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Conflict Weekly
War returns to Tigray I The "UN Gender Snapshot 2026" Report

  NIAS Global Politics Team

War returns to Tigray:
Renewed violence, Broken peace agreement and a Humanitarian crisis

Akshath Kaimal

In the news
On 20 September, Reuters reported that seven Tigrayan militant groups, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), joined together to form the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival.

On 23 September, Al Jazeera reported that the alliance launched a large-scale military offensive against Ethiopian armed forces in Tigray, Afar and Amhara.

Between 25 and 28 September, fighting continued in Tigray as the army launched airstrikes and cut internet and telecommunication services.

On 01 October, Africa News reported that federal forces captured the strategic town of Alamata. 52 civilians had been killed, while over 700 had been hospitalised, according to MSF.

On 02 October, Ethiopia cut diplomatic ties with Eritrea, accusing it of supporting TPLF fighters in Tigray.

Issues at large
1. A region in perpetual conflict
Tigray remains locked in perpetual conflict primarily driven by ethnic marginalisation, territorial disputes, and economic isolation. Despite constituting just 6 per cent of Ethiopia’s 126 million population, the TPLF dominated national politics for 27 years until Abiy Ahmed’s 2018 election victory. Subsequent political disenfranchisement and federal centralisation by the Abiy government alienated Tigrayans, triggering the 2020 civil war. Core structural grievances remain unresolved: over 500,000 Tigrayans remain ethnically cleansed from disputed northwestern Tigray, while an estimated 15,000 Eritrean troops continue illegally occupying northern border areas like Badme and Irob. Economic neglect has also exacerbated local resentment. Federal blockades reinstated in late September 2026 have left 80 per cent of Tigray’s 5.5 million residents without banking, electricity, or telecommunications. With youth unemployment in Mekelle exceeding 60 per cent, economic marginalisation and territorial occupation have created the perfect recruiting ground for armed fighters.

2. The collapse of the peace agreement
The 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement was signed to end a devastating two-year civil war that claimed an estimated 600,000 lives and displaced 2.1 million people. Mediated by the African Union, the pact called for four major objectives: complete TPLF disarmament, the withdrawal of non-federal and foreign forces, restoration of federal authority, and unhindered humanitarian access into Tigray. However, implementation stalled almost immediately. By mid-2024, the TPLF had surrendered less than 30 per cent of its heavy weaponry, while Eritrean forces maintained active positions across northern Tigray. Political trust eroded further in May 2026 when TPLF hardliners led by Debretsion Gebremichael forcibly ousted Getachew Reda’s federally backed interim administration. The federal government’s decision to exclude Tigray from national elections in mid-2026 due to the security conditions eventually prompted TPLF forces to rearm and re-establish military control over regional institutions.

3. A regional alliance and support from Eritrea
The latest escalation marks a realignment of Ethiopia's conflict landscape. In September 2026, seven insurgent groups formed the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival. This coalition unites roughly 150,000 TPLF combatants with 40,000 Amhara Fano militiamen and Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) fighters, bringing former enemies together against Abiy Ahmed’s federal government. Operationally, insurgents have deployed heavy artillery and mobile motorised units, seizing regional airports in Axum, Shire, and Mekelle to sever federal air transport. Externally, Eritrea continues to allegedly provide logistical support, small arms, and safe havens to TPLF and Fano factions, despite Asmara denying the allegation. As a result, Addis Ababa has severed diplomatic ties with its neighbour. Conversely, the federal Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) relies on state-backed regional militias, like the Tigray Peace Forces, and imported combat drones to launch precision airstrikes across Tigray. This has resulted in extensive military and civilian casualties.

4. A compounding humanitarian crisis
The latest round of hostilities has compounded the lingering destruction of the 2020 civil war, creating a severe humanitarian crisis in Tigray. Across the region, 4.5 million people require urgent food assistance, according to the UN World Food Programme. Yet the agency faces a critical 65 per cent funding deficit for 2026. Displacement has surged due to the latest violence, with 50,000 civilians fleeing Tigray between 25 September and 02 October, adding to Ethiopia’s 3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Women and children suffer the impacts of the violence disproportionately. Severe acute malnutrition among children under five has hit 28 per cent - nearly double the UN’s 15 per cent emergency threshold - while 52 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the region are acutely malnourished. In addition to this, climate-induced droughts, a regional cholera outbreak exceeding 12,000 cases, and federal service restrictions have left 80 per cent of health facilities non-functional, cutting off vital maternal care and emergency aid.

In perspective
First, the unresolved tensions finally reached a boiling point. The Abiy government’s decision to exclude Tigray from the general elections can be seen as the tipping point in tensions between Tigray and the federal government. Years of neglect and displacement were not addressed despite the peace agreement, and the fallout of that can be seen in the latest round of violence.

Second, Tigray’s rebel alliance could pose a major threat to Abiy. The alliance formed by the Tigrayan rebel groups presents a unique challenge to Abiy’s government, as these groups previously fought against each other. The newly-formed coalition has similarities to the FLA-JNIM alliance in Mali and could pose a significant military threat to the government. This is already evident in the increased sophistication of attacks and the takeover of regional institutions like airports.

Third, funding cuts and restricted access will worsen the humanitarian crisis. With funding for aid projects in Ethiopia seeing a decline in 2026, people in Tigray are expected to see worse outcomes in health, education and protection when compared to previous years. This is compounded by the federal government restricting Tigrayans’ access to aid and basic services. This will worsen not only the humanitarian situation but also increase resentment against the government, further deteriorating ties between the region and the government.


The "UN Gender Snapshot 2026" Report: Seven Takeaways
Systemic Erosion of Gender Mechanisms, Stacked Glass Ceiling and the Widening Gap

Preetha Renganarayanan

On 17 September 2026, the UN Women and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) released the “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2026” report examining gender equality across all 17 SDGs. The central argument of the report is that while progress has been made across areas including women’s political leadership, entry into the corporate ladder, and legal reforms, these upticks remain fragile. It also underlines that the institutions built over decades to advance gender equality face systemic erosion or reversal at a time when it is most needed. With no SDG 5 target currently on track for 2030, the report places women’s leadership and decision-making at the centre of the gender equality agenda.

The following are seven key takeaways from the report.

1. Progress on women’s political leadership is losing momentum after years of upward trajectory 
Women’s political representation has slowly increased in the last five years but the progress has lost its momentum and remains far from parity. The number of countries with a woman Head of State increased from 20 to 28 between 2020 to 2026. However, six in seven countries are still led by men. Progress towards equality in political power remains fragile with women’s representation in national cabinets declining to 22.4 per cent in 2026 after peaking at 23.3 per cent two years ago. Backsliding in women’s parliamentary leadership is also evident with their share declining in 54 countries in the last five years. Most importantly, even when women enter cabinet they remain disproportionately steered away from portfolios that command the highest economic and security power. The report therefore frames political leadership as a fragile gain requiring sustained measures to prevent reversal and accelerate parity.

2.    Institutions built over decades to advance gender equality are facing systemic erosion 
The institutional architecture supporting gender equality is eroding at a time when the global need for it is stark. One in three national gender equality mechanisms reported a decline in their institutional power over the past two years. Over the same period, nearly one in four saw their operating budgets cut. In addition, nearly one in three national mechanisms reported at least one of three setbacks, either declining government attention to gender equality, cuts to gender data collection, or the reduction or elimination of programmes and activities. The report therefore argues that the outcome is a framework that exists on paper while losing the institutional capacity needed to bring them to practice.

3.     The “stacked glass ceiling” limits women’s influence over corporate decision making
Women make up around 40 per cent of the global workforce, but their representation lags sharply as they move up the corporate ladder. Among more than 9,600 publicly listed company boards across 62 countries, women occupied only 5.8 per cent of CEO positions and roughly 25 per cent of board seats. The disparity is also seen in realised pay with women board members receiving 67.6 per cent less on an average than their male counterparts. Importantly, women hold less decision-making power than their representation in 71.8 per cent of publicly traded companies, and this gender power gap rises to 82.8 per cent among larger firms. The pattern points to a “stacked glass ceiling” wherein entering corporate leadership does not necessarily give women equal share of the power to influence decisions.
 
4.    Women’s organizations in humanitarian settings face an ‘existential breaking point’ with severe funding cuts
Women’s organizations are often the first responders in crisis settings, however they are among the worst affected by funding cuts. Organisations which have historically received less than 1 per cent of official development assistance (ODA) for gender equality are now facing an existential breaking point. Funding for them fell by 28 per cent between 2023 and 2024 with further reductions expected. A 2026 survey of 855 organizations across 52 crisis-affected settings found that 88 per cent of them are not in a position to meet present levels of needs, impacting over a million women and girls without access to previously availed services. In this context, the report underlines that defunding them is not only a failure for gender equality but it also undermines the localization promises made by global donors. 

5.    Women are confronted with a double bind of overrepresentation in poverty and underrepresentation in positions to end it
Women are disproportionately exposed to poverty while having limited say over policies pertaining to it. The report underlines the largest gender gap in poverty wherein women exceed men by 2 per cent among young adults. However, women account for only 19 per cent of ministers leading economic portfolios and 40 per cent of ministers responsible for social protection. This gap stands out as global evidence clearly shows the correlation between women’s fiscal/political leadership and better spending on public health, education and lower child mortality rates. 

6.    Women remain far below parity in peace processes despite bearing severe consequences of conflicts
With armed conflicts sharply intensifying in the last twenty years, women and girls bear severe consequences but are largely kept outside from the formal efforts to end it. Globally, 756.1 million women and girls lived within 50 kilometres of at least one armed conflict in 2025. In the same year, cases of conflict related sexual violence more than doubled when compared to 2024 figures. Despite this, over eight in ten peace processes worldwide witnessed no women negotiators or mediators. Worryingly, women were signatories to only two peace agreements. In this context, the report highlights the contradiction between the need to have women at the table versus their continued exclusion from formal peace and security decision-making.

7.    Stronger national gender equality mechanisms, gender-responsive budgets, inclusive data systems and transforming discriminatory social norms as the way forward
The report decisively puts forth that gender equality remains a goal for the year of 2197, and not 2030 given the present barriers to women in power. The extent of this 171-year gap comes out clearly in the report’s assessment of SDG 5 wherein it notes that none of the targets are on track. In this context, the report calls for integrated actions to close the gaps. This includes strengthening national gender equality mechanisms, scaling gender-responsive budgeting and setting up comprehensive impact tracking systems. It also calls for flexible, multi-year funding directly accessible to women’s organizations, along with stronger sex-disaggregated and intersectional data systems. Electoral frameworks must also address the high financial costs of running for office which currently remains exclusionary for women from vulnerable backgrounds. Finally, the report stresses on dismantling discriminatory social norms by transforming narratives on women in leadership and expanding their access to opportunities, resources and decision-making spaces.


Newsmakers of the Week
Myanmar's deepening Rohingya crisis I US withdrawal from Iraq Escalating Ebola outbreak in Congo

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Myanmar’s Rohingya crisis deepens: 
Malaysia repatriates first batch of Myanmar nationals amid fears of persecution

On 29 and 30 September, Mizzima and other major sources reported that Malaysia began repatriating Myanmar nationals under a programme rights groups warn could endanger them, despite safety warnings from the UN and human rights organisations. Around 1,500 people were bused under security escort to a stadium near Malaysia's Lumut naval base, before boarding two Myanmar navy vessels and a hospital ship. This is the first batch of up to 5,000 people Kuala Lumpur plans to return. A Myanmar Foreign Ministry official said the operation involves "genuine citizens" and "is not about bringing back the Rohingya people." However, AFP reported neither government has clarified how many Rohingya are in this group, and rights groups fear some could face persecution amounting to genocide. Malaysia hosts about 215,600 UNHCR-registered refugees, including roughly 126,000 Rohingya. UNHCR said current conditions "do not support the safe and sustainable return of refugees," adding it was not involved in identifying those being repatriated. APHR separately urged Malaysia to halt the returns, citing risks of armed conflict and forced conscription. PM Anwar Ibrahim defended the policy as pragmatic diplomacy.

 

The US withdraws from Iraq: 
After 12 years against ISIL, Washington hands security to Baghdad

On 30 September, Guardian and other major news reported that, the Pentagon announced it had formally completed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, concluding Operation Inherent Resolve. The last forces and equipment left an air base in Erbil under a 2024 US-Iraq agreement, ending a phased drawdown. US troops first invaded in 2003, peaked at 170,000 in 2007, left in 2011 and returned in 2014 to fight ISIL. Some 2,500 personnel were stationed in northern Iraq and Syria in recent years. President Trump called the exit "a great day for America" and the Iraq war a "quagmire". The Pentagon described a shift from a wartime coalition to an Iraqi-led security effort, with continued training and intelligence support. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi presided over the handover and called it a "new phase" of sovereignty. Baghdad declared four "Sovereignty Days". The withdrawal leaves concerns. Iran and its allied militias hailed it as a victory, and Baghdad's weapons-surrender deadline for armed groups has moved to June 2027. Kurdish officials fear the loss of US air defences, as the region has faced over 1,000 drone and missile attacks since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on 28 February. Officials said a suspected ISIL cell planned attacks timed to the pullout, though the group is at its weakest, with a few hundred fighters.

Congo Ebola outbreak: 
Cases surpass 8,000 as health worker shortages and spread deepen crisis
On 30 September, Reuters and other major sources reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak had surpassed 8,067 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths as of 26 September, a fatality rate of over 48 per cent, making it the country's largest and deadliest on record and the second largest in history after the 2014-2016 West African outbreak. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain for which no vaccine or treatment exists, is spread across 63 health zones in seven provinces, with Ituri the hardest-hit at 6,032 confirmed cases. WHO said the high fatality rate and the large proportion of deaths occurring in communities highlighted persistent challenges in timely case detection and early patient care. Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention data showed the outbreak had outpaced the 2014-2016 West African outbreak in terms of spread over the same period. Response efforts have been scaling up but remain strained. WHO epidemiologists increased from 58 to 114 between July and September, bed capacity rose from 929 to 1,510 across 54 health facilities, and more than 5 million people were sensitised through community engagement. However, over 1,400 additional health professionals are still needed, and health worker shortages have worsened, with 50 workers having died since May and payment disputes triggering strikes. G20 nations committed USD 2.9 billion to fighting the outbreak last week. 

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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