Conflict Weekly

Conflict Weekly
Workers strike in the UK

IPRI Team
15 December 2022
Photo Source: Reuters | Henry Nichollsabc.net.au

Conflict Weekly #154, 15 December 2022, Vol.3, No.37

An initiative by NIAS-IPRI and KAS-India Office

Padmashree Anandan


The UK: Conservative party put to test as worker strikes continue
In the news
On 13 December, 40,000 workers of the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) along with 14 train operating companies, staged a 48-hour walkout. The strikes were held in England, Scotland, and Wales demanding an increase in pay on par with the rising cost of living and better working conditions. The Network Rail which owns 50 per cent of the UK’s railway infrastructure, announced the shutdown of railway services during the strike days. Along with the rail workers, teachers, postal workers, border force officers, ambulance staff from the Unison, GMB unions, nurses, university staff, baggage handlers, driving examiners, and bus drivers from different labour unions announced to hold strikes through December and January.

On 13 December, in a firm response to these strikes, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the government will not be able to shift its position on a pay rise. He said: “While the government will do all we can to minimize disruption, the only way we can stop it completely is by unions going back around the table and calling off these strikes.” According to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt: “Any action that risks embedding high prices into our economy will only prolong the pain for everyone, and stunt any prospect of long-term economic growth.”

Issues at large
First, the nature of the strikes. This can be viewed at three levels. At the geographic and industry level, the strikes which began in June 2022 have been held across England, Wales, London, and Scotland by the RMT workers. This has now spilt over to workers from other critical sectors such as health (non-life-threatening division), education, and airport. At the workers’ level, although the striking group was predominantly blue-collar, to begin with, it has now come to include white-collar workers such as civil servants, junior doctors, teachers, university staff, and nurses. In terms of the total working days lost as per the data from the Office for National Statistics, the private sector has been impacted the most with a loss of 369 days, the highest since November 1996. At the demand level, it has increased beyond the initial call for a pay rise to better working conditions, job security, and more investments in infrastructure.
 
Second, reasons behind the strike. One, the clash between the demand for a pay increase and the government’s hold on public spending and its plan to increase taxes is seen as the major trigger behind the strikes. Two, the participation of the white-collar employees from administration, health care, schools, and universities was due to budget cuts resulting in a lack of beds, home health aides, shortage in staff to attend backlogs and prevent delays in healthcare, schools, and universities. Although the current allocated budget and existing reserve in 2022 will keep the educational institution afloat, sustaining the same for the next year remains to be seen.

Third, government response. The UK government has not been reluctant, however, prioritising the economic pressure and addressing the demands for a pay rise has gone slow. Thus far, the government’s response to the strikes in December has not been in the favour of the labour unions from railways, baggage handlers, universities, public and commercial services, and bus drivers. The governments in England and Wales have given an average rise of 4.75 per cent to NHS (National Health Service) staff, up to 9 per cent to the royal mail workers, and 6.85 per cent to the lowest-paid category of teachers. Since the offered pay rise does not match the inflation, it has been rejected by the workers, furthering the chaos inside the country. Further, the government has followed stricter rules such as a strike can be organised only if a majority in the union agree through an organized vote. The restrictions also apply to certain professionals such as nurses (who will not risk the immediate health of patients), ambulance workers, and firefighters, while police officers are not allowed to strike. The government is expected to propose tougher rules in the coming weeks.

In perspective
First, a troubled public service atmosphere. UK’s growing strikes amongst the railway, airport baggage, university, and to some extent the NHS staff can disrupt key services and lead to public resentment. Increasing energy prices, cost of living, and cutting down on public service will reduce the public’s support for the conservative party.
 
Second, a wait-and-watch game for Sunak’s administration. Worker strikes are nothing new in the UK since the 17th-century industrial action is well known amongst the worker groups, but the government’s response to such strikes has varied over time. Taking the 1978 “Winter of Discontent” period as an example, Harold Wilson’s Labour Party failed to address the pay rise demand of the workers which triggered more strikes and no concrete decision. This eventually led to the Margaret Thatcher administration (Conservative) to introduce rules to control the power of trade unions in the 1980s which resulted in silencing the miner strikes who returned to work without any negotiation. Similarly, Sunak’s administration can also be expected to wait and watch the strikes weaken, but it is going to be a long wait.


Also, from around the World
Avishka Ashok, and Sai Pranav, Joel Jacob, Sethuraman N, Akriti Sharma, Bhoomika Sesharaj, Rashmi Ramesh, Apoorva Sudhakar, Anu Maria Joseph, Padmashree Anandhan, Harini Madhusudan, Madhura Mahesh and Ankit Singh
 
East and Southeast Asia
China: Hong Kong demands Google to remove protest anthem from search results 
On 13 December, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee announced that he would urge Google to remove the Hong Kong protest anthem from the search engine and instead show the Chinese national anthem. Google's parent company Alphabet, however, rejected the appeal. Lee's push to replace the protest anthem comes after it was played at an international rugby event in South Korea and a powerlifting event in Dubai. 
 
Taiwan: China send record number of nuclear bombers in 24-hour period 
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North Korea: The EU sanctions Pyongyang’s nuclear development enablers
On 13 December, the EU sanctioned eight individuals and four entities for unlawfully financing and supporting North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests. North Korea’s Rocket Industry along with its subsidiary trading company, Korean Rounsan Trading Corporation were among the entities under sanctions. The sanctions were imposed following North Korea’s recent development in missile and nuclear technology violating the UNSC resolution.
 
Thailand: Army kills 15 drug smugglers
On 10 December, the army said 15 suspected drug smugglers attempting to cross into Northern Thailan were killed by Thai soldiers. The firefight occurred near Thailand after rangers patrolling the area found 20 people walking from the Myanmar side. They fired at the military troops when ordered to stop for a search; after the attack, 30 bags of ice (methamphetamine) were seized.
 
Australia: Gunfight kills six people in Queensland
On 12 December, six people including two police officers were shot dead in a gunfight at a remote property in Wieambilla, 300 kilometres northwest of Brisbane in Queensland. Police issued an emergency declaration under Public Safety Preservation Act and quarantined the nearby area, warning residents to stay inside. Sixteen specialist police officers and PolAir besieged the property and two men and a woman, and the three perpetrators were shot dead. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the incident shocked the entire country. This was the first major gun violence since gun laws were introduced in Australia in 1996.
 
South Asia
India-China: Clashes reported at Arunachal Pradesh border
On 9 December, Indian soldiers were injured in a clash with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Yangste, along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh. According to The Hindu, the Indian Army said: “On December 09, 2022, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops contacted the LAC in Tawang sector, which was contested by own troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides, Both sides immediately disengaged from the area.” A PLA  Senior Colonel said that they were conducting a regular patrol in the Dongzhang area when the Indian Army blocked them.
 
Bangladesh: Families of Rohingya refugees raise alarm over those stranded in Andaman Sea
On 13 December, The Quint reported that families of over 160 Rohingya refugees stranded in the Andaman Sea had raised alarm over their repatriation to “some country” that would provide them safety and housing. This comes as the boat has remained out of communication after it went astray on 1 December. On 8 December, the UNHRC called on the authorities to “immediately rescue and safely disembark” those who are stranded. 

Bangladesh: Jamiat-e-Islami leader arrested as anti government protests increase in the country
On 13 December, the leader of the Jamiat-e-Islami (JeI) or the Bangladesh Islamic Assembly Shafiqur Rehman was arrested after the party joined the opposition’s rally demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Party Secretary General Maulana ATM Mausum said that the JeI “vehemently condemns” the arrest and that they want the chief’s “immediate” release. This arrest preceded the party’s previous trials and criminal vindication against the current government and maintained that the country does not “believe” in democracy and that the BNP’s demands are in line with their political actions. The party also announced that they would hold joint rallies with the BNP in the coming days.
 
Sri Lanka: Air quality index hits unhealthy level
On 8 December, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) warned that the air quality in many parts of Sri Lanka dropped to an unhealthy level. The NBRO said that an influx of dust particles to Sri Lanka's airspace through strong winds from India is causing the pollution. Meanwhile The US Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded the air quality in Colombo at 249; Kurunegala, 291; Jaffna, 280;  Vavuniya, 251; and Kandy, 214. The NBRO added that the AQI was unhealthy in many districts, ranging between 150 and 200. 
 
Sri Lanka: Cyclone Mandous kills three, damages many houses
On 9 December, the Disaster Management Centre said that three people died and more than 13,000 houses were damaged in a landfall by Cyclone Mandous. The Meteorological Department warned of increasing waves from 2.5 metres to 3.5 metres in the offshore waters from Kankesanturai to Batticaloa through Trincomalee and up to 2.0 metres to 2.5 metres from Galle to Batticaloa through Hambantota and Pottuvil.
 
Sri Lanka: Dengue cases see a rapid increase in the past week
On 8 December, the National Dengue Control Unit said there is a rapid rise in dengue cases. The Sri Lankan government confirmed 1602 dengue cases in a week. The unit said that Gampaha district had the highest number of cases, with 390 cases reported and Colombo with 27 cases. The unit added that 68,928 dengue cases were reported in 2022 alone. Currently, 41 regions are declared as high-risk zones for dengue fever.
 
Maldives: Health Minister call for awareness among citizens on high risk of HIV infection
On 10 December, Maldives' Health Minister Ahmed Naseem, observing World AIDS day, said that even though Maldives has few HIV patients, numerous people are at the risk of getting affected by HIV. Naseem said that the Government would engage in diagnosis and facilitate treatment for the infected citizens. The Health Protection Agency report stated that there are 22 Maldivian AIDs patients diagnosed in December 2022. The Ministry of Health said that the main motive of celebrating World AIDS Day is to protect Maldives from HIV, raise awareness and to help  prevent risk factors. Meanwhile, the President Office Special Advisor on Social Policies launched a national strategic plan on HIV, Hepatitis and STIs.
 
Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa
Syria: US holds raids against the Islamic State
On 11 December, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement that the forces “conducted a successful helicopter raid in eastern Syria at 2:57am (23:57 GMT)… killing two ISIS officials.” The statement however, did not mention the specific location of the overnight operation. The CENTCOM's initial assessment confirmed that the raid caused no civilian casualties.
 
Iran: Public execution of a protestor
On 12 December, Iranian judiciary’s news website announced that Majidreza Rahnavard, a protester convicted of killing two members of the security forces was publicly executed in an unidentified location in Mashhad. The judiciary claimed that Rahnavard “waged war against God” and carried out a terrorist act against two Basij (a para-military force affiliated with the IRGC) members on 17 November. 
 
Chad: 27 migrants found dead in desert
On 13 December, the International Organization for Migration said 27 migrants, including four children, had been found dead in a desert in Chad; the IOM said the migrants died of thirst after the truck they were travelling in from west-central Chad broke down. The IOM said that in the last eight years, 5,600 people have either died or gone missing while crossing the Sahara Desert to north African countries like Libya, which serve as a transit to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea.
 
South Sudan: Nearly 40,000 people displaced in Upper Nile, says UN
On 12 December, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that nearly 40,000 people have been displaced following the renewed fighting in Upper Nile. It added that the increasing violence is hampering humanitarian response, while thousands are living in dire conditions and in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The fighting between the national army and the Maiwut opposition forces had resumed in November. 
 
Ethiopia: Government to investigate the bodies of migrants in Zambia
On 12 December, the Ethiopian government said that it will begin an expert investigation on reports that bodies of 27 Ethiopian nationals were found dumped in Zambia the previous week. The bodies found were of men - all aged between 20 and 38 believed to have died suffocated while trying to reach South Africa. Previously, in October, bodies of 25 Ethiopians were found in neighbouring Malawi.
 
Somalia: IPC  warns of famine in early 2023
On 13 December, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) assessment said that Somalia narrowly avoided a full-scale famine this year. It added that avoiding famine doesn’t mean avoiding misery, hunger, and deaths and that millions of people living in worse humanitarian conditions would triple in 2023. This means over 700,000 people will face dire hunger unless timely assistance is provided. It further added, if the dire condition continues, famine could be declared as early as April 2023.
 
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Floods claim over 120 lives in Kinshasa
On 14 December, BBC reported that over 120 people had been killed in the floods and landslides in capital city Kinshasa. Major roads, including the N1 highway connecting Kinshasa to the Matadi port, are submerged. On 13 December, Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde visited the affected areas and said the search for more bodies was continuing. Meanwhile, President Félix Tshisekedi who is in Washington for the US-African Union summit said the floods were something that the DRC had been deploring; outlining the impact of climate change, Tshisekedi said: "The DRC is under pressure but unfortunately it's not sufficiently heard or supported.”
 
Europe and the Americas
Slovakia: Arms deal signed to import armoured combat vehicles
On 12 December, Slovakia signed an arms deal with the Swedish division of the British defence company BAE Systems to purchase 152 armoured combat vehicles. Slovakian Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad appreciated the “modernisation” of its armed forces. According to the BAE Systems, the USD 1.37 billion agreement for the delivery of 152 CV9035 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) would include modern sub-systems and Israeli-produced Spike-LR anti-tank missiles.

Estonia: New cyber facility to support Ukraine in combat
On 12 December, Estonia’s e-Governance Academy (eGA) announced the completion of a new military cyber facility in Ukraine to combat Russian cyberattacks. The new facility was built with the help of the Ukrainian military and Estonia’s CybExer Technologies as a part of the EU’s support to Ukraine. According to eGA official Hannes Astok, the new facility will not only help in improving the Ukrainian military’s cybersecurity skills but also build the “cyber resilience of Ukraine.” 
 
Europe: IEA report warns of gas shortage in EU
On 12 December, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report warning that the EU will face a shortage of 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2023 due to the reduced import of Russian natural gas. To avoid the shortages, the IEA proposed that Europe can invest more to increase energy efficiency, renewables, install heat pumps, boost gas supplies and promote energy saving. The IEA also recommended measures to simplify the permit process for renewables, change tax laws that penalise electrification and expansion of existing energy efficiency programs.

Europe: EU’s CSDP mission to fight against armed terrorism in Niger
On 12 December, the European Council approved the creation of a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military partnership mission with Niger to combat armed terrorist groups. The CSDP will help Niger contain the threat of armed terrorist groups. The Nigerien Armed Forces’ ability will also be bolstered through the partnership. The EU military partnership mission to Niger (EUMPM Niger) will support the creation of the Centre for Training Armed Forces Technicians. The EU will train and advice Nigerien forces on combat terrorism within Niger to ensure peace and security within the region. The estimated cost of the EUMPM Niger is EUR 27.3 million. 

The UK: MOD report an increase in Iranian support to Russia in Ukraine war
On 10 December, the UK Ministry of Defence in its intelligence update reported on the increasing support of Iran to Russia in supply of weapons, ballistic missiles. In return, Russia has promised to provide technical and military support to Iran to improve their defence relationship. The intelligence update also predicted an expansion of Russia’s SS-26 Iskander ballistic missiles and warned of an increased participation by Iran in the war, which may place Ukraine’s national infrastructure under risk.
 
Ukraine: UK official reveals the deployment of troops in Ukraine 
On 13 December, The Times reported a statement by Lieutenant General Robert Magowan admitting to the UK's conduction of high-risk operations by the Royal Marines during the Ukraine war. The development comes as Moscow has been claiming that NATO's military troops have actively participated in the region; the West had dismissed the claims. While Magowan did not elaborated on the missions carried out by the commandos, his statement marks the first time that the UK has admitted that its troops conducted special operations in Ukraine. About 300 members of the elite Royal Marines unit were sent in April to reestablish the British mission in Kiev. Following this, Magowan wrote in the force’s official journal The Globe and Laurel that they are known to have conducted “other discreet operations." 

Kosovo: Serbs attacks on police and EULEX
On 11 December, Kosovan Serbs launched a blockade opposing the arrest of a former Kosovan Serb who was part of the police force. The blockade in northern Kosovo led to the forceful closure of two border crossings between Kosovo and Serbia. The Kosovan Police reported that the Kosovan Serbs had opened fire against the police units and had also attacked the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) with a stun grenade. Both these attacks drew criticism from the EU and NATO with the EU Foreign Policy Chief condemning: "This attack, as well as the attacks on Kosovo Police officers, are unacceptable." EU Chief Diplomat Joseph Borrell condemned the incident: "EU will not tolerate attacks on EULEX Kosovo or use of violent, criminal acts in the north." Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he would be requesting the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo to allow the deployment of Serbian troops and police in Kosovo. 
 
Peru: Mexican ambassador summoned over Pedro Castillo's asylum request
On 9 December, the Foreign Ministry summoned the Mexican ambassador over the Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's claims that former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo Castillo was seeking asylum in Mexico. Mexico’s Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebard also said he had begun consultations with the Peruvian authorities regarding Castillo’s request. Ebard also revealed a copy of Castillo’s official request for asylum in Mexico through his lawyer. In the letter, Castillo’s lawyer claimed that Castillo was facing “unfounded persecution” and that his arrest was politically motivated.
 
Peru: Thousands protest against the government over the arrest of Pedro Castillo
On 13 December, thousands took to the streets against the arrest and impeachment of former President Pedro Castillo. The two main centres of protest are Lima and Andahuaylas where protesters demanded fresh elections. Peru’s ombudsman reported that six people were killed during the protests out of which five were teenagers. In response to the protests, President Dina Boluarte announced that she has tabled a proposal in Congress calling for fresh elections. Defense Minister Alberto Otarola said that the government will be declaring a state of emergency on the highways and added that Peruvian armed forces will be in charge of protecting important infrastructure.
 
Brazil: Bolsonaro supporters protest as electoral results were certified by the electoral court
On 12 December, supporters of Bolsonaro protested near the official residence of the president as the federal electoral court certified the election results declaring President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva the winner. The protests were also sparked by the arrest of indigenous leader José Acácio Serere Xavante on the charge of engaging in anti-democratic activities. Protesters also attacked the federal police headquarters in Brasilia where they reportedly burned down cars and buses. The police responded by firing stun grenades and tear gas.
 
The US: Biden signs The Respect for Marriage Act Biden
On 13 December, President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act. Biden said “This law and the love it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms."  Under the Respect for Marriage Act, same sex marriage will be provided protection; LGBTQ+ allies while celebrating the development, maintained that there is more scope for LGBTQ+ in all social sphere of life than just marriage and claimed legal protection under Equality Act.


About the authors
Rashmi Ramesh, Harini Madhusudan, Akriti Sharma and Ankit Singh are Doctoral Scholars at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies. Abigail Miriam Fernandez, Apoorva Sudhakar, Avishka Ashok and Padmashree Anandhan are Project Associates at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph, Joel Jacob, Sai Pranav and Sethuraman N are Research Assistants at NIAS. Madhura Mahesh and Bhoomika Sesharaj are research interns at NIAS.


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The US-Iran War, Week Ten:
Fraying Ceasefire, Renewed Negotiations and the Risk of a Stalemate
May 2026 | CWA # 2089

Global Politics Team

King Charles's US Visit
May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V

Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2087

Siddhi Halyur

Exploring Strategic Sectors of Cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market
May 2026 | CWA # 2085

Glynnis Winona B

Growing US-Europe differences and Challenges for Berlin
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 # 2080

Global Politics Team

Four Takeaways of the WFP's report on the fallouts of the Middle East crisis
April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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 # 2070

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War I Conflicts in Africa I The War in Ukraine I China-Japan Tensions I Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes
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 # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

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

Adarsh Vijay

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 # 2054

Amrita Jash

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

Anand V

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

Shreya Upadhyay

April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Global Politics Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Femy Francis

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Global Politics Team

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?
November 2025 | CWA # 1967

R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies
February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Global Politics Team

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Global Politics Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

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

Femy Francis

China Reader
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
June 2025 | CWA # 1712

R Preetha

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 # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta