | CWA # 2087

Siddhi Halyur | Siddhi Halyur is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Public Policy and Journalism at St Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Japan, Vietnam and PM Takaichi’s Visit
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf | Aishal Hab Yousuf is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

UAE's Exit from OPEC: 
May 2026 | CWA # 2085

Glynnis Winona B | Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies and Public Policy, St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru

US troop withdrawal from Germany: 
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:
May 2026 | CWA # 2081

Jenin Raj S | Dr Jenin Raj S is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Centre for Media, Department of Journalism, Mount Carmel College (Autonomous), Bengaluru.

Media freedom hits a 25-year low:
April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf | Aishal Hab Yousuf, Postgraduate student, Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Japan’s New Defence Posture:
April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah | Ms Sarah is a Research Assistant at NIAS and Assistant Editor of NIAS Conflict Weekly.

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
April 2026 | CWA # 2073

Akshath Kaimal | Mr Kaimal is a Research Assistant at NIAS. He works on Pakistan and Africa.

The US-Iran War, Week Eight:
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon | Dr Lakshmi Venugopal Menon is an academic and policy researcher specializing in Gulf studies, cultural heritage trafficking, geopolitics, migration, Afghan politics and the Taliban.

The Middle East (Jan–Mar 2026):
March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

March 2026 | CWA # 2001

Preetha Renganarayanan

February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti | Yesasvi Koganti is an undergraduate student from Madras Christian College, Chennai.

UK and China
February 2026 | CWA # 1957

Preetha Renganarayanan | R Preetha is pursuing post-graduation in the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai, and is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The India-US interim trade framework
February 2026 | CWA # 1956

Lekshmi MK | Lekshmi MK is pursuing post-graduation in the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai, and is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

End of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta | Centre for South Asian Studies, Kathmandu

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

Afghanistan