The World This Week

The World This Week
Political Crises in Maldives, Domestic instability in Colombia, and the Debt Crisis in Pakistan

GP Team
11 June 2023
Photo Source: Avas

The World This Week #217, Vol. 5, No.21
11 June 2023

Immaculine Joy Paul C, Subiksha S, and Taffy Tonia


Political Crises in Maldives 
Immaculine Joy Paul C

What happened?
On 7 June, the ruling party's parliamentary group, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), lodged a no-confidence motion targeting the parliamentary speaker and the leader of MDP, Mohamed Nasheed. He was accused of stalling a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath over the latter's failure to act in the best interest of the Maldives in the maritime dispute with Mauritius. 

On 6 June, the new party 'The Democrats' filed an emergency motion in the parliament. It complained of government intimidation of those who signed up for the party.

What is the background?
First, the long-standing internal feud within the MDP. A factional conflict emerged between parliamentary speaker Mohamed Nasheed and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. While having no quarrel over foreign policy stance (both Nasheed and Solih are pro-India and anti-China), Nasheed has pointed out key shortcomings in Solih's domestic governance relating to adherence to party ideology and constitutional reforms. Nasheed also accuses the Solih regime of corruption and changing or using rules to suit his political interests.

Second, turmoil in the opposition party - PPM. The main opposition and second largest party, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), is facing challenges, with its leader and presidential candidate, former president Abdulla Yameen serving a jail term on a money laundering case. 

Third, the difference between Nasheed and Solih over the nature of the political system. Both had agreed before the 2018 Presidential election that, within 18 months of coming to power, Solih would hold a referendum on changing the country's Presidential system to the Parliamentary system. But Solih failed to hold the referendum. Nasheed believes that the Presidential system would lead to concentration of power, dictatorship, and corruption, while the parliamentary system would be more democratic. He also believes the parliamentary system would provide a conducive environment for inter-party coalitions to work better in the country.

Fourth, the ITLOS and Mauritius. Earlier in April, ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas) ruled on a maritime dispute between the Maldives and Mauritius that the conflicting Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two would be divided based on the equidistance formula. The Maldives gained 47,232 square kilometres of the disputed maritime territory, while Mauritius gained 45,331 square kilometres. The opposition argues that the Maldives is entitled to 95,563 square kilometres and alleges President Solih influenced this move by recognizing the Chagos as part of Mauritius. Previously, Nasheed criticized Solih, holding him responsible for losing a portion of the Maldives' maritime territory in the border dispute with Mauritius. Maldives National Party (MNP) 's leader, Mohamed Nazim, wants to sue President Solih for the loss.

What does it mean?
First, the divisions can potentially disrupt the upcoming September presidential elections. There is also a fear of a lack of consensus in the national decisions, thereby hampering the democratic process or the concern for people's welfare. 

Second, the current turmoil in the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) can potentially create violence as the Opposition PPM-PNC combined have threatened to halt the elections if their jailed leader Abdulla Yameen is not allowed to contest.


Domestic instability in Colombia 
Subiksha S 

What happened?
On 4 June, Semana, a Colombian magazine, released a series of audio messages sent by Armando Benedetti (Colombian ambassador to Venezuela) to Laura Sarabia (Former chief of staff of the Presidency), threatening to reveal damaging information about President Gustavo Petro's presidential campaign, which Benedetti was in charge of the last year. He mentioned that the campaign received around USD 3.4 million, but he questioned the legitimacy of how that money was obtained. This has shaken the government and raised serious concerns about civil liberties and the transparency of intelligence agencies.

The scandal revolves around two key members of President Petro's inner circle: his chief of staff, Laura Sarabia, and the Colombian ambassador to Venezuela, Armando Benedetti, who previously served as Petro's campaign manager. It all began with accusations made by Sarabia that her child's nanny, Marelbys Meza, had stolen USD 7,000 from her home.A senior analyst for Colombia at the International Crisis Group said: "It's a reality of Colombian politics that elections, particularly in the coastal region, have traditionally been plagued by the corruption of the sort that is mentioned in the tapes."

What is the background?
Firstly, Columbia's history of surveillance abuses and violations of civil liberties, including illegal wiretapping. In 2008, the now-defunct Administrative Department of Security (DAS) was engaged in widespread illegal surveillance, including wiretapping of human rights activists, journalists, judges, and politicians who were critical of the government. In 2011, the DAS got dismantled. Analysts point to a systemic infringement of civil liberties, irrespective of the political party in power, highlighting the need for structural reforms and effective parliamentary commissions to address these issues. 

Second, political instability in the making. The current scandal has led to the suspension of debates on the President's reform proposals and has caused significant political unrest in Colombia. It evokes doubts about the case being backed up by the opposition party. Petro has responded to all the comments and indicated that his "political opponents" were trying to carry out a "soft coup" against his administration. The same term was used by a group of leftist leaders countrywide in a letter on 7 June accusing the country's opposition party is working illegally to remove Petro from power.

Third, the differences over reforms. Petro proposed several social and economic reforms in February to Colombia's Congress. They include healthcare improvements, labour, and pension reforms, free access to university education, and subsidies for vulnerable groups. However, opposition parties were against the reforms and argued they might jeopardize economic stability and increase poverty. The differences over the reforms have resulted in a stalemate.

What does it mean?
Firstly, Columbia's history of surveillance abuses and violations of civil liberties, including illegal wiretapping. In 2008, the now-defunct Administrative Department of Security (DAS) was engaged in widespread illegal surveillance, including wiretapping of human rights activists, journalists, judges, and politicians who were critical of the government. In 2011, the DAS got dismantled. Analysts point to a systemic infringement of civil liberties, irrespective of the political party in power, highlighting the need for structural reforms and effective parliamentary commissions to address these issues. 

Second, political instability in the making. The current scandal has led to the suspension of debates on the President's reform proposals and has caused significant political unrest in Colombia. It evokes doubts about the case being backed up by the opposition party. Petro has responded to all the comments and indicated that his "political opponents" were trying to carry out a "soft coup" against his administration. The same term was used by a group of leftist leaders countrywide in a letter on 7 June accusing the country's opposition party is working illegally to remove Petro from power.
Third, the differences over reforms. Petro proposed several social and economic reforms in February to Colombia's Congress. They include healthcare improvements, labour, and pension reforms, free access to university education, and subsidies for vulnerable groups. However, opposition parties were against the reforms and argued they might jeopardize economic stability and increase poverty. The differences over the reforms have resulted in a stalemate.


The Debt crisis in Pakistan
Taffy Tonia 

What happened?
On 10 June, Dawn referring to the World Bank estimates, reported the economic crisis due to a balance-of-payments crisis and political chaos, with 0.4 per cent economic growth projected for 2023 and 2 per cent for the next fiscal year. This is lower than the 3.5 per cent goal the National Economic Council set. Inflation has risen, the PKR has plummeted, and Pakistan cannot afford imports, causing a decline in industrial output. 

On 9 June, Pakistan's government released a PKR  14.5 trillion budget, with a half set aside to service PKR 7.3 trillion of debt. Around 950 billion is allocated for development projects, while populist measures include civil service pay increases and a 17.5 per cent increase in state pensions. 

On 9 June, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated he was hopeful that the IMF would resume the stalled USD 6.7 billion bailout program. He said: "The budget needs to satisfy the IMF to secure the release of more bailout money for the cash-strapped Pakistan." Additionally, he stated that the ninth review will be completed soon.

What is the background?
First, the IMF-Pakistan deadlock. Pakistan's economic turmoil has been exacerbated by political instability and devastating flooding, further underscoring the need for external support. An IMF mission visited Islamabad during January-February 2023 to address the financial challenges. However, negotiations did not agree on external financing estimates and specific domestic fiscal measures. The IMF has requested assurances on external finance from Islamabad before moving further with Pakistan to disburse the rescue tranche. The delay in the resumption of the IMF program is "unprecedented" as Pakistan waits for the completion of the ninth review of the bailout. Pakistan has been waiting for the completion of the ninth review of the bailout since November 2022. Talks on the staff-level agreement have stalled due to difficulties in securing the necessary financing assurances. 

Second, Pakistan's external debt. A deepening economic crisis has left Pakistan with barely enough dollars to cover imports and struggling to service sky-high levels of foreign debt. The government had been holding the bank's exchange rate artificially high, contributing to the lack of dollars. At the end of last month, the government allowed it to drop, which could help some businesses and push prices up. Businesses and industries across Pakistan have had to slow down or stop work while prices rise.

Third, the threat of default without an IMF bailout. On 9 May, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Power, Khurram Dastgar Khan, highlighted the potential consequences of failing to secure an agreement with the IMF. He emphasized the increased reliance on China if an agreement was not reached, signalling the country's willingness to seek financial assistance from friendly nations.

What does it mean?
First, the urgency vis-à-vis the IMF support. The government has presented a 14.5 trillion PKR (about USD 50.5 billion) budget, of which more than half would be used to pay down the debt of 7.3 trillion rupees. The PKR has fallen into inflation, and the nation can no longer afford imports, which has resulted in a sharp reduction in industrial production. 

Second, a cautious IMF and Pakistan's structural problems. Due to Pakistan's high debt service costs, a sizable chunk of tax income is lost to pay interest on the principle, which harms economic development and GDP growth. Pakistan's inability to solve structural issues and produce "inclusive" growth is the cause of its having only enough foreign reserves to cover one month's worth of imports. This debt crisis may result in Hyperinflation, a depreciation of the Pakistani rupee, a halting of imports, the closing of more factories, a rise in unemployment, and political instability.

 


Also in the news ...
Regional round-ups from around the world

East and Southeast Asia This Week
Taiwan: Hostage crisis drills 
On 10 June, the Strait Times reported Taiwan's armed forces conducting drills in Kaohsiung, featuring a simulated hostage crisis. These exercises are held regularly in response to increasing military and political pressures from China, including frequent Chinese warplane incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone. In the scenario at Kaohsiung port, the coastguard, military, police, and airborne services surrounded a ship and descended from a helicopter. Action-movie music played as the announcer shouted commands, and officers simulated boarding the ship and engaging the hostage takers with simulated gunfire. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen observed the drill and received salutes from the participating officers.

China: Largest naval training ship concludes the regional tour 
On 09 June, the Strait Times reported on China's Qi Jiguang, a massive training vessel marking the final leg of its regional tour. The ship, carrying 476 navy students and officers, visited Vietnam, Thailand, and Brunei before heading to the Philippines. The trip covered the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand, and West Pacific. The training activities on board focused on navigation, anti-piracy measures, and lightweight weapon shooting exercises. The visit comes amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, with various countries making territorial claims.

Japan: Lifting tattoo ban to boost military recruitment 
On 09 June, the Strait Times reported Japan's Defence Ministry is considering lifting a ban on tattoos to address recruitment challenges in the Self-Defence Force. Currently, candidates with tattoos are rejected based on a ministry directive established in 1954. The declining birth rate in Japan has prompted officials to review the rule, aiming for inclusivity. Indigenous populations like the Ainu, who have tattoos as part of their tradition, further highlight the need for revisions. With Japan facing labour shortages, including in the military, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has prioritized addressing the country's declining birth rate and plans to allocate significant spending for childcare and parental support. Tattoos are still associated with criminal elements in Japanese society, but changing perceptions among the younger generation is challenging this view.

Taiwan: Sharing real-time data from surveillance drones with US and Japan
On 08 June, the Strait Times reported that the US, Taiwan, and Japan are set to enhance coordination by sharing real-time data obtained from surveillance drones. This move follows the US announcement, during the final stages of the Trump presidency, of arms sales amounting to over USD 5 billion to Taiwan. These sales included the provision of four aerial drones valued at USD 600 million, intended to bolster Taiwan's capabilities and deter potential Chinese aggression. The Financial Times reports that the US will integrate these aircraft into a joint system utilized by its regional forces and the Japanese self-defence force. This integration will enable simultaneous observation of information collected by the US and its partners by unmanned aerial vehicles.

China: Joint air patrol with Russia, prompting South Korea 
On 06 June, the Strait Times reported that China and Russia carried out their sixth joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, leading South Korea to scramble fighter jets. The Chinese Defence Ministry stated that the patrol was part of their annual cooperation plan. South Korea responded by deploying fighter jets after four Russian and four Chinese military aircraft entered its air defence zone. Japan also scrambled jets in a similar incident when Chinese bombers and Russian drones flew into the Sea of Japan. These joint patrols reflect the deepening bilateral ties between China and Russia, driven partly by shared concerns over the US and other military alliances.

Thailand: Prime Minister candidate joins Pride parade
On 04 June, Thailand's leading candidate for the position of prime minister participated in a Pride parade in Bangkok, pledging to legalize same-sex marriage and protect gender identity rights if elected. The parade, held in support of gender equality during Pride month, saw thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and political leaders marching through central Bangkok. The event witnessed a significant increase in attendance compared to the previous year. Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the progressive Move Forward party, affirmed their commitment to passing the Marriage Equality Act and other laws to ensure equal rights for all couples, emphasizing the importance of celebrating diversity beyond Pride Month. The coalition formed by eight political parties aims to address the existing legal gaps and discrimination faced by the LGBT community in Thailand.

Cambodia: 2023 ASEAN Para Games commences with a spectacular opening ceremony
On 04 June, Khmer Times reported that the 12th edition of the ASEAN Para Games (APG) kicked off in Phnom Penh with a magnificent opening ceremony at MorodokTecho National Stadium. More than 2,000 exceptional athletes from Southeast Asia participated in the week-long tournament, themed "Sports: Live In Peace." Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen officially inaugurated the event, which showcased the vibrant Khmer Heart performance and a stunning fireworks display. The ceremony included flag-raising, oath-taking, and remarkable shows. As the host nation, Cambodia fielded 252 athletes, competing against participants from 10 other regional countries in 14 sports across multiple venues in the capital city.

South Asia This Week
India: President concludes her two-nation visit to Suriname and Serbia
On 09 June, President Droupadi Murmu concluded her six-day visit to Suriname and Serbia. She held wide-ranging talks with the leaders of both countries to strengthen and reaffirm India's strong bilateral relations. On 04 June, she visited Suriname, where she met President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and discussed various ways to bolster bilateral cooperation in defence, IT and capacity building. Murmu then visited Serbia upon the invitation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. During the meeting, they discussed potential mutual engagements in several sectors, including defence, military-tech cooperation, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial cooperation, information technology, AI and cultural cooperation. She met Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and National Assembly speaker Vladimir Orlic. 

India: Germany to build six new submarines 
On 06 June, the German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius arrived in India on a four-day visit and met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. During the talks, Pistorius pitched for building six advanced submarines in India to bolster bilateral defence cooperation by focusing on stronger industrial partnerships. Pistorius called the deal a "flagship project" and stated that they would want to intensify military cooperation with the Navy and Airforces. 

BIMSTEC: Marking the 26th anniversary
On 06 June, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectorial Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) marked its 26th anniversary. On this occasion, the heads of all the countries expressed their warm greetings and emphasized the importance of the grouping for the region's socio-economic development. BIMSTEC is a regional multilateral organization comprising seven members: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. It was formed in 1997 to develop an enabling environment for the economic development of the countries through collaboration and mutual assistance, along with cooperation in the fields of education, science, and technology.

Bangladesh: First foreign payment in taka
On 07 June, The Daily Star reported that Bangladesh made its first foreign payment in taka. The payment was made to a primarily foreign loan-funded project on constructing a 24-kilometre elevated expressway. This step was taken to address the depleting forex reserves caused by higher import bills compared to exports and remittances. Shahabuddin Khan, the project director, said, "This will continue until the situation pertaining to the foreign currency reserves improves." 

Sri Lanka: Ratification of CTBT approved 
On 6 June, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This ratification would recognize the country's diplomatic role in promoting international peace and security by making the world free of nuclear weapons. It would also help Sri Lanka to get useful data for civil and scientific purposes such as tsunami warnings, climate change, and geographical studies. Currently, Sri Lanka is a signatory to the CTBT and cooperates with the CTBT organization in training, capacity development, data, and information sharing. 

Maldives: Prioritizing environment-friendly energy generation
On 5 June, while speaking at a function to commemorate World Environment Day 2023, the President said his administration aims to shift Maldives' energy generation into an environment-friendly one. This can be achieved by shifting to renewable energy sources and reducing fossil fuel usage. During the address, he highlighted the government's progress in the renewable energy path, including expanding solar panel electricity generation by 36 megawatts. The measures have yielded substantial savings of 17 million litres of fossil fuel, equivalent to MVR 270 million.

Pakistan: Elected to UN Economic and Social Council
On 8 June, Pakistan was elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a three-year term starting in 2024. Ambassador Munir Akram expressed satisfaction with Pakistan's success, stating that it recognizes the country's positive role in international diplomacy. Pakistan aims to contribute to developing consensus on economic recovery and sustainable development goals within the ECOSOC forum.

Middle-East and Africa This Week
Iran: 'Fattah'- the first-ever hypersonic missile unveiled
On 6 June, the state media published the images of Iran's first-ever hypersonic missile, Fattah. The unveiling ceremony was held in the presence of President Ebrahim Raisi and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The missile can move up to Mach 15 (5,145 meters or 16,880 feet per second), has a range of 1,400km (870 miles), and can penetrate missile defence systems. The West and Israel have raised concerns over Iran's missile programme as they perceive the country's ballistic missiles could be turned into nuclear warhead carriers. So far, the US, Russia, China, and North Korea are believed to be the countries having successfully tested hypersonic missiles.

Israel: Continuing protests against PM Netanyahu's proposed judiciary reforms
On 10 June, Israelis protested against PM Benjamin Netanyahu's judiciary reforms and violence against the Palestinian communities in Israel. A 23-week-long protest persists, and people are firm in not giving up until the government revoke the proposed changes. Meanwhile, the talks on judicial reforms have been halted because of Netanyahu's trial on corruption charges since March. During Israel's state budget passage in May, Netanyahu announced to "continue our efforts to reach understandings as broad as possible on the legal reform." Further, Benjamin and his supporters argue that reforms are needed to rebalance powers between legislators and the judiciary. At the same time, the opposers consider it a direct threat to civil rights and pave the way for a totalitarian regime. 

Iran: Reopens Tehran's embassy and consulate in Riyadh
On 5 June, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani announced that Tehran's embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah would be officially reopened, which was shut down for seven years. The reopening initiative was taken in response to the China-brokered deal with Iran and Saudi Arabia. However, there was no confirmation from Saudi Arabia on reopening the embassy and consulate in Iran. Further, Tehran announced Alireza Enayati, a former envoy to Kuwait and a foreign ministry deputy for regional affairs, as its envoy to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia: Joint statement with the US 
On 8 June, as a part of the GCC meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Saudi Arabia. The US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) published a joint statement highlighting shared priorities. The US remarked on the joint statement as an "enduring commitment" to the Gulf region. The joint statement demands a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "along 1967 borders with mutually agreed swaps consistent with internationally recognized parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative." Although Blinken iterated the intention of collaborating with countries to deepen the normalization of relations with Israel, the statement had no reference to it. Further, the statement welcomed the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran; and Arab efforts to resolve the crisis in Syria by its readmission into the Arab League. 

Sierra Leone and Algeria: Elected as UN Security Council non-permanent members
On 7 June, BBC reported that Sierra Leone and Algeria had been elected non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council representing Africa. The two countries will serve from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. The Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio, called the election a generational accomplishment and stated that it represents our unique success as a democratic and peaceful country of resilience that had successfully transitioned from war to peace. The two countries would join Ecuador, Japan, Mozambique, and Switzerland as non-permanent members. 

Tunisia: Italy's Prime Minister discusses the issue of Tunisian migration
On 7 June, BBC reported that Italian Prime Minister Girgia Meloni visited Tunisia to address the issue of irregular migration. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, warned that Europe could witness a huge migration wave due to irregular migration. Additionally, Meloni discussed the border surveillance and repatriation of undocumented migrants. Meloni pledged to grant USD 750 million in aid to Tunisia to avoid an economic meltdown in Tunisia and to address the illicit migration issue. 

South Africa: Pretoria welcomes Portuguese President
On 7 June, Africanews reported that the Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, visited South Africa to commemorate the National Day of Lisbon with the Portuguese diaspora. The countries signed a defence cooperation agreement and discussed the ongoing conflict with Mozambique. Additionally, the two countries discussed opportunities of mutual benefit in science and innovation, education, and energy. During a press conference, President Cyril Ramaphosa elaborated on the previous meeting with the heads of state of Zambia, Senegal, the Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Egypt. He confirmed their visit to Kyiv and Moscow for a peace mission to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

Europe and the Americas This Week
The US: Atlantic Declaration for economic cooperation with the UK
On 8 June, the US and Britain endorsed a new Atlantic Declaration for cooperation on economic challenges in areas including clean energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. The declaration covers many US-UK economic, technological, trade, and commercial relations. The declaration focuses on US-UK governance in important and developing technologies, advancing closer collaboration on supply chains for economic security and technology protection, working together for an inclusive and responsible digital transformation, creating a clean energy economy for the future, and solidifying alliance in the areas of defence, health security, and space.

The US: A communique addresses shared priorities with Saudi Arabia
On 8 June, the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a joint statement outlining shared aims and areas of agreement. The statement was released in a communique after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended a GCC meeting during his visit to Saudi Arabia. The US emphasized its enduring commitment to the Gulf region, which addressed various regional and global crises in the statement. The key takeaways from the statement were the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 1967 borders, a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and stressed territorial integrity and international law.

The US: Justice Department indicts Donald Trump for possessing classified files
On 10 June, the United States Department of Justice indicted former President of the United States, Donald Trump, with 37 counts in the Mar-a-Lago documents case. Justice Department accused Trump of possessing classified documents related to US nuclear and defence programs and sharing them without clearance. The documents included information about the defence and weapons capabilities of the US and foreign countries, the US nuclear programs, potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack, and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack.

The US: Congress decides to introduce legislation to transfer nuclear-powered submarines to Australia
On 9 June, the US Congress moved to submit legislation allowing nuclear-powered submarines to be transferred to Australia. The AUKUS Undersea Defence Act, presented by Democrat Congressman Joe Courtney, Gregory Meeks, and Ami Bera, offers legal approval for transferring a Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine to Australia. Additionally, the bill would lead to training Australian private-sector defence staff members and incorporating Australian monetary contributions to the US defence industrial base.

Canada: Bank of Canada increases the interest rate
On 7 June, the Bank of Canada increased its interest rate from 4.5 per cent to 4.75 per cent. The previous rate hike in January added more than USD 1,000 to the monthly payment on a USD 500,000 mortgage. Canada's big banks raised their prime lending rates to 6.95 per cent following the hike in interest rates. The move by the central bank would make life even more difficult for variable-rate mortgage holders, who have seen their payments rise this year.

Serbia: Sixth anti-government protest in Belgrade
On 09 June, anti-government protests took place in Belgrade. This protest was the sixth following the two mass shootings of May 2023. Opposition parties and left-wing parties called for the protests. The protesters demanded the resignation of Serbian President Alexander Vucic, Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic and Secret Service Chief Aleksander Vulin. On 07 June, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic announced that she would resign and called the opposition parties for talks, but they refused. Protesters claim that the government and some news broadcasters and tabloids are responsible for the widespread gun culture.

Europe: EU member countries agree on two migration rules
On 09 June, the EU member countries agreed on the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) and the Asylum Procedure Regulation (APR). 
APR aims to prevent asylum seekers who are unlikely to procure asylum from staying inside the bloc for a long time through quick border procedures. AMMR will replace the Dublin Regulation, which determined who was responsible for examining an asylum application. The member countries are provided with three choices for dealing with asylum seekers. First, they can accept relocated asylum seekers. Second, pay the rejected applicants to return to their origin country. Third, provide financial support to the countries that are accepting asylum seekers.

Argentina: Judge dismisses money laundering case against Vice President Cristina Fernandez
On 5 June, Federal Judge Sebastian Casanello dismissed the money laundering case against Vice President Cristina Fernandez after stating that there was no evidence she was involved in the corruption. The lawsuit began with charges that Báez, owner of Austral Construcciones, was paid for unfinished public works contracts and subsequently laundered the money on behalf of Fernandez. The conviction of Fernandez can still be challenged and evaluated by higher courts, a process that could take years. In the interim, she is exempt from arrest before the October elections.

 


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, Femy Francis, and Rishika Yadav are Research Associates at NIAS. Jerry Franklin, Sreeja J S, Immaculine,  R B Nithyashree, Lakshmi Parimala, Taffy Tonia, Subkish S and Melvin George are Research Interns at NIAS.  


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July 2026 | CWA # 2196

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal (Apr-Jun 2026):
New Government, Political Stability and Economic Recovery
July 2026 | CWA # 2195

Radhika M Agarwal

June 2026 | CWA # 2193

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan PMin China:
75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, CPEC expansion and Middle East mediation
July 2026 | CWA # 2190

NIAS Global Politics Team

China-DPRK friendship treaty I The IMF World Economic Outlook
July 2026 | CWA # 2189

Dhivya KM

Five takeaways on Global growth, AI, and Economic resilience
July 2026 | CWA # 2186

Lekshmi MK

NATO Summit 2026:
Four takeaways on Alliance unity, Defence commitments, and Support for Ukraine
July 2026 | CWA # 2184

Deb Dutta

Four takeaways on Forced returns, Collapsing protection, Protracted crises
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 # 2178

NIAS Global Politics Team

July 2026 | CWA # 2177

Deb Dutta

Economic Security, Artificial Intelligence and Energy Resilience
July 2026 | CWA # 2171

Radhika M Agarwal

June 2026 | CWA # 2169

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (Apr-Jun 2026):
Growing External Engagement, Enduring Internal Constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2167

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

Fragile De-escalation amid Persistent Volatility
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 # 2158

Anu Maria Joseph

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 # 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 # 2138

Siddhi Halyur

Nepal and Press Freedom:
Three takeaways on Political constraints, Missing legal protection and Funding issues
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 # 2128

NIAS Global Politics Team

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 # 2117

Lekshmi MK

Arctic cooperation, Climate diplomacy, and Trade diversification
May 2026 | CWA # 2116

Yesasvi Koganti

Deepening Energy, AI, Defence, and Maritime Cooperation
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 # 2105

Rohini Reenum

Four reasons why Tehran insists on including Hezbollah
May 2026 | CWA # 2103

Akshath Kaimal

Complex Geography, Multiple Insurgencies, and an Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
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 # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East:
Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAEs 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 # 2088

Nithin V

King Charles's US Visit:
Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

UAE's Exit from OPEC:
Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market
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 # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Japans New Defence Posture:
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 # 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 # 2066

Akshath Kaimal

The Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Recurrent Clashes, Defiant Taliban, Contesting Narratives and Emerging Chinas Role
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

The Middle East (JanMar 2026):
The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2064

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (JanMar 2026):
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 # 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 # 2055

Haans J Freddy

East Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Chinas military operations near Taiwan, Japan-China tensions and South Koreas security challenges
April 2026 | CWA # 2054

Amrita Jash

Chinas External Landscape (Jan-Mar 2026):
Regional assertion, Pragmatic recalibration with the West and Avoiding military entanglement in the Middle East
April 2026 | CWA # 2052

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States(Jan-Mar2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trumps World Order
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 # 2024

Lekshmi MK

The UN and the Iran-US War
UNSC Resolution 2817 between Clear and Unified Message and Manifest Injustice
March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

Chinas Two Sessions 2026
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 # 2012

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Long-range strikes, Defence adaptation and the EUs energy dependence
March 2026 | CWA # 2010

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Elections 2026
The Rise of the New and the Fall of the Old
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

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

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel
From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
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
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?
February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti

UK and China
PM Keir Starmers visit and the Recalibration of Economic, Strategic, and Domestic ties
January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

November 2025 | CWA # 1841

IPRI Team

October 2025 | CWA # 1828

Brighty Ann Sarah

October 2025 | CWA # 1827

GP Team

September 2025 | CWA # 1819

Ayan Datta

Africa
September 2025 | CWA # 1816

Brighty Ann Sarah

The Middle East
September 2025 | CWA # 1815

Anshuman Behera

South Asia
September 2025 | CWA # 1814

Anshuman Behera

South Asia
September 2025 | CWA # 1812

Kasvi Batra

China, East Asia and Southeast Asia
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 # 1796

Ditipriya Ghosh

August 2025 | CWA # 1795

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
August 2025 | CWA # 1787

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

What is the background? And what does it mean?
August 2025 | CWA # 1786

Astha Panda

Fewer births, Smaller families and Out-migration
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 # 1773

Lekshmi MK

July 2025 | CWA # 1772

Kasvi Batra

Another setback for the ruling party
July 2025 | CWA # 1771

Swati Sood

Prioritizing Neighbors
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 # 1768

IPRI Team

July 2025 | CWA # 1767

Naomi Miriam Mathew

Minerals, Markets, and Military
July 2025 | CWA # 1765

Kasvi Batra

Balancing Economic Interests, Strategic Tensions and a Soft Power Recalibration
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
July 2025 | CWA # 1760

NIAS Global Politics Team

July 2025 | CWA # 1759

Padmashree Anandhan

July 2025 | CWA # 1750

Swati Sood

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 # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
July 2025 | CWA # 1743

M Kejia

A Significant Visit for a Road to Strategic Partnership
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
July 2025 | CWA # 1739

Swati Sood 

Why now, what next?
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

What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
June 2025 | CWA # 1731

Farhaz Rashid Ahmed

Where does the Black Lives Matter Movement stand today?
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 # 1722

Rizwana Banu S

Why is Diego Garcia important to the US?
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  

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 # 1711

Gauri Gupta

June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Mori question in New Zealand
June 2025 | CWA # 1708

Santhiya M

The RPP and UML showcase their strength in the streets of Kathmandu
June 2025 | CWA # 1706

Merin Treesa Alex

Instability to possible stability
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 # 1702

Lekshmi MK

June 2025 | CWA # 1701

Santhiya M

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 # 1698

Gauri Gupta

June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
June 2025 | CWA # 1693

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

The focus on Politics, Trade and Defence
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
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
May 2025 | CWA # 1684

Farhaz Rashid Ahmed

No clear winners, yet
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
May 2025 | CWA # 1680

Padmashree Anandhan

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 # 1674

Anu Maria Joseph

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 # 1669

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

On Memory, Justice, Diplomacy, Strategy, and Narratives
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?
April 2025 | CWA # 1658

GP Team

April 2025 | CWA # 1657

Abhishiktha S Kumar

Who wants the King to return and who opposes it?
April 2025 | CWA # 1655

IPRI Team

April 2025 | CWA # 1642

Esther Gamako Zugwai

March 2025 | CWA # 1641

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

March 2025 | CWA # 1639

Anu Maria Joseph

March 2025 | CWA # 1634

Nuha Aamina

March 2025 | CWA # 1622

GP Team

March 2025 | CWA # 1621

Vaneeta

March 2025 | CWA # 1613

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

March 2025 | CWA # 1609

IPRI Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1594

Ayan Datta

February 2025 | CWA # 1592

South Asia Brief Team

February 2025 | CWA # 1591

GP Team

February 2025 | CWA # 1590

IPRI Team

December 2024 | CWA # 1579

Sayeka Ghosh

January 2025 | CWA # 1573

Vaneeta

January 2025 | CWA # 1570

Vaneeta

January 2025 | CWA # 1565

GP Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1563

IPRI Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1562

Ayan Datta

December 2024 | CWA # 1555

Nupur Priya

November 2024 | CWA # 1544

Ayan Datta

November 2024 | CWA # 1537

Rohini Reenum

October 2024 | CWA # 1522

Advik S Mohan

October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

October 2024 | CWA # 1479

GP Team

September 2024 | CWA # 1476

Advik S Mohan

September 2024 | CWA # 1472

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1465

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1458

Samruddhi Pathak

August 2024 | CWA # 1457

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2024 | CWA # 1448

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1446

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1445

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2024 | CWA # 1444

Ayan Datta

August 2024 | CWA # 1442

Vetriselvi Baskaran

August 2024 | CWA # 1437

Prajwal T V

August 2024 | CWA # 1427

Ken B Varghese

July 2024 | CWA # 1416

GP Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

July 2024 | CWA # 1404

Vetriselvi Baskaran

July 2024 | CWA # 1392

Ayan Datta

June 2024 | CWA # 1377

GP Team

June 2024 | CWA # 1368

Ayan Datta & Sayeka Ghosh

June 2024 | CWA # 1355

GP Team

June 2024 | CWA # 1349

Padmashree Anandhan

June 2024 | CWA # 1339

LS Hareesh

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

May 2024 | CWA # 1330

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1321

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1320

Femy Francis

May 2024 | CWA # 1318

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1311

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1310

Dhriti Mukherjee

May 2024 | CWA # 1308

GP Team

May 2024 | CWA # 1307

IPRI Team

April 2024 | CWA # 1286

Karthik Manoharan

April 2024 | CWA # 1282

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

April 2024 | CWA # 1273

GP Team

April 2024 | CWA # 1265

Devi Chandana M

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

March 2024 | CWA # 1243

GP Team

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
January 2024 | CWA # 1211

Bibhu Prasad Routray

January 2024 | CWA # 1199

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1152

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1150

NIAS Africa Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1149

Sneha Surendran

November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1146

IPRI Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1142

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1140

GP Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1114

Prerana P

June 2023 | CWA # 1113

CR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1090

Yogeswari S

October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1076

IPRI Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1071

Dhriti Mukherjee

August 2023 | CWA # 1070

Ankit Singh

September 2023 | CWA # 1067

PR Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1062

Feben Itty

September 2023 | CWA # 1061

Genesy B

September 2023 | CWA # 1060

Sreeja JS

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1045

NIAS Africa Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1043

Sneha Surendran

August 2023 | CWA # 1042

Nithyashree RB

August 2023 | CWA # 1038

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2023 | CWA # 1036

NIAS Africa Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1024

NIAS Africa Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1022

Ankita Dutta

July 2023 | CWA # 1019

Sneha Surendran

July 2023 | CWA # 1016

Medini Hegde

July 2023 | CWA # 1015

Ramya Balasubramanian

July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1008

IPRI Team

June 2023 | CWA # 985

GP Team

June 2023 | CWA # 977

NIAS Africa Team

June 2023 | CWA # 976

Jerry Franklin

June 2023 | CWA # 974

Akshaya S

June 2023 | CWA # 968

Rishika Yadav and Nityashree RB

May 2023 | CWA # 955

Amit Gupta

May 2023 | CWA # 953

GP Team

May 2023 | CWA # 952

Rishika Yadav

April 2023 | CWA # 943

NIAS Africa Team

April 2023 | CWA # 935

GP Team

March 2023 | CWA # 931

Himani Pant

March 2023 | CWA # 929

IPRI Team

March 2023 | CWA # 927

Indrani Talukdar

January 2023 | CWA # 922

Bhoomika Sesharaj

January 2023 | CWA # 921

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

March 2023 | CWA # 919

NIAS Africa Team

January 2023 | CWA # 901

Riya Itisha Ekka

January 2023 | CWA # 900

Apoorva Sudhakar

January 2023 | CWA # 899

Sayani Rana

January 2023 | CWA # 892

IPRI Team

January 2023 | CWA # 891

NIAS Africa Team

December 2022 | CWA # 886

Sethuraman Nadarajan

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 848

Vignesh Ram

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
November 2022 | CWA # 836

Padmashree Anandhan

November 2022 | CWA # 833

Rishma Banerjee

November 2022 | CWA # 814

IPRI Team

October 2022 | CWA # 809

Padmashree Anandhan

October 2022 | CWA # 808

Devjyoti Saha

October 2022 | CWA # 807

Dr Beena

October 2022 | CWA # 794

GP Team

September 2022 | CWA # 786

GP Team

July 2022 | CWA # 769

NIAS Africa Team

July 2022 | CWA # 762

Padmashree Anandhan

July 2022 | CWA # 760

GP Team

July 2022 | CWA # 759

IPRI Team

July 2022 | CWA # 757

IPRI Team

July 2022 | CWA # 756

NIAS Africa Team

June 2022 | CWA # 751

NIAS Africa Team

June 2022 | CWA # 743

NIAS Africa Team

April 2022 | CWA # 724

IPRI Team

April 2022 | CWA # 723

STIR Team

April 2022 | CWA # 720

GP Team

April 2022 | CWA # 719

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 707

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 706

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
March 2022 | CWA # 703

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 701

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 697

Avishka Ashok

March 2022 | CWA # 696

Nireekshan Bollimpalli 

March 2022 | CWA # 695

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 693

PR Team

March 2022 | CWA # 692

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 691

IPRI Team

February 2022 | CWA # 689

GP Team

February 2022 | CWA # 688

Padmashree Anandhan

February 2022 | CWA # 685

IPRI Team

February 2022 | CWA # 683
February 2022 | CWA # 682

IPRI Team

February 2022 | CWA # 679

Porkkodi Ganeshpandian and Angkuran Dey

February 2022 | CWA # 678

Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan 

February 2022 | CWA # 668

Amit Gupta

January 2022 | CWA # 653

STIR Team

January 2022 | CWA # 645

Ankit Singh

January 2022 | CWA # 640

Ankit Singh

January 2022 | CWA # 639

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

January 2022 | CWA # 638

Sneha M

December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
November 2021 | CWA # 613

GP Team

November 2021 | CWA # 610

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

November 2021 | CWA # 602

D. Suba Chandran

October 2021 | CWA # 595

Joeana Cera Matthews 

October 2021 | CWA # 593

Harini Madhusudhan

October 2021 | CWA # 590

Sneha M

October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
October 2021 | CWA # 586

Apoorva Sudhakar

October 2021 | CWA # 584

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

September 2021 | CWA # 560

Apoorva Sudhakar

September 2021 | CWA # 550

Joeana Cera Matthews 

September 2021 | CWA # 547

Lokendra Sharma

August 2021 | CWA # 539

STIR Team

August 2021 | CWA # 533

Dincy Adlakha

August 2021 | CWA # 532

Sarthak Jain

August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
July 2021 | CWA # 512

Mohamad Aseel Ummer

July 2021 | CWA # 503

GP Team

June 2021 | CWA # 498

Gurpreet Singh

May 2021 | CWA # 467

Lokendra Sharma

May 2021 | CWA # 464

GP Team

April 2021 | CWA # 456

GP Team

March 2021 | CWA # 440

IPRI Team

February 2021 | CWA # 436

IPRI Team

February 2021 | CWA # 434

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

February 2021 | CWA # 428

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

February 2021 | CWA # 427

Apoorva Sudhakar

February 2021 | CWA # 424

GP Team

January 2021 | CWA # 415

GP Team

January 2021 | CWA # 411

D Suba Chandran

December 2020 | CWA # 405

Mallika Devi

December 2020 | CWA # 404

Harini Madhusudan

December 2020 | CWA # 403

Kamna Tiwary

December 2020 | CWA # 400

Sourina Bej

November 2020 | CWA # 369

IPRI Team

September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

September 2020 | CWA # 336

Harini Madhusudan

September 2020 | CWA # 335

Sourina Bej

August 2020 | CWA # 320

IPRI Team

June 2020 | CWA # 304

Padmashree A

May 2020 | CWA # 295

GP Team

May 2020 | CWA # 293

Boa Wang

May 2020 | CWA # 288

Adnan Aziz Chowdhury

May 2020 | CWA # 286

Boa Wang

May 2020 | CWA # 283

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 277

IPRI Team

April 2020 | CWA # 272

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 271

IPRI Team

April 2020 | CWA # 259

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 255

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 253

IPRI Team

March 2020 | CWA # 250

Rashmi Ramesh

March 2020 | CWA # 240

GP Team

March 2020 | CWA # 239

IPRI Team

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

February 2020 | CWA # 212

GP Team

January 2020 | CWA # 209

Boa Wang

January 2020 | CWA # 208

Vivek Mishra

December 2019 | CWA # 196

Harini Madhusudan

November 2019 | CWA # 179

Rashmi Ramesh

October 2019 | CWA # 178

Sourina Bej

September 2019 | CWA # 164

GP Team

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
September 2019 | CWA # 161

Rashmi Ramesh

July 2019 | CWA # 147

Vivek Mishra

June 2019 | CWA # 134

Sourina Bej

June 2019 | CWA # 133

Harini Madhusudan

June 2019 | CWA # 126

Jerin George

June 2019 | CWA # 124

GP Team

May 2019 | CWA # 117

Sourina Bej

May 2019 | CWA # 114

GP Team

May 2019 | CWA # 113

GP Team

April 2019 | CWA # 111

GP Team

January 2019 | CWA # 80

Abhishrut Singh

January 2019 | CWA # 78

Kriti

January 2019 | CWA # 77

Komal Tiwary

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
September 2018 | CWA # 58

Aparupa Bhattacherjee

August 2018 | CWA # 52

Oishee Majumdar

July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

July 2018 | CWA # 40

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta

June 2018 | CWA # 21

Harini Madhusudan

May 2018 | CWA # 8

Samreen Wani

May 2018 | CWA # 1

Samreen Wani