Why is the UK reluctant to engage?

Public pressure against the US-Iran War, economic apprehensions and the European position play a role in UK’s approach towards the US-Iran War.

Kirsten Wilfred Coelho | Kirsten Wilfred Coelho is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. 

President Trump and the US-China Trade Tensions

Amb Raghavan’s analysis of multilateralism in a bipolar world validates strategic autonomy across every field.

Kirsten Wilfred Coelho | Kirsten Wilfred Coelho is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. 

The Eurasian-Indo Pacific Congruence and its Critique

Whilst Amb Raghavan’s point about the careful handling of China being central to achieving the objectives of the congruence of constructs cannot be doubted, China respects strength.

Santhosh Guru PR

Transactional US foreign policy and it implications for India’s Strategic Autonomy

Amb Raghavan’s insights in US-India power asymmetry, the US “Expectation Trap” and avoiding the European fate are important for New Delhi to pursue its strategic autonomy.

Rakshitha B | Rakshitha B is a final-year undergraduate student of political science and economics at Mount Carmel College

The Russia–Ukraine War and the Rise of Parallel Strategic Systems: A Critique of Raghavan’s Strategic Framework

Amb Raghavan's call for a "multipolar" world reflects India’s long-standing view that the world is safer when power is shared, is a practical approach.

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.

The US-Iran War, Week Ten

NIAS Conflict Weekly #330, 08 May 2026, Vol 7, No. 17

NIAS Global Politics Team

Conflicts in the Middle East:

Lebanon’s leadership has emerged assertive in its stance against Israel’s ceasefire violations and entrenching occupation.

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:

The 14-point plan proposed by the US emphasises the immediate reopening of the strait over the long-term resolution of the conflict.

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.

US troop withdrawal from Germany I UAE’s Exit from OPEC I Japan, Vietnam and PM Takaichi’s Visit

The World This Week #353, Vol 8, No 15, 03 May 2026

Global Politics Team

King Charles's US Visit: 

King Charles speeches focused on partnership, mutual respect, and long-term friendship between the US and the UK.

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.

Japan, Vietnam and PM Takaichi’s Visit

The Japanese PM’s visit has expanded the scope of bilateral cooperation beyond trade, investment, and development aid to include critical minerals, AI, and semiconductors.

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.

UAE’s Exit from OPEC: 

The timing of the exit during an ongoing major conflict reflects growing fragmentation within the Gulf.

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.

US troop withdrawal from Germany: 

President Trump’s frustration reflects a broader transactional worldview that allies must contribute, not just comment.

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

The US-Iran War, Week Nine I Escalating Violence in Mali

NIAS IPRI

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:

Washington appears willing to sustain the pressure on Iran and higher global oil prices to force a more comprehensive deal on American terms rather than accepting a quick, limited reopening that could allow Tehran to regroup.

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.

Escalating Violence in Mali:

The conflict is driven by three primary actors: the Malian government, the FLA, and JNIM.

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

Media freedom hits a 25-year low:

Press freedom is experiencing a significant and concerning decline, reaching its lowest level in 25 years, driven by political pressure, economic instability, technological disruption, and increasing hostility toward journalists.

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.

Nepal’s New “National Commitment” I Japan’s New Defence Posture

The World This Week #351-352, Vol 8, No 13-14, 26 April 2026

Global Politics Team

Japan’s New Defence Posture:

Increasing tensions with China, North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and Russia have increased Japan’s threat perceptions. Besides, there is a broad perception shift in Japan of US security guarantees.

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.

Nepal’s New “National Commitment”

The National Commitment document represents an important attempt to align political priorities into a single, comprehensible national roadmap. The draft serves as a guide for the next five years.

Mahesh Bhatta | Mr Mahesh Raj Bhatta is a Research Fellow at the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), Kathmandu, Nepal.