Conflict Weekly

CWA # 1472
Conflict Weekly
The War in Ukraine: Russia’s counteroffensive in Kursk

IPRI Team
19 September 2024
Photo Source: The New York Times

Conflict Weekly #246, 19 September 2024, Vol.5, No.38
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Padmashree Anandhan

Russia’s counteroffensive in Kursk
Padmashree Anandhan
 
In the news
On 18 September, the Biden administration stated that it required more information from Ukraine to approve the usage of long-range weapons in Russia. According to the administration, relaxing the restriction might not have a large effect on the ground but trigger “great risk.” The US has allowed Ukraine to use its weapons in a limited manner for cross-border and counter-attacks. However, it has been under pressure from NATO members to let Ukraine decide on the extent of usage of the West-supplied weapons. 

On 14 September, Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer said: “Every nation that is attacked has the right to defend itself. And that right doesn’t stop at the border of your own nation.” Chief of the Czech Armed Forces General Staff, Lieutenant General Karel Řehka said: “We believe that the Ukrainians should decide themselves how to use it… It's important to take into consideration every aspect, including the potential of escalation and other things.”

On 12 September, after a month of Ukraine’s offensive into Kursk, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed reports about the Kursk. He said: "Everything is going according to our Ukrainian plan." Despite the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, Russian forces continued to make gains in eastern Ukraine.

On the same day, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have captured nearly 63 square kilometres from Ukrainian forces. It claimed to have launched the counteroffensive on 10 September and the recaptured settlements including, Apanasovka, Byakhovo, Vishnevka, Viktorovka, Vnezapnoye, Gordeyevka, Krasnooktyabrskoye, Obukhovka, Snagost, and 10-y Oktyabr. A spokesperson close to the Russian military said: “The Ukrainians have also stopped bringing in new reserves . . . they’ve started to move around less and to dig in more instead.”  

On the same day, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder called Russia’s gains to be "marginal." 

Issues at large
First, Russia’s counteroffensive. Russian counterattack aimed to "open a land route" from Glushkovo to Korenevo (districts in Kursk) to deter the impact on bridges from Ukrainian strikes. This comes as the south of Kursk functions as a logistics point for Russia to resupply and was forced to install temporary bridges to prevent damage from strikes. Once the counteroffensive was launched in the Ukraine-held districts, the protection was ensured and Russia was able to stop Ukraine forces furthering towards Lgov, another town in Kursk located 80 kilometres west across the Seym river. According to the latest assessment of The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces could aim for a temporary split in the Kursk Oblast to form tactical positions ahead of a coordinated operation. Since Russia is yet to gather enough resources for a full-scale attack, the operation seems weak, with a tactical goal to push the Ukrainian forces further east.

Second, Ukraine’s response. Ukraine’s objective in the Kursk incursion was to divert Russian forces from the eastern Ukrainian Donbas front. However, until now it has been unsuccessful as Russia advances in Pokrovsk city in Donetsk Oblast and other districts in the north and east of Ukraine. Earlier in September, Zelensky claimed Russia withdrew 60,000 troops to redeploy in Kursk. However, there have been no clear reports on how many Russian troops, air brigades and marine brigades are operating in the counteroffensive. According to military analysts, despite redeployment, Russia is observed to have needed resources to sustain the operation in Kursk and Donetsk Oblasts. Whereas, Ukraine’s difficulty in countering Russia in the east (Vuhledar and Pokrovsk towns) remains.

Third, the West debate over war escalation. When the debate first began on using West-supplied weapon systems in Russia, neither the US nor Europe provided clear approval. The US continued to maintain an ambiguous stance while NATO and European allies supported Ukraine in using the weapons in defence. This was mainly aimed at preventing the missile and drone targets coming from Russia. Since the Kursk incursion and multiple missiles launched far inside Russia, Ukraine’s demand for permission from the US to use long-range weapons in Russia began and was supported by the NATO allies. However, the US fears an escalation of war. Long-range missiles include the British-led Storm Shadow and the similar French-made SCALP or the US-made Army Tactical Missile System, ATACMS and ongoing Ukraine’s production to develop its long-range weapons. These are already in use, targeting the military hubs and Russian infrastructure in occupied areas. However, the military officials in the US observe that allowing Ukraine to use them inside Russia will not make a difference.
 
In perspective
A gradual escalation of the war. To see if this incursion could be an escalation point or not, it is necessary to look back at previous battles and the counteroffensive history of Ukraine and Russia. When Ukraine lost its spring offensive and the battles of Bakhmut and Aviidivka, it convinced the West to increase its air defence system support to counter Russia’s air strikes. Similarly, Ukraine is attempting to showcase its capability to launch an operation in Kursk and strike further into Russia to pursue long-range weapons to par with Russia’s aerial power. The West could follow the pursuit but to ensure the war does not expand outside Ukraine. 

Second, Russia’s long wait game. Russia’s response to the Kursk incursion was initially viewed as undefended and slow but compared to Ukraine’s response to its eastern offensive, it has been quick to launch a counteroffensive in Kursk. As per the observations, the redeployed Russian units are not massive but it does not want Ukrainian forces furthering. The major objective remains to be capturing the Donbas region and it has managed to progress its eastern offensive despite the Kursk diversion. 

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, Padmashree Anandhan, Ayan Datta, Samruddi Pathak, Sayeka Ghosh and Neha Tresa George

China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: Beijing reaffirms strong ties with Russia ahead of BRICS Summit
On 12 September, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg. Putin stated he was looking forward to China’s participation in the BRICS summit in Kazan and deepening relations with bilateral benefit and equality. Wang said that China and Russia enjoy mutual trust and friendship. The two leaders stressed the importance of strengthening strategic coordination and opposing unilateral actions to meet the aspirations of Global South countries. Expanded BRICS cooperation was discussed during the meeting, with Wang promising China’s support for the Russian chairmanship and the summit’s success. Putin praised the “Six-Point Consensus” issued by China and Brazil on Ukraine, stating that Russia is ready for negotiations toward peace. Putin acclaimed China’s diplomatic policy guided by “big, long-term perspectives and the common future of humanity.” Both sides emphasised commitment to multipolar world development and an international order of justice under international law to meet their shared aspiration for global governance.

China: Defence Minister advocates enhanced military cooperation at Xiangshan forum
On 13 September, China’s Minister of Defence Dong Jun attended the Xiangshan Forum of Beijing, a premier military diplomacy event to strengthen military ties with the neighbouring countries. Addressing delegates from 90 countries and international organisations, Dong stated that major powers should ensure global security and urged them to “abandon a zero-sum mentality and to stop bullying the small and the weak.” He emphasised that China is committed to deepening military relations with developing countries and promoting open cooperation. The forum, themed “Promoting Peace for a Shared Future,” takes place when the US and Chinese militaries are gradually de-escalating tensions. Michael Chase, a senior defence official represented the US. 

Taiwan: US approves USD 228 million worth of military equipment
On 16 September, Reuters reported on the US Department of State approving a military equipment sale worth USD 228 million to Taiwan. The department stated that it would send spare parts for repair, return, and reshipment from its stock. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence said: “The Chinese Communist’s routinized grey zone intrusions have constricted the training space and response time in our air space and maritime areas, the repair and return of the aircraft parts and accessories agreed to be sold by the United States will help maintain the combat readiness and safety of various types of aircraft equipment of the air force.” 

South Korea: North Korea sends another set of trash balloons 
On 16 September, The Korea Times reported on balloons being launched by North Korea towards South Korea carrying trash. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the balloons travelling toward the northern part of Gyeonggi Province. It stated: “The launch came after the North flew around 50 trash-carrying balloons toward the South from Saturday night to early Sunday, with about 10 trash bundles landing in Gyeonggi Province and Seoul.” 

North Korea: US invests in reconnaissance assets for security after uranium facility disclosure
On 13 September, Yonhap News Agency reported on the US devoting more intelligence and reconnaissance assets to security on the Korean Peninsula. The report came after North Korea disclosed a uranium enrichment facility earlier this week. The White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated the US was continuing to monitor North Korea’s ballistic missile technology and programme. Kirby informed that US President Joe Biden had devoted more intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets to the Korean Peninsula in light of North Korean threats. Kirby informed that Biden revitalised a network of alliances in Asia to combat the North Korean threat and that the US was ready for talks with North Korea about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the US policy towards North Korea had not changed and they were committed to denuclearization. 

Malaysia: Storms hit Penang 
On 18 September, The Straits Times reported on the devastation caused by flash floods and storms in the Penang state of Malaysia. The mayhem led to the destruction of trees, cars, and homes and put people's lives in danger. The authorities have sent volunteers to monitor and arrange for repairs and relief in the respective areas. According to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the trees were reported to have fallen in over 43 locations. He advised the tourists and people to be cautious.

Myanmar: Military bombs residential base controlled by the TNLA
On 17 September, The Irrawaddy reported on the Myanmar junta's bombing of the residential areas in Hsipaw town, controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The attack came against the backdrop of intense fighting with TNLA in the northern Shan state. According to TNLA, a Harbin Y-12 plane dropped over 50 bombs on the residential wards in Hsipaw, killing one civilian. The attack caused a fire in the residential apartments. The local media said that the attack came as a response to the TNLA'a strike on the junta's Infantry Battalion 23 base, outside the Hsipaw town.

South Asia
Pakistan: Army Chief pledges support to law enforcement personnel in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
On 13 September, the military’s media wing released a statement about Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir’s visit to the newly merged Orakzai district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). His visit comes in the backdrop of police protests in the southern region of the district, over the death of an officer by unidentified assailants during a polio drive. He said: “Pak Army will continue to provide all-out support to K-P Police and other LEAs in enabling them to perform their duties in the newly merged districts.” He met with the troops who were a part of the recent counter-terrorism operation in the Torah Valley. In August, about 25 militants were killed by the intelligence-based operations in the valley. Four soldiers were killed, while 11 other militants sustained injuries. He stated that the Army will continue to assist the KP security forces in maintaining security across the province. He said: “The hard-earned peace achieved with nation’s great sacrifice would be maintained at all costs. The sacrifice of our martyrs strengthens our resolve to fight with utmost dedication and spirit of sacrifice.”

Pakistan: Two security personnel shot dead in Mastung
On 13 September, a group of tribesmen shot two security men of Levies Forces dead and three others sustained injuries in the Mastung district. The violence was carried out when the tribesmen blocked the Quetta-Noshki Highway to protest the arrest of a tribal elder’s brother and others. Separately, a roadside blast injured eight security forces in the Takhat area, Kalat district. According to the District Deputy Commissioner, unidentified culprits had fixed an improvised explosive device (IED) on the roadside. All injured personnel were transferred to a local hospital and security forces sealed off the area and launched an investigation. 

India: Foreign Minister claims progress in border negotiations with China
On 13 September, The India Express reported that Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar claimed progress over the military standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. According to Jaishankar, about 75 per cent of the “disengagement problems” have been “sorted out,” while he underlined “the increasing militarisation of the border” as a major concern. The standoff has been ongoing for four years, with around 50,000 to 60,000 troops deployed by both sides along the LAC. The recent round of diplomatic talks in Beijing was to “narrow down the differences” and find ways for an early resolution. Similarly, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with Wang Yi in Russia conveyed the imperatives required to complete disengagement in “remaining areas.” Jaishankar earlier termed the India-China relationship “complex.” The BRICS summit, scheduled to take place in Russia, may provide further opportunities for dialogue on this issue.

India: Floods in the Godavari region displace more than 18000 families
On 14 September, The Hindu reported on floods from the Godavari and Sabari rivers situated in the Chittoor Agency, affecting 19,766 families. On 13 September, about 113 villages were submerged and about 4,300 people were relocated to relief camps. In the downstream at Dowleswaram in the Godavari district, about 11 villages were submerged and four National Disaster Force battalions were alerted.

The Middle East and Africa
The UAE: Foreign Minister refuses to support Israel’s “day after the war” without Palestinian State 
On 14 September, according to The Times of Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed stated that the UAE would not “support the day after the war in Gaza without the establishment of a Palestinian state,” making the country’s participation in a post-war plan for the enclave contingent on an independent Palestine. Bin Zayed’s remark reiterated the UAE’s policy of opposing “any plan aimed at providing cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip.” 

Israel: IDF strikes Hamas fighters in Gaza school-turned-refugee shelter 
On 14 September, The Times of Israel reported that the IDF carried out an airstrike against Hamas fighters “embedded within a former school in Gaza City.” The armed group’s fighters were using the city’s Shuhada al-Zeitoun School, which is presently functioning as a shelter for displaced Gazans, to plan and conduct attacks against Israeli troops. Although the military added that it mitigated harm to civilians, Palestinian media reported multiple casualties. Furthermore, the IDF accused Hamas of using civilian spaces for “terror.”

Israel: Continuing aerial exchanges between IDF and Hezbollah
On 16 September 2024, The Times of Israel reported that the IDF conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon’s Rab al-Thalathine, Houla, Maroun al-Ras, and Blida regions. On the same day, the Lebanon-based armed group, Hezbollah, fired over ten rockets into northern Israel’s Ramot Naftali and Metula region. Although Israeli air defences intercepted most of the rockets, one of them damaged a building. There were no casualties.  On 14 September, Hezbollah launched over 60 rockets into northern Israel’s Safed region. The armed group stated that the attacks were responses to the Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon the previous day. No Israelis were injured, though the attacks sparked fires in some areas, and Israeli air defences intercepted multiple rockets. On the same day, the Israel Defence Forces targeted the Hezbollah rocket launchers used in the attacks with drone and air strikes, destroying one launcher. Separately, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck two buildings in southern Lebanon’s Blida town, claiming that one of them housed Hezbollah members. Additionally, the IDF stated that its air defences intercepted a Hezbollah drone in northern Israel’s Western Galilee region. 

Israel: Sinwar congratulates Houthis on central Israel strike 
On 16 September, Reuters reported that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar congratulated Yemen’s Houthi armed group for successfully striking “the heart of the enemy entity” with a missile. On 15 September, a ballistic missile fired by the armed group struck central Israel’s capital, Tel Aviv. The missile struck an open area, but nine Israelis were injured while running for shelter. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the armed group “should have known by now that we charge a heavy price for any attempt to harm us.” On the same day, Hamas welcomed the Houthi attack, calling it a “natural response to the Zionist entity’s aggression against our Palestinian people.” 

Israel: Pager attack on Hezbollah
On 17 September, Al Jazeera reported that hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah simultaneously exploded, killing nine people and injuring over 2,700 members of the group. An anonymous Hezbollah member called the incident the group’s “biggest security breach” since 7 October. The armed group blamed Israel for the explosions, stating that the Jewish State would get “its fair punishment” for conducting the attacks. On the same day, The Times of Israel reported that although Hezbollah had imported the pagers five months ago for secure communication among its members, Israel’s intelligence agency, The Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations (known popularly as The Mossad), intercepted the pagers before they were shipped. The Mossad then placed Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), an explosive chemical, on the devices’ batteries and denoted them by remotely raising the batteries’ temperature. 

Mali: JNIM attack on military training school
On 17 September, armed men targeted a military training school in Malian capital Bamako. The authorities blamed “a group of terrorists” for the attack. Later, an al-Qaeda- linked group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for the attack. Several Malian security officials were killed in the attack. However, the number is unclear. Army chief-of-staff Oumar Diarra stated: “The terrorists have been neutralised. The sweep in continuing.”

Sudan: Starvation “everywhere,” says WHO chief
On 17 September, the World Health Organization (WHO) told BBC that starvation in war-stricken Sudan “is almost everywhere.” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: "The situation in Sudan is very alarming... the massive displacement - it's now the largest in the world, and, of course, famine.” He added that the war has displaced 12 million people and that global attention to Sudan was “really low.” He commented: "Imagine: destruction, displacement, diseases everywhere, and now famine.” He informed that close to 25 million people, half of Sudan’s population “need support.”
 
Europe and The Americas
Europe: Storm Boris triggers massive floods
On 17 September, the BBC reported on the devastation caused by Storm Boris in central Europe. Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary were the worst affected countries. Kordian Kolbiarz, the mayor of the Nysa city in Poland called for the evacuation of all 44,000 residents. The country declared a state of natural disaster. Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland assigned one billion zloty for the victims and applied for the EU relief funds. The number of deaths rose to 16 with seven in Romania. Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland also saw casualties. Slovakia was affected by the overflowing Danube River with water levels exceeding nine metres. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic received the highest amount of rainfall. In Austria, the Ministry of Climate allocated EUR 300 million as recovery funds. The intense rainfall was supposedly due to climate change and atmospheric pressure. The weather forecasts indicated that the storm was expected to move further south into Italy to the Emilia-Romagna region. 

France: Protest emerges in support of rape victim
On 14 September, The Guardian reported on widespread protests across France in support of a rape victim. Gisele Pelicot, the woman in question was drugged and raped by over 80 men for over a decade, at the behest of her husband. In response, feminist groups organized protests around 30 cities in the country. Protesters informed they were rallying against the rape culture prevalent in France. They claimed that the case of Pelicot would raise awareness over the issue. According to Deborah Poirier, a protestor, the case was “the height of horror.” Pelicot had been praised for her courage in demanding the trial to be held in public, rather than behind closed doors. Dominique Pelicot had pleaded guilty earlier and is facing a trial alongside 50 other men accused of raping Gisele.

Ecuador: Noboa seeks constitutional amendment to allow foreign military bases
On 16 September, Daniel Noboa, the President of Ecuador, posted on X that he was seeking a constitutional amendment to allow the establishment of foreign military bases in Ecuador. In the constitution of Ecuador, Article 5 prevents interference of foreign forces in the country. In January 2024, Noboa announced that Ecuador had been fighting an internal war due to gang violence and drug traffickers. Noboa gave a speech from Manta military base where he said that he needs to rebuild Ecuador which is being turned into “a cradle for drug trafficking.” Manta military base used to be operated by the US until its troops were ordered to withdraw in 2009 by then-President Rafael Correa. 

Peru: Wildfires claims 15 lives
On 16 September, Peruvian authorities informed that the wildfires which started in July, spread over an area of more than 3,000 hectares, have claimed 15 lives and left 98 people injured. Gustavo Adrianzén, the Prime Minister of Peru, said that the fires started due to human activity and amplified due to winds. Around 1,800 people have been affected by the wildfires.

The US: Sanctions on Chinese firms allegedly contributing to Pakistan’s missile program
On 12 September, the US Department of State imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies and a research institution over suspected material and assistance contribution to the Pakistan ballistic missile program. The entities were sanctioned for providing goods and equipment to test rocket motors for Pakistan’s Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems. The Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry and three China-based firms are included in the list. US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the US commitment to counter the proliferation activities. He stated: “The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur.” Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu responded: “China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction” without an international legal basis. 

About the authors
Rohini Reenum is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan and Anu Maria Joseph are Research Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Neha Tresa George, Sayeka Ghosh, Samruddi Pathak and Nuha Aamina are Research Assistants at NIAS.  Ayan Datta is a Postgraduate Student at the University of Hyderabad.


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Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
The World This Quarter
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
The World This Quarter
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
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2052

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States(Jan-Mar2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trumps World Order
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
Global Politics Early Bird
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
Global Politics Early Bird
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
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
PR Commentary
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
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan & China
Ten Years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
PR Explainer
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
TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1946

R Preetha

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

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
This Week in History
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
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
The World This Week
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
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
Global Politics Explainer
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?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
Global Politics Explainer
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?
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
Global Politics Explainer
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?
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
The World This Week
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
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
The World This Week
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
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
The World This Week
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
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1672

D Suba Chandran

India and Pakistan:
De-escalation and the “New Normal”
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
Conflict Weekly
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
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
NIAS Global Politics Database
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
IPRI Quarterly Forecasts I Triggers, Trends, and Trajectories
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, Droughts, and Ice Melt in Alps
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
NIAS Africa Weekly
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan