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The World This Week
Leaked Pentagon Documents: Major Takeaways
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GP Team
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The World This Week #210, Vol. 5, No. 14
23 April 2023
Padmashree Anandhan, Harini Madhusudan, Rashmi Ramesh, Ankit Singh, Anu Maria Joseph and Femy Francis
Takeaways from Pentagon leaked documents: Russia-Ukraine Conflict a Tactical Lens, the growing presence of Wagner and the Turkiye Increasing its Relevance
1. Russia-Ukraine Conflict From a Tactical Lens
First, a negative prediction for Ukraine’s air force and counteroffensive. The document leak confirmed that Ukraine is fighting with limited air defence systems. Since 2023, Ukraine began demanding modern aviation and fighter jets which can change the gears from defensive to offensive. It faces a threat of exhaustion of medium to high-range air-defence systems (S-300, SA-3, and SA-12) such as IRIS-T by March, SA-11 by April, and NASAMS by May 2023. Additionally, the inability to match the “Russian air superiority,” and increased usage of SA-10, while SA-11 depletes. It claims the increased capability of Russia in ariel manoeuvring and improved accuracy in “long-range munitions.”
Second, fragility and frustration in the Ukraine Armed Forces (UAF). The maps in the leaked documents disclose the vulnerable position of the Ukraine forces in the southwest, northern, eastern, and southern. It confirms the Russian encirclement of the Bakhmut, leaving out West of Bakhmut, the only supply route for UAF subject to attacks. The document also confirms the defeat of Ukraine's forces in the north, forcing it to withdraw from Berkhivka resulting in the loss of the Ground Line of Communication (GLOC) between Bakhmut and the M-03 highway. This highway is considered essential for Ukraine as it connects to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, losing the GLOC would challenge its ground force operation. To ease the difficult position in the Bakhmut, Ukraine plans to involve Shaman or Kraken units of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) for a maximum of two weeks. In the battle of Bakhmut as per the leaked documents, clashes have emerged between the UAF and Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), as UAF demands only the “combat element” of the HUR units without its “command and control.” HUR Officer has criticized the UAF leadership for asking only for combat as it mandates a “clear ground control” to reduce the complexities faced by Ukraine forces and to secure Yahidne (located in the centre of Bakhmut, another side of Berkhivka). Securing Yahidne is crucial for Ukraine as it is predicted to host an important supply road for Ukraine.
Third, third-party entities and the US allies' role in military support and strengthening. Throughout the war, Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of receiving support from external actors. On the one hand, the US, the EU, and NATO allies have been supporting Ukraine. On the other, Belarus and Iran have been supporting Russia. The leak has exposed the involvement of other actors in the conflict and revealed the military exercises conducted by NATO allies in a 24-48 hours span. The documents confirm the transfer of the Iskander-M division, and Russia’s air defence units into Belarus to launch an offensive into Ukraine. This shows Belarus’s approval to switch from training to launching an offensive into Ukraine from its territory. In the case of South Korea, it has faced pressure from the US to send ammunition to Ukraine. To avoid the public debate of it adhering to US’s demand, it has tried to circumvent its support through Poland, although Poland’s reaction was yet to be verified. For Israel, which has so far agreed to provide non-lethal aid to Ukraine, the documents reveal the possibility of different scenarios which can prompt it to provide lethal aid to Ukraine. Especially under the pressure of the US, a shift in Russia’s behaviour in Syria and its relations with Iran. Apart from this, the most surprising element would be the engagement of the “joint staff” of the US, the UK, France, Latvia, and the Netherlands in Ukraine. The joint land, sea, and air military exercises held between the southeast Flank of Europe, NATO allies, and numerous training camps held by the US, Germany, and Netherlands for UAF showcase the intensity and depths of military strengthening.
Fourth, a grim overview of Russia in the battle for Donbas. When Russia began the war, the first step was to proclaim Donetsk and Luhansk regions as its republics. The war later north and south of Ukraine created an inverted “c.” This area coming under Russia’s control announced the annexation of the republics along with Zaporizhzhia and Kherson despite Ukraine's successful counteroffensive in Kherson. As a result of Russia’s determination to counter Ukraine’s defence, challenges in terms of logistics, command control, and personnel emerged. The same has been validated by the leaked documents. It states that due to Russia’s decision to involve the forces from the self-proclaimed republics, the Wagner Group, its private military security along with the Russian forces in different tactical attacks has led to exhaustion. Therefore, predicting a difficult recovery of Russian forces and replenishment of stocks, resulted in a “stalemate” beyond 2023.
2. An Increasing Presence of Wagner
The Wagner group is led by Putin ally Yevegeny Prigozhin, known as "Putin's chef.” Wagner group has emerged as one the most popularly talked about aspects of the Russian efforts in the War in Ukraine.
First, the observation of Wagner’s renewed recruitment process. The documents alleging the Wagner group’s resumed recruitment refer to Project 42174. This project is aimed at recruiting, training and integrating Russian convicts to fight the War. The document refers to a moment when the senior Wagner officials were stationed at 70 prisoner recruitment points and in its background, the Russian MoD recalling their recruits.
Second, the deployment of mercenaries in Africa and South America. The Wagner Group sent their troops to the Central African Republic and Mali. It has also shown interest in deploying its troops to the southern coast of the U.S. in Haiti. “They’ll work for anyone and offer dictators coup security,” Vice News reported, referring to vulnerable national leaders who might employ the Russian mercenaries as private security details and a loyal military force.
The Wagner group, in the past months, has been complaining of a short supply of weapons to their war-fighting troops in Ukraine. With this background, the documents reveal the group’s efforts to reach out to other countries to meet their requirements. In early 2023, the group was reported to have sought munitions and equipment from China. However, China has so far not sent any weapons or scripted a contract with the group regarding weapons deliveries. With Turkiye, the group has sought drones, counter-battery systems, howitzer artillery, and electronic warfare systems. The document also reports the Turkish refusal of some of these requests. In the case of Belarus, it was reported that Minsk had already delivered 50 per cent of unspecified weapons promised by early January 2023, and had offered the group to send 300,000 VOG-17 grenade launcher rounds. With Syria, the group bought six SPG-9 grenade launchers and 180 grenades.
3. Saudi Arabia-Houthis and Israel-Palestine on a New Peace Launchpad
First, the update on the negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Houthis. In February, the Houthi spokesperson was updated on Saudi Arabia’s negotiating terms. The update was mainly on the directive to consider the options for the payment of salaries to public sector employees in both government and Houthi-controlled areas. However, sources to the Houthis suggested that Riyadh planned to delay and drag negotiations, eventually forcing the former to reduce the number of demands. Issuing a strong statement with a firm intent was suggested as a counter-move to build pressure on Saudi Arabia. In mid-February, as the media reported, ceasefire and direct talks between the two parties seemed dicey. The UN-brokered truce had expired and there were difficulties in reinstating it. In March 2023, the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China, opened a much smoother diplomatic channel.
Second, the protests in Israel. Israel has been witnessing massive protests against the controversial judicial reforms that will significantly alter the functioning and independence of the country’s judiciary. The protests have mostly been concentrated in Tel Aviv. The leaked documents suggest that the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad is encouraging its staff and citizens to participate in the protests. The Prime Minister’s office denied the claims saying that the “Mossad and its senior officials did not- and do not- encourage agency personnel to join demonstrations against the government, political demonstrations or any political activity.”
Third, escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine. The leaked paper discussed the risk of violation of the deal reached between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Israeli government at Al’ Aqaba, Jordan. The US along with Egypt was part of the talks held in February. The papers clearly state that the PA and Israel are together locating the militants in the West Bank, but the attacks from Palestinian militants will be used as a justification by Tel Aviv to unilaterally disregard the Jordan deal. The differences between Hamas and the PA are not concealed. Hamas, soon after the talks in Jordan, criticised the PA for participating in it. Rightly anticipating, Hamas issued a statement in the media warning that Israel will not adhere to the deal and continue settler policies and attacks.
4. Turkiye Increasing its Relevance in Times of Multiple Crises
First, leveraging its geography to help Europe away from Russia through natural gas. As per the leaked documents, Turkiye is encouraging bilateral energy cooperation with Israel to let Israeli natural gas be transported through Turkiye. The vision of Turkiye as a bridging factor in getting new natural gas networks to Europe has been since the beginning of the century. However, the crisis in Ukraine has given life to the rerouting of gas networks to Europe through Turkiye. Natural gas seems to be the solidifying factor over contested geopolitical factions in the Mediterranean.
Second, Turkiye and FATF. Turkiye is on the grey list of (the Financial Action Task Force) FATF for abetting criminal nexus in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. In its primer, FATF has advised Turkiye to have stricter supervision in money laundering through banking, the real estate sector and important minerals like gold. As per the leaked documents, the criminal nexus in Turkiye has been instrumental in getting weapons procured by the Wagner group as well as facilitating Russia in bypassing European sanctions on trade with Russia. Turkiye has an emerging defence industry, currently, the value of cumulative contracts in the sector stands at USD 64.8 billion. There have been previous revelations by journalists on Turkiye supplying illegal arms from Europe and Russia to Syria. Some Turkish-origin electronic warfare suits have been recovered in Europe and Africa as well. Therefore, despite FATF grey-listing Turkiye has managed to increase its clout in defence diplomacy, formally and informally.
Third, Turkiye’s assertive autonomy in geopolitics. Turkiye was opposed to the accession of Finland and Sweden into NATO. It relented later on after the USA offered Turkiye avionics software upgrades on its current fleet of F-16S. Turkiye is also going through a populist regime and has urged the international community to be addressed as Turkiye and not Turkey. Turkiye as per the government an expression of its culture and civilisation. The reinvigoration of its past in the expression of Turkish identity for internal and external political space hints at the accelerated nation-making and asserted autonomy assumed by Turkiye.
5. DRC’s Assessment on Regional and International Troops Fighting Against M23 Rebel Campaign
First, the East African Community’s (EACs) balkanization of DRC. In June 2022, the seven-nation East African Community decided to form a military force against the M23 rebel campaign in eastern DRC. In November, Kenyan troops were deployed, followed by Burundi, Uganda and South Sudan. However, the Kenyan contingents are said to have hesitated to take military action against the M23 rebels. The troops are accused of ignoring the recommendations of the Nairobi dialogue, which stipulated that regional forces would be deployed to control and combat any aggression within DRC. Similarly, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently said that his troops were a “neutral force” that would not combat the M23 rebels. Denis Mukwege, a Congolese doctor who won the 2018 Nobel Prize said that the EAC force consists of “destabilising states.”
Second, the narrative of the Congolese should bring the Congolese together against M23 and the Rwandan forces. The re-emergence of M23 rebels, a group of Tutsi majority, began in November 2021. Since then, the Congolese army has been incapable of containing the offensive. A section of the DRC population suggests joining hands with other active armed groups in the country; in particular the Mai Mai and the Democratic Forces for Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which are Hutu led, in order to fight against the rebels and the Rwandan forces. They believe that the DRC could handle its own security issues through inclusive efforts by engaging with other armed groups. Recently, President Felix Tshisekedi in his speech said that only the Congolese could help the Congolese against M23 and the Rwandan forces.
6. US-Chinese Struggle for 5G Bidding on the Jordan Soil
First, the US is keeping track of trade negotiations. The report “Jordanian Government Officials, Orange Telecommunications Representatives discuss 5G bids,” exhibits the purview of US intelligence keeping a record of bilateral trade deals and issues. The representative of Orange Telecommunications, Jordan stated that they received USD 61 to 62 million higher bids from Ericsson and Nokia beating Chinese company Huawei Technologies. It is reported that Nokia in fact did not bridge the gap but “allegedly” had a Jordanian intelligence working to reduce the bid disparity and negotiate compensation with Ericsson and Nokia. This triggered the Jordanian Minister of Justice and Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to formulate a legal framework.
Second, Jordan's in the crossfire of the 5G race between the US and China. The Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein supporter of Jordan's 5G efforts urged the US that it would be exempt from choosing Huawei as its 5G network. Contrastingly, the statement seems to waver as Jordan fears retaliation from China. The crown prince in February expressed that ideally, they want to Huawei out of Jordan's 5G network plan but would need financial backing to bridge the gap between bids. To do damage control Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured China that they would continue with their bilateral economic relationship. This comes after China criticised them for excluding Chinese companies from the 5G roll a plan in which a few major telecommunications companies in Jordan terminated Huawei from consideration.
7. The US Maneuvering Allies on Defence Diplomacy
First, South Korea fears the mismanagement of their supplied ammunition. South Korea has supplied ammunition to the US aiming to replenish their diminishing stockpiles owing to the Russia-Ukraine war. On 1 March, according to the leaked documents Yi Mun-Hui secretary to foreign affairs at the South Koreas National Security Office expressed concerns that the US would not be the ‘end-user’ for the ammunition supplied. As close allies, it cannot stand to refuse US demand but is concerned that these weapons would be directed towards Ukranian war efforts. South Korea faces a dilemma to provide artillery as they are pressurised by Washington and their policy to not supply lethal aid to countries at war.
Second, South Korea officially changes its policy and now would provide military and weaponry assistance if civilians are attacked. On 19 April, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hinted at their plans to enlarge their aid for Ukraine to military and weaponry support in case of a large-scale civilian attack. President Yoon said that: “If there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, massacre or serious violation of the laws of war, it might be difficult for us to insist only on humanitarian or financial support.” The recent update of President Yoon hinting at changes in their policy against providing lethal aid for war, and the leaked documents reporting the concerns of South Korean foreign dignitaries on being pressurised by Washington reflects the ever-looming pressure over US allies.
News from around the World
Regional Roundups
East and Southeast Asia This Week
Myanmar: Junta burned down the village of Sagaing rendering 7,500 civilians homeless.
On 21 April, Myanmar Junta attacked 700 houses in Sagaing Township and burned the resident's homes. It is estimated that 100 troops marched the Inn Saa village after raiding a nearby village of Taline Kyun. Owing to the attack, it is reckoned that 7,500 civilians had to leave their homes behind. This comes after the recent airstrike attack by the Junta which killed nearly 210 civilians including unassuming children and locals.
Japan: Alarmed by North Korean spy satellites, prepares to shoot down if it breaches territory
On 22 April, Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada alarmed the military to prepare to shoot down any North Korean spy satellite in case it falls within Japanese territory. He also ordered to the deployment of troops in the southern prefecture of Okinawa in case the ballistic missiles fail. This comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the expedited launch of their first-ever spy satellite
South Asia This Week
India: Visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia
On 17 April, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov arrived in India. Along with the Indian Minister of External Affairs, he chaired the 24th session of the Inter-governmental Commission. Both sides reviewed the bilateral relations and also highlighted the imbalance of bilateral trade. They also discussed the issue of payments due to the sanctions in Russia.
Nepal: Visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia
On 21 April, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia arrived in Nepal. Russia agreed to provide assistance with wheat grains and chemical fertilizers. Both sides discussed the potential of direct air service between the two countries. Additionally, they deliberated on the supply of Russian helicopters and motor vehicles to Nepal and cooperation on infrastructure projects including the subway, railways, motorways, and a hydropower plant
Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week
Iran: US submarine made to surface in Iranian waters
On 20 April, an Iranian official said that the US Navy submarine was made to surface in the Strait of Hormuz, violating the Iranian borders. Commander Shahram Irani said that “the US submarine was approaching while submerged, but the Iranian submarine Fateh detected it and carried out manoeuvres to force it to surface as it went through the Strait.” The submarine corrected its course after being warned. Iran said that the matter would be taken to relevant international bodies. The US Navy, however, did not issue a statement regarding the issue.
Uganda: Government agrees to reconsider anti-LGBT bill
On 20 April, the Ugandan government agreed on reconsidering the anti-gay bill, passed by the parliament the previous month. During a meeting, President Yoweri Museveni said that the MPs resolved on "proposals for improvement" of the bill. The bill prescribed life imprisonment for the LGBT community and the death penalty for what it referred to as aggravated homosexuality. The bill was passed with majority support in the parliament. However, the critics argued that the law will promote homophobia and that anyone suspected to be LGBT will be affected.
Europe and the Americas This Week
Russia: Badminton Federation upholds ban on Russian and Belarusian Players
On 20 April, the Badminton World Federation, based in Kuala Lumpur, announced its decision to maintain its suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, days before the start of Badminton qualifying events. Athletes generally should be allowed to compete, “without judgment of their passport and separate from any geopolitical conflict outside the control of the sports movement,” but security concerns are still too much of a threat amid the crisis in Eastern Europe, the BWF said. However, it plans to create a “pathway” for athletes from the two countries to return.
Europe: NATO Chief's Stresses on Stopping Russian Aggression
On 20 April, NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Ukraine for the first time since the war. On the question of Ukraine joining NATO, Stoltenberg said that its accession would be a priority in its agenda in the upcoming July summit. He added: "Ukraine's future is in the Euro-Atlantic family, Ukraine's future is in NATO, all allies agree on that." The surprise visit was due to Ukraine's ongoing preparation for the "Spring counteroffensive." In his address, he highlighted that EUR 150 billion in support was being provided by NATO allies and training help to the soldiers. Although the time period of the war was unknown, he stressed that Russia's aggression has to be "stopped."
The UK: Deputy Prime Minister Resigns over Allegations of bullying civil servants
On 21 April, UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab resigned from the government over bullying allegations. Earlier, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tasked a senior lawyer to investigate eight formal complaints from many civil servants over Raab's conduct during his tenure as the Justice Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and Brexit Secretary. Although Raab denied bullying allegations, he accepted to resign if evidence was found. The details of the investigation are yet to be disclosed. It has been questioned as to why Saunak himself didn’t ask Rabb to step down, while the debacle created a weaker image of Sunak and his governance of the Tory Party.
Spain: Faces worst drought conditions owing to increased temperatures
On 19 April, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez remarked the drought situation as an "emergency." In 2022, the temperatures have increased to 1.3 degrees, the highest since 1960 and by 2023 it has increased to 1.6 degrees. Of all areas, Catalonia has been observed to be the most affected and in the past three years, the water level in northern Catalonia had reduced to 27 per cent. Similarly, in L'Espluga de Francoli, people have been saving water ahead to tackle water rationing. The drought was due to worsening climate change resulting in increased water evaporation.
Poland and Ukraine: Agreement to allow transit of grains to export abroad
On 18 April, Poland and Ukraine ratified an agreement to allow the transit of grains. As Poland was the first to ban Ukraine’s grain imports, it struck a deal with Ukraine to ensure no backlog of grains remained in Poland. Through the signing of the deal, the grains will be transited into Poland for exporting to another place. According to the spokesperson Miriam Garcia: “The main purpose of the solidarity routes was to provide Ukraine with alternative routes for the export of agricultural products and other products, guaranteeing the functioning of the Ukrainian economy in the context of the blockade of the Black Sea ports.” On 17 April, in response to the grain import ban by Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia the European Commission expressed its objection. Commission’s spokesperson Miriam Garcia stated that the EU member states cannot decide their trade policy on their own.
The US: Merck to acquire Prometheus with USD 10.8 billion to increase portfolio in auto-immune diseases
On 16 April, Merck and Co. announced that it will buy Prometheus Biosciences Inc for claiming space in auto-immune diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Merck has a patent in cancer medicine and treatment. By the end of the decade, Keytruda might be potentially accessible to generic medicine manufacturers if the novelty of the drug does not improve. Merck earned USD 21 billion last year on revenues from Keytruda, the proceeds of which are being used to increase the portfolio of the company.
The US: Federal Lawsuit against Google on anti-trust law Becomes Stronger
On 17 April, the US Department of Justice declared that nine states have joined hands in a Federal case against Alphabet’s Google. Google is accused of taking advantage of running its digital advertising business. The department maintains that Google should be forced to sell its ad manager while Google denied any wrongdoing. The lawsuit was initiated during the Trump administration. Last week, a court in India upheld a judgment which fined Google for using its dominance in revenue-sharing terms.
Canada: Public servants join a strike across the nation
On 19 April, more than 155,000 from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) union participated in a strike after the union failed to reach a wage deal with the federal government. PSAC president said: “We truly hoped we wouldn’t be forced to take strike action, but we’ve exhausted every other avenue to reach a fair contract for Canada’s federal public service workers.” The public servants are majorly from Treasury Board and revenue agencies. Tax agency workers initially sought a pay bump of more than 30 per cent over three years, while the other group is seeking a 13.5 per cent pay rise over three years. Inflation peaked at 8.1 per cent in Canada last year.
Argentina: Central bank hikes interest rate to 81 per cent
On 20 April, the Central Bank Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA) hiked the benchmark interest rate by 300 basis points, it is the second big hike since March. The bank would continue to monitor the evolution of the general level of prices, the dynamics of the exchange market and the monetary aggregates for the purpose of calibrating its rate policy. Inflation was recorded at 104 per cent for March 2023. According to Reuters, March inflation data had clocked in at 7.7 per cent, the highest monthly level in two decades.
About the Authors
Harini Madhusudan, Rashmi Ramesh, Akriti Sharma and Ankit Singh are PhD scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, and Femy Francis are Research Associates at NIAS.
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Avishka Ashok
G20: More challenges
Akriti Sharma
COP27: Hits and Misses
Padmashree Anandhan
The Ukraine War
Poulomi Mondal
French Exit from Mali: More questions than answers
Mohaimeen Khan
Yemen, Syria, and Sudan: Continuing humanitarian crises
Padmashree Anandhan
NATO and the Madrid Summit: Expanding defence frontiers
Padmashree Anandhan
Elections in France, Sweden, and Italy: The rise of the right
Janardhan G
North Korea: Missile Tests Galore
Avishka Ashok
The Taiwan Strait: Political and military assertions
Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia: Uncertainties despite ceasefire
Apoorva Sudhakar
Tunisia: The end of the Jasmine Revolution
Rashmi BR
Iraq: Deadlock and breakthrough
Kaviyadharshini A
Iran: Anti-government protests
Chrishari de Alwis Gunasekare
Sri Lanka: Political and Economic Crises
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: The coup and after
NIAS Africa Team
The US-Africa Leaders Summit
IPRI Team
Workers strike in the UK
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | End of Operation Barkhane
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The ceasefire in Ethiopia
IPRI Team
Drone attacks in Russia
Vignesh Ram | Assistant Professor | Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
Malaysia’s recent Elections: More questions than answers
Vignesh Ram
Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia's new Prime Minister
Harini Madhusudan, Rishma Banerjee, Padmashree Anandhan, Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan, and Avishka Ashok
What next for Russia, Ukraine, Europe, South Asia & India, and China
Padmashree Anandhan and Rishma Banerjee
UNGA 77: Who said what from Europe?
Rashmi BR and Akriti Sharma
COP27: Ten key takeaways
Rashmi Ramesh
Ice Melt in Alps in Europe: Three impacts
Rishma Banerjee
Tracing Europe's droughts
Padmashree Anandhan
Major causes behind Europe’s continuing heatwaves
Emmanuel Selva Royan
100 days of the Ukraine war: US Responses in the war
Padmashree Anandhan
100 days of the Ukraine war: What next for Europe?
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
100 days of the Ukraine war: More loss than gain for Russia
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Challenges to peace in Eastern Congo
Avishka Ashok | Research Associate | National Institute of Advanced Studies
20th Party Congress of the Communist Party of China: Major takaways
Angelin Archana | Assistant Professor, Women’s Christian College, Chennai
China's response to the Ukraine crisis: Shaped by its relationship with Russia and EU under the US Shadow
Shreya Upadhyay | Assistant Professor, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore
Transatlantic Ties in the Wake of Ukraine-Russia War
Uma Purushothaman | Assistant Professor, Central University of Kerala, Kerala
Ukraine and beyond: The US Strategies towards Russia
Debangana Chatterjee | Assistant Professor, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore
Lessons from Ukraine War: Effectiveness of Sanctions
Himani Pant | Research Fellow, ICWA, Delhi
Ukraine and beyond: What next for Russia and Europe?
Sethuraman Nadarajan
Israel-Lebanon Maritime Border Deal
Avishka Ashok
G20 Summit: Four takeaways from Bali
NIAS Africa Team
China-Africa relations: Looking back and looking ahead
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Chad's political crisis
Sourina Bej
Elections in Sweden
Padmashree Anandhan
Italy's far-right wins 2022 elections
Padmashree Anandhan
Putin’s address in the Valdai Discussion: Six takeaways
Devjyoti Saha
Solomon Islands’ China card: Three reasons why
NIAS Africa Team
Floods in West Africa: Nigeria and beyond
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Famine in Somalia
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Kenya Elections 2022
IPRI Team
Protests in Iran
IPRI Team
Clashes between Armenia-Azerbaijan
Padmashree Anandhan
Queen Elizabeth: End of an era
Padmashree Anandhan
Russia and Eastern Economic Forum 2022: A sturdy Far East
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The reinvention of Al Shabab
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Lavrov's visit to Africa
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Macron's visit to Africa
GP Team
Floods and Emergency in Pakistan
IPRI Team
Six months of War in Ukraine
GP Team
Regional round-ups
Padmashree Anandhan
Who will be the next UK prime minister: Liss Truss v. Rishi Sunak
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Tunisia's political crisis
NIAS Africa Team
Tunisia’s political crisis: Five questions
NIAS Africa Team
Tribal conflict in Blue Nile: Causes and Implications
STIR Team
Geopolitics of Semiconductors
Padmashree Anandhan
France: Uber files leak, and Macron’s trouble
Emmanuel Selva Royan
Italy: Three factors about its current political instability
NIAS Africa Team
Sudan-Ethiopia border tensions and a profile of Blaise Compaoré
NIAS Africa Team
Africa’s continuing migration problem: Three issues
STIR Team
China in Space: Shenzhou-13 and Tiangong
NIAS Africa Team
Africa’s displacement crises: Three key drivers
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Into the Sixth Decade of African Unity
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Communal Tensions in Ethiopia
Padmashree Anandhan
What does Macron's victory mean for France and the EU
Rishma Banerjee
The rise of Marine Le Pen
Sourina Bej
Four challenges ahead for President Macron
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Mali ends defence ties with France
GP Team
New US assistance for Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | UK-Rwanda asylum deal
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Africa, Russia, and the War in Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Political Crisis in Tunisia
GP Team
Russia's gas ultimatum to Europe
IPRI Team
30 days of War in Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
60 years of Algerian independence
IPRI Team
Sri Lanka’s worsening economic crisis
NIAS Africa Team
In Focus: Libya
IPRI Team
The end of Denmark’s Inuit experiment
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Europe and Africa: Will AU and EU be equal partners?
Anu Maria Joseph
Europe and Africa: Will AU and EU be equal partners?
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Lecture report: Ukraine, Russia and Europe
Joeana Cera Matthews
Into History: Northern Ireland and Bloody Sunday, 50 years later
Nireekshan Bollimpalli
Africa’s slow COVID vaccination continues. Four reasons why
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS: Conflict over the Nile Dam
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS: Instability in Burkina Faso
Padmashree Anandhan
Munich Security Report: Six takeaways
Joeana Cera Matthews
Europe and Africa: An elusive search for an equal partnership
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Femicides in Europe: The case of France
Padmashree Anandhan
Post Brexit: Three challenges in Northern Ireland
Porkkodi Ganeshpandian and Angkuran Dey
The return of the Left
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Lithuania and China: Vilnius has become Beijing’s Achilles heel. Four reasons why
Mohamad Aseel Ummer
Africa: The anti-France sentiments in Mali and beyond
Shalini Balaiah
The Middle East in 2021: Never-ending wars and conflicts
Angelin Archana
Russia in 2021: Expanding boundaries
Prakash Panneerselvam
East Asia in 2021: New era of hegemonic competition
Apoorva Sudhakar
Coup in Burkina Faso: Five things to know
Joeana Cera Matthews
In Europe, abortion rights are "a privilege." Four reasons why
Padmashree Anandhan
Mapping COVID-19 protests in Europe: Who and Why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Pakistan, US and Russia: Putin Online, Biden Offline
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The unrest in Kazakhstan: Look beyond the trigger
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Deepening Pakistan-Russia ties
D. Suba Chandran
Justice Ayesha: Breaking the Legal Ceiling
Ankit Singh
Pakistan's Judiciary in 2021
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Same Page Story: Civil-Military Relations in 2021
D. Suba Chandran
Pakistan's Foreign Policy in 2021
Ankit Singh
Pakistan’s economy in 2021: Major highlights
Ankit Singh
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank
Apoorva Sudhakar
The PDM is back, again
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Qureshi’s visit to Brussels: Three takeaways
GP Team
The Complete Compendium for 2021
GP Team
The Americas in 2021
GP Team
Europe in 2021
GP Team
Middle East and Africa in 2021
GP Team
South Asia in 2021
Apoorva Sudhakar
Protests in Gwadar: Four major highlights
Ankit Singh
Mini budget, IMF and a contemporary puzzle.
Ankit Singh
Pappu Sain bids adieu to the world
Apoorva Sudhakar
Smog, pollution and more: Deteriorating air quality in Pakistan
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
PTI’s secret dealing with the TTP and TLP
Vaishnavi Iyer
France, Algeria, and the politics over an apology
Joeana Cera Matthews
NATO-Russia relationship: Looking beyond the suspensions and expulsions
D. Suba Chandran
PTI’s TLP flip-flop and a secret deal
Apoorva Sudhakar
The increasing curbs on digital media freedom in Pakistan
Padmashree Anandhan
Facebook's Metaverse: Why it matters to Europe
Joeana Cera Matthews
Poland, EU and PolExit. It is complicated, for three reasons
Harini Madhusudhan
Europe's Energy Crisis and Gazprom
D. Suba Chandran
TLP: The government caves in again
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
TLP is back again
Apoorva Sudhakar | Project Associate, School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS
Pakistan’s transgender community: The long road ahead
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Since January 2021: Why the US President has not called Pakistan’s Prime Minister so far?
Apoorva Sudhakar
No honour in honour killing
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Military Reshuffle: A strategic or routine decision?
D. Suba Chandran
Dr AQ Khan: Between a national hero and a nuclear proliferator
Apoorva Sudhakar
Rising child abuse in Pakistan: Five reasons why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Hazara Persecution in Pakistan: No end in sight
D. Suba Chandran
Protests in Gwadar: Who and Why
Chetna Vinay Bhora
Europe's Energy Crisis: It could get worse. Five reasons why
STIR Team
Cover Story: War against Malaria
Aswathy Koonampilly
Japan: New Prime Minister, Old party
GP Team
Europe's Energy Crisis
STIR Team
The Science and Politics of Materials
Sourina Bej
France: Paris Terror Trial
Harini Madhusudan
Belarus: Weaponization of the Migrant Crisis
Juan Mary Joseph
Attacks on Chinese Investments in Pakistan: Who, Where And Why?
Joeana Cera Matthews
Haiti: Two months after the assassination, the storm is still brewing
Joeana Cera Matthews
From Crimea to Navalny: Putin's calibrated Europe strategy
Joeana Cera Matthews
Nord Stream-2: Why is the region unhappy about the pipeline?
Lokendra Sharma
Two months of Cuban protests: Is the ‘revolution’ ending?
GP Team
The New Afghanistan
STIR Team
Climate Change and Energy Options
Apoorva Sudhakar
Digital Pakistan: Idea, Potential and Challenges
Anu Maria Joseph
South Africa: What is behind the pro-Zuma protests?
Dincy Adlakha
China and Russia in Myanmar: The interests that bind
Sarthak Jain
Nord Stream 2 is Russia’s geopolitical victory
Jeshil J Samuel
REvil is dead. Long live REvil
STIR Team
Space Tourism
Keerthana Rajesh Nambiar
The EU Summit 2021: Five Takeaways
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Impending famine in Tigray, should make Ethiopia everyone's problem
Anu Maria Joseph
Too late and too little is Ethiopia's international problem
Sankalp Gurjar
Africa's Ethiopia Problem
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia's Tigray problem is Tigray's Ethiopia problem
Lokendra Sharma
The future of nuclear energy looks bleak
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Five reasons why Afghanistan is closer to a civil war
Mohamad Aseel Ummer
Migration in Africa: Origin, Drivers and Destinations
Dincy Adlakha
The new three-child policy is two decades too late
Dincy Adlakha
Loud Echoes of the National Security Law in China
Joeana Cera Matthews
Farfetched goals on pandemic recovery, climate action and economic revival
STIR Team
Rare Earths and the Global Resource Race
SDP Scholar
The Rise and Reign of Ransomware
Gurpreet Singh
India and the geopolitics of supply chains
Chetna Vinay Bhora
Spain, Morocco and the rise of rightwing politics in Europe over immigration
Vibha Venugopal
The return of Taliban will be bad news for women
Udbhav Krishna P
Revisiting the recent violence: Three takeaways
Joeana Cera Matthews
For the Economist, Taiwan is the most dangerous place. The argument is complicated
Apoorva Sudhakar
15 of the 23 global hunger hotspots are in Africa. Three reasons why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The US decision to withdraw is a call made too early. Three reasons why
Lokendra Sharma
Learning from Cuba's vaccine development efforts
V S Ramamurthy and Dinesh K Srivastava
An energy mix of renewables and nuclear is the most viable option
Lokendra Sharma
Deadly second wave spirals into a humanitarian disaster
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The US-Taliban Deal: One Year Later
Akriti Sharma
The Quad Plus and the search beyond the four countries
Apoorva Sudhakar
India's Endgames, Roles and Limitations in Quad
Sukanya Bali
Tracing the Quad's evolution in the last two decades
GP Team