Conflict Weekly

Conflict Weekly
Enshrining Abortion Rights in France's Constitution, Inuit Women's Demand for Justice, the State of Emergency in Haiti and the Elusive Ceasefire in Gaza

IPRI Team
8 March 2024
Photo Source: Gonzalo Fuentes, Reuters

Conflict Weekly #218, 8 March 2024, Vol.5, No.10
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Navinan GV and Shamini Velayutham

France: First country to enshrine abortion rights in the Constitution
Padmashree Anandhan

In the news
On 4 March, the French parliament approved the bill with a three-fifth majority, constitutionalizing women's abortion rights. Article 34 would be amended to include the freedom of women to carry out abortions. President Emmanuel Macron called it a "universal message" to defend abortion rights. France becomes the first country to constitutionalize the right to terminate a pregnancy. 

On 4 March, before the vote, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal stated: "We're sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you."

On 4 March, on the "Guaranteed freedom" for abortion, national co-president of Le Planning Familial(a French equivalent of Planned Parenthood), Sarah Durocher, said: "This will give birth to other things...For example, real policies so there is effective access to abortion."

On 26 February, the Senate approved the bill, including women's right to an abortion in the Constitution, with 267 votes in favour and 50 against. This follows the approval from the Assemblée Nationale in January.

Issues at large
First, the French society's historical efforts to secure abortion rights. In January 1975, France took the first step in decriminalizing abortion through the Veil Law, with a close majority among conservatives and liberals. It came after a series of protests, feminist movements, and public debates. Until 1974, 48 per cent of the French population was in favour of abortion, which increased to 75 per cent in 2014. Abortion was once considered taboo, especially among the conservative Christians. However, it is no longer viewed as "shame or silence." In 1993 and 2001, two laws were passed that decriminalized self-abortion and instituted the offence of obstructing the termination of pregnancy. The change became evident with the involvement of the progressive younger generation and social media, breaking the taboos. The legislations and the change in views revolutionized the perceptions of society and individuals except the evangelical population.

Second, reason to constitutionalize. Several constitutional democracies have come far from banning abortions to legalizing with a scope to provide options for women before deciding not to exclude the right of an unborn child. For France, clearance from the Senate and both houses were considered more of a formality. Making it a constitutional right ensures women additional protection to opt for abortion and makes it tough for politicians to reverse. However, debates within the Christian conservative population on protecting the life and rights of children do hinge on societal mentality. But such strong legal mandates can help improve the rights of women.

Third, the debate across Europe. The majority of women in Europe have access to abortions; however, legal restrictions are a major hurdle. A few examples include Austria and Germany, which regulate the right to exercise abortion under a criminal code. Hungary insists women hear the child's heartbeat before deciding on abortion. The free distribution of abortion pills in Austria and the law against harassment of women who had abortions in Spain were a few other major developments. However, there are constraints for individuals in bearing the cost of the abortion procedure and getting covered under health insurance. Besides, in catholic dominant and eastern European countries, including Andorra, Northern Ireland, Malta, Poland, and San Marino, under moral, religious, and legal grounds, either ban abortion or allow it under restricted circumstances.

In perspective
First, the importance of state intervention. In the 1940s, abortion was perceived as a crime against an unborn child. By the 1950s, feminist movements gained traction in France. Following the government support in 1975, the feminist movements have gone hand in hand with legislation transforming public opinion, with the exceptions being the conservative evangelicals. Since 1975, reforms to the Veil laws during the years 2014 to 2016 have helped transition the mentalities of society towards abortions, making it more liberal for women to choose.

Second, the role of the leadership. For France, not just the government but also the leadership mattered in shaping abortion rights and reducing the restrictions for women. In 1975, Minister of Health Simone Veil served as a pioneer for women's rights and pushed for abortion rights. She faced challenges from jurists and anti-abortion groups in clarifying the law before the healthcare professionals. This helped in passing the Veil law with a close majority. Although such obstacles were not present for Macron, questions over consent to perform the procedure among the doctors and objections of the conservative group persist. Storming through these obstacles amid a rising right-wing party indicates Macron's ability to anchor the rights into the Constitution.


Denmark: Greenlandic Inuit's call for colonial justice
Anu Maria Joseph

In the news
On 4 March, the Associated Press reported that 143 indigenous women belonging to the Inuit community in Greenland sued the Danish Ministry of Health for forcing them to be inserted with intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) during the 1960s and 70s. Besides, they have demanded USD 6.3 million in compensation for human rights violations against them. One of the women, Naja Lyberth, was stated to have told Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR), a Greenland-based media: "As long as we live, we want to regain our self-respect and respect for our wombs."

On 4 March, the lawyer representing the Inuit women, Mads Pramming, stated: "My clients believe they were subject to a human rights violation because they have had IUDs inserted against their will, and in most cases when they were children."

On 4 March, a case was filed against Denmark's Ministry of Health. The Minister of Health, Sophie Lohde, stated: "This is a deeply unfortunate case that we must get to the bottom of, and therefore an independent investigation has also been initiated." 

Issues at large
First, a background to the Greenlandic Inuit community. Inuits are indigenous people from the Arctic regions of North America. They reside in Greenland, the US, Canada, Denmark and Russia. The Inuits of Greenland represent close to one third of the total 155,792 population worldwide. The Greenlandic Inuits or the Kalaallit constitute 89 per cent of Greenland's population. Greenland became a self-governing entity of Denmark in 1979. However, Denmark, its former colonial power, controls its foreign and defence affairs. 

Second, the complaints against Denmark’s colonial policies. During the 1960s and 70s, the island's population was increasing due to its better living and health conditions. According to the Danish authorities, nearly 4,500 women and girls were subjected to the IUD implant. Several were under the age of 12, and many are still unaware of what had happened. In 2022, the Danish government launched an investigation that is due in 2025. In 2018, a group of Inuits, who were taken away from their families for a failed social experiment in 1951, demanded an apology from the Danish authorities. Then, as part of an experiment, around 22 children, now in their 70s, were removed from their families to be re-educated as model Danish citizens. A formal apology was given by Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, in 2022.

Third, the refusal and reconciliation. The Danish government refused to be a part of the Greenlandic Reconciliation Commission in 2013, investigating the legacy of colonialism in Greenland. The Danish authorities cited the reconciliation commission as an “insult” to Denmark. In retrospect, the then authorities sought a reconciliation, ignoring acknowledgement and apology. This refusal to take responsibility changed during the recent years. In 2022, Denmark, for the first time, accepted and apologised for its atrocity against the Inuits. 

Fourth, the continuing marginalization of the Inuits. Although Greenland enjoys autonomy, it faces several economic, social, health and environmental challenges. The traditional life of the indigenous group has been threatened by forced urbanisation that started during the 1970s. It resulted in increased immigration of Danes and disruption of Inuit kinship. Meanwhile, climate change in the polar region with rising sea levels, rapid warming, melting ice and animal extinction have affected the community's livelihood. A rapid shift in their way of life accounted for multiple health issues. Besides, the presence of rare earths has attracted the investments of external actors including the US and China, which are initiated by the Danish government and marginally benefit the Inuits. In 2023, the UN recorded a lack of effective mechanisms to implement Inuit's rights to free, prior and informed consent in Greenland regarding "tourism concessions, implementing business projects and adopting legislative and administrative acts in Greenland." 

In perspective
Denmark’s reconciliation with the Greenlandic Inuits needs more seriousness and a swift response. A slow acknowledgement, apology and reparation from the Danish authorities implies that an effective reconciliation is far from reality. Although the autonomy of Greenland from Denmark was hailed as the self-determination and preservation of the community, the continued influence of the Danish government against the interests of the Inuits implies that complete self-determination and preservation is far from reality. The Danish authorities would likely take another three years to accept its colonial atrocity against the women. However, the case of Greenlandic Inuits is an encouragement for indigenous communities across the world to fight for their rights and justice.


Haiti: State of Emergency as violence surges with gang leaders warning of civil war and genocide
Navinan GV

In the news
On 7 March, the government in Haiti extended the state of emergency for another month. On 3 March, after gangs stormed the country's two biggest jails and freed nearly 3,700 inmates, the Haitian government declared a 72-hour state of emergency and a night curfew. 

On 6 March, Jimmy Cherizier, leader of the G9 gang, warned of a civil war and "genocide" if Haitian PM Ariel Henry did not step down. Al Jazeera quoted him to have stated: "If Ariel Henry doesn't resign, if the international community continues to support him, we'll be heading straight for a civil war that will lead to genocide." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, described the situation in the country as "beyond untenable" and asked the international community to "act swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti's further descent into chaos." A statement from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said, "Haiti is facing a complex humanitarian and protection crisis. Every time violence breaks out, thousands of people fall into precarious situations and need emergency aid. Humanitarian organizations need unhindered access to the most vulnerable populations. Beyond humanitarian aid, Haiti needs greater international solidarity at this crucial time."

On 5 March, Henry arrived in Puerto Rico after his flight was denied entry into Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Minister of Finance Patrick Boisvert has been acting as prime minister while Henry remained overseas to get support for a UN-backed mission to help control the situation in the country. Boisvert stated that the "police were ordered to use all legal means at their disposal to enforce the curfew and apprehend all offenders." 

On 4 March, gangs attacked the airport to prevent Henry and a multinational force from entering the country.

On 1 March, Kenyan President William Ruto signed a "reciprocal" agreement with Haiti's PM Henry to deploy Kenyan police who would lead a UN-backed mission in Haiti. The two leaders "discussed the next steps to enable the fast-tracking of the deployment." On 26 February, the Bahamian Prime Minister, Philip Davis, stated that "Haiti is haemorrhaging" due to a "truly terrible" security situation. The Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, asserted that the world needed to "act quickly to alleviate the suffering" of the Haitians.

Issues at large
First, the gangs of Haiti. The emergence of gangs in Haiti dates back to the Tonton Macoute, a paramilitary force established by former Haitian President François Duvalier in the 1950s and 1960s. The Tonton Macoute was used to suppress political opposition and maintain Duvalier's power. Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide created armed groups to protect his political interests. These groups later morphed into gangs that control much of Haiti today, including G-Pep and G9, which fight for control of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. The gangs have since expanded their territories; according to the UN, 200 gangs operate across Haiti, with around 95 in the capital alone. Recently, their control over the capital increased from 60 to 80 per cent, according to UN officials. 

Second, the independence of the gangs and the weak state. The gangs have access to weapons and are financially independent, which seems to be the main source of their power. On 1 March, a UN report highlighted that a network of criminal actors, including some from Haiti, "often source firearms from across the US" and illegally smuggle them from the Dominican Republic. The gangs abduct civilians and demand ransom, making them financially independent and increasing their power. On the other hand, the police force is outnumbered and underfunded, resulting in fewer people and weapons. Gangs have become the source of authority in most parts of Haiti, increasing their presence and power.

Third, hesitant international response. Despite multiple calls from Haiti for international support, there needs to be more support to support the state and augment its ability to counter the gangs. At the regional level, in January 2024, a Kenyan High Court blocked the deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti by ruling it unconstitutional, further delaying the deployment of the multinational security support mission. On 28 February, a four-day regional summit of Caribbean leaders ended, wherein they stated that Henry had agreed to hold general elections by mid-2025. In February, the US government stated that to restore peace to Haiti, it was willing to supply money, equipment, and logistical support to a multinational force. According to Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell, the international community had pledged more than USD 100 million for the Haiti mission, with the US contributing an additional USD 200 million; however, the UN claimed that less than USD 11 million was received as of 5 March.

In perspective
Haiti faces four challenges – political legitimacy, weak institutions, strong gangs and lack of international support. Unfortunately, there is no light at the end of the tunnel on all four challenges. Despite the US asking Prime Minister Henry to make the governance inclusive, he is less likely to pursue that option. Weak institutions and strong gangs in Haiti have created a negative loop that makes the former weaker and the latter stronger. Haiti needs immediate support from the region and the rest of the world; unfortunately, it is not likely to happen in the immediate future. This means further instability in Haiti.


The War in Gaza: The Elusive Search for a Ceasefire
Shamini Velayutham

In the news
On 7 March, the War in Gaza entered its seventh month. Referring to it, the US President, in his State of the Union address, said: "As we look to the future, the only real solution to the situation is a two-state solution over time." On 3 March, US Vice-President Kamala Harris said: "Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza." On 3 March, US Vice-President Kamala Harris said: "Let's get a ceasefire. Let's reunite the hostages with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza." On the same day, US President Joe Biden stated that he is determined to secure a deal with the warring parties to secure the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas and to establish a six-week ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel's war cabinet member and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political rival, Benny Gantz, met with US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

On 6 March, Hamas said: "We will continue to negotiate through our brotherly mediators to reach an agreement that fulfils the demands and interests of our people." The US formulated a revised draft of a proposed UNSC ceasefire resolution that calls for "an immediate ceasefire of roughly six weeks in Gaza together with the release of all hostages." The third revised text calls for a "temporary ceasefire."

On 5 March, three days after the ceasefire negotiations in Cairo, led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, the talks ended without a breakthrough. The ceasefire negotiations stalled as the Israeli delegation did not show up in Cairo, citing that Hamas did not release the list of captives. Meanwhile, the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, met Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, to discuss a six-week ceasefire and efforts to release hostages held by Hamas.

On 4 March, Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant stated that the war would not end until the Hamas were defeated. On the same day, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) chief, Volker Turk, during the council meeting in Geneva, stated that the war in Gaza is a "powder keg" that could engender a larger conflict, causing repercussions for the Middle East and other regions.

On 2 March, the US and Jordan carried out an airdrop of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The airdrop was carried out by three C-130 planes. Earlier, on 29 February, Israeli forces opened fire on aid seekers who gathered near the Nabulsi roundabout in the south-west of Gaza City, killing more than 100. 

Issues at large
First, the elusive search for a ceasefire, since the November humanitarian pause. In November 2023, the US, Qatar, and Egypt succeeded in getting a temporary humanitarian pause, agreed by Israel and Hamas. From 22 November, the pause lasted seven days before collapsing amidst accusations and counteraccusations by Israel and Hamas. Under the agreement, 105 hostages were released by Hamas, which included 81 Israeli women and children, 23 Thai nationals and one Filipino. In exchange, Israel released nearly 240 Palestinian prisoners. Ever since, there have been numerous efforts and calls for a longer ceasefire; discussions have taken place in the region and at the UN with less success. The recent one in the series is the statement by the US President regarding a Ramadan ceasefire and the frantic efforts during the last two weeks to reach it.

Second, the focus on ceasefire and the multiple demands. Based on available information to the public, the demands for a ceasefire include the ceasing of military operations by Israel, the release of the hostages by Hamas, and allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza, including medical supplies, tents and construction materials to rebuild. Hamas also want the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel in a specific proportion (400 Palestinian prisoners for 40 Israeli hostages).  

Third, increasing American pressure on Israel and PM Benjamin Netanyahu. President Biden's reference to the "Two State Solution" in his State of the Union address is one of the latest statements aimed at pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US airdrop of aid during the previous week in Gaza was a strong statement from Biden against Netanyahu. The US Vice President's statement on the aid and the White House hosting Benny Gantz, Netanyahu's rival in Israel, is a clear message to Netanyahu. 

Fourth, the humanitarian situation in Gaza. In February, the UN warned that at least 576,000 people are "one step away from famine." There is a limited distribution of aid as Israel allows a minimum of trucks into Gaza. Despite pressure from the UN and US, Netanyahu remains stubborn in disallowing more aid to Gaza.

In perspective
A ceasefire before Ramadan and more aid into Gaza are the immediate requirements. Developments during the week highlight the complications in achieving both. Israel and Hamas seem unmoved in their position and unwilling to compromise. 

Will the thinning of American patience with Netanyahu make the latter understand and make a compromise? Will the regional pressure be sufficient enough to force Hamas to take a positive step in releasing the hostages? These are two primary questions of the week. The answers look bleak on both.


Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups

Akriti Sharma, Vetriselvi Baskaran, Akhil Ajith, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Padmashree Anandhan, Dhriti Mukherjee, Shamini Velayutham, Narmatha S and Navinan GV 

East and Southeast Asia
China: Envoy sent to Ukraine for an immediate political settlement
On 5 March, China sent its special envoy for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, to Kyiv for a political settlement to the war in Ukraine. He began his trip to Russia on 2 March, followed by visits to Poland, Ukraine, Germany, France, and Belgium. This was his second trip to Europe after the war began. Li told Russia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikhail Galuzin, that China is committed to promoting peace talks, mediation, and building consensus between the two sides. During his first trip to Kyiv in May 2023, Li stated that China would help Ukraine "within its ability."

China: Human rights violation in Xinjiang and Tibet, claims UN Human Rights Chief
On 4 March, United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said that China is violating the fundamental rights of the people in Xinjiang and Tibet. He called on the Chinese authorities to correct its actions and implement recommendations given by human rights bodies "in relation to laws, policies and practices that violate fundamental human rights, including in the Xinjiang and Tibet regions." However, China has rejected the allegations and said that its vocational centres have helped combat extremism and enhance development. China's ambassador to the UN, Chen Xu, accused it of politicizing and weaponizing human rights issues.

China: Free military assistance agreement with Maldives
On 4 February, China and Maldives forged a defence cooperation agreement, offering "non-lethal" free military assistance. This is the first time China has signed a military cooperation deal with Maldives. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu stated: "To obtain the different forms of training required by the Maldives' military and to be granted various non-lethal military equipment free of charge, that is what this agreement is about. This will increase the technical capacity of the defence forces." The agreement came weeks after the Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu, called for withdrawing Indian troops stationed there.

China: Collision with Philippines ship 
On 5 February, the Philippines Coast Guards (PCG) accused Chinese ships of blocking their resupply mission in the South China Sea. PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela informed that the incident, which caused minor structural damage, happened near the Second Thomas Shoal. Tarriela stated: "The PCG vessels faced dangerous manoeuvres and blocking from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Chinese Maritime Militia." He added that the reckless and illegal actions by the Chinese vessels led to the collision between the MRRV-4407 and China Coast Guard 21555. The Chinese Coast Guard responded that they took "regulatory action" against the Philippines and accused them of entering waters illegally.

Australia: Russia and China are overtaking the US and its allies in military innovation, says an official
On 4 March, Australia's Deputy Defence Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Industry, Hugh Jeffrey, stated that Russia and China are overtaking the US and its allies in military innovation. He commented that the current military architecture based on the Cold War is unsuited to address future challenges. He noted that Australia and the US need to be prepared against the growing threats in the Indo-Pacific region. He welcomed the Biden administration's efforts to clear the regulatory hurdles in implementing the AUKUS alliance. The West sees the AUKUS alliance as a strategy to contain the growing Chinese naval expansion, especially in the South China Sea. Despite the US's passing of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), pending legislative reforms and Australian concerns about complying with US standards remain a challenge to the alliance. 

South Korea: Talks with the US on defence cost-sharing mechanism
On 5 March, South Korea and the US listed the names of the envoys, Lee Tae-woo and Linda Specht, respectively, to begin talks on sharing the cost of keeping US troops in South Korea. The deal, if signed, is expected to come into effect in 2026. Currently, there are 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea to deter North Korea. 

South Korea: Police summons doctor against mass walkout protest
On 6 March, South Korean police questioned a doctor, summoned for the first time, concerning the mass walkout. The government had set a deadline on 29 February for the protesting doctors to return to work. Doctors across the country have been protesting against the government's recent proposal to increase medical school admissions to address the workforce shortage. On 6 March, President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that the doctor's walkouts were "illegal collective action that violates people's rights to life." Additionally, the police raided the offices of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), which has been supporting the protests. Besides, KMA's Director, Joo Soo-ho, is being accused of "aiding and abetting" the protestors. 

South Asia
Sri Lanka: Protests against Indian fisherman for illegal fishing
On 3 March, Sri Lankan fishermen from the northern districts of Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Mannar protested against the allegedly recurring illegal fishing by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters. They demanded swift action to prevent illegal poaching and swore to intensify protests if the issue was unresolved. Recently, there have been several protests against the Indian fisherman for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. In Jaffna, a protest was staged opposite the Indian consulate. In 2023, 240 Indian fishermen were arrested, and 35 trawlers were seized by the Sri Lankan Navy for poaching. 

Nepal: Growing obesity and undernutrition 
On 5 March, the Kathmandu Post cited a study by an NGO, Baliyo Nepal, that Nepal is grappling with obesity, which is impacting children, adolescents, and adults. Three per cent of children under the age of five are obese, exceeding the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022 findings. Nepal faces a "double burden" of malnutrition, with undernutrition persisting alongside the rapid rise of obesity, particularly in urban areas. The Chief Executive Officer of Baliyo Nepal, Atul Upadhyay, stated: "What is concerning is that in Bagmati Province, the percentage of children of the said age group with obesity problems is higher compared to other provinces." Nepal is not the only country facing this problem, as a report published by The Lancet, an international medical journal, highlighted how the "total number of children, adolescents and adults worldwide living with obesity has surpassed one billion."

Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa
Israel: Continuing raids
On 4 March, according to Israel's emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), one person was killed and two others were injured after an anti-tank missile was fired towards Margaliot in northern Israel. An MDA paramedic, Walid Kezel, stated: "Together with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) medical personnel, we provided medical treatment and evacuated five wounded people who suffered from shrapnel injuries with Air Force helicopters." On the same day, the IDF completed its two-week raid on the Z2 neighbourhood of Gaza City, destroying nearly 100 operatives of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. On 2 March, 17 people were killed after Israeli fighter jets attacked a residential building in the Deir el-Balah region and the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. 

Iraq: Targets power stations, Turkish drone attack kills two fighters
On 6 March, the Islamic Resistance stated that it targeted a power station at the Haifa Airport by using drones. The group said: "As part of the second phase of resistance operations against the occupation, in support of our people in Gaza, and response to the Zionist massacres against unarmed Palestinian civilians, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, on the evening of Tuesday 5-3-2024, targeted the power station at Haifa Airport in our occupied lands using drones." 

Algeria: Extends aid to Mozambique's fight against Jihadists
On 4 March, Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi ended his four-day visit to Algeria. The Algerian government vowed to extend its support to Mozambique's fight against Jihadist insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Nyusi stated that Algeria has "promised immediate support for the Local Force, the one that is fighting terrorism."

Sudan: UN human rights chief warns of war crimes
On 1 March, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated that a deliberate attempt to disrupt access to humanitarian agencies in the war-torn Sudan would imply a war crime. He said: "Sudan has become a living nightmare. Almost half of the population – 25 million people – urgently need food and medical aid. Some 80 per cent of hospitals have been put out of service." The development came after aid supplies were looted, humanitarian workers were attacked, and humanitarian agencies complained about bureaucratic challenges to reach out to the conflict-hit regions. According to the UN, the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed at least 14,600 people and injured 26,000. 

Sudan: Demand to reinstate AU membership before mediation
On 4 March, Sudan's military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanded reinstating the country's AU membership to consider the AU-led mediation to end the conflict. Al Burhan stated: "Sudan's confidence in the AU and the potential solutions it can provide to end the war, but only if the state regains its full membership and the organization treats it as such." Sudan was suspended from the AU following the military takeover on 25 October 2021. Later, in April 2023, the AU formed a special three-member panel to resolve the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

Burkina Faso: Series of attacks kill hundreds
On 3 March, Al Jazeera reported that at least 170 people were killed in a series of attacks in three villages in northern Burkina Faso. The attacks are separate from the attacks on a mosque in Natiaboani and a church in Essakane that killed dozens. Currently, nearly half of the country is under the control of several armed groups.

Europe and the Americas
Ukraine: Russian patrol boat destroyed in a strike
On 5 March, Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) claimed to have destroyed a Russian military patrol boat close to the Crimean Peninsula. The strikes reportedly caused critical "damage to the stern, starboard and port sides." Military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov said that the strike killed several crew members and left others wounded. The Ukrainian President's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, stated that Russia's Black Sea Fleet "cannot be in Ukraine's Crimea" as it served as a "symbol of the occupation."

Europe: European Commission encourages spending on defence, unveils new programme worth EUR 1.5 billion
On 5 March, the European Commission revealed plans to boost the arms industry in light of the war in Ukraine. It proposed spending EUR 1.5 billion to incentivize countries to buy jointly from European firms. It would motivate the industry to raise capacity and develop technologies. Vice President of the Commission, Margrethe Vestager, pointed out that Europe has been "vividly confronted with the well-known structural fragmentation along national borders." The continent's defence industry has not had "sufficient production capacity to meet the sharp increase of demand," as EU members favoured orders with domestic companies, creating mistrust and preventing competition. Vestager claimed that while EUR 1.5 billion was "not a lot of money when it comes to the defence industry," it could encourage the EU members to work together.

Poland: Anti-tank weapon deal signed with Sweden
On 4 March, the Polish Minister of Defence, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced that the country had signed a deal to buy anti-tank grenade launchers from Saab, a Swedish aerospace and defence company, in a deal worth USD 1.63 billion. In 2024, Poland is set to spend four per cent of its GDP on defence to strengthen its armed forces following the war in Ukraine. The deal centres around the Carl-Gustaf M4 grenade launcher, intended to combat all modern combat vehicles. Kosiniak-Kamysz detailed that Poland would get several thousand grenade launchers and rounds of ammunition, along with infrastructure, training, and other elements required to use the weapon. 

The UK: "Customs partnership" signed to track down small boat material shipment
On 4 March, the UK signed a "customs partnership" with the Calais Group, a group of northern European countries including France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the European Commission, to prevent the supply of materials used in the small boats to France, from where they are launched. This follows Britain's attempts to prevent the flow of tens of thousands of migrants arriving on small boats from mainland Europe. The UK and France would lead the initiative, under which countries' customs agencies would share information about the shipment of materials used to make small boats. 

Canada: Palestinian Canadians and lawyers sue government for supplying weapons to Israel
On 5 March, Palestinian Canadians and human rights lawyers sued Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly over the export of military equipment to Israel. Additionally, they demanded a federal court to order the Canadian government to stop issuing export permits. A board member of Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR), Henry Off, explained that they wanted to "hold Canada to its own standards and to its international legal obligations" by preventing it from "contributing to the mass starvation and bombardment of Gaza." According to official figures, in 2022, Canadian arms exports to Israel accounted for USD 15 million. However, Maple News cited government data that Canada authorized at least USD 20.9 million in new military exports to Israel during the first two months of the war. In February 2024, government spokesperson Jean-Pierre Godbout stated that the permits granted since 7 October were for "the export of non-lethal equipment," adding that all permit applications are "reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Canada's risk assessment framework."


 About the authors
Akriti Sharma is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan and Anu Maria Joseph are Research Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Dhriti Mukherjee, Akhil Ajith and Shamini Velayutham are Research Assistants at NIAS. Vetriselvi Baskaran, Narmatha S and Navinan GV are Postgraduate Students at the University of Madras. 


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Sri Lanka (Apr-Jun 2026):
Resilience, Recovery, and Rising Global Standing
August 2026 | CWA # 2239

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine:
Continuing deep strikes, escalating civilian targeting, and expanding drone warfare
August 2026 | CWA # 2236
CW Newsmakers
Sheikh Hasina, Settler Violence in West Bank, Heat Waves in Northeast Asia...
August 2026 | CWA # 2235

Adwaith Sankar

Southeast Asia (April-June 2026)
Economic headwinds, Internal friction, and Contrasting domestic developments
August 2026 | CWA # 2233

Teshu Singh

East Asia (Apr-Jun 2026):
Strategic Rebalancing, Neo-Militarisation and Increasing Tensions in Taiwan Straits
August 2026 | CWA # 2232

Dattesh D Parulekar 

Latin America (Apr-Jun 2026):
The 'Right' Electoral Tilt, Upswing in Venezuela-India relations, and Argentina's Energy Rise
August 2026 | CWA # 2231

Dhivya KM

China's economy at mid-2026:
Six Takeaways of the World Bank China Economic Update
August 2026 | CWA # 2225

Acsah H

China's C909:
China moves from near-total reliance on foreign jets to domestic dominance. How did it happen? And what does it mean?
August 2026 | CWA # 2224

Global Politics Team

Zelenskyy's US visit
Newsmakers of the week
August 2026 | CWA # 2222

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Peru's new President Netanyahu's Washington visit
US Senate bill against Russia | Ukraine and Patriot missiles | China's PLA 99th anniversary
July 2026 | CWA # 2217

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar

The Berlin Pride attack
Zelensky's US Visit I Japan's Earthquake
July 2026 | CWA # 2216

Manikranth Chakravarthula

The Houthis:
Origins, Ethnic makeup, Political structure, Geographical footprint and External support
July 2026 | CWA # 2213

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week 22:
End of pause, Return of hostilities and Expanding conflict geography
July 2026 | CWA # 2211

Priyanka Makhijani

AI's Rogue Agent Breach:
Recurring Patterns, Gaps in the AI safety rules and the AI rivalry
July 2026 | CWA # 2210

Adwaith Sankar

ASEAN Regional Forum:
Six Takeaways on Issues, Limitations and Opportunities
July 2026 | CWA # 2206

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
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