Conflict Weekly

Conflict Weekly
The US-Iran MoU
The War in Ukraine I Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa I Ultra Orthodox Jews' protests in Israel

Global Politics Team
19 June 2026
Photo Source:

The US-Iran MoU:
Asymmetric Gains and Implementation Challenges

Brighty Ann Sarah

In the news
On 15 June, President Trump, at the G7 summit in France, announced that the US and Iran had signed a preliminary 14-point agreement to end the war, hailing it as a "major win" and declared the deal "complete."

The agreement, titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America,” calls for the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Under the memorandum, Iran will lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, demine the region, and restore commercial transit to pre-war levels within 30 days. In parallel, Washington will lift its naval blockade and withdraw military forces from areas surrounding Iran.

The memorandum further states that Tehran will neither acquire nor develop nuclear weapons. Both sides have agreed to negotiate, under IAEA supervision, a mechanism to manage Iran's stockpile of enriched nuclear material, with on-site downblending as the minimum measure. Washington has also agreed to lift UN Security Council sanctions, IAEA Board of Governors resolutions, and US primary and secondary sanctions according to a mutually agreed schedule. The US will release Iran's frozen assets and has proposed a USD 300 billion economic reconstruction plan, coordinated through regional allies and private investment. The agreement also establishes a 60-day, extendable window to negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement.

On 19 June, fighting resumed between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, forcing the official signing ceremony in Switzerland to be called off. Later the same day, US officials announced that Washington and Doha had mediated a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Issues at large
1. Iran's nuclear assurances and the Lebanon ceasefire 
Washington's principal objective throughout the war had been the dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure and the prevention of any future nuclear programme. Tehran, meanwhile, consistently maintained that its nuclear programme was solely for civilian purposes and a sovereign right. Despite the interim agreement, Iranian officials have remained largely silent on the commitment to forgo a weapons programme, while Trump has repeatedly warned of renewed military strikes should Iran fail to comply. Given Iran's longstanding defence of its nuclear programme and previous disputes despite IAEA oversight, the durability of this commitment remains uncertain.

The ceasefire in Lebanon faces similar challenges. Iran has consistently demanded an end to Israeli military operations and occupation, while Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly violated previous US-mediated ceasefires. With Israel openly opposing the interim agreement and violations occurring almost immediately, the ceasefire in Lebanon is likely to remain fragile unless backed by comprehensive implementation mechanisms. 

2. Sanctions relief and reconstruction plans 
The release of frozen assets, sanctions relief, and war reparations have been central Iranian demands. Washington's sanctions regime has been its most effective instrument of pressure for decades, making the promise of comprehensive sanctions relief difficult to anticipate in practice. The scope and duration of sanctions removal also remain unclear and will likely require further negotiations.
 
Although framed differently than war reparations, with Washington stressing that the fund would not come from US coffers, the USD 300 billion package serves as a major economic incentive for Tehran as both sides prepare for negotiations on a final peace agreement. However, the likelihood of Gulf countries, particularly those who came under attack by Iran for hosting US bases, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, financing Iran's reconstruction remains doubtful. The proposal resembles previous US attempts to mobilize external reconstruction funding, such as the Board of Peace in Gaza, which has largely been at a standstill.

3. Deepening US-Israel divergence
The unilateral US-Iran interim agreement has significantly weakened the Netanyahu administration's political standing. While Israel has been largely absent from major US-Iran negotiations, Israel's broader objectives, particularly the dismantling of Hezbollah, remain unfulfilled. The agreement has widely been perceived as a capitulation to Tehran, triggering domestic political backlash against Netanyahu. Simultaneously, Washington's frustration with Israel's unilateral military operations in Lebanon and Israeli criticism against Trump’s deal strains the US-Israel relations.

In perspective
First, the US has conceded more than it conquered. While the long-term success of the agreement and its implementation remain uncertain, the interim deal marks a notable diplomatic success for Tehran, with many of its principal demands either accepted or partially accommodated. Despite agreeing to abandon a weapons-grade nuclear programme, Iran has secured commitments toward sanctions relief, the release of frozen assets, substantial reconstruction assistance, and stronger US assurances regarding hostilities in Lebanon, while retaining its ballistic missile programme.

Second, the US has achieved important gains by securing commitments on Iran's nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, particularly as rising energy prices and declining domestic support had increased pressure on the Trump administration. Beyond these achievements, however, Washington has fallen short of several of its initial objectives, including dismantling Iran's ballistic missile programme and pursuing regime change. The agreement reflects greater concessions by Washington than military gains. Nonetheless, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a clear strategic gain for all parties.


The War in Ukraine:
Massive drone attacks, Europe's support for Ukraine, and a Distant ceasefire

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

In the news
On 10 June, Ukraine struck a defence museum in Sevastopol, a military plant in Volga City, the port of Mariupol, and a tanker called West Horizon, reportedly tied to Russia's shadow fleet, in the Black Sea. 

On 11 June, Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had captured villages in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. 

On 12 June, both sides exchanged heavy drone strikes. 

On 14 June, Trump held separate calls with Zelenskyy and Putin, urging an end to the war. On the same day, Ukraine formally opened the first phase of EU membership negotiations. Subsequently, at night and the following morning, 15 June, Russia reportedly launched missile and drone attacks at Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv; the strikes also damaged the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO-listed, thousand-year-old cathedral, which Russia denied targeting. 

On 16 June, on the sidelines of the G7 summit, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting, after which President Trump called on Russia to make a deal, said that there was “dislike” between the two leaders, and that he would do whatever he could to end the war. The French President noted that “Europeans are currently providing almost 100% of the aid to Ukraine.” On the same day, Ukraine struck crude distillation units in Moscow and Russia hit cities in eastern Ukraine. 

On 17 June, G7 leaders issued a joint statement pledging "unwavering support" for Ukraine, citing "new momentum" in the war and promising to bolster Kyiv's air defences and tighten sanctions on Russian oil and gas. The Netherlands separately pledged USD 580 million for drones. 

On 18 June, Ukraine's defence minister said NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism would channel USD 4 billion in support, Ukraine and Germany signed an anti-ballistic missile cooperation agreement, and the UK announced GBP 750 million drawn against interest on frozen Russian central bank assets for Ukrainian-made drones and air defence missiles. On the same day, Ukraine reportedly carried out its largest single-night long-range attack of the war with ballistic missiles and drones striking the Kapotnya refinery in Moscow, which supplies roughly 40 percent of the capital's petrol, and reportedly injuring 17 people.  

Issues at large
1. Drone and missile warfare continues to intensify
This week’s exchanges, including major strikes launched by Ukraine targeting a refinery in Moscow, reinforce the pattern in which both sides are increasingly targeting energy, economic, civilian-support and military-support infrastructure. Ukraine continues strikes on shadow fleets and refineries; Russia continues strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Additionally, the reported capture of the villages Rozkishne and Okhrimivka in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions reflects the pattern of slow, incremental ground advances, supported by sustained aerial attacks.

2. European financial and military commitments continue to expand
The recent Dutch, British, German, and NATO pledges to Ukraine's military infrastructure, such as drones, air defence systems, and defence-industrial cooperation, demonstrate continued support for Ukraine’s war effort and defence capabilities. The announcements also reflect the ongoing role of European states and institutions in providing financial support to Ukraine, as illustrated by the recent statement at the G7 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the EUR 90 billion loan approved by the European Council in April 2026, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who said that Europeans provide almost 100 per cent of the aid to Ukraine.

3. Diplomatic and political initiatives continue to proceed, but vary
President Trump’s calls to President Zelenskyy and Putin, Ukraine’s advancement in the EU accession process, the G7’s joint statement of renewed commitment to increase support to Ukraine while tightening sanctions on Russia, and President Trump's attempts at a peace deal stand in the backdrop of escalating conflict, massive missile and drone attacks, and increased financial support for Ukraine. Support remains firm, as seen in the G7 rhetoric, diplomatic and political engagement calls for peace alongside increasing military aid, and escalating battlefield developments continue to unfold in parallel.

In perspective
The pattern from early to mid-June suggests that the war has intensified on the aerial front, with the conflict’s centre of gravity being drone warfare. Russia continues to combine incremental territorial gains with sustained missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, while Ukraine continues to target Russian energy and military infrastructure. At the same time, new European military and financial commitments continue to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities. In addition, varying initiatives, Trump's outreach to both Kyiv and Moscow, in the context of Ukraine's progress in the EU accession process, and the G7's renewed commitments on sanctions and support run on separate tracks, making any near-term ceasefire appear unlikely.


Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa:
Xenophobic attacks, Economic distress, and an Aggressive crackdown

Akshath Kaimal

In the news
On 04 June, vigilante groups targeted Mozambican and Malawian migrants in Kleinmond, forcing them to flee their homes and seek safety in nearby mountains and coastal dunes.

On 07 June, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a national address outlined an expanded crackdown on undocumented immigrants while explicitly warning vigilante organisations against violence.

On 08 June, the March and March Movement rejected the President’s speech and demanded that companies terminate all foreign employees by 30 June while marching through business parks in Johannesburg.

On 09 June, local religious and human rights groups in George, Western Cape, set up neighbourhood watch systems to prevent further xenophobic clashes. Community leaders in Cape Town also took similar initiatives.

Between 04 and 09 June, over 1,100 Mozambicans were processed for repatriation by the South African government, along with 150 Malawians, 654 Nigerians, 663 Ghanaians, and 74 Zimbabweans.

Also on 09 June, the African Union convened a high-level meeting where the leadership issued a warning that targeted harassment and displacement of African migrants directly violated the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

On 15 June, the South African government said it had repatriated 2,745 immigrants in a single week.

Issues at large
1. Recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa
Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa has evolved from sporadic post-apartheid riots into an entrenched structural crisis. Early violence relied on chaotic mob tactics, escalating from township expulsions in 1995 to catastrophic nationwide waves of attacks in 2008, 2015, and 2019. Today, primary actors have shifted from unorganized crowds to structured, media-savvy vigilante groups like Operation Dudula and March and March, who weaponize digital networks to enforce physical blockades around government services. An “outsider” in South Africa is both racialized and classist. Hostility is concentrated almost exclusively against low-income, Black Africans from neighbouring nations like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique and generally not wealthier foreign nationals. Trapped in economically strained townships, these migrants serve as scapegoats for deeper systemic governance failures.

2. Economic distress as a primary trigger
According to Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate stands at 32.7 percent, rising to 43.7 percent when including discouraged job seekers, while youth unemployment sits at 45.8 percent, creating a large pool of economically marginalized young people vulnerable to populist rhetoric. Subsequent electricity price hikes further squeezed lower-income households, and in this climate of desperation, migrants, perceived as willing to work for lower wages or operate informal businesses outside the tax net, became a convenient scapegoat, with roughly three million immigrants comprising around 4.5 percent of the population.

3. From government inaction to aggressive crackdown
Initially reactive, the South African government deployed forces only after the 2008 riots devastated migrant communities. As vigilante movements gained traction, the state tightened controls, establishing the Border Management Authority in 2023 and introducing strict foreign hiring quotas. In March 2026, the Cabinet approved the Final Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugee Protection (CIRP). Politically, the government now faces pressure from multiple directions, with a frustrated electorate demanding tougher enforcement and simultaneous international condemnation. Following large-scale protests in April and May 2026, President Ramaphosa adopted its current approach - an aggressive state-led crackdown on illegal migration while explicitly warning vigilante networks against civilian violence.

4. Migrant communities face systematic exclusion
Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa is deeply racialized and classist, targeting low-income Black African migrants who originally fled socioeconomic and political instability at home. This hostility has triggered a major internal displacement crisis. Vigilante groups like March and March have systematically denied migrants basic healthcare by blockading public hospitals. In Mossel Bay, vigilantes killed five Mozambicans in early June, underscoring the extreme lengths these groups will go to enforce exclusion. This aggression reflects a sharp shift in public sentiment. According to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), public hostility is at its highest level since 2003, with 42 percent of South Africans demanding a complete ban on immigrants. Weaponized by a strict 30 June eviction deadline set by these anti-immigrant networks, several African nations are now actively accelerating the repatriation of their citizens to ensure their survival.

In perspective
While Ramaphosa’s government is trying to be cautious in its approach, decades of inaction by previous governments have already laid the groundwork for anti-immigrant violence to expand across the country. This is worsened by the current government’s aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants and the worsening economic outlook.

With the 30 June deadline approaching, African governments are likely to extend repatriation procedures. South Africa’s aggressive approach towards illegal immigration, combined with xenophobic violence perpetrated by anti-immigrant groups, is also likely to drive increased displacement of immigrant communities across South Africa.


Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Jews:
Why are they protesting?

Rohini Reenum

In the news
On 11 June, the “extremist” Jerusalem Faction called for demonstrations in Central Israel following the transfer of custody of 19 “draft dodgers” from the police to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). These dodgers were arrested after a demonstration by the ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) outside the home of Supreme Court Deputy Chief Noam Sohlberg turned into a riot with protestors causing extensive property damage while attempting to break in.

On 15 June, dozens of “extremist” Haredim demonstrators gathered outside the residence of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit to protest the arrest of a Haredi draft dodger. 

On 17 June, clashes between the police and Haredim protesters turned violent in central Israel. On 19 June, the Israeli media reported that “Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) rioters” had blocked traffic and set fire near Shabbat Square in Jerusalem, leading to the arrest of two people.

Issues at large
1. Differing rules on mandatory military service
In Israel, each citizen who is either “Jewish, Druze, or Circassian” is supposed to compulsorily serve in the military from the age of 18; however, Druze and Circassian women are exempt. Men are mandated to serve for about three years and women for at least two years, with additional reserve duty until the age of 40. Palestinian citizens of Israel, Muslim or Christian, are not obligated to join the military. Young ultra-Orthodox Jewish men who study the Torah full-time in seminaries have been historically exempt under a special arrangement under the principle of torato umanuto (which means “Torah study is his job”) while young ultra-Orthodox Jewish women are completely exempt. These different rules and exemptions have long irked the secular Jews.

2. Blanket exemption for Ultra-Orthodox Jews
Following the formation of Israel in 1948, the then PM had exempted around 400 senior students of the community so they could “study and preserve sacred Jewish knowledge and traditions.” Over the years, this exemption has been extended under various laws, while their population has grown exponentially due to a higher birthrate (currently accounts for about 13 percent of the population); however, their enlistment remains very low. Due to these demographic changes and the compounding economic cost, there have been increasing calls for the removal of this exemption.

3. Removal of exemption by the Supreme Court. 
In June 2025, the Supreme Court of Israel ruled unanimously directing the military to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men. This was an interim ruling, as the parliament had failed to pass a resolution on the exemption that lapsed on 31 March 2025. The court reasoned that in the absence of a law that distinguishes between Jewish seminary students and other draftees, Israel’s compulsory military service system applies to ultra-Orthodox men like any other citizen. The court also argued that the state was carrying out “invalid selective enforcement," and this was a violation of the rule of law. 

4. Increasing crackdown against draft dodgers and opposition
Since the Supreme Court’s ruling, there have been attempts by the police to identify the draft dodgers leading to arrests and detentions. The crackdown is also due to a shortage of military personnel since the 2023 offensive in Gaza began and has now expanded to Lebanon and Iran. The move towards strict enforcement has evoked a sharp reaction from not only the Ultra-Orthodox Jews but also their political leaders and the Jerusalem Faction, which is an Israeli Haredi political organization. There have been multiple protests, some violent and leading to mass riots. There have been increasing acts of violence against the court officials and law enforcement. Many ultra-Orthodox Jews also oppose Zionism, believing that establishing the state of Israel was anti-Jewish as it reflects preempting the arrival of the messiah.

In perspective
The history of protests by the ultra-Orthodox Jews is indicative of long-standing fissures within Israeli society on the question of compulsory military drafting. However, the recent protests are the culmination of increasing pressure that Israel’s multi-front and multi-year wars have put on the IDF, the economy, and the government, leading them to deal with the problem of draft-dodging and blanket exemptions.

These protests are also a probable precursor to the impending political fallout wherein the ultra-Orthodox parties in PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition are threatening to withdraw their support if the pending bill on exemption is not passed. This would not only lead to a collapse of the coalition and preponing of elections but also a massive political setback for Netanyahu, whose domestic support and standing have taken a recent hit with the signing of the US-Iran MoU and the US’s public lashing out over Lebanon and Israel’s unattained end games in their regional wars.


PREVIOUS COMMENTS

June 2026 | CWA # 2153

Global Politics Team

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

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Nithin V

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf 

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Nithin V

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

Siddhi Halyur

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

Siddhi Halyur

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

Acsah H

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

Rohini Reenum

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Radhika M Agarwal

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

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

UAEs 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 # 2059

Adarsh Vijay

India and the World(Jan-Mar 2026)
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy, Balancing the US relations and Resetting the China ties
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 Regimes 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 # 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
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 # 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

R Preetha

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
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
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 # 1700

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

D Suba Chandran

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan