CWA # 2170
The World This Quarter
The World This Quarter
From China to the US
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30 June 2026
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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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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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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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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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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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