The World This Week

CWA # 619
The World This Week
China in Africa, and Elections in Honduras

GP Team
5 December 2021
Photo Source: Xinhua/GlobalTimes

The World This Week #148, Vol. 3, No. 49

Avishka Ashok and Porkkodi Ganeshpandian 

China in Africa: FOCAC celebrates two decades of mutually beneficial relationship
What happened?
On 29 and 30 November, the People's Republic of China and the African countries participated in the eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Dakar, Senegal. The forum's theme was 'Deepen China-Africa Partnership and Promote Sustainable Development to Build a China-Africa with a Shared Future in a New Era' and was attended by 53 African countries and the African Union. Eswatini, the only African country with diplomatic relations with Taiwan, did not participate in the forum.

Despite being a ministerial meet, the opening ceremony was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who addressed the forum online and delivered a speech highlighting agricultural cooperation, Chinese investments in Africa and greater trade exchanges between China and the African continent. President Xi delivered his speech based on the White Paper published by the State Council Information Office on China's cooperation with Africa in the new era. It emphasized China's intentions of helping the African Union with achieving its goals of vaccinating 60 per cent of the African population by 2022, alleviating poverty, promoting agricultural development, encouraging investments worth USD 10 billion in Africa, providing means to digitization of the economy and green development and advocating closer cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges

The forum also adopted four resolutions: the Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024), the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, the Sino-African Declaration on Climate Change and the Declaration of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC.

What is the background?
First, FOCAC as a framework for China's programmes in Africa. China is instrumental in developing African road and transport infrastructure and building medical and other social facilities in the continent. China's investments in Africa are similar to its actions in Southeast Asia and South Asia. It is trying to build a connecting transport system under the flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative. The FOCAC acts as an institutional framework in the African continent and provides China with a solid base for implementing and initiating its influential infrastructural and financial development plans. The White Paper on China-Africa Cooperation said: "Over the past two decades, FOCAC has become an important platform for collective dialogue between China and Africa and an effective mechanism for pragmatic cooperation."

Second, China's economic interests in Africa. China's cooperation with Africa began soon after establishing China as a republic and gradually grew as African countries gained independence. However, the cooperation between China and the continent grew substantially after the 2000s. China invested over USD 125 billion in Africa between 2000 and 2006 and invested heavily in African infrastructure and other economic and social facilities. Trade between China and Africa has risen drastically from USD 20 billion in 2000 to USD 208 billion in 2019 (pre-pandemic).

Third, China's strategic interests in Africa. In the early 21st century, the Chinese economy had elevated itself from the status of a poor developing country and was now being recognized as the fastest-growing GDP. The economy was in constant need of raw material, mineral resources, fuel and petroleum, readily available in Africa. China is currently focused on securing its supplies of cobalt which is used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. At the same time, the country pushes forward to becoming a green and zero-carbon economy by 2060. 
China also seeks to secure the support of African countries in international organizations and institutions where it has been pushing for multilateralism. A strong south-south cooperation, which President Xi projected heavily, is already underway. The cooperation between China and Africa showed its strength when more African leaders chose to attend the FOCAC Summit in 2018 than the UN General Assembly meeting, which took place later in the same month. As African countries receive enormous loans, economic benefits and profit from the infrastructural development equipped by China, they do not find themselves in a position to negate China's desires in international settings.

Fourth, African compliance with Chinese plans. There are two primary reasons behind African countries' blind trust in China. First, African countries may prefer to trust China, a country that did not exploit its resources and its people in the centuries-old colonial past. Second, Africa finds it more convenient to take loans from China who does not prod its borrowers to rectify its political-economic-social settings. Unlike the EU, the US, the IMF, and the World Bank, China focuses on acquiring good relations with the African countries to secure its interests and does not bother changing the existing anomalies.

What does it mean?
The cooperation between China and Africa will continue to grow in the coming decade as the country establishes itself as one of the foremost supporters of African development and economic sustainability. Africa's support for the country is bound to grow further in the coming decades as China pushes billions in investment and provides greater assistance than other countries. There is much criticism regarding China's lending to African countries and the status of their independence in the face of China's extreme support that at times leads them into a debt trap. However, African countries such as Rwanda and Guinea have rejected accusations of lack of freedom in their relationship and have deeply appreciated the assistance offered by China.


Honduras: The Return of the Left
What happened?
On 28 November, Honduras held its presidential, congressional and local elections. Early counting of the votes indicated the lead of Xiomara Castro, a leftist candidate of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE).

On 1 December, the presently ruling conservative National Party's candidate, Nasry Asfura, conceded defeat. This paved the way for the rise of the first female President in Honduras, Xiomara Castro. This also leads to the return of the left in Honduras after twelve years.

What is the background?
First, the elections. Honduras is known for its low-voter turnouts. The protests following the 2017 elections caused a massive migration of Hondurans. However, the 2021 elections witnessed the highest voter turnout in twenty-four years and a peaceful post-election process. Hernandez is implicated in a narcotic case, under investigation in the US. 

Second, the politics of Honduras. The institutions established to battle corruption in Honduras had existed as a mere shadow under the Hernandez administration. Several graft scandals have plagued the ruling National Party for years. Two hurricanes and the covid19 pandemic has led to a nine per cent reduction of Honduras's GDP, resulting in a sharp rise in poverty and unemployment in the region. The campaign promises made by Castro offered to lessen the restrictions that Honduras faced under a conservative rule for twelve years. These include liberal abortion restrictions, support to the UN's fight against corruption, and a major constitutional overhaul.

Third, the campaign promises of Castro. She has promised to institute an anti-corruption commission backed by the United Nations to probe the allegations of corruption under the Hernandez administration. She has also promised to strengthen diplomatic relations with Beijing. This has served to cement her victory as she is seen to be the only leader who can navigate through the economic and political chaos of the past four years. Her rival, Asfura, was less advantaged with his association with Hernandez's party, despite his promise to attempt a tax reduction scheme.

Fourth, the support for the left. Past election trends in Honduran elections since the coup of 2009 indicate a minor difference between the votes secured by the National Party and the LIBRE. However, the 2021 elections broke the tradition. Among the fifty-two percent of the votes counted, Castro had secured fifty-three percent whereas her rival had secured only thirty-four percent of the votes.

What does it mean?
The return of the Left in the Honduran elections establishes no observable pattern in Honduran politics. However, the victory of the Castro could significantly alter Honduran politics in the days to come. First, Honduras is bound to contribute to the emerging divide between the leftist and rightist rulers in the Latin American Region. Second, Honduras is set for stability in domestic politics, given the ambitious and necessary campaign promises of Castro. The aim to fight Honduran corruption has already met with the approval of the United States. This would result in a turbulence in the Honduran foreign policy, especially with Castro's desire to establish friendly relations with Beijing, the rival of the largest trading partner of Honduras. Yet, the 2021 elections in Honduras with the highest voter turnout in twenty-four years has proven that the state is now set to establish a more liberal democracy that would attempt to gradually undo the shortcomings of the past.


Also, in the news...
By Sukanya Bali & Avishka Ashok

East and Southeast Asia This Week
China: Expresses opposition against motion passed in Irish Senate
On 2 December, the Chinese embassy in Ireland issued a statement, expressing discontent and opposition to a motion passed by the Irish Senate against Beijing. The embassy spokesperson said: "The motion blatantly violates the one-China principle and wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs." He further added, "We urge those Irish politicians to respect China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect the Chinese people's aspiration to realize national reunification as much as they respect the Irish people's aspiration to realize national reunification, and abide by the one-China principle, so as to preserve the healthy development of China-Ireland relations."

Japan: Former Prime Minister says the US and Japan could not stand Beijing attack on Taiwan
On 1 December, in a virtual conference organized by Taiwanese think tank the Institute for National Policy Research, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, "Japan and the United States could not stand by if China attacked Taiwan, and Beijing needs to understand this." Focusing on the growing tension in the democratically ruled island, Taiwan, he also said: "A Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance. People in Beijing, President Xi, in particular, should never have a misunderstanding in recognizing this."

North Korea: UN excludes Pyongyang for humanitarian assistance plan
On 3 December, the United Nations excluded Pyongyang from its global humanitarian assistance plan for 2022 released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The Korea Herald reported: The Global Humanitarian Overview 2022 said, "Afghanistan, DPR Korea, and Myanmar are facing acute food insecurity situations, which are likely to deteriorate further by the year's end." This marks the second year exclusion from its assistance plans. The report highlighted: "The persisting economic constraints, exacerbated by restrictive measures to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, have significantly reduced imports, including critical agricultural inputs and humanitarian goods, increasing the population's vulnerability to food insecurity."

New Zealand: Prime Minister sends peacekeeping force to the Solomon Islands
On 1 December, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asked troops to join the international peacekeeping mission against the deadly anti-government riots in the Solomon Islands. The riots erupted last week against government policies and issues like poverty, unemployment, and inter-island rivalries. Ardern said, "an initial force of 15 New Zealand personnel would set off on Thursday and another 50 would join them over the weekend" followed by a request from the Solomons government. She also said, "about 200 peacekeepers are already on the ground in Honiara from Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea."

Philippines: Court allows Ressa to receive Nobel Peace Prize 
On 3 December, The Court of Appeals in the Philippines allowed journalist Maria Ressa to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. Ressa is known for her investigations on disinformation and the five-year drug war of President Rodrigo Duterte. The New York Times reported: the government called her a "flight risk" because of her "recurring criticisms of the Philippine legal processes in the international community reveal her lack of respect for the judicial system." As more than seven criminal charges including "cyber libel and tax evasion" have been filed against her. The ruling came soon after increasing international pressure. Ressa has also been awarded along with a Russian investigative journalist, Dmitri A. Muratov for "their courageous fight for freedom of expression." 

Cambodia: Prime Minister offered support to the eldest son, to become his successor
On 2 December, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen offered to support his eldest son, to become his successor. In his speech at the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk, he said: "I announce today that I support my son to continue as prime minister, but it is through an election." He further added, "Even Japan has its own dynasty, like (former prime minister) Abe. His grandfather was prime minister and he had visited Cambodia. Abe's father was a foreign minister and Abe was a prime minister." The Cambodian People's Party (CPP), has been in power since 1979, and it holds 125-member seats in the legislature. 

Myanmar: UN committee postpones decision on Myanmar and Afghanistan representation 
On 2 December, the UN credential committee decided to postpone their decision on "who will represent Myanmar and Afghanistan." Reuters reported: Swedish UN Ambassador Anna Karin Eneström said, "The committee has decided to defer its decision of the credentials in these two situations." 

South Asia This Week
Maldives: Chinese firm signs deal to provide hybrid solar-diesel power system
On 3 December, a Chinese renewable energy firm, Sino Soar Hybrid Technology signed an agreement with the Maldives to provide a hybrid solar-diesel power system. Earlier this week, Maldives environment minister, Shauna Aminath and the company's project manager signed the agreement. Chinese embassy tweeted, Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, "has inked a contract with Maldivian govt on 29 November to establish solar power plants at 12 islands in the Maldives."

Afghanistan: Taliban reacts to the decision on who will represent Afghanistan at the UN 
On 2 December, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced Suhail Shaheen as an ambassador to the UN in reaction to the UN credential committee. Tolo reported: the Islamic Emirate also said, "this decision is not based on legal rules and justice because they have deprived the people of Afghanistan of their legitimate right." He also added, "We hope that this right is handed over to the representative of the government of Afghanistan in the near future so that we can be in a position to resolve issues of the people of Afghanistan effectively and efficiently and maintain positive interaction with the world."

Pakistan: NSA meets with Russian counterpart in Moscow
On 1 December, a six-member delegation headed by National Security Advisor Dr Moeed Yusuf visited Moscow at the invitation of Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev. During the meeting, they both discussed matters related to bilateral relations and held in-depth discussions on regional and international issues. Additionally, cooperation in economic, energy, defense, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and information and cyber security were discussed.

Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa This Week
Iran: Vienna talks fail to resume and pose risks of collapse
On 3 December, the first formal talks on restoring the 2015 JCPOA agreement stalled yet again. The talks were scheduled to resume by the end of November and were to involve the new Iranian regime for the first time. Europe issued a warning regarding Iran's success in advancing its nuclear programme and its failure to keep up with the terms and conditions put forth at the Vienna conference. The Chief negotiator from the EU informed that the talks would resume in the coming week but also cautioned that time was limited and that all involved parties must hurry to make consensus on the issue.

Middle East: French President visits UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia
On 3 December, the French President Emmanuel Macron visited the UAE during his two-day trip to the Middle East. On 4 December, he visited the UAE and later met the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed Iran's nuclear programme, the political and economic crises in Lebanon, and the Yemeni war. While in Qatar, Macron revealed that the EU members might open a joint diplomatic mission in Afghanistan but did not wish to recognize the Taliban government. While in the UAE, he signed the largest-ever French weapons contract for export consisting of a sale of 80 upgraded Rafale warplanes. The deal is worth USD 16 billion.

Lebanon: Information Minister resigns after statements cause tensions with Saudi Arabia
On 3 December, the Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi resigned from his post after his statements on the Saudi-led military's role in Yemen caused heightened crisis and tensions between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. He addressed a news conference and said: "I won't accept being used as a reason to harm Lebanon and our Lebanese brothers in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries." Prime Minister Najib Mikati also pushed for his resignation as it was key to the French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Saudi Arabia and discussing Lebanon's multiple crises with the Saudi Crown Prince.

Africa: UN Secretary-General voices concern over isolation of Africa
On 29 November, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to the ban imposed by countries on Southern African countries and expressed concern over probable mistreatment and isolation of Africans. His statement said: "The people of Africa cannot be blamed for the immorally low level of vaccinations available in Africa – and they should not be penalized for identifying and sharing crucial science and health information with the world." He instead appealed to the countries to actively test travellers and implement strict covid prevention measures such as fast vaccination, social distancing, proper use of masks, etc to avoid restrictions on economic engagement.

Libya: Gaddafi's son approved for Presidential elections
On 2 December, Saif al-Islam's lawyer confirmed that the court had accepted his appeal and would allow him to participate in the Presidential election scheduled to take place later this month. He was previously disqualified by the Libyan electoral commission for his alleged involvement in war crimes during the uprising against his father Muammar Gaddafi. He has been cleared to present his candidacy despite the country's electoral law which demands a clean criminal record and no relation with dishonourable crimes. 

Europe and the Americas This Week
Lithuania: Foreign Policy Advisor criticizes EC proposal on migrants
On 2 December, the Chief Foreign Policy Advisor Asta Skaisgiryte commented on the European Commission's proposal regarding the refugee crisis in Europe and said that it was insufficient. The proposal aims to allow a longer period to process asylum claims to Belarus' neighbours. Asta called it a good initiative by believing that more was expected. She said: "They have really started to think about how to help Lithuania, Latvia and Poland in the face of this situation. It is not bad, but I'd say it is not sufficient. We'd expect more." However, she did appreciate the proposal for providing respite to the authorities who were overwhelmed by a large number of asylum applications.  
 
Turkey: Lira falls by 45 per cent in 2021 while annual inflation shoots to 21 per cent
On 4 December, the BBC reported that the Turkish lira had fallen 45 per cent against the dollar in 2021. Despite having recorded lowest values in the last week, the Turkish President has not retracted the low-interest rates and has continued with the economic war of independence. The lira's downfall is credited to Erdogan's unorthodox policies, which aim to boost Turkey's economic growth and export potential by maintaining a low-interest rate. Despite the 21 per cent increase in annual inflation. Turkey has not raised its interest rates.
 
Ukraine: The US warns Russia against aggression
On 2 December, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and issued a warning against ­any aggression in Ukraine. While promoting the idea of resolving disputes through diplomacy, Blinken warned that there would be serious consequences to Russian aggression. Lavrov also responded to the statement and said: "We, as President Putin has stated, do not want any conflicts." On 3 December, President Joe Biden announced that he was creating comprehensive initiatives that would make it harder for Russia to invade Ukraine. He addressed the reporters and said: "We're aware of Russia's actions for a long time and my expectation is we're going to have a long discussion with Putin."
 
Sweden: First female Prime Minister re-elected
On 29 November, Magdalena Andersson who resigned from the position of the Prime Minister after being the first woman elected to the post was re-elected. She received 173 votes in the 349-seat parliament while 101 voted against and 75 abstained. On 30 November, she formed her cabinet and created a one-party, minority government. She addressed the parliament and said: "A female prime minister means a lot to many girls and women, to see this glass roof shattered. I am proud that the Center Party is involved and makes this possible."
 
Hungary: Parliament approves referendum on LGBTQ issues
On 30 November, the Hungarian parliament agreed to hold a referendum on LGBTQ issues. The move was backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban and has been criticized for suppressing human rights in the country. The referendum will question its voters regarding the accessibility of information on sexual orientation in school syllabus and media. The opposition abstained from voting on the bill.
 
The EU: President of EC promises raising EUR 300 billion to counter BRI
On 1 December, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU's plans to provide EUR 300 billion to counter China's BRI and other infrastructure development programmes around the world. The funds will be used to build highways, pipelines and broadband networks in developing and underdeveloped countries. President Leyen said: "We want to make Global Gateway a trusted brand that stands out because of high quality, reliable standards and high levels of transparency and good governance."
 
Austria: Chancellor Kurz and replacement resigns, Interior Minister to fill the position 
On 2 December, the Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that he would resign as the party leader and as the leader of the parliament. While he explained that familial duties were the reason for the resignation, he said: "As chancellor, you have so many decisions that you have to make every day, that you know early on that you will also make wrong decisions. You're always under observation. You also constantly have the feeling that you're being hunted." On the same day, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg reasoned that Kurz should be the one in position and resigned from the post as well. On 3 December, the People's Party selected former Interior Minister to take on the now vacant position of the Chancellor. Karl Nehammer is all set to take on the role in the coming week.

Venezuela: Opposition candidate disqualified while President accuses EU mission of spying
On 29 November, the Supreme Court in Venezuela disqualified Freddy Superlano from the Governo's election race for his alleged involvement in an administrative sanction while he worked as a legislator between 2015 and 2020. Freddy was one of the political leaders who was leading in the vote count and his disqualification further raises questions regarding the fairness of the election in the country. On 28 November, President Nicolas Maduro accused the European Union electoral observation mission of being spies and appreciated the fairness of the elections conducted by his government. He said: "A delegation of spies – they weren't observers – wandered freely around the country, spying on the country's social, economic and political life."

Brazil: Economy suffers a recession for the second consecutive quarter
On 2 December, the National Statistics Agency announced that Brazil's GDP had fallen by 0.1 per cent in the July-September quarter. The Brazilian economy has fallen into a recession for the second consecutive quarter due to the extreme climatic conditions, high interest rates, inflation and the pandemic. The economic conditions now pose a threat to Jair Bolsonaro's re-election. On 30 November, President Bolsonaro formally joined the centre-right Liberal Party before the presidential election next year. He also commented on his joining the party and said: "It is a simple event, but very important so that we can compete for something later."

The US: The House of representatives pass bill to present shutdown
On 2 December, the US House of Representatives passed a bill to fund the government and avoid a short-term shutdown. The bill received 221 votes in favour while 212 votes against the passing of the bill. The Chair of the House Appropriations Committee said: "Make no mistake, a vote against this continuing resolution is a vote to shut the government down." The bill is yet to be passed in the Senate and faces a possibility of being rejected due to a disagreement on Biden's vaccine mandates. However, President Biden seemed confident about its passing.

The US: Washington Post claims of massive troop build-up at Russia-Ukraine border
On 30 November, the Washington Post reported that the CIA had discovered the movement of Russian troops towards the Ukrainian border and issued a word of caution against heightened violence in the border areas. The report alarmed the US intelligence and the government at a time when US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin were scheduled to meet and discuss the Ukrainian issue. The report claimed that Russia was readying 100 battalion tactical groups on the border. 

About the Authors
Sukanya Bali is a doctoral candidate at OP Jindal Global University. Porkkodi Ganeshpandian is a research intern in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Avishka Ashok is Research Associate at NIAS. 


PREVIOUS COMMENTS

The World This Week
June 2026 | CWA # 2157

Global Politics Team

The G7 Summit 2026
President Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit I Myanmar President’s China visit
TWTW Takeaways
June 2026 | CWA # 2154

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The G7 Summit 2026
Four Takeaways on Economic security, Critical minerals, and Consensus on Ukraine and Iran
Conflict Weekly
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
CW Note
June 2026 | CWA # 2150

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran MoU:
Asymmetric Gains and Implementation Challenges
Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026
June 2026 | CWA # 2145

Glynnis Winona B

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

Nithin V

Bangladesh and Press Freedom: 
Four Takeaways on Digital security laws, Political polarisation, Journalist safety, and Media vulnerability 
Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026
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
Global Politics Review: WPF Report 2026
June 2026 | CWA # 2142

Glynnis Winona B

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Nithin V

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

Siddhi Halyur

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

Siddhi Halyur

Nepal and Press Freedom:
Three takeaways on Political constraints, Missing legal protection and Funding issues
TWTW Explainer
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?
CW Note
June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:
New Deal amidst Israeli incursion and Hezbollah’s retaliation
CW Explainer
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?
CW Column
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
TWTW Note
May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ballistic missiles, Nuclear drills with Belarus, and the Czech ammunition initiative
CW Column
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
CW Column
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
TWTW Note
May 2026 | CWA # 2115

Aparna A Nair

The Putin-Xi Summit
Trade, Technology, Security, and Pipeline
Global Politics Explainer
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
Global Politics Explainer
May 2026 | CWA # 2113

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Trump-Xi Summit:
Managing Strategic Competition through Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy
Conflict Weekly
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
CW Column
May 2026 | CWA # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East:
Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAEs Covert Manoeuvres
CW Note
May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:
Fraying Ceasefire, Renewed Negotiations and the Risk of a Stalemate
TWTW Takeaways
May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V

King Charles's US Visit:
Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation
TWTW Note
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

UAEs Exit from OPEC:
Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market
CW Note
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:
Deadlocked Negotiations, Competing Agendas and Domestic Pressure
CW Note
May 2026 | CWA # 2082

Akshath Kaimal

Escalating Violence in Mali:
Between Ethnic Insurgencies, Jihadist Attacks, and Military Coups
TWTW Note
April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Japans New Defence Posture:
From Post-War Pacifism to Strategic Recalibration and Autonomy
CW Note
April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
Asymmetric Terms, Fragile Truce and Israeli Occupation
CW Note
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
Special Commentary
April 2026 | CWA # 2072

Anu Maria Joseph

Three Years of War in Sudan
Prolonged Stalemate, Humanitarian Cost, External Interventions and Regional Fallouts
Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)
April 2026 | CWA # 2069

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Expanding Drone Warfare, Russia's Strategic Patience and Ukraine's Diplomatic Outreach
Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)
April 2026 | CWA # 2068

Femy Francis

China-Japan Tensions
Escalating Defence Posturing and Economic Decoupling
Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)
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
Peace and Conflicts This Quarter (JanuaryMarch 2026)
April 2026 | CWA # 2066

Akshath Kaimal

The Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Recurrent Clashes, Defiant Taliban, Contesting Narratives and Emerging Chinas Role
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

The Middle East (JanMar 2026):
The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2064

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (JanMar 2026):
Gender Repression, Leadership Rifts, Regional Realignments and Clashes with Pakistan
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2063

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)
Trade diversification & FTAs, Increased defence spending, Tightening irregular migration and Economic slowdown
The World This Quarter
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

India and the World(Jan-Mar 2026)
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy, Balancing the US relations and Resetting the China ties
The World This Quarter
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 Regimes 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 # 2055

Haans J Freddy

East Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Chinas military operations near Taiwan, Japan-China tensions and South Koreas security challenges
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2054

Amrita Jash

Chinas External Landscape (Jan-Mar 2026):
Regional assertion, Pragmatic recalibration with the West and Avoiding military entanglement in the Middle East
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2052

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States(Jan-Mar2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trumps World Order
March 2026 | CWA # 2039

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal after elections:
Five major challenges for the new government
March 2026 | CWA # 2024

Lekshmi MK

The UN and the Iran-US War
UNSC Resolution 2817 between Clear and Unified Message and Manifest Injustice
March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria
Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment
March 2026 | CWA # 2012

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Long-range strikes, Defence adaptation and the EUs energy dependence
Global Politics Early Bird
March 2026 | CWA # 2010

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Elections 2026
The Rise of the New and the Fall of the Old
March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel
From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
PR Commentary
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

Basant in Pakistan
The return of Basant, and what it signifies
February 2026 | CWA # 1977

Anu Maria Joseph

Violence in Nigeria
US military deployment amidst worsening insurgency
February 2026 | CWA # 1976

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine
The Geneva Talks and Growing Negotiation Asymmetry
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan & China
Ten Years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
PR Explainer
November 2025 | CWA # 1968

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti

UK and China
PM Keir Starmers visit and the Recalibration of Economic, Strategic, and Domestic ties
TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1946

R Preetha

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

D Suba Chandran

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Rishma Banerjee

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

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

STIR Team

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

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Nasima Khatoon

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

Harini Madhusudan

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

Sourina Bej

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

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan