The World this Week

CWA # 361
The World this Week
Anti-government movement in Pakistan, Emergency in Thailand, and new Israeli settlements in the West Bank

GP Team
18 October 2020
Photo Source: SAMAA TV

The World This Week # 89, 18 October 2020, Vol 2, No 42

Abigail Miriam Fernandez, Lokendra Sharma and Lakshmi V Menon

Pakistan: PDM sets off with its first anti-government rally in Gujranwala
What happened?
On 16 October, the Opposition parties joined together to kick-start their first rally in Gujranwala under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) banner, promising to turn the rally into a 'big power show.' The 11-party PDM in what was seen as an impressive show of strength promised to dislodge the "selected and incapable" PTI government in weeks. Hundreds of supporters and workers had gathered at the Jinnah Stadium from different cities in the form of rallies while shouting 'Go Imran Go' as violations of safety protocols were observed.

While addressing the gathering via a video link, Nawaz Sharif accused the Establishment of being behind his ouster as prime minister and for "bringing Imran Khan into power". Further, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief and the PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the Opposition was committed to restoring the sanctity of the people's vote. Pakistani Muslim League (Nawaz) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz, as she departed for the tweeted, "I embark on this mission as your foot soldier, Nawaz Sharif. I have dedicated myself to your struggle, your mission for Pakistan and its people." Similarly, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari invited every Pakistani to become part of the PDM and end the "joke" that is going on in Pakistan for the last 70 years.

What is the background?
First, the rise and coming together of the Opposition parties. The Opposition in an attempt to challenge the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and its "military backers" took a stand with the creation of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). In September, at the All Parties Conference, a 26-point resolution was adopted in which they vowed to oust, the "selected prime minister" through a mass movement, and called for an end to the Establishment's role in politics. However, this is not the first time that Opposition parties launch anti-government protests. In 2019, the heads of both the PPP and PML-N had attempted to bring the Opposition together on a common anti-government agenda.

Second, the PTI government's response to the PDM. Prime Minister Imran Khan has termed the PDM as an "alliance of jobless politicians," stating that the government would allow for their peaceful procession. However, he has also warned that the law would take its course if anyone was to break it. Further, he has also said that the Opposition wants to create a rift between the government and armed forces, and said that Nawaz is playing a risky game by criticizing the army.

What does it mean?
The creation of the PDM reflects the Opposition's success in coming together. This, in turn, has allowed them to have leverage given its composition of both mainstreams as well as smaller provincial and religious parties. Further, the other major difference between the PDM and any other alliance is the anti-establishment agenda which clearly reflects a marked shift in the Opposition's stance, with the focus now on the Establishment, whom they see as the real power behind the PTI government. 

However, the success of the PDM will depend on how it establishes itself as a movement moving from political sloganeering and rhetoric to implementing the objectives of the alliance.
The PTI government has kept a brave face thus far; however, this is just the beginning. It is yet to be seen if the government's confidence will decline as the rally closes in. On the other hand, what the payoff for the Pakistani people remains vague at this point.

Thailand: Emergency declared in Bangkok as protests intensify
What happened?
On 16 October, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chaired an urgently convened meeting of the cabinet and formally approved the state of emergency in Bangkok which was declared a day earlier. The emergency would be in place for a month and comes in the wake of intensifying pro-democracy street protests. The PM also rejected calls to step down and warned about imposing night curfews.

According to the emergency rules, any gathering of five or more people is prohibited; media organizations cannot publish anything that harms the public order and national security; and one could be detained up to 30 days without being charged. 

Despite the imposition of emergency, protestors have come out in large numbers in the streets of Bangkok, defying the prohibitory orders. Even as many prominent leaders have been arrested, protestors have vowed to continue with their struggle for democracy. 

What is the background?
First, the immediate trigger for the protests. After a long conspicuous absence, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn returned from Germany to observe his late father's death anniversary. On October 13, the royal motorcade was obstructed by the protestors who shouted slogans and raised their three-finger salute. This expression of direct dissent towards the monarchy is quite unprecedented in a country where the monarchy is revered. This incident was cited by the government for declaration of emergency. 

Second, the recent history of protests, starting from February 2020. It all started in February when the pro-democracy Future Forward Party (FFP) was declared illegal by a Thai constitutional court. Third largest in terms of parliamentary seat share, FFP was popular among the young people. Protests that followed disbandment of FFP soon met an end because of the spreading pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns. In June, a prominent pro-democracy activist went missing; protestors allege that the State had a role in it. This led to the resumption of the protests and has now continued for more than three months. 

Third, the expanding list of demands by the protestors. In its earlier iteration in February, the immediate concern of the protestors was FFPs dissolution. In its recent iteration, the protestors have expanded their demands. Some key demands include the stepping down of the Prime Minister Prayut (a former army general who came to power after 2014 coup); limiting the power of the monarchy and bringing it within constitutional limits; a new constitution replacing the existing one drafted by the military; and to reduce the role of the military in politics and check its power. 

Fourth, the demography and the geography of the protests. Although protests have happened across Thailand, the epicentre has been Bangkok. In terms of participation, there has been a cross-section of Thai society; but is led by the youth, mostly students. This cross-sectional participation has also contributed to the expansion of demands. For example, women, who have come out in large numbers, have brought the issues of patriarchy and gender inequality to the fore. 

What does this mean?
The protests are treading on a dangerous path. There have been instances of violence by the state and military in the past. So far, notwithstanding the arrests and detention of prominent protest leaders, the administration and the police have been accommodative and allowed an element of dissent. However, with the protests intensifying, the administration has calibrated its response by declaring a state of emergency. 

If the protesters continue to defy prohibitory orders, or if the scale of protests assumes unmanageable proportions, the State might employ police or the military to disperse them using violent means. It would change the nature of protests and also the State response.

Israel: The State resumes new settlements in West Bank, as a US delegation visits Israel, Bahrain and UAE
What happened?
On 14 October, ending an eight-month settlement expansion lull, the Israeli government approved 2,166 new settler homes across the occupied West Bank. The approvals come before the visit by a US delegation of top officials to Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in support of the recently concluded US-brokered normalization deals between the three countries – the Abraham Accords. The delegation aims "to support expanded economic cooperation" amongst the signatories. 

Meanwhile, the global watchdog group Peace Now says that Israel has already approved over 12,000 illegal settlement houses in 2020.

What is the background?
First, Israel signed the Abraham accords with UAE and Bahrain to normalize relations less than a month ago. Israel had pledged to freeze its annexation plans in exchange of normalization. Moreover, responding to Muslim and Arab criticism, UAE had justified the normalization as being in exchange for the permanent freezing of Israeli annexation.

Second, the accords are a part of US President Donald Trump's larger initiative for Middle East peace. The uptick in settlement ruins the possibility of a larger Arab-Israeli peace by making normalization difficult for other Arab states like Oman.

Third, settlements are considered illegal under international law and globally they are seen as a hurdle for a two-state solution. It signals Israel's dismissal of Palestinian statehood.

What does it mean?
Before drawing inferences, two things must be considered:
First, in January 2020, a controversial plan unveiled by Netanyahu gave the US blessing to Israeli annexation of swathes of the West Bank, including the illegal settlements. Second, in August 2020, Trump's adviser  Jared Kushner said that the US would not approve Israeli annexation for "some time".  Thus, the US is on board with Israel's resumption of West Bank annexation. While blunt reactions can be expected from the US, UAE and Bahrain, the Palestinian cause has lost its power over the Arab world. Furthermore, the politics of the Arab world is transforming from the strife for Palestinian statehood to the containment of Iran. Arab unity has crumbled.

Also in the news…
by Harini Madhusudan, Rashmi Ramesh, and Sukanya Bali 

East Asia and Southeast Asia This Week
New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern wins second term
On 17 October, Jacinda Arden won the elections in New Zealand in what is seen as the biggest victory for the centre-left Labour Party in half a century by securing the highest votes in the general elections. The Labor party won 64 of the 120 seats with 49 per cent of the total votes. The opposition party secured  27 per cent votes. The mandate ensures that Arden can form a single-party government, a first in decades since New Zealand adopted a proportional voting system. The major attribute to her victory is the management of the Covid situation in New Zealand, and her swift action to ban guns after the shooting in 2019.

China: Trade relations with Australia decline further
On 12 October, the Chinese government indicated to its state-owned power stations, steel mills, and ports, to suspend the import of Australian coal, a move that could impact the Australian economy by $15 billion annually. On 16 October, China further announced a ban on cotton imports from Australia. The move has led Australia to call for immediate negotiations with China. Australia-China relations have steadily worsened over the past 18 months, with trade disputes impacting multiple industries, especially the barley, wine, wheat, and beef industries. 

The Philippines: Duterte Govt lifts moratorium on energy exploration in South China sea
On 15 October, President Rodrigo Duterte announced removing the ban on oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea. The ban was put six years ago by Duterte's predecessor due to the then rising territorial tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea. The removal of the ban could lead to the Philippines and China, potentially creating a joint venture to explore for resources.  In late 2019, the Chinese and Philippine foreign ministers had sealed an agreement to pursue joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea.   

Myanmar: India to deliver its first Submarine 
On 15 October, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that India would deliver INS Sindhuvir, a Kilo-class submarine to Myanmar Navy. It is seen as a positive step following India's vision of SAGAR and a commitment to building capacities and self-reliance among neighbouring countries. An official from the MEA stated that cooperation in the maritime domain is part of India's strategy for enhanced relations with Myanmar.

Malaysia: King's statement on political maturity amid uncertainty about the Prime Minister
On 16 October, at the Parliament house welcoming ceremony, Malaysia's King Al-Sultan Abdullah asked the politicians not to drag the country towards political uncertainty. He also urged them to resolve the issue through constitutional means or negotiations. Seven months after forming the government, the country observes a power struggle over premiership between Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. The King's advice to "display maturity," comes amid the uncertainties of the leadership and the impact of the pandemic on Malaysia's economy.  

South Asia This Week
India and China: Seventh round of military talks
On 12 October, India and China held the seventh round of Corps Commander level meeting at Chushul on the Indian side of the LAC. Similar to the sixth round of the talks, representatives from the military and foreign ministry from both sides were present, yet failed to reach a disengagement agreement. The joint press statement did not clearly state a timeline for a possible disengagement.
China has once again blamed India for the standoff at the LAC. The infrastructural development along the LAC and the abrogation of Article 370 have been the major irritants in this regard. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that Beijing does not recognize the creation of Union Territory of Ladakh, as it includes Aksai Chin. India, on the other hand, has opposed China's unilateral actions in changing the status quo in Eastern Ladakh.

World Hunger Report 2020: South Asia's ranking
World Hunger Report 2020 ranks 94 of the 107 countries rated in the index. It fares worst in child wasting and child stunting, two of the four parameters that are considered while determining the rankings. 
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan have scored 27.2, 16.3, 19.5, 20.4, 24.6 and 30.3 respectively. In South Asia, Sri Lanka and Nepal are the only two countries in the "moderate" category, while others are in the "serious" category. This report does not include the impact of the pandemic, which if calculated for the next index, will reflect the worsened condition in terms of hunger and poverty.

Sri Lanka: In talks with China for a loan of $500 million
On 11 October, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka announced that Colombo is negotiating with a financial institution in China for a loan amounting to $500 million. This is an addition to China's $90 million grant that was announced during the visit of a high-profile delegation to Sri Lanka.
In a situation where Colombo is struggling to repay the outstanding debt to Beijing, and the narratives of debt trap are well cemented in the bilateral relations, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa played down the "risks" associated with Chinese investments. He also sought further help from China in bringing Sri Lanka on the path of development while it recovers from the pandemic.

Bangladesh: Visit of the US Deputy Secretary of State
The US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun visited Bangladesh from 14-16 October. Enhancing bilateral relations and involving Bangladesh in the larger Indo-Pacific framework was the main purpose of the visit. During the joint press briefing along with foreign minister Abdul Momen, Beigun said that Bangladesh's economic progress, geopolitical location and stability has created a favourable impression in the US, and has emerged as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Central Asia, West Asia, and Africa This Week 
Kyrgyzstan: Amid Disputed Elections, Kyrgyzstan President announces resignation 
On 15 October, following days of protests in Kyrgyzstan, President Sooronbay Jeenbekov announced his resignation saying he intends to bring an end to the crisis which has been sparked by the disputed parliamentary. The resignation comes a week after the Opposition groups seized government buildings in response to protests against the parliamentary elections and annulled the results of the elections that were held on October 4. The protesters have also forced the mass resignations of the Prime Minister, the cabinet and several Governors and Mayors. 

Nagorno Karabakh: Armenia and Azerbaijan announce a fresh ceasefire, but faces a problem hours later
On 17 October, a week after the Russia- brokered truce fell apart soon as it was brokered, Armenia and Azerbaijan announced a new agreement to establish ceasefire and abide by the Moscow deal. The announcement came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s calls with his counterparts in both countries and no new violations were announced after the ceasefire took effect at midnight. Earlier, on 16 October, Armenia and Azerbaijan engaged in clashes that claimed the lives of 13 civilians and injured over 40 people with Azerbaijan claiming that the Armenian side had launched an early-hours ballistic missile attack on its second-biggest city, Ganja, injuring civilians in their sleep. However, the Armenian defence ministry had been denying these claims

US - Saudi Arabia strategic dialogue 
On 14 October, the US Secretary of State and the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, participated in a “strategic dialogue," with an aim to strengthen their ties. The meeting concluded with an understanding on the need to address “destabilizing behaviour” of Iran. Pompeo invited Saudi Arabia to join the “changing dynamic” in the region by recognising Israel; following the other Arab Gulf states and also observed that frequent attacks by the Houthis on Saudi territory was an indicator of Iran's involvement. Prince Faisal raised concerns over the SAFER oil tanker on the Red Sea, which the Houthis blocked partially.

Additionally, the United States has invested $1 billion on diplomatic construction in the kingdom, with its plans to  build a new Embassy in Riyadh and the missions in Jeddah and Dhahran.

Europe and the Americas This Week
France: Killing of a school teacher in Paris 
On 16 October, a teacher at a secondary school was murdered for showing the controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad to his students. The attacker is said to have inflicted multiple wounds with a knife and then beheaded him after which he posted photos of the victim to a Twitter account, along with insults to Mr Macron and French "infidels" and "dogs." The attacker later fired at the police with an airgun before being shot dead. President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the attack bore all the hallmarks of an "Islamist terrorist attack" and the teacher had been murdered because he "taught freedom of expression".

Europe: The Second-wave and a new lockdown 
As winter approaches, there are heightened fears of the pandemic bringing another public health emergency closer to Europe. The UK, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic have all unveiled new virus-related restrictions this week. In Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland, infections hit record daily highs on 15 October, and France has imposed evening curfews in its biggest cities. Countries across Europe are seeing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases after successfully slowing outbreaks early in the year, and the vast majority of countries are declaring more cases each day now than they were during the first wave.

UK: Johnson asks to prepare for no-deal Brexit 
On 16 October, Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that it was now time to prepare for a no-trade-deal-Brexit unless the European Union fundamentally changed course. At a "Brexit Summit," the EU had delivered an ultimatum for 15 October saying it was concerned by a lack of progress and called on London to yield on key sticking points to avoid breaking of ties with the bloc after 1 January 2021. Major disagreements over fishing rights and state help for businesses are said to remain in between them. The EU leaders, however, stated that the negotiations would continue and the EU negotiators would go to London to intensify the discussions. 

Mexico: A water dispute with the US over Colorado and the Rio Grande rivers
On 13 October, the tensions between the US and Mexico over water sharing led to a cross-border fight between the two countries, where farmers who armed themselves with sticks, rocks and homemade shields, ambushed hundreds of soldiers guarding a dam and seized control of the dam. Water rights between them are governed by the decades-old treaty that compels the two countries to share the flows of the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers. Since Mexico has fallen far behind on its obligations to the United States, it was seen fulfilling its deadline to deliver the water. Rising temperatures and droughts in the region have made the shared rivers more valuable raising the stakes for both the nations.

About the authors

Sukanya Bali, Lakshmi V Menon, and Abigail Miriam Fernandez are Research Associate, Research Consultant, and Research Assistant respectively, and Lokendra Sharma, Rashmi Ramesh, and Harini Madhusudan are PhD Scholars with the School of Conflict and Security Studies, at NIAS. 


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Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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
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