The World This Week

CWA # 359
The World This Week
The Quad summit in Japan, the World Bank report on South Asia and the European Parliament on Saudi Arabia

GP Team
11 October 2020
Photo Source: AP/The Hindu

The World This Week # 88, 11 October 2020, Vol 2, No 41

Minhaj Khan, Apoorva Sudhakar and Sourina Bej 

Energizing the Quad: Foreign Ministers of India, Japan and Australia and the US Secretary of State meet in Tokyo

What happened?
On 6 October, the foreign ministers of India, Japan, and Australia and the US Secretary of State met in Tokyo for the second foreign minister-level meeting of the Quadrilateral security dialogue. According to the media releases from all four foreign ministries, the meeting focused on containing the spread of COVID-19 and a vaccine distribution strategy, cybersecurity, 5G connectivity, the promotion of a strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific, and a rules-based order in the region.

The ministers also discussed the inclusion of Australia in the upcoming Malabar Naval exercise; although a decision is yet to be taken. A special emphasis was on the 'supply chain resilience initiative' to move supply chains away from China, as well as 'East-West' connectivity to counter China's 'North-South' connectivity plans. 

Further, the US's 'Blue Dot Network' was discussed as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, also brought up the possibility of formally institutionalizing the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. The meeting followed with bilateral meetings between all four ministers.

What is the background?
First, the origins of Quad. Originally formed in 2007, it was dissolved in 2008 following Australia's departure. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is an informal strategic forum between the four countries that originally emanated from the Malabar naval exercises between India, the United States, Japan, and occasionally Australia. The 'Quad', as it is commonly known, was re-established in November 2017 following the promulgation of India's 'Act East Policy' and Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific Policy'.

Second, the evolution of its purpose. The Quad has undergone a transformation in terms of its purpose. The Quad is now re-established as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative strategy and influence over the region. Today, the Quad has evolved to have a great focus on strengthening itself as a balancing military force. While this has its roots in Obama's strategic 'pivot' to the Asia-Pacific, it has taken on an Indo-Pacific role in recent years following China's vehement attitude towards the South China Sea dispute and the recent confrontations with India at the Indo-Tibetan border. 

Third, the hostile response from China to the Quad. According to a recent opinion by Fudan University's Yi Shen in the Global Times, China sees the Quad as a futile endeavor—with Japan and Australia following their own vested interests. Further, he asserts that China sees India as a weak player. 

What does it mean?
Following the recent Sino-Indian confrontation, India has increased its naval presence in the South China Sea and seems willing to join America's 'freedom of navigation' exercises and Japan's 'refueling missions'. However, infrastructure funding for the Blue Dot Network currently seems unfeasible as unlike China's BRI, it merely vets proposals for infrastructure projects to receive loans from the private sector. The economic recession in the four countries following the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbates this issue. Further, it is unclear if private firms are willing to relocate outside China under the 'supply chain resilience initiative' despite proposed economic incentives. 

Despite perceptions that the Quad might evolve into an Asian version of NATO, there are criticisms on its feasibility—particularly due to the legal challenges article nine of Japan's pacifist constitution poses, in addition to India's formal membership in the Non-Aligned Movement. 
 

World Bank's latest report on South Asia: Economic vulnerabilities and repercussions

What happened?
On 8 October, the World Bank released its biannual South Asia Economic Focus report. South Asian countries were quick to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and impose strict lockdowns in March itself. Yet, the World Bank Vice President for South Asia observed that the collapse of South Asian economies during the pandemic has been more brutal than anticipated. 

The report forecasts a GDP contraction of 7.7 per cent for the region this year. Attributing the number to artificially repressed consumption, the report says this is the largest decline for the region. 

The World Bank said, private consumption, which had been consistent during the previous investment and export-led recessions, is set to fall by over 10 per cent this year making a recovery difficult and uncertain. World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia says the number of people living below the poverty line has increased by 33 per cent in a single year due to the pandemic. An estimated 49 to 56 million South Asians people are expected to become poor by the end of 2020.

What is the background?
First, the uneven impact of the pandemic across South Asia. While some countries are already experiencing a second and more serious wave, some are still reeling under the first wave. Bhutan and Sri Lanka have been able to curb the spread of the virus. Cases in Bangladesh and Pakistan increased after a respite. However, in India, Maldives, and Nepal, the number of cases is still on the rise.

Second, the temporary fiscal stimulus relief. For now, the countries have controlled the pandemic's impact on the economy through fiscal stimulus packages. The central banks have eased interest rates to keep the credit line functioning. However, a more comprehensive approach needs to be adopted. Otherwise, the economies will be bound by rising fiscal deficits and falling revenues.

Third, the limitations of digital economies. Around three-quarters of the region work in the informal sector. While the formal sector transitioned easily into remote working spaces, the informal sector was largely isolated due to lack of education, awareness, and access. Countries like Pakistan and India push for digital economies without comprehending the reality on the ground.

What does it mean?
The COVID-19 has highlighted the fragile health sector in the region and the need to allocate more funds to augment the same. While the development versus defence debates are witnessed every year, the pandemic has brought out the need for a balanced budget allocation between service sectors like education and health. On an average, South Asian only spend 3.4 per cent of their GDP on healthcare. 

The pandemic has also highlighted that countries need to look beyond their geopolitical differences and hold dialogues on issues related to health, environment, and the like. Though SAARC has failed to materialize into a substantial platform, now may be the time to rise to the occasion. India created a SAARC COVID-19 fund recently, but governments are yet to decide on the operations. However, given the history of SAARC's operations, it is doubtful that the countries, especially India and Pakistan, will see eye to eye.
 

Europe and Saudi Arabia: Lambasting Riyadh's human rights record, the EU to cut its presence in the G20 Summit 

What happened? 
On 8 October, the European Parliament voted to downgrade European Union's attendance at the G20 summit over human rights concerns of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is to host the next summit in November. 

The human rights violations by Saudi Arabia listed in the resolution include the following: the plight of Ethiopian migrants detained in Saudi prisons; incarceration of dissident blogger Raif Badawi; and curbing of women's rights campaigner Loujain al-Hathloul. 

The European Parliament passed a wide-ranging resolution in the pretext that the reduced presence by key EU countries will be, as vice-chair of the delegation for the relations with Arab Peninsula Marc Tarabella said, to "avoid legitimizing impunity for human rights violations and ongoing illegal and arbitrary detentions in Saudi Arabia." 

Once the resolution is heeded by the commission, it would imply that European Commission President and the President of the European Council will not attend the summit. The joint resolution was written by MEPs from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group, the Renew Europe group, and the Greens–European Free Alliance. 

What is the background? 
First, the death anniversary of Khashoggi as the trigger. The resolution coincides with the second anniversary of the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It sends out a "strong political message" to the kingdom from the EU bloc. The resolution also called for the EU-targeted sanctions on Saudi Arabia's responsible for Khashoggi's murder and highlighted the 'arbitrary' detention of multiple royal family members. EU's assertive condemnation of human rights violations, has recently, ranged from countries like China to Turkey and now Saudi Arabia. 

Second, Europe's attempt to form a coherent Middle East strategy, as the US retreats from the region. The EU, led by Germany and France has sought to take control of Europe's strategy towards the region. Since the G7 meeting, the EU has understood that they cannot rely on the US. Hence, the EU's stance has contrasted with the US when it comes to the Middle East, especially Iran and Turkey. The US imposed sanctions on Iran's financial sector on 8 October, but the European allies have vehemently warned the move would limit Tehran's ability to purchase humanitarian imports amid a worsening currency crisis and the coronavirus pandemic. 

Third, Europe amidst Turkey and Russia's calculated footprints in the Middle East. Russian and Turkish footprints have deepened in the MENA region, as crises pile up from Libya to Azerbaijan. This has made it imperative for the EU to have its own Middle East policy. The recent tussle with Turkey in the East Mediterranean has also exposed divisions between France, Germany, Italy, and the EU. In this, the resolution could be seen as one concerted effort by the bloc in a long time towards the region. 

Fourth, G20 and Saudi Arabia. As a full member of the G-20, the EU is a major economic power at the table along with three of its member states – Germany, France, and Italy. A decision to downgrade their representation would be an embarrassment for Riyadh as Saudi has sought to advocate the summit as key to its international diplomacy. The development follows a move by the mayors of major world cities, including New York, to boycott a G-20-related virtual conference hosted by Riyadh last month also over human rights concerns. The summit was meant to showcase the ambitious modernization drive of de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose international reputation has been tarnished by Khashoggi's murder and its role in the conflict in Yemen.

What does it mean? 
The resolution, once heeded by the Commission will definitely look to provide an institutional stand against Saudi Arabia and with it the Middle East policy. What lies ahead for the EU in the Middle East is hardening to its stance, which will be quite different from the US. The EU has solely dependent on individual countries' bilateral policies and taken time to react to Turkey or the crisis in Belarus. 

This resolution could be one of the opportunities for the bloc to have a more-than-rhetoric strategy in the Middle East, starting with Saudi Arabia and Iran. 

Also in the news…

by Harini Madhusudan and Rashmi Ramesh

East Asia and Southeast Asia This Week 

China: Economic trends from China's National Day holiday week 
During China's eight-day national holiday, nearly 0.64 billion tourists were recorded to have travelled across China. The total income from domestic tourism during these days totalled 466 billion yuan, approximately 69.9 per cent of the figures from 2019. These numbers are a positive sign to the tourism industry and its allied industries' economic recovery in China. Economic expenditure was also observed in the increase in online shopping, electricity consumption, automobile sales, and retail sales.  

Indonesia: Protests over the new controversial labour legislation
On 8 October, the Indonesian police arrested 400 people during the protests in Jakarta against the new jobs-creation law. Critics of the legislation, locally known as the "omnibus law," believe that it undermines the rights of the workers, it scraps some labour rights, indigenous community rights and environmental protections. They also complain the legislation was rushed through parliament without consultation with unions. Up to 60 demonstrators and six police officers were injured during the three-day demonstrations near the Presidential Palace. 

India-Myanmar: Foreign Secretary and Army Chief pay two-day visit to Myanmar 
During 4-5 October, the foreign secretary and the Indian army chief visited Myanmar. While the discussions focused on the maintenance of security and stability in the border regions, as a symbolic gesture, during the meeting with Suu Kyi, India handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir to the State Counsellor, highlighting India's commitment to assist Myanmar in its fight against the pandemic. The visit concluded with a commitment to expand ties in the areas of connectivity, defence and security.

South Asia This Week
Afghanistan: Dr Abdullah Abdullah visits India
On 8 October, the Chairperson of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah met PM Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. On 9 October, he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The talks revolved around the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan, the intra-Afghan talks held in Doha, regional developments and bilateral relations. PM Modi welcomed the peace process and reiterated India's stance for a democratic and peaceful Afghanistan. Dr Abdullah hailed India's role in development and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan. 

India: Chinese embassy sends a note to journalists on Taiwan special event
On 7 October, the Chinese Embassy mailed 250 journalists, asking them not to refer to Taiwan as a separate country or a nation, when they cover the event organized by the Taipei Economy and Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The event held on 10 October, marked the 109th anniversary of Taiwan National Day. The MEA responded to the note and reiterated that "there is a free media in India, that reports on issues that they see fit." Meanwhile, posters wishing Taiwan, put up near the Chinese Embassy were removed. 

India and Japan: Cooperation in AI and 5G technology
On 7 October, India and Japan finalized the text of a cybersecurity agreement that will promote technological cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and the 5G network. Following the 13th India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Tokyo, the two sides welcomed the finalization of the agreement. According to a MEA statement: "agreement promotes cooperation in capacity building, research and development, security and resilience in the areas of Critical Information Infrastructure." 

Sri Lanka: High-level Chinese delegation meets the Rajapaksas
On 9 October, the Chinese delegation led by a senior member of Communist Party of China's Politburo and the director of the Central Committee's Foreign Affairs Commission met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo. The Prime Minister's Office stated that both sides agreed to recommence the negotiations on the Sri Lanka-China Free Trade Agreement, complete the Hambantota Industrial Zone and the Port City in Colombo.  President appreciated the 'Chinese model of development' and vowed to usher in a similar kind of development model in Sri Lanka, particularly in rural areas. He refuted the 'debt-trap' theory that has defined Sri Lanka-China relations in recent times and sought Beijing's help in improving the living standards in Sri Lanka. 

Bangladesh and China: Marking 45 years of diplomatic relations
On 4 October, Bangladesh and China marked 45 years of their diplomatic ties. On this occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Bangladesh counterpart Mohammad Abdul Hamid exchanged messages highlighting the importance of this relation. Xi Jinping said that China would stand with Bangladesh, promote their strategic partnership and take forward the projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Central Asia, West Asia and Africa This Week 
Kyrgyzstan: Protests against the leadership, PM replaced 
On 7 October, large crowds gathered in Bishkek demanding the impeachment of Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. The protesters annulled the election results and replaced the Prime Minister with the former Prime Minister, after breaking him and several prominent politicians out of prison. Earlier, opposition groups had also seized the parliament and accused the election victory to mass vote-buying. On 10 October, the former President who had been released by the protesters, was re-arrested by the security forces. 

Nagorno-Karabakh: Ceasefire takes effect; accusations of new attacks
On 10 October, after nearly two weeks of bitter clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, moderated by Moscow, a ceasefire has been put in effect. Less than an hour into the truce, Armenian and Azerbaijani forces accused each other of bombing the civilian areas. More than 300 people have lost lives since the clashes erupted. 

Iran: The US imposes sanctions on Iran's finance sector
On 8 October, the US placed fresh sanctions on 18 banks in Iran, indicating a target of the financial sector that would choke Iranian revenues. The sanctions freeze any US assets held by these entities and bars American institutions from dealing with them. It also extends secondary sanctions towards those that do businesses with these banks. Iranian foreign minister has accused the US against the timing of the sanctions stating that it would affect Iran's ability to pay for basic necessities during the pandemic.

Mali: coup leaders release former PM and other hostages
On 9 October, as part of a prisoner swap for over 100 jihadists who are believed to be a part of al-Qaeda, four prominent people who were abducted and detained in Mali were released. This includes a 75-year-old French charity worker abducted in 2016 and the former Malian opposition leader abducted in March 2020 and two Italian tourists who were captured in 2018. For years now, the Malian government has not been able to regain full control of the north, and the leadership in Mali has not disclosed how it has been able to free the hostages.  

Europe and the Americas This Week 
Nobel Peace Prize for the World Food Program
On 9 October, the World Food Program was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for combating hunger and feeding millions across the globe. The Nobel committee noted that the WFP was honoured for its efforts to ensure food security in conflict-ridden regions, and "for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict."  In a time when the pandemic has pushed millions more into the trap of poverty and hunger, and the "largest humanitarian crisis" unfolding in Yemen, WFP being awarded reminds the world of the herculean-scale crisis. 

Germany: Declaration draft over rights violation in China
On 6 October, 39 countries led by Germany presented a declaration draft at the UN General Assembly in New York, over human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet Autonomous Region and for curbing rights and freedom in Hong Kong. Germany drafted the declaration, and predominantly western countries supported it and denounced China for gross violations.

China's ambassador to the UN opposed interference in the country's internal affairs and responded by saying that the accusations were baseless. Russia, Pakistan, Cuba, Venezuela and some countries from the Arab world and Africa have supported China's position.

EU: Talks on a new migration pact
On 8 October, EU governments began talks on a new migration pact, proposing changes to the migration rules. Germany, the chair for the talks said that the pact might be finalized by December. The scheme was proposed by the European Commission in September, where the EU countries would be obliged to assist one another by accepting migrants, sponsoring their return to their respective countries of origin and offering material assistance on arrival. 

The US and Russia on a new framework to freeze the nuclear warhead stockpiles
On 5 October 2020, according to the Wall Street Journal, the US and Russian negotiators were reported to have made progress "on a new framework accord that would freeze each side's nuclear arsenal and outline the parameters for a detailed treaty that would be negotiated next year." The WSJ also writes: "The accord, if it comes together in the coming month, would give each side something it has sought. President Trump would have a demonstration that his diplomacy toward Moscow has borne fruit, arriving before the November election. Russia would get an extension of the New START treaty, which cuts long-range arms and is due to expire in early February.". 

The US Vice Presidential Debate 
On 7 October, the vice presidential debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris was concluded with Nielsen data showing a record 57 million people watching, 20 million larger than the numbers from 2016. The debate showed sharp contrasts between the two parties' agendas for the economy, health care and other pressing issues. Coronavirus remained the highlight of the debate, and while Pence placed his arguments on the economic plans of the Democratic Party, and Harris was seen talking more on the BLM and Trump's failures. Both Pence and Harris seemed more composed than the debate between Trump and Biden, but the two failed to provide answers to the questions by the moderator. 

 

About the Authors

Minhaj Khan is a PhD Scholar with the Centre for East Asia Studies, JNU. Apoorva Sudhakar is a Research Assistant and Sourina Bej is a Project Associate at NIAS. 


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

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

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

Adarsh Vijay

April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regime's Consolidation Game
The World This Quarter
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
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2054

Amrita Jash

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

Anand V

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

Shreya Upadhyay

Conflict Weekly
April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Global Politics Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Femy Francis

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Global Politics Team

PR Commentary
February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

Focus on Trade, Defense, Energy and Regional Connectivity
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?
PR Explainer
November 2025 | CWA # 1967

R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies
The World This Week
February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Global Politics Team

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Global Politics Team

Conflict Weekly Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

CW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

CW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflict Weekly
January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

CW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

State of Peace and Conflict 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

State of Peace and Conflict 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

State of Peace and Conflict 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

State of Peace and Conflict 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

China Reader
December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

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

Femy Francis

China Reader
CW Column: The Conflicts in The Middle East
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

CW Column: The War in Ukraine
November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

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
CW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1712

R Preetha

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 # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
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 # 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?
Conflict Weekly 250th Issue
October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

This Week in History
July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

Global Politics Early Bird
May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

This Week in History
April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

NIAS Global Politics Database
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
This Week in History
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The World This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
NIAS Pakistan Weekly
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

The World This Week
October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

Conflict Weekly
August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
The World This Week
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

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
GLOBAL PROTEST MOVEMENTS
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

The FATF Meeting, February 2020
February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

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
United States
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

East Asia
June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta