The World This Week

The World This Week
NATO Summit, G-7 Summit, Instability in Israel, and NATO's New Strategic Concept

GP Team
3 July 2022
Photo Source: https://www.nato.int/

The World This Week #172, Vol. 4, No. 21

3 July 2022

Padmashree Anandhan, Rishma Banerjee, Lakshmi Menon and Emmanuel Selva Royan


NATO Madrid Summit 2022: Leaders discuss emerging challenges to secure the Euro-Atlantic

What happened?

On 29 June, leaders of the NATO member countries issued the Madrid Summit Declaration and released the NATO 2022 strategic concept during the NATO summit held in Spain. The summit focused on improving deterrence, investing more in defence, Russia's growing aggression, and increasing support for Ukraine. Other regional threats were also discussed, such as dealing with the People's Republic of China and asymmetric risks arising from cyber, space, and technology domains.  

During the two-day summit, the leaders revealed the NATO 2022 Strategic concept as a guidebook to streamline NATO's actions towards the emerging security challenges in the region. The NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: "We will agree a new Strategic Concept, the blueprint for NATO into the future."

On the same day, US president Joe Biden said: "…Putin was looking for the "Finlandization" of Europe. He's going to get the "NATO-ization" of Europe. And that's exactly what he didn't want, but exactly what needs to be done to guarantee security for Europe."

On 29 June, responding to NATO's new strategic concept, State Duma's international affairs committee chairman, Leonid Slutsky said: "NATO's strategic concept is a blind alley. The Madrid summit's decisions jeopardize security on the continent and elsewhere." On 30 June, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on the NATO summit stated: "They expect unconditional obedience from all states to their will, which reflects their egoistic interests - primarily, the US' interests."

What is the background?

First, NATO's challenges and objectives. The summit exposed the intensity of the challenges for NATO from growing Russian aggression, a shift in the Euro-Atlantic peace, emerging security threats in the domain of human security, climate, cyber, space, new technologies, and lastly, the need to stand for Ukraine. Keeping all the challenges in the front, NATO's key objective lies in adhering to Washington Treaty, Article 5, and collective defence as its core strategy. To deal with the security threats, it proposes to expand its member base globally and diversify its defence systems. When it comes to resolving, it prioritizes open communication over direct conflict. Therefore, while NATO projects itself as a military alliance, on the other, it also showcases itself as an effective platform to resolve matters.

Second, the focus on China and Asia-Pacific. The discussions, which revolve around addressing the Russian threat and expanding NATO's capabilities, diverted its attention to the People's Republic of China as a security challenge to the region. Due to this, the summit involved leaders from Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea for the first time to analyze the challenge it poses in terms of security, logistics, and economy. Its interest in Taiwan will be another area to look out for in the upcoming NATO strategies.

Third, deepening engagements within NATO and the search for a new outlook. The strategic concept adopted by NATO might be a key development to streamline its approach to its challenges. However, the trilateral meeting held by Stoltenberg was most significant to NATO. The settling of the national security issue with Turkey and persuading it to support Sweden and Finland in joining NATO is another key achievement of NATO. The Nordic and Baltic countries which feared Russian attacks and intrusion can now be assured of their security with NATO's support. Although the ratification process of each member country would take time, Finland and Sweden stepping out from their non-alignment principle give NATO an upper hand to expand its defence horizon and protect the Euro-Atlantic. 

What does this mean?

First, NATO as a uniting bloc against security challenges of the Euro-Atlantic. The world leaders through the summit have jointly vowed to boost NATO and its allies military, missile systems along with nuclear, and cyber capabilities. This means creating a united military posture to against Russia, to deal the security threat posed by China and largely to address the question of democracy and rise of authoritarian governments. With regards to Russia, NATO plans to follow its deterrence strategy until there is a direct provocation by Russia.

Second, the likely focus on NATO's enlargement. In the enlargement process, NATO showcases its open-door policy; with Sweden and Finland joining the alliance soon, it will add significant value to territorial and military expansion. However, much strategy does not seem to be drafted regarding securing the Balkan front or the Arctic. 


G7 Summit: Ukraine dominates the agenda, undermining the development focus

What happened?

On 28 June, the G7 leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US concluded their three-day summit in Germany's Bavarian Alps. Germany, the host, also invited the leaders from India, Indonesia, South Africa, Senegal, and Argentina. Representation from the EU, UN, WTO and IMF also took part in the summit. The agenda included: global economy, sustainable planet, energy security, climate, economy, food security, health, counter-terrorism, and gender equality. 

On 28 June, the leaders announced the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). The communique released by the G7 said: "Through our Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, we aim to mobilize USD 600 billion over the next five years to narrow the global investment gap. We will step up our cooperation globally, including through working towards new Just Energy Transition Partnerships with Indonesia, India, Senegal and Vietnam, building on our existing partnership with South Africa."

What is the background?

First, the focus on Ukraine. The G7 was to discuss developmental projects, but the Ukraine war dominated it. The summit coincided with Russia's bombing of Kyiv. The support from G7 amounts to USD 2.8 billion in humanitarian assistance and USD 29.5 billion in financial aid.  

Second, the China focus. The economic initiative of the Build Back Better World (B3W) was announced by the US at the G7 summit in June 2021. It was designed to provide an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for the G7-backed infrastructure development of low- and middle-income countries. 

Third, the climate and energy crisis. The G7 Ministers of Climate, Energy and the Environment met on 26–27 May 2022 in Berlin. Given the climate crisis, and the continued failure to adhere to the Paris Agreement and limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the G7 was looking to take concrete steps on managing the climate crisis. Russia's war on Ukraine has worsened the energy security globally. Ahead of the summit, Germany’s chancellor Olaf Scholz said moving away from fossil fuels was of great importance given Russia’s fossil-fuel-funded war.

What does it mean?

First, the growing divide between Russia, China and the West. The summit reaffirmed their strong stance against Russia. Second, nod to the global south. Just Energy Transition Partnerships in already under progress in South Africa and will be extended to Indonesia, India, Senegal, Vietnam. This signals the G7's new focus on the Global South as an important economic partner. It also is a step to increase the group's sphere of influence across a region beyond the member countries. Third, concerns about China. The communique attempts to challenge China by the members referring to the human rights violations in Tibet and Xinjiang while also rejecting the country's claims in the South China Sea. 


Israel: Parliament dissolves and prepares for the fifth election in four years

What happened?

On 30 June, Knesset, Israel's Parliament (the Knesset) voted in favor of its dissolution, a legislative step that would send the country to re-elections in November 2022. After days of bickering between the coalition and opposition, the dissolution was passed with 92 lawmakers voting in favor of the motion and none opposing. 

Naftali Bennett, the shortest-serving Israeli prime minister handed over the office to the caretaker prime minister Yair Lapid who is also the country's foreign minister and the architect of the coalition government that was headed by Bennett and Lapid. This is in accordance with the power-sharing deal that was made following last year's inconclusive elections.

The new elections will be held on 01 November.

What is the background?

First, one year of Israel's coalition government. Its formation was a historic move as it saw Israel's longtime leader Benjamin Netanyahu being ousted after being in power for 12 years. The improbable and unusual coalition of the ideologically diverse parties seemed to have the common objective of keeping Netanyahu away from power. The coalition government and the opposition, headed by Netanyahu, had been sparring in the Knesset over the dissolution bill since Bennett announced the lack of tenacity of the eight-party alliance

Second, the Arab party coalition. The coalition government was the first ever Israeli government to comprise of an Arab party – the Islamist Ra'am faction. The latter's leader Mansour Abbas agreed to join the coalition in order to address the discrimination faced by Arabs and to secure greater government funding for the Arab minority of Israel (which is approximately 20 percent of Israel's population). Meanwhile, Netanyahu and his allies called the Arab faction "terrorist sympathizers"

Third, Bennett's retirement. Naftali Bennett of the Yamina party announced he would notn run in the upcoming elections. His party faced infighting and splintering after the coalition government was formed in 2021. Members of the Yamina party protested against what they called Bennett's unnecessary compromises to the liberal allies of the coalition

Fourth, renewal of the West Bank law. The last straw was the failure to renew the so-called West Bank law that would ensure that the occupied West Bank's Jewish settlers would live under Israeli law. The emergency law preserves the settlers' special status in the occupied West Bank. The outgoing Prime minister Bennett, also the former leader of a settler lobby group, expressed that if the measure were to expire on 30 June it would cause "constitutional chaos" and security risks. Dissolution of the Knesset prior to its expiration would mean that the law would be automatically renewed until the formation of a new government.

What does this mean?

First, the dissolution marks a formal end Israel's political experiment in 2021 wherein eight diverse parties from across Israel's spectrum converged to find a solution to the prolonged gridlock that Israel faced since 2018. Second, Netanyahu and his allies had been attempting to form a Netanyahu-led government within the currently dissolved Knesset. The upcoming elections and the opposition's inclination towards dissolving the Knesset signals Netanyahu's failure in forming such a government. Third, polls conducted by Israeli media project Netanyahu and allies as gaining seats. However, whether they would be able to secure the least required number of seats to form a majority in the Knesset (at least 61 seats out of Knesset's 120 seats) remains unclear. In the event of a failure by Netanyahu's faction or any other in securing a majority, Israel could once again go into elections. Last, the opposition leader Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial plays an important role in the political crisis Israel has been facing in the last four years. 


TWTW Exclusive, 03 July 2022
NATO 2022 Strategic Concept: Four takeaways

Emmanuel Selva Royan

On 29 June, the members of the NATO convened in Madrid to endorse a new Strategic Concept to prepare the alliance for the future. The Strategic Concept reiterated that their primary objective is to assure "collective defense, against all threats from all directions".  

It outlines the three major responsibilities of the Alliance: deterrence and defense; crisis management and prevention; and cooperative security. The Strategic Concept highlights how crucial it is to invest in technological advancement and include issues like climate change, human security, and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda into their core tasks. The concept outlines a distinct hierarchy of dangers, with Russia as the first. The People's Republic of China, which appears in a NATO strategic concept as a "threat," is the concept's third most significant danger after terrorism and regional instability. 

Key Takeaways

First, Russia as a significant threat to regional security. The new concept states that Russia poses the biggest threat to the Allies and to the peace and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region. In light of this, improving joint deterrence and collective defense is the main task at hand. A suitable combination of nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities, along with space and cyber capabilities, forms the foundation of NATO's deterrence and defense posture.

Second, NATO's desire to enlarge. The document states that they will broaden the outreach to nations in the larger neighborhood and worldwide and have an open mind to engage with any nation or organization. The document also mentions that the alliance would deepen ties with allies who support their values and the maintenance of international law. It further acknowledges that the developments in the Indo-Pacific "directly affect Euro-Atlantic security" and the need to strengthen collaboration with "new and existing partners," in this region; suggesting that additional countries may be invited to join NATO.

Third, hostility towards China. NATO finds Russia and China's growing relationship threatening the alliance's ideas and values. It claims that China wishes to take control of global logistics and its economy to challenge the current international order. Furthermore, it accused China of using various political, economic, and military instruments to expand its influence worldwide and project power with opaque intentions and plans. However, in order to protect the security interests of the Alliance, NATO remains open to constructive dialogue with China, and to develop reciprocal transparency.

Fourth, focus on human security and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. NATO's focus on Women, Peace and Security is not new. However, the acknowledgment of human security is more recent and represents a move toward a focus on the effects of conflict on people. NATO still maintains its attention on implementing UNSCR resolution 1325 on the role of women in peace and security by placing these concerns across the core tasks. The work on implementation is still in progress, and part of that effort entails taking the lessons learned from years of operations in Afghanistan and applying them to NATO headquarters. Significant human security responsibilities are part of several roles that NATO forces will be preparing for. When opposed to more conventional Protection of Civilians (POC) tasks, issues that are extremely relevant to human security, such as culture property protection (CPP) will be prioritized.


Also, in the news...

Regional round-ups

East and Southeast Asia This Week

China: Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends and celebrates 20th anniversary of signing SCO charter 
On 29 June, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the roundtable meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of signing the SCO charter and the 15th anniversary of signing the "Treaty on Long-Term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation" of the SCO member countries. Wang Yi reconfirmed China's commitment to work with the SCO in carrying forward the "Shanghai Spirit" and the desire to build a closer community with a shared future. He further called on the countries to strengthen solidarity and coordination within the organization while collectively addressing the risks and challenges and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation.

China: US responds to complaints on the Taiwan Strait
On 28 June, the US military responded to China's complaints that the passage of a US Navy aircraft through the Taiwan Strait last week jeopardized peace and stability and claimed that it showed the US's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The P-8A anti-submarine plane was flying over a sensitive canal, and China alleged to have sent planes to monitor and warn the plane. The US Indo-Pacific Command said: "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows including within the Taiwan Strait. The aircraft's transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Hong Kong: Xi presides over John Lee's swearing-in as city's new leader
On 01 July, On Friday, the city of Hong Kong celebrated the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule after having been placed under considerably stricter Communist Party control in recent years. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the ceremony at which John Lee, the new chief executive, was sworn in. The city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, was upheld by Lee, a former security official who oversaw the crackdown on dissent following 2019 pro-democracy protests. Lee also swore allegiance to Hong Kong and promised to be accountable to the central government in Beijing. 

The US/Japan/South Korea: Leaders of the US, Japan, and South Korea to meet at the NATO summit to discuss on trilateral cooperation
On 30 June, the Strait Times reported that the leaders of the US, Japan, and South Korea have concurred that strengthening trilateral cooperation is essential for resolving challenges in the region, notably the growing threat presented by North Korea's expanding nuclear and missile capability. They also emphasized the necessity of increasing security and to reinforce American power as an extended deterrent for its two allies. US President Joe Biden met with the leaders of Japan's Fumio Kishida and South Korea's Yoon Suk-yeol outside of the NATO summit in Madrid. It was the first trilateral summit in five years and the first time the three nations had come together to work on mending fences. 

New Zealand: PM expresses concern on Chinese ambitions in the Pacific
On 02 July, Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern has once again voiced concern about China's ambitions in the Pacific, reiterating her statement that Beijing "has become increasingly assertive in our region." She said: "In recent times, there has been growing interest in the Pacific…The foreign policy position of some of the significant members of our region has changed. The order that has brought the region prosperity over the past 80 years is contested." 

Philippines: Taiwan rejects complaint regarding drills in the South China Sea 
On 29 June, Taiwan rejected a complaint from the Philippines on live-fire near an island under its control that is located deep in the South China Sea, claiming that it had the right to conduct the drills and that it always gave advance notice of them. In a tweet posted late on Tuesday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs voiced "strong objection" to Taiwan's planned illegal live-fire drills surrounding the island, also known as Itu Aba. The island is referred to as Taiping in Taiwan and Ligaw Island in the Philippines.

South Asia This Week

India: Chinese automaker abandons project worth Rs 7,895 crores
On 02 July, the Times of India reported that Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) will no longer be a player in the Indian automotive industry. Over 11 of GWM's employees had received pink slips at its India headquarters, three months of severance compensation, and one year of variable pay. Increasing political tensions between India and China, the delay in approval of GWM's plant in Pune due to government roadblocks, increased scrutiny over Chinese investments, amendment to the FDI rules, and the company's rejection of India's proposal to sell completely built-up units (CBU) are other factors that led to the company pulling out of the seven-crore project in India. 

Nepal and Bangladesh: World Bank extends aid
On 01 July, World Bank approved USD 1 billion in financial assistance to Bangladesh and Nepal for reducing transport and trade costs to ease the regional trade. The grant will be made through the Accelerating Transport and Trade Connectivity in Eastern South Asia (ACCESS). The program will help boost the economy of both countries. The paper-based procedure will be converted to digitized automated solutions in both countries. World Bank's Vice-President said: "Regional trade offers enormous untapped potential for the countries of South Asia. Today, regional trade accounts for only five percent of South Asia's total trade, while in East Asia it accounts for 50 percent. South Asia can boost economic growth significantly and create opportunities for millions of people by increasing regional trade and connectivity."

Pakistan: COAS meets with Qatar's Emir during an official visit to Doha
On 30 June, The Express Tribune reported that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa met with Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. COAS Bajwa who was on an official visit to Doha also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah. During the meetings, matters of mutual interest, defence and security cooperation and regional environment were discussed.

Pakistan: High-ranking Chinese politician promises to improve diplomatic cooperation with Islamabad
On 29 June, Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and director of the Central Committee on Foreign Affairs arrived in Pakistan along with a high-level delegation. During the two-day visit, Jiechi held separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. During the meetings, he promised to help reinvigorate ties between Pakistan and China and a further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

Afghanistan: Taliban and the US discuss unfreezing of Afghan assets
On 30 June, the Taliban and the United States concluded a two-day meeting in Doha. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West led their respective delegations. US Treasury Representative also attended the meeting. During the meeting, the two sides focused on the unfreezing of the Afghan assets. A Taliban government spokesperson claimed that the officials stressed that engagement with the Taliban government "should be cooperative and positive instead of pressure tactics to achieve progress," while renewing their commitment to not allowing anyone to use Afghan territory to harm neighbouring and other countries.

Sri Lanka: Members of the minority Tamil party seek India's aid to conduct elections
On 30 June, members of a party representing Tamil minorities in Sri Lanka urged Indian authorities to step in and exert pressure on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hold the long-overdue elections. "The president has lost his mandate. So, this is the best time to hold the postponed provincial council election to test the public opinion," a leader of the Tamil Progressive Front said. Provincial elections remained upheld since 2018 in nine provinces. The election commission would be unable to raise funds to hold elections due to the current situation. The spokesperson, therefore, prompted the Indian and international body's cooperation to conduct elections.

Sri Lanka: CCPI hits an all-time high of 54.6 per cent
Official data suggest that the inflation rates in Sri Lanka have touched an all-time high rising up to 54.6 per cent. This marks a ninth consecutive hike in the inflation rates. It was noted that the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) crossed the 50 per cent mark for the first time. The statistics were released a few hours after the International Monetary Fund advised the government of Sri Lanka to curb inflation and deal with prevalent corruption in order to save its struggling economy from being destroyed by a currency crisis. The CCPI stands at 54.6 per cent after the recent hikes.

Sri Lanka: Amendment proposed to trim President's powers, receives criticism from members of the civil society
On 30 June, the Telegraph reported that the government of Sri Lanka proposed to amend the constitution in order to curtail the presidential powers. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been under constant pressure to resign since he is blamed by critics for the financial crisis. The proposed amendment would create a constitutional council and nine self-sustaining commissions to enhance government. However, members of Sri Lanka civil society have criticized the 22nd Amendment to the constitution. It was argued that the proposed amendment does not impose any checks and balances on the existing power structure nor limits the president's unrestricted powers. The legislation outlines a broad arena of issues that must be taken into account and addressed with regard to the appointment of the President. It also encompasses the duties and responsibilities of the Prime Minister, creation of new commissions and the manner in which the Cabinet will be held collectively responsible.

Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week

Turkmenistan: Sixth Caspian Sea summit discusses geopolitical developments in the region
On 29 June, the presidents of Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan met in Ashgabat for the sixth Caspian Sea Summit to discuss regional cooperation and international issues. At the end of the summit, the leaders signed a communique which reiterated their agreement to keep any foreign militaries from the Caspian and the importance of cooperation in the military sphere between the Caspian nations.

Tajikistan: President Putin meets with President Rahmon 
On 28 June, President Vladimir Putin met with President Emomali Rahmon during his one-day visit to Tajikistan. A spokesperson for Rahmon stated that no documents would be signed during the visit, only bilateral ties, cultural and economic relations, and regional and global issues would be discussed. This was President Putin's first public visit since the start of the Ukraine crisis in February 2022.

Iran: Indirect talks with the US on reviving JCPOA hits an impasse
On 29 June, the US State Department criticized Iran for raising unrelated issues and being confused about reviving the 2015 Nuclear Deal. The indirect talks between Iran and the US have ended without much progress at resolving the stalemate. The statement by the US State Department said: "Indirect discussions in Doha have concluded, and while we are very grateful to the EU for its efforts, we are disappointed that Iran has, yet again, failed to respond positively to the EU's initiative and therefore that no progress was made." On 30 June, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi addressed the Security Council and expressed the country's willingness to engage in new indirect talks with the US to reach an agreement on the JCPOA. Majid said: "The ball is in US's court, and if the US acts realistically and shows its serious intention to implement its obligations, the agreement is not out of reach."

Tunisia: President publishes proposed constitution to increase presidential powers
On 30 June, president Kais Saied published the proposed new constitution that will be voted on in a referendum on 25 July. The draft constitution proposes that the government be answerable to the president and not the parliament; however, the parliament can withdraw support to the government with a two-thirds majority. The president will also have the power to present draft laws, be the sole power to propose treaties, draft state budgets, decide appointment or removal of ministers and judges. The president can also extend the two-term tenure if the president felt an unavoidable threat to the country. Various other measures increasing the president's powers are also listed in the draft.

Mali: Military government announces election timetable for return to civilian rule
On 29 June, the government spokesperson announced that presidential elections would be conducted in February 2024. Prior to the elections, a referendum on a revised constitution will be held in March 2023; local and legislative elections would be held in October and November 2023 respectively. The spokesperson said the above decision indicates a return to constitutional order. The announcement comes ahead of the meeting of the ECOWAS leaders wherein the regional organizations are expected to discuss whether sanctions on Mali should continue. 

Libya: Leaders fail to reach a consensus on the electoral process 
On 30 June, the two-day talks between Libya's rival talks concluded without any solution to conduct elections. From the two sides, parliamentary speaker Aguila Saleh and president of the High Council of State Khaled Al-Mishri met in Geneva for the UN-brokered talks regarding a draft framework for parliamentary and presidential elections. On 01 July, protesters demanding an end to the political deadlock stormed the parliament in Tobruk and burnt a part of the building. Several protests were also held in different cities across the country. 

Sudan-Ethiopia: AU calls for restraint amid diplomatic tensions
On 29 June, the Africa Union called on Sudan and Ethiopia to refrain from military action amid border clashes between the two countries. The AU statement came after Sudan reportedly fired artillery on the Al Fashaqa region along its border with Ethiopia and captured the Jabal Kala al-Laban area. Prior to this, on 26 June, Sudan's foreign ministry said it would recall its ambassador to Ethiopia and also summon Addis Ababa's ambassador over the alleged killing of seven Sudanese soldiers by the latter's military. Ethiopia denied these allegations.

Europe and The Americas This Week

Russia: Withdrawal from Snake Island 
On 30 June, Russia announced its retreat from its strategic outpost near the Danube Delta. The Ukrainian military published images of the Snake Island with their flag. The reason for the Russian retreat is likely the result of the repeated Ukrainian attacks, specially the ones using Western supplied weaponry. The region has been the key battleground between the two forces. One of the other reasons would be the recent deliveries of NATO arms deliveries that made the cost of fighting in the region too costly for Russia to hold it. 

Norway: Russia threatens retaliation over blocked Arctic access
On 30 June, the Russian side responded and threatened retaliation after Norway stopped/blocked a shipment of essential goods that were headed to the miners on the Svalbard archipelago. The blocked shipment was headed for Barentsburg where 400 people working for Arktikugol, the Russian coal mining company. The sanctions were placed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to the Norwegian leadership, but violates the provisions of the Svalbard treaty of 1920.

Scotland: Dates for the new referendum on independence day
On 28 June, the first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, decided to hold the next referendum of independence on 19 October, 2023. She wrote to the prime minister Boris Johnson to obtain formal approval for the vote to take place. However, even if it is not approved by the UK government, Sturgeon declared she would move through with her proposal. In response, the UK government stated that it would look into Sturgeon's proposal but it remained of the opinion that "now is not the time" for another vote. In addition, it has stated that it is obvious that Westminster controls the constituent. 

The EU: Germany agrees to back the 2035 CO2 cars phase-out with a condition 
On 28 June, Germany agreed to support the 2035 fossil fuel cars phase-out under a few changes to the EU package. Germany wants to add CO2-neutral fuel cars to be added to the proposed bill. If the bill is adopted by the EU, it would ban the sales of carbon-emitting fuel cars from 2035 onwards. But Germany wants to add a clause so that carbon-neutral cars can be exempted. Countries such as Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania have requested to delay the implementation of the bill. These nations called for a 90 per cent phase-out of CO2 cars by 2035 and 100 per cent by 2040. Poland similarly supports the lighter ban. This bill is part of a set of laws developed to help the EU to tackle its carbon emissions reduction goal.

The UK: MPs support bill to scrap parts of the Northern Ireland protocol 
On 27 June, a bill to override parts of the Northern Ireland protocol passed the initial approval from the house of commons. This controversial bill will create a new layer of tension between the UK and the EU. The EU has taken legal action against the UK for breaching the post-Brexit deal. Former prime minister Theresa May said that this bill will besmirch the reputation of the country. Almost all of the ruling conservatives and MPs from the Democratic Unionist Party(DUP) voted for the bill leading to a majority of 74 votes. British foreign secretary Liz Truss said that the UK had no option but to choose this way because the EU was not flexible with the deal. The passing of the bill will lead to a resumption of power-sharing in Belfast, which was paused since May's assembly elections due to the NI protocol issue. The move was argued to be legal as it was committed to preserving Northern Ireland's 1998 Belfast/Good Friday peace agreement. This would look bad for the UK as it is seen as breaking an obligation.

United Nations: General Secretary announces ocean emergency at Lisbon Ocean Conference 
On 27 June, the UN General Secretary António Guterres spoke at the opening of the organization's ocean conference that took place in Lisbon. He spoke about how the ocean needs to be saved. He raised concerns over the rising sea level, ocean heating, acidification, and plastic pollution in the largest water bodies. He further went on to say that the oceans are being exploited and that the member nations should concern themselves with the protection of the high seas. The harm done to oceans may have adverse effects on small nations and coastal cities and may even cause flooding. Increased fishing and marine pollution have led to a reduction in the population of marine life forms. He also talked about dumping wastewater and plastic in the ocean and how it degrades marine ecology. He called for global awareness of marine pollution and to raise global health. The draft declaration focuses on ways to achieve SDG 14 and improve the health of the ocean. The final draft of the political declaration is expected to be adopted by the end of the conference.

The US: Basketball player Brittney Griner's trial begins in Moscow
On 01 July, the trial against WNBA player Brittney Griner started. She has been detained in Russia since February when she was allegedly caught at the airport carrying cannabis-derived vape cartridges. Griner has made no comments about her detention, but one of her lawyers said that she was naturally worried about her possible sentence if proven guilty. The US state department has said that Griner has been wrongfully detained and that they will continue to push for her release. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov however, denied the charge and said that the court would decide the trial's outcome. The next hearing for this case has been scheduled for 07 July 2022.


About the authors
Akriti Sharma, Harini Madhusudan and Rashmi Ramesh are PhD Scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Avishka Ashok, Abigail Miriam Fernandes, Apoorva Sudhakar, Padmashree Anandhan and Rishma Banerjee are Research Associates at NIAS. Arshiya Banu and Ayeshani Yadav are research interns at NIAS. Lakshmi Menon is a PhD candidate at the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University. Emmanuel Selva Royan is a Research Assistant in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. 


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Economic headwinds, Internal friction, and Contrasting domestic developments
August 2026 | CWA # 2233

Teshu Singh

East Asia (Apr-Jun 2026):
Strategic Rebalancing, Neo-Militarisation and Increasing Tensions in Taiwan Straits
August 2026 | CWA # 2232

Dattesh D Parulekar 

Latin America (Apr-Jun 2026):
The 'Right' Electoral Tilt, Upswing in Venezuela-India relations, and Argentina's Energy Rise
August 2026 | CWA # 2231

Dhivya KM

China's economy at mid-2026:
Six Takeaways of the World Bank China Economic Update
August 2026 | CWA # 2225

Acsah H

China's C909:
China moves from near-total reliance on foreign jets to domestic dominance. How did it happen? And what does it mean?
August 2026 | CWA # 2224

Global Politics Team

Zelenskyy's US visit
Newsmakers of the week
August 2026 | CWA # 2222

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Peru's new President Netanyahu's Washington visit
US Senate bill against Russia | Ukraine and Patriot missiles | China's PLA 99th anniversary
July 2026 | CWA # 2217

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar

The Berlin Pride attack
Zelensky's US Visit I Japan's Earthquake
July 2026 | CWA # 2216

Manikranth Chakravarthula

The Houthis:
Origins, Ethnic makeup, Political structure, Geographical footprint and External support
July 2026 | CWA # 2213

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week 22:
End of pause, Return of hostilities and Expanding conflict geography
July 2026 | CWA # 2211

Priyanka Makhijani

AI's Rogue Agent Breach:
Recurring Patterns, Gaps in the AI safety rules and the AI rivalry
July 2026 | CWA # 2210

Adwaith Sankar

ASEAN Regional Forum:
Six Takeaways on Issues, Limitations and Opportunities
July 2026 | CWA # 2206

Akshath Kaimal

The resurgence of Somali piracy:
Sophisticated tactics, Regional instability and an Ineffective international response
July 2026 | CWA # 2203

Brighty Ann Sarah

US-Iran War, Week 21:
Resumption of attacks and the Strait of Hormuz impasse
July 2026 | CWA # 2199

Preetha Renganarayanan

The SDG Annual Report 2026:
Six takeaways on a decade of SDG monitoring, global progress, and key challenges
July 2026 | CWA # 2197

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran War, Week 20:
Renewed Strikes, Collapsed MoU and the Blockade of the Strait
July 2026 | CWA # 2196

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal (Apr-Jun 2026):
New Government, Political Stability and Economic Recovery
July 2026 | CWA # 2195

Radhika M Agarwal

June 2026 | CWA # 2193

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan PMin China:
75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, CPEC expansion and Middle East mediation
July 2026 | CWA # 2190

NIAS Global Politics Team

China-DPRK friendship treaty I The IMF World Economic Outlook
July 2026 | CWA # 2189

Dhivya KM

Five takeaways on Global growth, AI, and Economic resilience
July 2026 | CWA # 2186

Lekshmi MK

NATO Summit 2026:
Four takeaways on Alliance unity, Defence commitments, and Support for Ukraine
July 2026 | CWA # 2184

Deb Dutta

Four takeaways on Forced returns, Collapsing protection, Protracted crises
July 2026 | CWA # 2182

Anu Maria Joseph

Africa This Week
JNIM-FLA coordinated attacks in Mali and the RSF siege in Sudan
July 2026 | CWA # 2181

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine:
Deep strikes, NATO diplomacy and the Expanding air warfare
July 2026 | CWA # 2180

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

Iran after Ali Khamenei
Institutional resilience, Anti-American sentiment and an Unresolved conflict
July 2026 | CWA # 2178

NIAS Global Politics Team

July 2026 | CWA # 2177

Deb Dutta

Economic Security, Artificial Intelligence and Energy Resilience
July 2026 | CWA # 2171

Radhika M Agarwal

June 2026 | CWA # 2169

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (Apr-Jun 2026):
Growing External Engagement, Enduring Internal Constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2167

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

Fragile De-escalation amid Persistent Volatility
June 2026 | CWA # 2166

Ramya B

Russia (April-June 2026)
Unsuccessful Offensive, Drone Attacks and Economic Challenges
June 2026 | CWA # 2165

Himani Pant

Europe (April-June 2026)
End of the Orban Era, Political Fragmentation, Tightening of Migration Rules and Continuing Economic Slowdown
June 2026 | CWA # 2160

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ukraine's Crimea Campaign, The Belarus Standoff, and Russia's Aerial Bombardment
June 2026 | CWA # 2159

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran MoU
Renewed strikes, Persistent disagreements, and a Fragile Agreement
June 2026 | CWA # 2158

Anu Maria Joseph

June 2026 | CWA # 2154

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The G7 Summit 2026
Four Takeaways on Economic security, Critical minerals, and Consensus on Ukraine and Iran
June 2026 | CWA # 2153

Global Politics Team

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

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran MoU:
Asymmetric Gains and Implementation Challenges
June 2026 | CWA # 2143

Aishal Hab Yousuf 

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Nithin V

Pakistan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways Military influence, cyber laws, political instability, and youth-driven digital journalism
June 2026 | CWA # 2138

Siddhi Halyur

Nepal and Press Freedom:
Three takeaways on Political constraints, Missing legal protection and Funding issues
June 2026 | CWA # 2129

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa This Week:
The Ebola fear in DR Congo and the Elections in Ethiopia amidst conflicts
May 2026 | CWA # 2128

NIAS Global Politics Team

May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Radhika M Agarwal

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
The Ebola spread in DR Congo, The Faye-Sonko split in Senegal, and the Deepening US military involvement in Nigeria
May 2026 | CWA # 2117

Lekshmi MK

Arctic cooperation, Climate diplomacy, and Trade diversification
May 2026 | CWA # 2116

Yesasvi Koganti

Deepening Energy, AI, Defence, and Maritime Cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2115

Aparna A Nair

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Trump-Xi Summit:
Managing Strategic Competition through Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy
May 2026 | CWA # 2105

Rohini Reenum

Four reasons why Tehran insists on including Hezbollah
May 2026 | CWA # 2103

Akshath Kaimal

Complex Geography, Multiple Insurgencies, and an Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
May 2026 | CWA # 2092

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War, Week Ten
CW Column on Middle East: Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAE's Covert Manoeuvres
May 2026 | CWA # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Nithin V

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

UAE's Exit from OPEC:
Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
Asymmetric Terms, Fragile Truce and Israeli Occupation
April 2026 | CWA # 2073

Akshath Kaimal

The US-Iran War, Week Eight:
A Fragile Ceasefire, Attempts to Control Hormuz and the Stalled Talks in Islamabad
April 2026 | CWA # 2072

Anu Maria Joseph

Three Years of War in Sudan
Prolonged Stalemate, Humanitarian Cost, External Interventions and Regional Fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2069

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Expanding Drone Warfare, Russia's Strategic Patience and Ukraine's Diplomatic Outreach
April 2026 | CWA # 2068

Femy Francis 

China-Japan Tensions
Escalating Defence Posturing and Economic Decoupling
April 2026 | CWA # 2067

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
Continuing Conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan and DR Congo, Security issues in Nigeria, and Political Instability in Madagascar
April 2026 | CWA # 2066

Akshath Kaimal

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

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)
Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives
April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regime's Consolidation Game
April 2026 | CWA # 2056

Ashik J Bonofer

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
April 2026 | CWA # 2055

Haans J Freddy

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

Amrita Jash

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

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States(Jan-Mar2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trumps World Order
March 2026 | CWA # 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
March 2026 | CWA # 2033

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel
From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
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
February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

Focus on Trade, Defense, Energy and Regional Connectivity
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

November 2025 | CWA # 1841

IPRI Team

October 2025 | CWA # 1828

Brighty Ann Sarah

October 2025 | CWA # 1827

GP Team

September 2025 | CWA # 1819

Ayan Datta

Africa
September 2025 | CWA # 1816

Brighty Ann Sarah

The Middle East
September 2025 | CWA # 1815

Anshuman Behera

South Asia
September 2025 | CWA # 1814

Anshuman Behera

South Asia
September 2025 | CWA # 1812

Kasvi Batra

China, East Asia and Southeast Asia
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
August 2025 | CWA # 1796

Ditipriya Ghosh

August 2025 | CWA # 1795

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
August 2025 | CWA # 1787

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

What is the background? And what does it mean?
August 2025 | CWA # 1786

Astha Panda

Fewer births, Smaller families and Out-migration
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
July 2025 | CWA # 1773

Lekshmi MK

July 2025 | CWA # 1772

Kasvi Batra

Another setback for the ruling party
July 2025 | CWA # 1771

Swati Sood

Prioritizing Neighbors
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
July 2025 | CWA # 1768

IPRI Team

July 2025 | CWA # 1767

Naomi Miriam Mathew

Minerals, Markets, and Military
July 2025 | CWA # 1765

Kasvi Batra

Balancing Economic Interests, Strategic Tensions and a Soft Power Recalibration
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
July 2025 | CWA # 1760

NIAS Global Politics Team

July 2025 | CWA # 1759

Padmashree Anandhan

July 2025 | CWA # 1750

Swati Sood

July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
July 2025 | CWA # 1743

M Kejia

A Significant Visit for a Road to Strategic Partnership
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
July 2025 | CWA # 1739

Swati Sood 

Why now, what next?
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
June 2025 | CWA # 1731

Farhaz Rashid Ahmed

Where does the Black Lives Matter Movement stand today?
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
June 2025 | CWA # 1722

Rizwana Banu S

Why is Diego Garcia important to the US?
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

What contributes to the rise of BYD
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
June 2025 | CWA # 1711

Gauri Gupta

June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Mori question in New Zealand
June 2025 | CWA # 1708

Santhiya M

The RPP and UML showcase their strength in the streets of Kathmandu
June 2025 | CWA # 1706

Merin Treesa Alex

Instability to possible stability
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
June 2025 | CWA # 1702

Lekshmi MK

June 2025 | CWA # 1701

Santhiya M

June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
June 2025 | CWA # 1698

Gauri Gupta

June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
June 2025 | CWA # 1693

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

The focus on Politics, Trade and Defence
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
May 2025 | CWA # 1684

Farhaz Rashid Ahmed

No clear winners, yet
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
May 2025 | CWA # 1680

Padmashree Anandhan

May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
May 2025 | CWA # 1674

Anu Maria Joseph

May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
May 2025 | CWA # 1669

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

On Memory, Justice, Diplomacy, Strategy, and Narratives
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
April 2025 | CWA # 1658

GP Team

April 2025 | CWA # 1657

Abhishiktha S Kumar

Who wants the King to return and who opposes it?
April 2025 | CWA # 1655

IPRI Team

April 2025 | CWA # 1642

Esther Gamako Zugwai

March 2025 | CWA # 1641

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

March 2025 | CWA # 1639

Anu Maria Joseph

March 2025 | CWA # 1634

Nuha Aamina

March 2025 | CWA # 1622

GP Team

March 2025 | CWA # 1621

Vaneeta

March 2025 | CWA # 1613

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

March 2025 | CWA # 1609

IPRI Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1594

Ayan Datta

February 2025 | CWA # 1592

South Asia Brief Team

February 2025 | CWA # 1591

GP Team

February 2025 | CWA # 1590

IPRI Team

December 2024 | CWA # 1579

Sayeka Ghosh

January 2025 | CWA # 1573

Vaneeta

January 2025 | CWA # 1570

Vaneeta

January 2025 | CWA # 1565

GP Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1563

IPRI Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1562

Ayan Datta

December 2024 | CWA # 1555

Nupur Priya

November 2024 | CWA # 1544

Ayan Datta

November 2024 | CWA # 1537

Rohini Reenum

October 2024 | CWA # 1522

Advik S Mohan

October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

October 2024 | CWA # 1479

GP Team

September 2024 | CWA # 1476

Advik S Mohan

September 2024 | CWA # 1472

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1465

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1458

Samruddhi Pathak

August 2024 | CWA # 1457

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2024 | CWA # 1448

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1446

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1445

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2024 | CWA # 1444

Ayan Datta

August 2024 | CWA # 1442

Vetriselvi Baskaran

August 2024 | CWA # 1437

Prajwal T V

August 2024 | CWA # 1427

Ken B Varghese

July 2024 | CWA # 1416

GP Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

July 2024 | CWA # 1404

Vetriselvi Baskaran

July 2024 | CWA # 1392

Ayan Datta

June 2024 | CWA # 1377

GP Team

June 2024 | CWA # 1368

Ayan Datta & Sayeka Ghosh

June 2024 | CWA # 1355

GP Team

June 2024 | CWA # 1349

Padmashree Anandhan

June 2024 | CWA # 1339

LS Hareesh

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

May 2024 | CWA # 1330

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1321

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1320

Femy Francis

May 2024 | CWA # 1318

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1311

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1310

Dhriti Mukherjee

May 2024 | CWA # 1308

GP Team

May 2024 | CWA # 1307

IPRI Team

April 2024 | CWA # 1286

Karthik Manoharan

April 2024 | CWA # 1282

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

April 2024 | CWA # 1273

GP Team

April 2024 | CWA # 1265

Devi Chandana M

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

March 2024 | CWA # 1243

GP Team

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
January 2024 | CWA # 1211

Bibhu Prasad Routray

January 2024 | CWA # 1199

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1152

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1150

NIAS Africa Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1149

Sneha Surendran

November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1146

IPRI Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1142

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1140

GP Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1114

Prerana P

June 2023 | CWA # 1113

CR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1090

Yogeswari S

October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1076

IPRI Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1071

Dhriti Mukherjee

August 2023 | CWA # 1070

Ankit Singh

September 2023 | CWA # 1067

PR Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1062

Feben Itty

September 2023 | CWA # 1061

Genesy B

September 2023 | CWA # 1060

Sreeja JS

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1045

NIAS Africa Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1043

Sneha Surendran

August 2023 | CWA # 1042

Nithyashree RB

August 2023 | CWA # 1038

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2023 | CWA # 1036

NIAS Africa Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1024

NIAS Africa Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1022

Ankita Dutta

July 2023 | CWA # 1019

Sneha Surendran

July 2023 | CWA # 1016

Medini Hegde

July 2023 | CWA # 1015

Ramya Balasubramanian

July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1008

IPRI Team

June 2023 | CWA # 985

GP Team

June 2023 | CWA # 977

NIAS Africa Team

June 2023 | CWA # 976

Jerry Franklin

June 2023 | CWA # 974

Akshaya S

June 2023 | CWA # 968

Rishika Yadav and Nityashree RB

May 2023 | CWA # 955

Amit Gupta

May 2023 | CWA # 953

GP Team

May 2023 | CWA # 952

Rishika Yadav

April 2023 | CWA # 943

NIAS Africa Team

April 2023 | CWA # 935

GP Team

March 2023 | CWA # 931

Himani Pant

March 2023 | CWA # 929

IPRI Team

March 2023 | CWA # 927

Indrani Talukdar

January 2023 | CWA # 922

Bhoomika Sesharaj

January 2023 | CWA # 921

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

March 2023 | CWA # 919

NIAS Africa Team

January 2023 | CWA # 901

Riya Itisha Ekka

January 2023 | CWA # 900

Apoorva Sudhakar

January 2023 | CWA # 899

Sayani Rana

January 2023 | CWA # 892

IPRI Team

January 2023 | CWA # 891

NIAS Africa Team

December 2022 | CWA # 886

Sethuraman Nadarajan

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 848

Vignesh Ram

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
November 2022 | CWA # 836

Padmashree Anandhan

November 2022 | CWA # 833

Rishma Banerjee

November 2022 | CWA # 814

IPRI Team

October 2022 | CWA # 809

Padmashree Anandhan

October 2022 | CWA # 808

Devjyoti Saha

October 2022 | CWA # 807

Dr Beena

October 2022 | CWA # 794

GP Team

September 2022 | CWA # 786

GP Team

July 2022 | CWA # 769

NIAS Africa Team

July 2022 | CWA # 762

Padmashree Anandhan

July 2022 | CWA # 760

GP Team

July 2022 | CWA # 759

IPRI Team

July 2022 | CWA # 757

IPRI Team

July 2022 | CWA # 756

NIAS Africa Team

June 2022 | CWA # 751

NIAS Africa Team

June 2022 | CWA # 743

NIAS Africa Team

April 2022 | CWA # 724

IPRI Team

April 2022 | CWA # 723

STIR Team

April 2022 | CWA # 720

GP Team

April 2022 | CWA # 719

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 707

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 706

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
March 2022 | CWA # 703

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 701

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 697

Avishka Ashok

March 2022 | CWA # 696

Nireekshan Bollimpalli 

March 2022 | CWA # 695

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 693

PR Team

March 2022 | CWA # 692

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 691

IPRI Team

February 2022 | CWA # 689

GP Team

February 2022 | CWA # 688

Padmashree Anandhan

February 2022 | CWA # 685

IPRI Team

February 2022 | CWA # 683
February 2022 | CWA # 682

IPRI Team

February 2022 | CWA # 679

Porkkodi Ganeshpandian and Angkuran Dey

February 2022 | CWA # 678

Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan 

February 2022 | CWA # 668

Amit Gupta

January 2022 | CWA # 653

STIR Team

January 2022 | CWA # 645

Ankit Singh

January 2022 | CWA # 640

Ankit Singh

January 2022 | CWA # 639

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

January 2022 | CWA # 638

Sneha M

December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
November 2021 | CWA # 613

GP Team

November 2021 | CWA # 610

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

November 2021 | CWA # 602

D. Suba Chandran

October 2021 | CWA # 595

Joeana Cera Matthews 

October 2021 | CWA # 593

Harini Madhusudhan

October 2021 | CWA # 590

Sneha M

October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
October 2021 | CWA # 586

Apoorva Sudhakar

October 2021 | CWA # 584

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

September 2021 | CWA # 560

Apoorva Sudhakar

September 2021 | CWA # 550

Joeana Cera Matthews 

September 2021 | CWA # 547

Lokendra Sharma

August 2021 | CWA # 539

STIR Team

August 2021 | CWA # 533

Dincy Adlakha

August 2021 | CWA # 532

Sarthak Jain

August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
July 2021 | CWA # 512

Mohamad Aseel Ummer

July 2021 | CWA # 503

GP Team

June 2021 | CWA # 498

Gurpreet Singh

May 2021 | CWA # 467

Lokendra Sharma

May 2021 | CWA # 464

GP Team

April 2021 | CWA # 456

GP Team

March 2021 | CWA # 440

IPRI Team

February 2021 | CWA # 436

IPRI Team

February 2021 | CWA # 434

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

February 2021 | CWA # 428

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

February 2021 | CWA # 427

Apoorva Sudhakar

February 2021 | CWA # 424

GP Team

January 2021 | CWA # 415

GP Team

January 2021 | CWA # 411

D Suba Chandran

December 2020 | CWA # 405

Mallika Devi

December 2020 | CWA # 404

Harini Madhusudan

December 2020 | CWA # 403

Kamna Tiwary

December 2020 | CWA # 400

Sourina Bej

November 2020 | CWA # 369

IPRI Team

September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

September 2020 | CWA # 336

Harini Madhusudan

September 2020 | CWA # 335

Sourina Bej

August 2020 | CWA # 320

IPRI Team

June 2020 | CWA # 304

Padmashree A

May 2020 | CWA # 295

GP Team

May 2020 | CWA # 293

Boa Wang

May 2020 | CWA # 288

Adnan Aziz Chowdhury

May 2020 | CWA # 286

Boa Wang

May 2020 | CWA # 283

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 277

IPRI Team

April 2020 | CWA # 272

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 271

IPRI Team

April 2020 | CWA # 259

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 255

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 253

IPRI Team

March 2020 | CWA # 250

Rashmi Ramesh

March 2020 | CWA # 240

GP Team

March 2020 | CWA # 239

IPRI Team

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

February 2020 | CWA # 212

GP Team

January 2020 | CWA # 209

Boa Wang

January 2020 | CWA # 208

Vivek Mishra

December 2019 | CWA # 196

Harini Madhusudan

November 2019 | CWA # 179

Rashmi Ramesh

October 2019 | CWA # 178

Sourina Bej

September 2019 | CWA # 164

GP Team

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
September 2019 | CWA # 161

Rashmi Ramesh

July 2019 | CWA # 147

Vivek Mishra

June 2019 | CWA # 134

Sourina Bej

June 2019 | CWA # 133

Harini Madhusudan

June 2019 | CWA # 126

Jerin George

June 2019 | CWA # 124

GP Team

May 2019 | CWA # 117

Sourina Bej

May 2019 | CWA # 114

GP Team

May 2019 | CWA # 113

GP Team

April 2019 | CWA # 111

GP Team

January 2019 | CWA # 80

Abhishrut Singh

January 2019 | CWA # 78

Kriti

January 2019 | CWA # 77

Komal Tiwary

December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
September 2018 | CWA # 58

Aparupa Bhattacherjee

August 2018 | CWA # 52

Oishee Majumdar

July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

July 2018 | CWA # 40

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta

June 2018 | CWA # 21

Harini Madhusudan

May 2018 | CWA # 8

Samreen Wani

May 2018 | CWA # 1

Samreen Wani