Special Issue: The World This Quarter (Apr-Jun 2026)

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CWA # 2202, 19 July 2026

The World This Week

Special Issue: The World This Quarter (Apr-Jun 2026)

Special Issue

TWTW Special Commentaries

China’s Domestic Landscape (April-June 2026):
Reforms, Regulations, Reinvention and Risk Management
The second quarter of 2026 has brought the central paradox of China’s contemporary governance into sharp focus: how to consolidate centralized state authority and guarantee internal security while simultaneously sustaining economic dynamism.
Anand V
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China’s External Landscape (April-June 2026):
Trump-Xi Summit, Pressure on Taiwan and Managing the US-Iran War
The second quarter of 2026 saw a more robust and proactive diplomatic posture than the first quarter; Beijing mostly focused on mending relations with Europe and reducing its engagement in Middle Eastern crises..
Lakshmi Karlekar
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East Asia (April-June 2026)
Strategic Rebalancing, Neo-Militarisation and Increasing Tensions in Taiwan Straits
Trump-Xi meeting, Cross-Strait tensions, Xi's visit to North Korea, China-Japan tensions, and South Korean President's India visit were the highlights of the second quarter in East Asia.
Teshu Singh
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Southeast Asia (April-June 2026)
Economic headwinds, Internal friction, and Contrasting domestic developments
Trump-Xi meeting, Cross-Strait tensions, Xi's visit to North Korea, China-Japan tensions, and South Korean President's India visit were the highlights of the second quarter in East Asia.
Adwaith Sankar
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The United States (April-June 2026)
Trump’s Gunboat Diplomacy and its Returns
Washington continues to be transactional, unpredictable and temporary in its relations. A war has ended, but peace remains fragile. A trade deal stayed unsigned and is quickly becoming a liability.
Shreya Upadhyay
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Europe (April-June 2026)
End of the Orban Era, Political Fragmentation, Tightening of Migration Rules and Continuing Economic Slowdown
Europe saw increased challenges for incumbent governments. While there is a shift away from long-standing populist strongholds in Hungary, far-right gains continued in Germany. Overall, there was a persistent political instability in Western Europe.
Himani Pant
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Russia (April-June 2026)
Unsuccessful Offensive, Drone Attacks and Economic Challenges
As the conflict enters its fifth summer, Russia is navigating a fragile convergence of military attrition, systemic economic degradation and aggressive domestic political sanitization.
Ramya B
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The Middle East (April–June 2026):
Fragile De-escalation amid Persistent Volatility
In the aftermath of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, April-June 2026 witnessed intensive diplomatic efforts solely directed to prevent yet another full-scale war. Although a US-Iran ceasefire reduced the immediate risk of a broader conflict significantly, regional military skirmishes persisted.
Lakshmi Venugopal Menon
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Central Asia and South Caucasus (Apr-Jun 2026)
Economic Growth in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and the Consolidation of Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process
Athar Zafar
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Latin America (Apr-Jun 2026):
The 'Right' Electoral Tilt, Upswing in Venezuela-India relations, and Argentina's Energy Rise
Dattesh D Parulekar
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India and the World (Apr-Jun 2026)
High-Level Visits, Sideline Diplomacy and Upgrading Ties
The second quarter of 2026 presented India with a mix of bilateral and multilateral wins, exemplifying India’s sustained efforts to rise above middle-power status and leave a larger strategic footprint globally.
Adarsh Vijay
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South Asia
Afghanistan (Apr–Jun 2026):
Growing External Engagement, Enduring Internal Constraints
The second quarter of 2026 highlighted both the opportunities and limitations confronting Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Anwesha Ghosh
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South Asia
Nepal (Apr–Jun 2026):
New Government, Political Stability and Economic Recovery

This quarter witnessed governance reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, the national budget, and renewed diplomatic engagement, especially with India and China.
Mahesh Bhatta
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South Asia
Sri Lanka (Apr–Jun 2026):
Resilience, Recovery, and Rising Global Standing

Sri Lanka closed the quarter with its global peace ranking climbing sharply, its IMF programme intact and even eased in the country's favour, and its diplomatic standing with both India and China reinforced..
Arafaath Rahby
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