The World This Week

The World This Week
Saudi Arabia - Iran rapprochement, the AUKUS deal and China's 14th National Party Congress

GP Team
19 March 2023
Photo Source: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The World This Week #206, Vol. 5, No. 10

Saudi Arabia: Resumption of diplomatic ties with Iran

What happened?
On 10 March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations seven years after the ties were severed. The delegations reached an agreement in talks hosted by China during 6-10 March. Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Council of Iran met Musaad bin Mohammed al-Aiban, Saudi Arabia’s national security advisor, in the presence of Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister. The Joint Trilateral Statement thanked Iraq and Oman for hosting multiple rounds of dialogues in 2021 and 2022. The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia will meet to implement the agreement. 

Regarding the practical aspects, the Statement mentioned that reopening embassies and missions within the next two months will be a priority. It also reaffirmed the commitment to non-interference in internal affairs, upholding sovereignty, and re-implement the 2001 Security Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. 

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement and said that this was an important step towards achieving regional stability. On 15 March, the UNSC held a meeting on the situation in Yemen, where the agreement was received positively. The UN Special Envoy for Yemen called on the parties to the conflict to carry forward the advantages of the agreement to ensure peace in Yemen. 

The rapprochement was welcomed by majority of regional states/actors/territories including Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Palestinian Authority, Lebanese Hezbollah and the Houthis of Yemen. Israeli politicians denounced the development and the opposition blamed PM Netanyahu for failing to isolate Iran. Former PM Yair Lapid called the agreement “dangerous foreign policy failure of the Israeli government… a collapse of the regional defence wall” that was being built against Iran. The White House spokesperson remarked that Saudi Arabia informed it about the talks, but Washington was not directly involved in the process. 

What is the background?
First, the breakdown of ties. In 2016, Saudi Arabia executed Nimr al-Nimr, a Shia leader and a critique of the kingdom, on grounds that he incited anti-government protests in 2011. His execution prompted violence against Riyadh’s embassy in Tehran. The protestors stormed the building, started fires, and Saudi accused Iranian government of being complicit in the attack forcing the embassy staff to evacuate immediately. As a retaliation, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry announced severing diplomatic ties with Iran, and asked the Iranian diplomatic mission to move out of the country. 

Second, walking a weak thread. The 2016 incident was not an isolated one, rather was a trigger for an official cutdown of diplomatic relations. A series of events showed that Iran and Saudi Arabia were at odds for several years. During Arab Spring-related protests in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for inciting protests, an accusation that the latter denied. In Syria, Iran backs the Assad regime against the Saudi-backed Sunni rebel groups. When the Yemen conflict broke out in 2014-15, once again they were loggerheads, and continue to be so till date. Saudi supports the internationally recognized government while Iran supports the Houthis. The 2015 stampede during Hajj in Mecca, which killed approximately 2000 pilgrims, fuelled the rhetoric further. Iran blamed Saudi for the death of 400 Iranians in the incident, and criticised it for mismanagement of the most important Muslim pilgrimage. After the ties were cut off in 2016, the four-year Qatar blockade, Hezbollah’s increasing political grip in Lebanon, Houthi attack on Saudi oil installations added to the regional rivalry.

Third, the reconciliation. Iraq and Oman played the mediator role and hosted multiple rounds of talks. In 2021, during former PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s tenure, Baghdad hosted the first direct talks, laying the foundation for more rounds of dialogue. Oman and Iraq both mediated the next four rounds of talks in 2022. Oman which acts as a host for Yemen peace talks, enabled Iran and Saudi to the table to discuss their most-destructive proxy conflict. Chinese President Xi Jinping met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh in 2022, and in February, a month before the current agreement, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited China. However, China’s role as a mediator was not made public until the release of the Joint Trilateral Statement.

What does it mean?
First, the regional impact. Lebanon’s PM Najib Mikati said that the agreement “is an opportunity to breathe in the region, and look to the future.” Indeed, most leaders hope that this is a positive beginning and an end to the rivalry that manifested through proxy conflicts. Though there is a relative calm except in a few pockets such as Ta’iz and Ma’rib, the eight-year Yemen conflict is yet to find an end. A revival of ties between Iran and Saudi is a hope for concrete peace, and probably will be one of the priorities on the agenda. The UN-brokered truce has expired in Yemen, yet Saudi is now directly talking to the Houthi leadership. However, the conflict is a complex one, with multiple actors and interests involved. The reconciliation can provide a breakthrough, but the conflict cannot end until domestic actors consider peace as an option in Yemen. 

In Syria, Saudi and Iran support opposing sides. Indicating a change, the Arab states are warming up to President Bashar al-Assad in recent times. Direct talks, and visits have increased since the earthquake struck Turkey and Syria in February this year. The reconciliation can provide impetus to re-integrating Syria into the regional fold after a long period of isolation. In Iraq, Iran’s strong political hold has often dissuaded Saudi Arabia’s investments. It is in Iraq’s interest to see Tehran and Riyadh talking. The impact of the agreement is yet to be seen in Lebanon’s case. Saudi Arabia’s political landscape might improve, but Iran may not be ready to give up its political gains made through Hezbollah. 

Second, Israel’s tricky position. Israel works towards containing and isolating Iran and has lobbied strongly for it in the case of JCPOA. It has also regularly targeted Iranian installations, armament supplies and affiliated groups in Lebanon and Syria by conducting air strikes. However, Saudi Arabia talking to Iran has started a political blame game in Tel Aviv, projected as a failure of Netanyahu’s government. In his previous tenure, Netanyahu showcased Abraham Accords as his government’s most important success, and aimed for normalization with Saudi. But with Iran and Saudi warming up, it may not be an easy path to tread. 

Third, waves of ground-breaking diplomacy. The Abraham Accords aimed at integrating Israel in the region. Iran and Saudi resuming talks, looks for bilateral and regional peace. The two comprehensive diplomatic initiatives in Middle East in recent years, are the defining moments in the foreign policies of many states involved. With both initiatives working simultaneously, it is clear that some regional actors are willing to engage with Israel and also not favour an isolated Iran.

Fourth, China’s role as a negotiator. A China-brokered regional détente indicates its new role in the region where the US has been the most dominant external power. Though Saudi is one of US’ closest allies, the latter could not be involved due to the absence of direct talks with Iran. China stands the most benefitted in the process- it has cemented its larger political presence in Middle East, and positioned itself as a power that can talk to rivals and bring them to the negotiating table.



AUKUS Submarine Deal

What happened?
On 13 March, 18 months after the pact of AUKUS was signed in September 2021, the plan to build a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines was revealed by the US, UK, and Australia. President Biden hosted the Prime Ministers of UK and Australia at San Diego naval base on the same day. Following this, a defence official revealed to the European media that Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program with the US and UK might cost up to AUD 368 billion (USD 245 billion) over the next three decades, making it the largest single-defence project in Australian history. This investment is being seen as a significant move to confront China’s naval buildup in the Indo-Pacific, by supplying Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines. On 18 March, as part of the same pact, the Pentagon approved the sale of up to 220 of the Tomahawk missiles at a cost of $1.3 billion in a deal that will also include technical support.

In response to this, the Russian Foreign Minister stated that the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation is the advancement of NATO military infrastructure into Asia, while making a serious bet on many years of confrontation in the region. On 17 March, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a press conference said the US, the UK and Australia are putting up an Anglo-Saxon clique and creating the so-called AUKUS trilateral security partnership to advance nuclear submarine cooperation and other cutting-edge military technology cooperation and stated, "this is typical Cold War mentality and a move that opens a Pandora's box, which will seriously impact regional and global peace and security,”

What is the background?
First, the submarine deal and the long-term geopolitical agenda. In the next three decades, the Australian nuclear submarine program is projected to cost AUD 368 billion, with a four-step plan in place. In the first phase, the US would sell three used Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia during the early 2030s, with an option for Australia to purchase two more if needed. This is accompanied by a joint US-UK submarine construction initiative, as well as efforts to train Australian sailors. In the second phase, design and development work on a brand-new submarine, called the SSN (Submersible Submarine Nuclear)-AUKUS would continue with an aim to replace their Astute-class submarines from the work already done by the British. Four US and one UK submarine will start rotating through Western Australia, to be known as the Submarine Rotational Forces West by 2027. The third phase would involve the transfer of Virginia-class SSNs to Australia under the agreement that Canberra will invest in the US shipbuilding industry. By the fourth phase, the AUKUS-class submarines will be operated by both the UK and Australia, using American combat systems. where one submarine will be built every two years from the early 2040s through to the late 2050s with five SSN-AUKUS boats delivered to the Royal Australian Navy by the middle of the 2050s. Additionally, $8 billion will be spent on upgrading the naval base HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.

Second, the Indo-Pacific and the larger security framework. During the statement, Biden said, "AUKUS has one overriding objective: to enhance the stability of the Indo-Pacific amid rapidly shifting global dynamics.” The military security partnership would boost the cooperation among the three countries in the security sphere. Once Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability is completed, it would join the already operating powers in nuclear-propelled submarines, in the region such as the U.K., India, France, the People’s Republic of China and Russia. AUKUS thus makes a vital component of the US Indo Pacific Strategy with a strong military focus.

Third, countering China in the region. "Going down a dangerous road", "disregarding the concerns of the international community" and even "risking a new arms race and nuclear proliferation" are some of the statements being made by observers who believe this to be a counter-China strategy. President Xi Jinping announced recently that China would accelerate the expansion of its defence spending and named national security as the primary concern of the coming years. Australia has always faced an economic dilemma with the Chinese. This pact places Australia on the frontline of US-China rivalry. One could expect the submarine pact to further Australian interests of defending key choke points, and help patrol the Western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. In his statement, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson called on the three countries to stop pursuing bloc politics and to refrain from coercing the IAEA into endorsing their nuclear submarine deal. He also mentioned that the AUKUS mediated military agenda would disrupt the ASEAN-centred regional cooperation by severely undercutting their efforts to establish a Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.

What does it mean?
The pact is extremely costly but is certainly escalatory with the risk of overstretching capabilities and diverting resources. However, the nuclear submarine deal and the tomahawks deal are significant indicators of an Indo Pacific tilt.

First, the emergence of bloc politics in the Indo Pacific. AUKUS is among the few other initiatives of the US in the Indo Pacific region with an underlying focus on deterring China’s growth. The three countries are also active members of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing group. Together with the Quad, the changes in Japan’s security strategy and the AUKUS deal, there seem to be two strong blocs emerging in the Indo Pacific.

Second, time for new IAEA standards. A loophole in the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty that allows nuclear fuel used for non-explosive military uses like naval propulsion to be exempted from IAEA inspections, has enabled the AUKUS pact. IAEA has announced that it would check fuel usage in sealed power units to ensure it does not conflict with its non-proliferation obligations. With seven countries already possessing these submarine capabilities, a case-by-case verification would not be an effective method in the long-run.


China's 14th National People’s Congress: Focus on economic recovery and party reforms

What happened?
On 13 March, China concluded the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress.  During the first session, the Chinese government released a number of reports on cyberspace governance, central and local budgets, the national economic and social development plan, and the report on the work of the NPC Standing Committee.  

President Xi delivered a keynote address at the session and said: “I was elected at this session to continue to serve as the president of the PRC. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in me by all the deputies and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups. The people's trust has been my greatest source of strength to go forward and also the greatest responsibility on my shoulders.” 

Furthermore, Xi also appointed the new ambassadors to Austria, Brunei, Bahrain, Mexico and the United Nations. Lastly, the Communist Party of China has issued a plan to reform the party and state institutions and called for the efficient implementation of the plan. The CPC introduced two new agencies: the National Financial Regulatory Administration and the National Data Bureau. The party has also introduced a new financial regulatory body called the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA). 

What is the background?
First, the two sessions. The two sessions refers to an annual political event in China where the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference hold their respective meetings separately during the same week. The political gathering convenes to decide on new promotions, key positions and their appointments, and amendments. The President officially appoints the newly elected candidates for the post of the Premier, and other ambassadorial positions.  

Second, the focus on the economy. The current session is the first after the coronavirus pandemic. In the last two years, the focus remained heavily on curbing the spread of the virus while maintaining a modest economic growth. In 2022, however, China was unable to achieve the economic growth target of 6 per cent set by the government. The growth was recorded at 3 per cent. The government has set a target of 5 per cent for 2023. There is a renewed focus on strengthening the economy and promoting the production and manufacturing industry in the country.  

Third, display of political stability. In the last quarter of 2022 and in the beginning months of 2023, numerous accounts of civil unrest within China were reported. Protests against the COVID-19 restrictions, unfair pay, unfair removal from jobs, and protests calling for Xi Jinping’s resignation were observed. However, with the two sessions, Xi Jinping has officially taken on as the President for the third time. There are no more reports of mass demonstrations coming from the country. Xi is now seen as the most powerful Chinese leader after Mao Zedong.  

Fourth, increased control by the CPC. In the rare third term as the President of China, Xi aims to establish stronger control over China’s law and order. Under the anti-graft campaign, more than 4 million officials and other professionals have been detained and investigated. The introduction of the new agencies and a financial regulator hint at the party’s tightened focus on the economy and cyberspace. The recent attack on the alleged weather balloon in the US and the subsequent accusation of sending spy balloons to China has led the administration to undertake a stronger position on AI and data protection. 

Fifth, the military. On the first day of the two sessions, then Premier Li Keqiang announced a 7.2 per cent increase in military spending despite the drop in the country’s economic growth. The rising threats from the West was cited as the reason for the second-largest defence spending in the world. There is also a constant call for intensifying military preparedness and training.  

What does it mean?
The heightened focus on economic recovery also shows that the country is concerned about the slow economic growth and realizes the urgency to lift up the economy quickly. The IMF and World Bank also reported that China’s economic growth is essential for uplifting the world economy. 
 
The emphasis on military spending despite the slow-paced economic growth describes the CPC’s priorities. Many analysts have also connected the increase in spending with the Ukraine war and suspect that China may provide weaponry support to Russia in the long term.  

Lastly, Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power and party reforms depict an increasingly closed off China. The country will be tightening its grip on data inflow and outflow while removing obstacles to Xi’s rule in the CPC and national politics.  
 


Also in the news...
Regional round-ups

East and Southeast Asia This Week
China: Hong Kong government rejects US Senate resolution and urges to stop its interference 
On 16 March, The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKSAR government called on the US Senate to stop its interference through the Hong-Kong related resolution. The spokesperson from the Commissioner's Office said: "The "resolution" interferes HKSAR's law-based governance, seriously violates international law and basic norms governing international relations and constitutes severe interference in China's internal affairs." The HKSAR government firmly rejected the resolution and accused the US of putting politics above the law. 

China: Foreign Ministry welcomes Honduras' desire to establish ties 
On 15 March, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to Honduran President Xiomara Castro's recent statement on seeking to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and welcomed the move. Wang said: "On the basis of the one-China principle, China is willing to develop amicable and cooperative relationships with all countries around the world, including Honduras." However, the President had previously expressed desire to establish ties in 2021 but retracked later, after assuming the office.

North Korea:Cabinet addresses food insecurity crisis
On 16 March, North Korea held a cabinet-level meeting addressing the issue of agricultural stability as it faces severe food shortages. They announced various detailed action plans to ensure agricultural stability. Kim Jong Un in the meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea called for a fundamental transformation in agricultural production. It is estimated that North Korea is facing an annual rice shortage of 800,000 tonnes and it has gotten worse since Covid. In 2021 60 per cent of the North Korean population suffered from food insecurity. 
Japan plans to lift the export of semiconductor materials to South Korea 

Japan: PM Fumio Kishida announces “last chance” to revive birth-rate 
On 17 March, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the “last chance” period till 2030 to reverse declining birth-rate as its faces a demographic crisis. The provision plans to enhance childcare allowances, and provide housing assistance aimed at young families who are raising kids. Additionally, they also work to reduce the cost of education and raise income for younger workers. Kishida added that they plan to raise paternity leave to 50 per cent saying: “The government will make the creation of a ‘children first’ society the common aim of its policies.” This come to light after Japan reported the lowest birth-rate ever recorded as they were continuing on a seven-year decline.

Japan: Plans to lift the export of semiconductor materials to South Korea 
On 16 March, Japan announced that they plan to lift restrictions on exports of semiconductors materials to South Korea. The move is to end the long going feud between the two tech powerhouses. The announcement mentioned that they plan to open access for fluorinated polyimide, hydrogen fluoride and photoresist. These components are vital for manufacturing displays and semiconductors for gadgets.

South Asia This Week 
India-Bangladesh: Energy pipeline inaugurated
On 18 March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. It connects West Bengal in India and Parbatipur in Bangladesh. This is the second cross-border energy pipeline between India and its neighbours. Both countries laid its foundation in 2018. It has the capacity to transport one million metric ton per annum of high speed diesel to Bangladesh. This will enhance energy cooperation between the countries.

India: Pakistan engages “hostile and fabricated propaganda" says MEA report
On 13 March, MEA Annual Report 2022 stated that Pakistan engages in “hostile and fabricated propaganda" to vilify India to divert attention from its domestic and economic crises. The report also stated that there is no let-up in Pakistan sponsored terrorism. However, the report mentioned that India desires normal relations with Pakistan and all the issues should be peacefully resolved bilaterally. The report also mentioned China and India’s engagement are complex and Chinese transgression at LAC has seriously disturbed the peace and tranquillity of border areas.

India-Nepal: Power transmission through Bihar under consideration
On 17 March, Nepal and India conducted 14th meeting of the bilateral Power Exchange Committee held in New Delhi. Both countries agreed to formulate a modality to enable Nepal to export power to multiple India. According to the MD of Nepal Electricity Authority, “It will ensure additional markets for Nepal’s surplus energy during the wet season,”

Pakistan: IMF talks inconclusive over refinance guarantees and abolish subsidies to power sector
On 13 March, IMF held a final meeting with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and conveyed need for surety on external financing needs up to USD six to seven billion from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and multilateral creditors to fill the gap till the end of June 2023. Along with this, the IMF asked Pakistan to abolish the power sector subsidies on a permanent basis. The news article by Mehtab Haider discussed IMF’s importance on sustainability and relevance of programs to remain credible. This has left Pakistan with no option but to use diplomatic channels to finalize staff level agreement.

On 14 March, an article by Shahbaz Rana, discussed about Prime Ministers’ intent on providing PKR 150 billion petrol subsidy to motorcyclists. The authorities had managed to reduce the external financing requirement benchmark from USD seven billion to USD six billion by June 2023. While addressing a news conference last week, finance minister said: “The reduction has been achieved by marginally reducing the projection of the current account deficit and lowering the foreign exchange building requirements.” Pakistan has claimed that it has so far recieved USD two billion assurance from Saudi Arabia and USD one billion from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leaving it with a gap of USD three billion. SBP had agreed to link the rate with the headline inflation. The headline inflation in February hit a 50-year high by reaching 31.5 per cent. The challenge now is in the form of subsidy for motorcyclists which will likely further stretch the time to obtain a staff level agreement with IMF

Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week
Syria: Bashar al Assad’s meets Putin at Moscow in a show of support
On 15 March, President Assad met President Putin in Moscow and discussed increasing Russian presence in Syria. He welcomed Russia to establish new military bases and increase the number of troops deployed in Syria. He reiterated that the Russian military presence is not temporary and is in Syria's benefit. Assad also expressed his support to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine and recognized the territories it claims in Ukraine. 

Iran: Belarusian President meets Raisi, signs agreement on trade and transportation
On 13 March, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran. The two leaders marked their states’ 30 years of diplomatic relations. Delegations of two sides held talks and signed eight agreements on bilateral issues including trade, mining and transportation. Raisi and Lukashenko also signed an agreement on a comprehensive roadmap for relations between the two states. During the joint press conference, Raisi said that the roadmap “outlines political and economic conditions and encompasses all areas of interest between the two countries”, and the “countries that are sanctioned by the US must work together and form a joint collective to destroy the weapon of sanctions.”

Gulf of Oman: Iran, China, Russia’s joint naval drill
On 15 March, Iran, Russia and China began a week-long Security Bond-2023 joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman. The Chinese Ministry of National Defence said that the exercise is a step to deepen practical cooperation between participating countries’ navies. The Ministry also stated that other countries are also participating, however, did not name them. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby remarked that the exercise was not a threat to US’s interests, but will closely monitor it.

Israel: Judicial bill passed in Knesset, protests follow
On 14 March, the Knesset advanced the bill about much controversial judicial reforms that will reduce the judiciary's power and independence. The bill has been a priority of the Netanyahu-led coalition government. Protests opposing the bill continued for the straight 10th week. The media reported a gathering of 250,000 to 300,000 people, but the organizers said it was a gathering of 500,000 people, one of the largest in Israel’s history. The bill has given rise to a domestic political crisis, with people protesting on streets and the government refusing a compromise.

Africa: US Secretary of State's visit to Ethiopia and Niger
On 15 March, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during his visit to Ethiopia, highlighted the importance of implementation of the peace agreement between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). He said that there needs to be accountability on atrocities committed by warring parties during the conflict. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the two leaders discussed strengthening relations which hardened during the conflict. On 16 March, Blinken visited Niger and met with former jihadists who were rehabilitated through a vocational training programme by the US. He called the country a model for the region, which has seen an increasing threat of Islamist militancy. It is the first ever visit by a US Secretary of State to Niger. 

Mali: Junta decides to popularise draft constitution before a referendum
On 17 March, BBC reported on a private media in Mali, Maliweb, which said that the interim President Assimi Goita has called on the National Transitional Council (CNT) to take ownership of the new draft constitution and popularise the same ahead of the referendum. Additionally, the report said that the military leader is planning to present the draft constitution to political groups and civil society organisations on 20 March. This comes after the junta announced an indefinite postponement of the referendum for adoption of the constitution scheduled on 19 March. 

Europe and The Americas This Week

Poland: Warsaw plans to station HIMARS near Russian border
On 17 March, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced that the US-made HIMARS rocket launchers would be stationed on the border with Russia’s westernmost Kaliningrad Region. He is said to have boasted that Washington had already approved Warsaw’s order for 500 more HIMARS launchers, and noted how important they were to the Polish army. This announcement comes in the context of the increasing build-up of American weapons around Kaliningrad. In December the Pentagon approved USD 28 billion worth of arms deals, with Poland and the Baltic states being the biggest buyers. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg claimed in January that the UK had been modelling cyber strikes specifically against the Kaliningrad government.

Russia: ICC issues an arrest warrant against Putin
On 18 March, The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging he is responsible for war crimes. The report has focused on the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia, saying it had reasonable grounds to believe Mr Putin committed the criminal acts directly, and accused him of failing to use his presidential powers to stop children being deported. Legally, the ICC has no powers to arrest suspects, and can only exercise jurisdiction within its member countries - and Russia is not one of them. However, this would affect Putin from being unable to travel internationally. 

France: Senate passes the pension reform bill amidst protests
On 11 March, before the senate meeting to vote on the pension reform bill, a set of protests was staged. Those who opposed the increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 gathered across France, majorly in Paris. According to France’s Interior Ministry close to 368,000 had took part while the CGT labour union reported one million. The nature of protests was observed to be massive due to France’s President Emmanuel Macron rejection to meet the union leaders. On 11 March, using a quicker voting process to vote on entire bill than going by article and amendments, the upper chamber of the parliament voted in favour approving the pension reform. Upon the clearance, the final draft will be submitted for final vote of upper house and national assembly. Macron’s lacking majority, the challenge would be relied on Les Republicans to support in the vote.

Finland: Government adopts Sami Climate Change Council Decree
On 09 March, Government of Finland plans adopted the decree on Sami Climate Council to address climate change. The council is an independent body under the Climate Act, which looks at the issue of climate change from the perspective of the Sami people and their community. They are an indigenous group that inhabits the northern region of Europe, their traditional practices and cultural practices are intertwined with the Arctic environment which makes them highly vulnerable to the climate change process. The Sami Council wants to focus on the climate initiative discourse to focus and include Sami voices and perspectives. Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Maria Ohisalo said: “The warming climate has very particular impacts on the Sámi culture and traditional livelihoods that are based on the Arctic environment. This is why it is an absolute necessity to integrate the knowledge of the indigenous Sámi people strongly into the decision-making concerning climate policy.” 

Ukraine: Environmental damage in war accounts to UAH two trillion
On 11 March, Ukrinform reported on Kharkiv’s nature management committee estimated a total environmental damage of UAH two trillion (USD 54  Billion) during the war. This includes “land and air pollution, burned forests, and destroyed objects.” According to the committee, it will be assessing the damage to the environment on the basis of intentional or accidental. Ukraine’s Environmental Ministry has urged the government agencies to draft concept and restoration programme to bring back Ukraine’s ecology.

Argentina: Inflation crosses 100 per cent for the first time since 1991
On 14 March, the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC) revealed that annual inflation in the country had hit 102.5 per cent after it rose by 6.6 per cent in February. This was the first time since 1991, that Argentina witnessed an inflation rate above 100 per cent. On 16 March, the presidential spokesperson said though the figures were "bad, very bad and also was not expected," a 60 per cent inflation rate forecast would be addressed in the budget. The spokesperson said the prices had increased due to an ongoing drought that affected soy production and other sectors.

Honduras: Economic interests driving need for ties with China, says foreign minister
On 15 March, Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina said Honduras was seeking diplomatic ties with China due to its rising debt.  Reina said: "The global situation is complicated. We need to open up...We need investment. We need cooperation." The development comes after Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced on 14 March that Honduras would establish ties with China and that she had directed Reina to begin negotiations with China. If the relation materialises, it would automatically end ties with Taiwan, leaving the latter with only 13 formal allies globally.

The US: Pfizer to acquire cancer drug firm Seagen
On 13 March, pharma major Pfizer announced that it will acquire Seagen, with acquisition amount of USD 43 billion. Seagen has four oncology drugs on the market and a pipeline of other candidates that includes 11 potentially novel drugs. The cash inflow after pandemic induced demand enabled Pfizer to generate big capital for acquiring Seagen.

Brazil: Plastiglomerate found at a remote island near Brazil
On 16 March, Reuters reported on the rocks made from plastic debris at a remote turtle island near Brazil. According to geologists, “plastiglomerates” are made of a mixture of sedimentary granules and other debris held together by plastic. Temperature rise of sea melts the plastic, which largely comes from fishing nets, which becomes embedded with the beach’s natural material.


About the Authors
Rashmi Ramesh, Harini Madhusudan, Ankit Singh and Akriti Sharma are PhD scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Avishka Ashok, Anu Maria Joseph, Apoorva Sudhakar, Padmashree Anandhan and Femy Francis are Research Associates at NIAS.


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Akshath Kaimal

The resurgence of Somali piracy:
Sophisticated tactics, Regional instability and an Ineffective international response
July 2026 | CWA # 2203

Brighty Ann Sarah

US-Iran War, Week 21:
Resumption of attacks and the Strait of Hormuz impasse
July 2026 | CWA # 2199

Preetha Renganarayanan

The SDG Annual Report 2026:
Six takeaways on a decade of SDG monitoring, global progress, and key challenges
July 2026 | CWA # 2197

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran War, Week 20:
Renewed Strikes, Collapsed MoU and the Blockade of the Strait
July 2026 | CWA # 2196

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal (Apr-Jun 2026):
New Government, Political Stability and Economic Recovery
June 2026 | CWA # 2193

Aparna A Nair

75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, CPEC expansion and Middle East mediation
July 2026 | CWA # 2186

Lekshmi MK

NATO Summit 2026:
Four takeaways on Alliance unity, Defence commitments, and Support for Ukraine
July 2026 | CWA # 2182

Anu Maria Joseph

Africa This Week
JNIM-FLA coordinated attacks in Mali and the RSF siege in Sudan
July 2026 | CWA # 2181

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine:
Deep strikes, NATO diplomacy and the Expanding air warfare
July 2026 | CWA # 2180

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

Iran after Ali Khamenei
Institutional resilience, Anti-American sentiment and an Unresolved conflict
July 2026 | CWA # 2172

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran negotiations:
Tenuous Ceasefire, Renewed Threats and the Contest over the Strait of Hormuz 
June 2026 | CWA # 2169

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (Apr-Jun 2026):
Growing External Engagement, Enduring Internal Constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2168

Adarsh Vijay

High-Level Visits, Sideline Diplomacy and Upgrading Ties
June 2026 | CWA # 2166

Ramya B

Russia (April-June 2026)
Unsuccessful Offensive, Drone Attacks and Economic Challenges
June 2026 | CWA # 2165

Himani Pant

Europe (April-June 2026)
End of the Orban Era, Political Fragmentation, Tightening of Migration Rules and Continuing Economic Slowdown
June 2026 | CWA # 2160

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ukraine's Crimea Campaign, The Belarus Standoff, and Russia's Aerial Bombardment
June 2026 | CWA # 2159

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran MoU
Renewed strikes, Persistent disagreements, and a Fragile Agreement
June 2026 | CWA # 2157

Global Politics Team

The G7 Summit 2026
President Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit I Myanmar President’s China visit
June 2026 | CWA # 2154

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The G7 Summit 2026
Four Takeaways on Economic security, Critical minerals, and Consensus on Ukraine and Iran
June 2026 | CWA # 2153

Global Politics Team

The US-Iran MoU
The War in Ukraine I Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa I Ultra Orthodox Jews' protests in Israel
June 2026 | CWA # 2150

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The War in Ukraine:
Massive drone attacks, Europe's support for Ukraine, and a Distant ceasefire
June 2026 | CWA # 2149

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran MoU:
Asymmetric Gains and Implementation Challenges
June 2026 | CWA # 2145

Glynnis Winona B

Myanmar and Press Freedom:
Four Takeaways on Legal repression, Institutional collapse, Violence, and Digital control 
June 2026 | CWA # 2144

Nithin V

Bangladesh and Press Freedom:
Four Takeaways on Digital security laws, Political polarisation, Journalist safety, and Media vulnerability 
June 2026 | CWA # 2143

Aishal Hab Yousuf 

Sri Lanka and Press Freedom:
Five Takeaways on Political influence, Legal mechanisms to control, Ethnic sensitivities and History of State intimidation
June 2026 | CWA # 2142

Glynnis Winona B

Bhutan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on Regulatory control, Economic fragility, and Social constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2141

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Maldives and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on the influence of democracy, legislation, and state funding
June 2026 | CWA # 2140

Nithin V

Pakistan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways Military influence, cyber laws, political instability, and youth-driven digital journalism
June 2026 | CWA # 2139

Siddhi Halyur

Afghanistan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on political control, religious restrictions and economic vulnerabilities 
June 2026 | CWA # 2138

Siddhi Halyur

Nepal and Press Freedom:
Three takeaways on Political constraints, Missing legal protection and Funding issues
June 2026 | CWA # 2136

Acsah H

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:
Does this leave Jeff Bezos grounded, Elon Musk unchallenged, and NASA’s lunar timeline in jeopardy?
June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:
New Deal amidst Israeli incursion and Hezbollah’s retaliation
June 2026 | CWA # 2130

Akshath Kaimal

The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal: 
Why did the Permanent Court of Arbitration reject Rwanda’s claims? What was Rwanda’s complaint? Why did the UK cancel the deal?
June 2026 | CWA # 2129

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa This Week:
The Ebola fear in DR Congo and the Elections in Ethiopia amidst conflicts
May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

The Shenzhou-23 Mission:
China's Space Missions, Technology, and Infrastructure
May 2026 | CWA # 2124

Glynnis Winona B

The Crisis in Cuba:
The US Sanctions, Energy Crisis, and Economic Instability
May 2026 | CWA # 2123

Akshath Kaimal

The Ebola and the DR Congo:
Multiple Outbreaks, Fragile Healthcare System, and Ineffective Global Responses
May 2026 | CWA # 2122

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ballistic missiles, Nuclear drills with Belarus, and the Czech ammunition initiative
May 2026 | CWA # 2120

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East
The US-Iran War Week Thirteen: Escalating Hostilities, Tenuous Ceasefire and Tense Negotiations
May 2026 | CWA # 2119

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
The Ebola spread in DR Congo, The Faye-Sonko split in Senegal, and the Deepening US military involvement in Nigeria
May 2026 | CWA # 2115

Aparna A Nair

The Putin-Xi Summit
Trade, Technology, Security, and Pipeline
May 2026 | CWA # 2114

Glynnis Winona B

What makes the UAE a global player?
Explaining the Governance, Economy, People, and Strategic Influence of a Small Middle Eastern State
May 2026 | CWA # 2113

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Sri Lanka and the US-Iran War:
Rising oil imports, Austerity measures and State capacity
May 2026 | CWA # 2111

NIAS Global Politics Team

The Trump-Xi Summit
The Africa Forward Summit 2026 I North Korea's Constitutional Amendment 2026
May 2026 | CWA # 2110

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Trump-Xi Summit:
Managing Strategic Competition through Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy
May 2026 | CWA # 2092

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War, Week Ten
CW Column on Middle East: Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAE's Covert Manoeuvres
May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:
Fraying Ceasefire, Renewed Negotiations and the Risk of a Stalemate
May 2026 | CWA # 2089

Global Politics Team

King Charles's US Visit
May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V

Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2087

Siddhi Halyur

Exploring Strategic Sectors of Cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market
May 2026 | CWA # 2085

Glynnis Winona B

Growing US-Europe differences and Challenges for Berlin
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:
Deadlocked Negotiations, Competing Agendas and Domestic Pressure
May 2026 | CWA # 2082

Akshath Kaimal

Escalating Violence in Mali:
Between Ethnic Insurgencies, Jihadist Attacks, and Military Coups
April 2026 | CWA # 2080

Global Politics Team

Four Takeaways of the WFP's report on the fallouts of the Middle East crisis
April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

From Post-War Pacifism to Strategic Recalibration and Autonomy
April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
Asymmetric Terms, Fragile Truce and Israeli Occupation
April 2026 | CWA # 2073

Akshath Kaimal

The US-Iran War, Week Eight:
A Fragile Ceasefire, Attempts to Control Hormuz and the Stalled Talks in Islamabad
April 2026 | CWA # 2072

Anu Maria Joseph

Three Years of War in Sudan
Prolonged Stalemate, Humanitarian Cost, External Interventions and Regional Fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2070

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War I Conflicts in Africa I The War in Ukraine I China-Japan Tensions I Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes
April 2026 | CWA # 2069

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Expanding Drone Warfare, Russia's Strategic Patience and Ukraine's Diplomatic Outreach
April 2026 | CWA # 2068

Femy Francis 

China-Japan Tensions
Escalating Defence Posturing and Economic Decoupling
April 2026 | CWA # 2067

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
Continuing Conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan and DR Congo, Security issues in Nigeria, and Political Instability in Madagascar
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2064

Anwesha Ghosh

Gender Repression, Leadership Rifts, Regional Realignments and Clashes with Pakistan
April 2026 | CWA # 2063

Ramya B

Russia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Assertive Military Posture, Attempts for an Economic Turnaround and Search for Partners
April 2026 | CWA # 2062

Himani Pant

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)
Trade diversification & FTAs, Increased defence spending, Tightening irregular migration and Economic slowdown
April 2026 | CWA # 2061

S Shaji

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)
Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives
April 2026 | CWA # 2059

Adarsh Vijay

April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

Nepal (Jan-Mar 2026)
Political Upheaval, Generational Change and Economic Uncertainty
April 2026 | CWA # 2057

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regime's Consolidation Game
April 2026 | CWA # 2056

Ashik J Bonofer

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
April 2026 | CWA # 2054

Amrita Jash

Regional assertion, Pragmatic recalibration with the West and Avoiding military entanglement in the Middle East
April 2026 | CWA # 2053

Anand V

The "Two Sessions," Recalibrated growth targets, Technology prioritization, and Military purges
April 2026 | CWA # 2052

Shreya Upadhyay

April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

Five Takeaways of the US Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) Report for 2026
March 2026 | CWA # 2039

Femy Francis

Trump-Xi Meeting
Why did Trump reschedule it? What does that mean?
March 2026 | CWA # 2035

Akshath Kaimal

Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Broken ceasefire, Expanding military strikes and Worsening humanitarian situation
March 2026 | CWA # 2033

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal after elections:
Five major challenges for the new government
March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

New Five-Year Plan, Ethnic Unity Law, and an Enhanced Defence Budget
March 2026 | CWA # 2019

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria
Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment
March 2026 | CWA # 2017

Global Politics Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

Resetting Economic, Strategic and Cultural Ties
March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

Nepal Elections 2026
Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape
March 2026 | CWA # 2004

Akshath Kaimal

Instability returns, with a fragile peace agreement, uptick in violence and limited international engagement
March 2026 | CWA # 2003

Yesasvi Koganti

From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
March 2026 | CWA # 2002

Femy Francis

Reducing trade deficit and recalibrating economic cooperation with Beijing
March 2026 | CWA # 2001

Preetha Renganarayanan

Six major takeaways on the economy, border and internal security and Iran
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
March 2026 | CWA # 1991

Global Politics Team

February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

Focus on Trade, Defense, Energy and Regional Connectivity
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

Basant in Pakistan
The return of Basant, and what it signifies
February 2026 | CWA # 1977

Anu Maria Joseph

Violence in Nigeria
US military deployment amidst worsening insurgency
February 2026 | CWA # 1976

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine
The Geneva Talks and Growing Negotiation Asymmetry
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan Budget 2025-26
Legislating stabilisation under IMF discipline and coalition constraints
December 2025 | CWA # 1970

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan & China
Ten Years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
November 2025 | CWA # 1968

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
November 2025 | CWA # 1967

R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies
February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
February 2026 | CWA # 1961

Lekshmi MK

What does it mean for domestic politics and regional stability?
February 2026 | CWA # 1955

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
January 2026 | CWA # 1947

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
January 2026 | CWA # 1945

Global Politics Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

Ten Takeaways of a SCMP Interview with a former PLA Colonel
December 2025 | CWA # 1861

Femy Francis

China Reader
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
June 2025 | CWA # 1712

R Preetha

June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta