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Conflcit Weekly
Remembering the Rwandan Genocide and Martin Luther King
IPRI Team
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Conflict Weekly #222, 4 April 2024, Vol.5, No.14
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI
Anu Maria Joseph and Ramya B
30 years after the Rwandan Genocide
Anu Maria Joseph
In the news
On 7 April, it would be 30 years of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, a massacre of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus by the ethnic Hutus over 100 days. On the day, Rwandan President Paul Kagame will light a remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
The UN and the African Union (AU) would additionally join the commemoration. On 2 April, remembering the genocide, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated: “This year, we remind ourselves of genocide’s rancid root: hate. To those who would seek to divide us, we must deliver a clear, unequivocal and urgent message: never again.”
On 4 April, French President Emmanuel Macron, in a video message which is to be released on 7 April, stated: “France, which could have stopped the genocide with its western and African allies, did not have the will.”
Issues at large
First, a brief historical note on the genocide. In 1994, on 6 April, a day before the massacre began, a plane carrying Rwanda's Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana was shot down, killing everyone on board. The extremists within the Hutus blamed the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF); the latter is a Tutsi-led rebel group which fought the Rwandan government during 1990-1993. Subsequently, the Hutu extremists began a slaughter campaign against the ethnic Tutsis. Neighbours and families killed each other using machetes and small arms. Tutsi women and girls were raped and kept as sex slaves; more than 15,000 women and girls were raped. The youth wing of the governing MRND party, Interahamwe, was converted into a militia to carry out the massacre. Through radios and newspapers, the Hutus spread the genocide propaganda under the phrase "weed out the cockroaches." The slaughter ended on 4 July 1994; the RPF with the support of the Ugandan army marched into the capital Kigali. Nearly two million Hutus fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo fearing revenge attacks.
Second, the limited international response. It was too late and when it happened it was too little. The UN Mission to Rwanda (UNAMIR) was deployed in October 1993 with a limited mandate to implement the Arusha Agreement; the agreement signed in August 1993, between the RPF and the Rwandan government, ended the conflict. The mission did little during the genocide and withdrew soon after the outbreak. Later, in November 1994, the UNSC established the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha (in Tanzania) to prosecute the perpetrators. The Tribunal has indicted 93 people responsible for the genocide. In 1999, the UN acknowledged its failure in stopping the genocide. Outside the UN, there was little interest among the other big countries. The US, after its troops were killed in Somalia in 1993, was not interested in getting involved in another African conflict. France, an ally of the Hutu government, (France supported the Hutu-led government under Habyarimana who was fighting against the Tutsi-led RPF militia since 1990) evacuated its citizens and was accused of not doing enough to stop the violence. It was only in 2021, after 27 years, that French President Emmanuel Macron, for the first time, acknowledged its "overwhelming responsibility" for the genocide.
Third, the generational trauma and a neverending post-genocide reconstruction. Two-thirds of the Rwandan population today are born after the genocide. Gacaca, a system of community courts within Rwanda was set up to achieve truth, justice and reconciliation. The gacaca courts adjudicated over 1.2 million cases. At present, Rwandan society does not talk about ethnicity anymore. The historic ethnic division between the Tutsi, Hutus and Twa is replaced by Ndi Umunyarwanda, meaning "I am Rwandan." Ndi Umunyarwanda has been a successful post-genocide social reconstruction to move on from the past, at least for the young generation. However, fear of a resurgence of ethnic tensions exists among the old generation. A wave of violence has been ongoing in eastern DRC bordering Rwanda with the involvement of several militant groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation Rwanda (DFLR). DFLR is known to be the perpetrators of the genocide. Many fear that the extreme ideologies of the DFLR could surpass the progress made by the Ndi Umunyarwanda.
Fourth, lessons learned and not learned from the Rwandan genocide. The first UN initiative to prevent another genocide was the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) in 2005. According to the R2P, all countries have the responsibility to protect people from genocide crimes by force, if required, with the authorisation of the UNSC. However, R2P is criticised for its non-binding character. The R2P was first tried in Libya in 2011 against the Gadaffi regime. Although the foreign intervention prevented genocide, the fall of Gadaffi and the subsequent civil war put the Western intentions behind the interventions under scrutiny. Now, the West is indifferent to intervention, especially in Africa. In 2020, an ethnic conflict broke out in Ethiopia's Tigray region between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian federal forces. The conflict killed more than 600,000 people. The international community remained silent while the violence continued. The situation repeated today in the Sudanese civil war and the war in Gaza.
In perspective
The international community consider the Rwandan genocide of 1994 as a lesson that gathered a collective conscience against 'genocide.' 30 years into truth, justice and reconciliation, Rwanda is on the right path towards social reconstruction. However, concerns about resurging ethnic tension do persist. Meanwhile, the international community continue to discuss how an early action could have prevented the genocide.
Although "never again" is a common narrative, collective mechanisms and actions to prevent genocides are a few. Moreover, countries waver to acknowledge the "g-word" which comes with a baggage of responsibilities. Countries settle for conflicts in Africa as low-intensity conflict leaving it to humanitarian agencies. After Rwanda, Darfur in Sudan, Rohingyas in Myanmar and Tigrayans in Ethiopia all were genocide victims which the international community failed to acknowledge and prevent. Until addressing the causes is prioritised above the consequences, "responsibility to protect (R2P)" would remain aspirational and "never again" would end up "yet again."
This Week in History
"This Week in History" is a new column that examines historical events, consequences, legacies and their current relevance. We hope this column will provide an opportunity to build a young team that can analyze current events from a historical perspective and vice versa.
4 April 1968: Martin Luther King Jr assassinated
Ramya B
On 4 April 1968, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, at the age of 39, was assassinated by a sniper attack. James Earl Ray, who reportedly fled after the attack, was captured in the United Kingdom and was convicted in 1969 after entering a guilty plea. The US Attorney General Janet Reno ordered a new investigation on 26 August 1998 due to sustained complaints of a conspiracy; the Department of Justice released a 150-page report in 2000, rejecting allegations that there was a conspiracy to assassinate King.
The Rise of Martin Luther King
King was the foremost civil rights leader and an inspirational activist who stood for the core values of equality, nonviolence, and human rights for all Americans in the aftermath of the Second World War and the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reminding the world of the significance of securing universal voting rights and the abolition of segregation laws (separate but equal) of all forms. He stood faithful to his ideology of non-violent protests even when faced with the repeated occurrences of white supremacists, including an attack on his home in January 1957 and a stabbing injury in September 1958. He remarked: "The experience of these last few days has deepened my faith in the relevance of the spirit of nonviolence and peaceful social change."
Born into an educated African American family in 1929 with two generations of inspirational men and pastors, he graduated in law and medicine. He was a theologian and pastor who completed his doctorate in 1955. He had all available opportunities to lead a peaceful family life with his wife, children, and community but chose to become the champion of the vulnerable section of the USA.
Rosa Parks, secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), of which Martin Luther King was an active member, was jailed in 1955 after refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery. Martin Luther King Jr became famous for coordinating a peaceful bus boycott in the deeply segregated city for 382 days. The Supreme Court of the US declared segregation in buses unconstitutional in 1956. Montgomery became an inspiration for the nationwide civil rights movement, and King Junior became a national trailblazer.
"I have a Dream": The legacy of Martin Lurher King Jr
After establishing the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, which aimed to provide educational opportunities for African Americans, Dr King journeyed more than six million miles and gave more than 1,500 speeches. He organized voter registration drives and represented the disadvantaged wherever an injustice, protest, or action was needed, including a massive protest in Birmingham, Alabama, one of America's most racially divided cities. His famous speech 'I have a dream' was delivered at one of Washington, DC's largest civil rights gatherings, and was listened to by 2.5 million people in 1963.
His leadership and civil rights movement resulted in US President Lyndon B Johnson passing the Civil Rights Act on 2 July 1964. The Civil Rights Act prohibited racial discrimination in employment and education and outlawed racial segregation in public places. Furthermore, the bill established a solid foundation for several other pieces of legislation—including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which set strict rules for protecting the right of African Americans to vote—that have since been utilized to uphold equal rights for women and all minorities. He spent time in India studying Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and applying them to the American civil rights movement after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
King's contributions to the civil rights struggle altered the global perception of African Americans.
King came to represent change and optimism for rising against repression and speaking out against racial injustices in the face of violence, verbal abuse, and ridicule. He continues to remain an inspiration today through the words of his books and articles, including the well-known "Letter from Birmingham Jail," denouncing the abuses African Americans were subjected to at the time with a clarion call, "Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere."
Today, we remember King as a legend who championed international human rights and fought for the equality and liberties of African Americans.
Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Akriti Sharma, Akhil Ajith, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Padmashree Anandhan, Dhriti Mukherjee, Shamini Velayutham, and Nuha Aamina
East and Southeast Asia
China: 30 locations renamed to assert claims over Arunachal Pradesh
On 30 March, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs renamed 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh to assert its claims to what it calls as Zangnan region, a part of the Tibet autonomous region. 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass, and a piece of land were renamed to Mandarin Chinese. The ministry additionally released a latitude and longitude and a high-resolution map. The ministry stated: “In accordance with the relevant provisions of the State Council [China’s cabinet] on the management of geographical names, we in conjunction with the relevant departments have standardised some of the geographical names in Zangnan of China.” The renaming came a week after Beijing protested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the Sela Tunnel. India has repeatedly rejected Chinese claims. The previous week, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated: “China may repeat its baseless claims as many times as they want. That is not going to change the position. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”
China: Warns against stringent sanctions on North Korea
On 28 March, Chinese Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, warned of further sanctions against North Korea. His remarks came after the UNSC voted on a draft resolution that extends the mandate of the panel of experts assisting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee. Geng stated that increasing sanctions would be counterproductive, and any military alliances would exacerbate tensions in the Korean Peninsula. He called on all parties to adopt a rational and pragmatic approach to a political settlement. Geng commented that the sanctions should serve to denuclearize the Korean peninsula.
Taiwan: 7.4 magnitude earthquake kills seven
On 1 April, Taiwan was hit by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude killing at least seven people and injuring more than 700. This is the largest earthquake Taiwan has experienced in the past 25 years. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake hit south of the city of Hualien at a depth of 34.8 kilometres. A series of warnings were issued in the southern part of Japan and the Philippines.
North Korea: Tests mid-to-long-range solid fuel-based hypersonic missiles
On 2 April, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea successfully tested its mid-to-long-range solid fuel-based hypersonic missiles. The launch was overseen by North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, who stated that the test showcases the “absolute superiority” of the country in defence technology. Kim stated that North Korea has “fully turned all tactical, operational, and strategic-grade missiles of different ranges into solid-fuel, with warhead control, and capable of nuclearization.” The hypersonic capabilities are a strategic boost to North Korea as they are hard to intercept.
North Korea: Russia vetoes UN resolution on sanctions monitoring panel
On 29 March, Russia vetoed the UN resolution aimed at renewing the expert panel which monitors the sanctions imposed on North Korea for nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated: “It is obvious to us that the UN Security Council can no longer use old templates in relation to the problems of the Korean Peninsula. The United States and its allies have clearly demonstrated that their interest does not extend beyond the task of ‘strangling’ the DPRK by all available means, and a peaceful settlement is not on the agenda at all.” The US Department of State responded that the Russian veto undermines international peace and security. It stated: “Russia alone will own the outcome of this veto: a DPRK more emboldened to reckless behaviour and destabilizing provocations, as well as reduced prospects for an enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
Myanmar: China carries out military exercises along the border
On 2 April, the Irrawaddy reported that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would carry out a military exercise on 2-3 April, along the borders of the Kachin state. China’s Southern Theatre Command spokesperson, Tian Junli, stated that the drill would “test rapid manoeuvres” and “safeguard national sovereignty, border stability, people’s lives and property.” On 1 April, China’s special envoy to Myanmar, Deng Xijun, and Myanmar’s Prime Minister, Min Aung Hlaing, engaged in a bilateral dialogue. They discussed the need for cooperation to tackle issues such as “drug trafficking, online gambling, fraud and border trade.”
Myanmar: Junta attack on monastery kills eight civilians
On 2 April, the Irrawaddy reported that the Myanmar junta bombed the Myoma Shwe Kyang monastery in Papua town, in the Karen state on 31 March. The attack killed eight civilians. The attack came after the resistance forces captured a junta battalion and an armoury on 30 March. On 1 April, the Irrawaddy reported that the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 5 seized the Junta’s Infantry Battalion 19 and its Armory 642 in Karen state’s Papun town on 30 March. A member of the KNU Brigade 5 stated that the junta’s Y-12 aircraft “has been bombing [Papun] since March 19 … day and night. A bombing raid lasts for three to four hours.” While KNU carried out its operation in Papun, residents were evacuated to safety at a Buddhist monastery and later moved to Ka Ma Maung town.
South Asia
Pakistan: Chinese hydropower project halted
On 29 March, the Economic Times reported that the Chinese company, Power Construction Corporation of China (PCCC), halted its activities following the suicide attack which killed five Chinese nationals at the Dasu hydropower project in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. On 26 March, a vehicle with explosives hit a bus carrying six people. It was the second suicide attack on individuals working on China-backed projects in the region since 2021. PCCC has been supervising the construction of the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project. It suspended the operations and laid off 2,000 workers due to security concerns. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has ordered a joint investigation and ensured the safety of Chinese citizens working on projects across the country.
India: Maoist camps busted in Chhattisgarh
On 31 March, the Hindu reported that police from the Maharashtra state busted a Maoist camp bordering the Chhattisgarh state and seized materials including corded wire, detonators, and literature on Naxalism. Anti-naxal operations were launched and the camp was demolished. Subsequently, clashes occurred between the security personnel and Maoists. The Hindu quoted the police: “Sensing mounting pressure and taking cover of darkness, Naxals fled from the firing spot.”
India: Meiteis demand for deferring the elections in Manipur
On 3 April, the Hindu reported that the Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), a Meitei civil society organisation in Delhi, wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the Chief Justice of India (CJI), seeking the postponement of the Lok Sabha election in Manipur due to the unrest and “abnormal” situation in the state. The elections are scheduled for 19 and 26 April. The organisation stated: “It clearly indicates that these attacks by Kuki militants on Meetei are politically motivated attacks under the protection of a policy called ‘Suspension of Operation (SoO)’ between 24 Kuki militants and the Government of India. As the election has brought relative peace in Manipur, the postponement of the LS election is a prerequisite.”
Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa
Syria: Israel targets Iranian consulate
On 1 April, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus killing two Iranian generals and five officers. Iran and Syria condemned the attack. Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Faisal Mekdad, said that the “heinous terrorist attack” killed innocent people. He stated: “We strongly condemn this atrocious terrorist attack that targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed innocents.” Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, called the strike a “violation of all international obligations and conventions and blamed the consequences of this action on the Zionist regime.” The Iranian militant group, Hezbollah, stated: “This crime will not pass without the enemy receiving punishment and revenge.” On 3 April, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council met to decide on a “required response” to the strike. At the council meeting, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: “We will make them regretful about the crime and similar acts.”
Yemen: US intercepts Houthi drones in the Red Sea
On 31 March, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its forces destroyed two drones targeting Yemen and the Red Sea. The drones targeted naval ships of US allies and international commercial vessels. Referring to the recent confrontation with Houthi rebels, CENTCON stated: “These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition, and merchant vessels.”
Somalia: Ethiopian ambassador expelled
On 4 April, Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador to the country and ordered the closure of the two consulates. It additionally recalled the ambassador to Ethiopia. The expulsion came after a rise in tensions between the two following Ethiopia’s port deal with self-declared Somaliland in January. Somalia considers Somaliland as part of its territory and accused Ethiopia of infringing on its “sovereignty and internal affairs.” Somalia described the deal as an act of “aggression” and an "impediment to… peace and stability.”
Ethiopia: Federal forces carry out war crimes in Amhara, says HRW
On 4 April, Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Ethiopian federal forces of summarily executing civilians and committing war crimes in the Amhara region. It called on the UN for an independent investigation. Deputy Africa director at HRW, Laetitia Bader, stated: “Civilians are once again bearing the brunt of an abusive army operating with impunity. The Ethiopian armed forces’ brutal killings of civilians in Amhara undercut government claims that it’s trying to bring law and order to the region.” Additionally, it called on the AU to suspend Ethiopia’s participation in the peacekeeping missions until “commanders responsible for grave abuses are held accountable.”
Uganda: Constitutional Court rejects appeal against anti-LGBTQ law
On 3 April, Uganda’s Constitutional Court rejected an appeal seeking to annul the anti-LGBTQ law. The court ruled that a few sections of the law were “inconsistent with the right to health, privacy and freedom of religion,” but, did not suspend the law. Uganda’s deputy chief justice and head of the court, Richard Buteera, stated: “We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement.” Uganda-based Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum committed that the decision “unfortunately will fuel human rights violations” against the LGBTQ community in the country. Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 imposes a lifetime in prison for same-sex relations and describes “aggravated homosexuality” as an offence punishable by death.
Zimbabwe: National disaster announced amidst severe drought
On 3 April, Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national disaster amidst the prolonged drought. Mnangagwa stated that the country requires USD two billion to address the hunger crisis induced by the drought. According to BBC, nearly 2.7 million people in the country face hunger. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 13.6 million people are experiencing crisis-level food insecurity across the region.
Togo: Delay in elections amidst constitutional reform
On 4 April, BBC reported on Togo announcing the delay in the parliamentary and regional elections over the controversial constitutional reform. According to the reform which was approved the previous week, the country replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one. The opposition parties rejected the reform citing that it would let President Faure Gnassingbé stay in power. On 3 April, the presidential office announced the postponement of the elections which were initially scheduled for 20 April. The election delay was announced after President Gnassingbé returned the bill for a second reading amidst widespread criticism.
Europe and the Americas
Cyprus: Syrian immigrants enter through the southeastern coast
On 1 April, Xinhua that an estimated 500 Syrian immigrants in seven small boats reached the southeastern coast of Cyprus in a day. Rescue operations were initiated amidst overcrowded vessels. The vessels are expected to have originated from Lebanon, which is 200 kilometres from Cyprus. This is the second similar exodus since 13 January. Cyprus Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, raised concern over the influx of Syrians due to the high number of hostilities in Gaza. He urged the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the Frontex, to intercept the entry of illegal immigrants.
Belarus: Defence ministry conducts three-day military drill
On 2 April, Deutsche Welle reported that Belarus conducted a three-day military drill on its border near Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland. The exercises were held in the Gomel and Grodno regions in Belarus to train territorial defence troops. Belarusian Ministry of Defence stated: "A command and staff exercise is being conducted with the 336th reactive artillery brigade as part of the build-up of the combat readiness check of formations and military units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.” The development came a week after Lithuania, Baltic EU and NATO protested the statements made by Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko. He hinted at a possible military attack against Poland or Lithuania if necessary.
Ukraine: Zelensky commemorates two years of the liberation of Bucha
On 31 March, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, commemorated the second anniversary of the liberation of Bucha. At a flag-raising ceremony at the Memorial to the Defenders of the Bucha Community, Zelensky stated: “...this is a war to prevent anyone from daring to become a beast towards others.” The suburb of Bucha near Kyiv was occupied by Russia soon after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022; however, a mid-March Ukrainian counterattack liberated the suburb. Following the liberation, mass graves and remnants of Russian war crimes were found. Later, Bucha was referred to as a symbol of atrocities committed by Russia. According to the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General, 1,400 civilians were killed in Bucha.
Russia: Attack on Ukraine's energy infrastucture
On 31 March, according to Sputnik, Russia attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the gas industry using long-range precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Russian Ministry of Defence announced that the strike had disrupted “enterprises of the defence industry on the production and repair of weapons, military equipment and ammunition” in Ukraine, hitting all targets.
Haiti: More than 50,000 civilians flee Port-au-Prince, says UN
On 2 April, the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 53,000 people fled Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince between 8 and 27 March due to a surge in gang violence. It stated: “It should be emphasized that [these] provinces do not have sufficient infrastructure and host communities do not have sufficient resources that can enable them to cope with these massive displacement flows coming from the capital.” In Port-au-Prince, gangs were attacking businesses, torching pharmacies, and vandalising schools. Armed men stormed the State University of Haiti (HUEH) hospital, which was shut down in March due to violence and was set to reopen on 1 April. As armed men converted the hospital into their command centre, the reopening is likely to be delayed. Access to healthcare is being restricted while gangs control the roads, making the transportation of medical supplies difficult.
Mexico: Eight Chinese migrants found dead on Oaxaca beach
On 29 March, the bodies of eight Chinese migrants were found on a beach in the Oaxaca state after their boat capsized. Seven women and a man were on the boat that set off from the Chiapas state trying to reach the US. According to the prosecutor’s office in Oaxaca, an investigation is underway alongside efforts to coordinate with the Chinese embassy in Mexico to identify the victims.
Ecuador: 14 people arrested for organised crime
On 3 April, Ecuador’s attorney general stated that as part of an investigation into organised crime in the country, 14 people, including judges, lawyers, and police who helped dangerous criminals walk free, were arrested. Several detained individuals are additionally accused of ‘Metastasis’ corruption and organised crime. Recently, drug trafficking has led to a spike in violence and crime in the country.
The US: Biden expresses outrage over killing of aid workers in Gaza
On 2 April, US President Joe Biden asserted that he was “outraged and heartbroken” by Israel’s killing of seven aid workers in Gaza. He accused Israel of not taking sufficient measures to protect civilians, which “has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed.” He added: “This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult – because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians.” Describing the deceased workers as “brave and selfless,” Biden claimed that such incidents should “simply not happen,” and that the US “has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties.” He assured that the US would continue to “deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians” and “press Israel to do more to facilitate that aid.”
Newsmakers This Week
Padmashree Anandhan, Ken B Varghese and Bishwarupa Kar
75 Years of NATO
On 4 April, NATO turns 75, becoming the oldest military alliance. Established in 1949, beginning with 12 members and expanding to 32, NATO stands sturdy for countries wanting to be part of the alliance. The first round of NATO expansion began on 25 March 1999, toward the east with Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland. Since then, it continued to spread through the Baltic, and Eastern Europe (2004: Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) to northern Europe (2023 & 2024: Finland and Sweden). The expansion was accompanied by the degradation of its relations with Russia through the collapse of the NATO-Russia Council in 2002 and the trigger for the war in Ukraine. The military organisation which pledged not to expand further during the German reunification in 1990 continued to include more members. The question of its continued existence and leadership has never been as significant since the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Article 5, the critical part of the NATO treaty, considers an attack on any NATO member as an attack on all. This was triggered once until now in 2001 when the 9/11 attacks took place in the US. Since then NATO’s intervention has been concentrated in Afghanistan, Libya and multiple military exercises with the alliance members. After the Crimean annexation followed by the war in Ukraine, NATO’s landscape and scope shifted inward to protect its members. The war has triggered chaos over the US leadership, giving a wake-up call for the organisation to boost its arsenal capacity and to look beyond the US support.
On 3 April, during the meeting with the NATO foreign ministers, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, proposed a new approach toward aiding Ukraine. During a foreign ministers meeting ahead of the NATO 75th anniversary, Stoltenberg pitched an idea of funding EUR 100 billion as military aid to Ukraine over five years to shift more responsibility on NATO to gather support. He stated: “We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul…so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments. Less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges.” The statement came as the US delayed the USD 60 billion military aid to Ukraine. Besides, ministers from Poland and Germany expressed support for the long-term support and the proposal.
World Central Kitchen
On 2 April 2024, a series of airstrikes by Israel, killed seven aid workers of the World Central Kitchen, an international charity, working in Gaza. The attack resulted in WCK and multiple other charities suspending their aid activities.
The WCK is a US-based, non-governmental organization, that has worked in other places (for example in Haiti) providing emergency food aid for survivors.
With food scarcity and malnutrition rising, international experts have warned that some 30 per cent of Gaza's population is already facing "catastrophic" levels of hunger and that northern Gaza could officially see famine anytime between now and May.
Earthquake in Taiwan
On 3 April 2024, Taiwan was hit by an earthquake of 7.5 magnitude, the strongest in 25 years. The epicenter was found to be in Hualien County which has a population of 300,000. The quake damaged both infrastructure and lives; so far, 10 have been reported to be dead, 650 injured, and 42 missing.
Taiwan is well accustomed to earthquakes, therefore, it already has an efficient disaster management mechanism.
Constitutional Court in Uganda approves the anti-homosexuality legislation
On 3 April 2024, the Ugandan Constitutional Court approved the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. The court ruled that a few sections of the law were “inconsistent with the right to health, privacy and freedom of religion,” but, did not suspend the law. The act imposes a lifetime in prison for same-sex relations and describes “aggravated homosexuality” as an offence punishable by death. The international community describes the Act as the most brutal existing anti-homosexuality law. This comes against a backdrop of existing political and religious unacceptance of homosexuality within the country. Ugandan academics, human rights activists, lawyers, journalists, legislators and religious leaders appealed against the law in December 2023 arguing that it violates fundamental rights including the right to privacy and freedom from discrimination. The anti-homosexuality act in Uganda adds to the recent wave of increasing anti-LGBTQ sentiments across Africa.
About the authors
Ramya B is an Associate Professor at the Department of History, Kristu Jayanti College. Akriti Sharma is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan and Anu Maria Joseph are Research Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Dhriti Mukherjee, Akhil Ajith and Shamini Velayutham are Research Assistants at NIAS. Nuha Aamina is a Undergraduate Student at St Joseph’s University, Bangalore. Ken B Varghese is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Political Science at Madras Christian College, Chennai. Bishwarupa Kar is pursuing Masters in Politics and International Relations at Pondicherry University.
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Myanmar: Ethnic Armed Organizations, China’s Mediation and Continuing Fighting
Narmatha S and Anu Maria Jospeh
Ethiopia-Somalia tensions over Somaliland | Explained
CEAP Team
Taiwan elections
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Femy Francis
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The War in Ukraine and Gaza
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NIAS- CEAP- China Reader | Daily Briefs
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The War in Ukraine: Drones, missiles and counterattacks
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Ethiopia and Sudan: Governance in deadlock
Hoimi Mukherjee | Hoimi Mukherjee is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science in Bankura Zilla Saradamani Mahila Mahavidyapith.
Chile in 2023: Crises of Constitutionality
Richa Chandola | Richa Chandola is an independent scholar.
Peru in 2023: Political Tensions, Civil Unrest, and Governance Issues
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Haiti in 2023: The Humanitarian Crisis
Shreya Pandey | Shreya Pandey is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Xavier’s College, Ranchi. Her research interests include EU-India relations, and current trends in international relations.
Russian Invasion on Ukraine: An assessment of its impact upon unity, economy and enlargement of the EU
Binod Khanal | Binod Khanal is a Doctoral candidate at the Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi.
The Baltic: Energy, Russia, NATO and China
Rishika Yadav | Rishika Yadav is a Research Assistant at NIAS.
Finland in 2023: Challenges at Russia's border
Padmashree Anandhan | Padmashree Anandhan is a Research Associate at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangaluru.
Germany in 2023: Defence, Economy and Energy Triangle
Anu Maria Joseph | Anu Maria Joseph is a Research Assistant at NIAS.
Ethiopia and Sudan in 2023: Governance in deadlock
Nuha Aamina | Nuha Aamina is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy, St Joseph's University.
Thailand: Economic stability despite political instability
Alka Bala | Alka Bala is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy, St Joseph's University.
Myanmar in 2023: Extended Emergency, Political Instability and State-led violence
Sayani Rana | Sayani Rana is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace, and Public Policy, St Joseph's University, Bangalore.
Australia in 2023: Challenges of Economy, Employment and Immigration
Ashok Alex Luke | Ashok Alex Luke is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science at CMS College, Kottayam.
China and South Asia in 2023: Advantage Beijing?
Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri | Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Madras, Chennai.
China and East Asia
Femy Francis | Femy Francis is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies.
China in 2023: Cracks in the Great Wall
Amit Gupta | Dr Amit Gupta is an international security and economics analyst based in the USA
The US: The Year of Living Dangerously?
Kuri Sravan Kumar | Kuri Sravan Kumar is a PhD scholar at the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi.
North Korea in 2023: Military buildups and Close Connections with Russia
Yogeshwari S | Yogeswari S is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Madras, Chennai.
South Korea in 2023: Addressing Climate Change and the Global Supply Chains
Abhishek Ranjan | Abhishek Ranjan is a PhD student at the Korean Studies, Centre for East Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
East Asia in 2023: Big Power Politics and New Defence Strategies
IPRI Team
Special Edition: Conflicts in 2023
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #92&93 | COP 28 and Africa
Nithyashree RB
COP28 and Africa: Priorities and Initiatives
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #91 | Failed coup in Sierra Leone
Anu Maria Joseph
Sierra Leone: A failed coup
GP Team
Henry Kissinger: A profile
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #90 | Floods in East Africa
Jerry Franklin A
Floods in East Africa
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #89 | Africa’s debate on colonial reparations
Sneha Surendran
Africa’s debate on colonial reparations
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #87&88 | Elusive Ceasefires in Sudan
Anu Maria Joseph
Sudan’s ceasefires remain elusive: Four reasons why
GP Team
UK’s AI Summit
Femy Francis
Ten years of BRI: Xi and the Beijing Summit
Femy Francis
The return of the South China Sea
Femy Francis
BRICS Summit poised as the Champion of Global South
Femy Francis
Japan-Australia's Reciprocal Access Agreement
CR Team | Avishka Ashok
China: Palestine Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit emphasizes hope for statehood
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #85&86 | Niger-France ties and Liberia elections
Nithyashree RB
Liberia elections: Explained
Jerry Franklin
France's increasing unpopularity in Niger
PR Team
The Snow Leopards of Pakistan
Padmashree Anandhan
Poland elections 2023: Reasons behind the shift
Padmashree Anandhan
Ukraine: The failure of the Black Sea Grain Initiative
Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri
Issues for Europe
Yogeswari S | CSIS
Poland’s engagement
Prof Joyati Bhattacharya
G20 Summit: India the Global Host
Anu Maria Joseph
Africa in the Indian Ocean region: Explained
Dhriti Mukherjee
Pakistan grapples with soaring electricity bills and free riders
Shamini Velayutham
Pakistan: Recent spike in Polio cases
Dhriti Mukherjee
Pakistan’s power predicament: Soaring bills and public discontent
Ankit Singh
Pakistan’s Economy: Three questions
Sneha Surendran
From Cargo to Canvas: The vibrant world of Pakistani Truck Art
Anu Maria Joseph
Taiwan in Africa: The Last Ally and the Lost Allies
Feben Itty | CSIS
NATO’s Challenge
Genesy B | abcnews
Russia’s Endgame
Sreeja JS
Ukraine’s Strategies and Endgame
NIAS Africa Team
Africa Weekly #79 | Africa Climate Summit
Sneha Surendran
Africa Climate Summit: Rising new leadership in climate action
Nithyashree RB
Coup in Gabon: Three questions
NIAS Africa Team
Africa Weekly #78 | Coup in Gabon
Sneha Surendran
Wildfires in Europe: Another year of devastation
Rishika Yadav
Floods in Europe: Impacts, and issues
Padmashree Anandhan
Return of the Heatwaves
Jerry Franklin A
A profile on Ethiopia's Oromo ethnic group
Sneha Surendran
A profile on Ethiopia’s Somali ethnic group
Nithyashree RB
A profile on Ethiopia’s Afar ethnic group
Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia’s Amhara problem
Jerry Franklin A
ECOWAS and Niger remain at an impasse, causing a prolonged standoff
Lakshmi Parimala H
Mural, Movie and the Map: Akhand Bharat mural and Adipurush
Rishika Yadav
The High Seas Treaty
Indrani Talukdar
Ukraine War and the International Order
Jerry Franklin A
Coup in Niger: Manifold national, regional and international stances
Sneha Surendran
Senegal's political crisis: Four questions
NIAS Africa Team
Africa Weekly #73&74 | Coup in Niger and Senegal’s political crisis
Himani Pant
Germany-Russia Relations: What Next?
D. Suba Chandran
Que Sara Sara: Pakistan, Two Months After 09 May
Sneha Surendran
Pakistan’s e-Sport Industry: A Profile
Ramya Balasubramanian
Russia and Europe: Understanding Moscow’s strategies
Bibhu Prasad Routray
Return of Violence in Manipur
Nithyashree RB
The UN in Africa: MINUSMA has failed. So did Mali
Bibhu Prasad Routray
Myanmar continues to burn
Anu Maria Joseph
The Wagner Group in Africa: Fallouts of the failed revolt in Russia
NIAS Africa Team
Africa Weekly #69-71 | The Wagner Group in Africa
Lakshmi Parimala
Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine
Padmashree Anandhan
Rise and fall of the Wagner Revolt: Four Takeaways
Sneha Surendran
The Wagner Revolt: A profile of Yevgeny Prigozhin
Padmashree Anandhan
The War in Ukraine: Four Issues to watch in 2023
Rishika Yadav, Sneha Surendran, Sandra D Costa, Ryan Marcus, Prerana P and Nithyashree RB
Global Gender Gap Report 2023: Regional Takeaways
Harini Madhusudan, Rishika Yada, Sneha Surendran, Prerana P, Sreeja JS and Padmashree Anandhan
Russia: Anatomy of Wagner Revolt, and its Fallouts
Anu Maria Joseph
Resurging insurgency in Uganda and insecurity in East Africa
Jerry Franklin
Eritrea: Back to the IGAD after 16 years
Bibhu Prasad Routray
India: Violence continues in Manipur
Jerry Franklin
Tunisia: A Political Profile
Jerry Franklin
Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis: Reasons for its continuation
Anu Maria Joseph
Ceasefires in Sudan: An uneasy trajectory
Rishika Yadav, Sreeja JS, Nithyashree RB, and Melvin George | Rishika Yadav is a Research Assistant in NIAS Europe Studies at NIAS. Nithyashree RB, Sreeja JS, and Melvin George are Research Interns in NIAS Europe Studies at NIAS.
The Battle for Bakhmut: Significance, Objectives, Course, and What Next
Nithyashree RB
Poland approves Russian Influence Law: Three Implications
Rishika Yadav | Research Assistant, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore
Serbia: Mass shootings, protests and instability
Rishika Yadav and Nityashree RB | Research Assistant and Research Intern, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore
Turkey’s Elections: Unravelling the Political Spectacle of 2023
Padmashree Anandhan | Research Associate National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore
Belgorod drone attacks: Who, What and Why?
NIAS Africa Team
In Focus | Japan in Africa
Devjyoti Saha
Japan in Africa: Renewed Efforts to Revitalise Relations
Indrani Talukdar
Russia's Position in the Arctic: New challenges
Lakshmi Parimala H
Bhutan's Gross National Happiness
Amit Gupta
The Trump Phenomenon: Why it Won’t Go
Rishika Yadav
Turkey’s Election: Issues, Actors and Outcomes
IPRI Team
The Armenia-Azerbaijan Stalemate
NIAS Africa Team
Droughts in East Africa: A climate disaster
NIAS Africa Team
Sudan: Intensifying political rivalry and expanding violence
NIAS Africa Team
Expanding Russia-South Africa relations
Padmashree Anandhan
Pentagon document leak: Russia-Ukraine Conflict From a Tactical Lens
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Tunisia: The question of undocumented migrants
Indrani Talukdar
Belarus’s endgame in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Padmashree Anandhan
Russia: Drone attacks escalate the Ukraine war
Padmashree Anandhan
The UK: Conservative party put to test as worker strikes continue
Bhoomika Sesharaj
PR Explains: Pakistan’s power outage
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Pakistan’s Blue Helmets: A long-standing contribution
D Suba Chandran
Karachi: The race and new alignments for the Mayor
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Macron’s visit to Africa: Three Takeaways
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Nigeria elections: Ruling party wins; What is ahead?
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | M23 atrocities in DRC and upcoming Nigeria elections
NIAS Africa Team
Africa in 2023: Elections and conflicts
IPRI Team
The continuing crisis in Israel
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Africa
IPRI Team
Protests in Spain, Sweden and Israel
Avishka Ashok
China: A complicated economic recovery
Padmashree Anandhan
Europe: An impending energy crisis and its economic fallouts
Ankit Singh
Defence: Towards a new cold war
Riya Itisha Ekka
Brazil: Managing Bolsonaro’s legacy
Apoorva Sudhakar
Africa: Despite the elections, democratic backslide will continue
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Pakistan in 2023: Between elections, economic turmoil and climate crisis
Sethuraman Nadarajan
Sri Lanka in 2023: A troubling economy and an unstable polity
Avishka Ashok
Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Africa
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Bamako’s pardon of Ivorian soldiers
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The relapse of ANC
Allen Joe Mathew, Sayani Rana, Joel Jacob
Newsmakers: From Putin to Rushdie
Sethuraman Nadarajan
Rest in Peace; Queen Elizabeth. Mikhail Gorbachev, Pelé...
Ankit Singh
Global economy in 2022: The year of cooling down
Bhoomika Sesharaj
Digital world: Elon Musk and the Twitter Chaos
Madhura Mahesh
The FTX Collapse: Depleting cryptocurrencies
Harini Madhusudan
The Space race: Scaling new technological feats
Avishka Ashok
G20: More challenges
Akriti Sharma
COP27: Hits and Misses
Padmashree Anandhan
The Ukraine War
Poulomi Mondal
French Exit from Mali: More questions than answers
Mohaimeen Khan
Yemen, Syria, and Sudan: Continuing humanitarian crises
Padmashree Anandhan
NATO and the Madrid Summit: Expanding defence frontiers
Padmashree Anandhan
Elections in France, Sweden, and Italy: The rise of the right
Janardhan G
North Korea: Missile Tests Galore
Avishka Ashok
The Taiwan Strait: Political and military assertions
Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia: Uncertainties despite ceasefire
Apoorva Sudhakar
Tunisia: The end of the Jasmine Revolution
Rashmi BR
Iraq: Deadlock and breakthrough
Kaviyadharshini A
Iran: Anti-government protests
Chrishari de Alwis Gunasekare
Sri Lanka: Political and Economic Crises
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: The coup and after
NIAS Africa Team
The US-Africa Leaders Summit
IPRI Team
Workers strike in the UK
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | End of Operation Barkhane
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The ceasefire in Ethiopia
IPRI Team
Drone attacks in Russia
Vignesh Ram | Assistant Professor | Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
Malaysia’s recent Elections: More questions than answers
Vignesh Ram
Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia's new Prime Minister
Harini Madhusudan, Rishma Banerjee, Padmashree Anandhan, Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan, and Avishka Ashok
What next for Russia, Ukraine, Europe, South Asia & India, and China
Padmashree Anandhan and Rishma Banerjee
UNGA 77: Who said what from Europe?
Rashmi BR and Akriti Sharma
COP27: Ten key takeaways
Rashmi Ramesh
Ice Melt in Alps in Europe: Three impacts
Rishma Banerjee
Tracing Europe's droughts
Padmashree Anandhan
Major causes behind Europe’s continuing heatwaves
Emmanuel Selva Royan
100 days of the Ukraine war: US Responses in the war
Padmashree Anandhan
100 days of the Ukraine war: What next for Europe?
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
100 days of the Ukraine war: More loss than gain for Russia
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Challenges to peace in Eastern Congo
Avishka Ashok | Research Associate | National Institute of Advanced Studies
20th Party Congress of the Communist Party of China: Major takaways
Angelin Archana | Assistant Professor, Women’s Christian College, Chennai
China's response to the Ukraine crisis: Shaped by its relationship with Russia and EU under the US Shadow
Shreya Upadhyay | Assistant Professor, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore
Transatlantic Ties in the Wake of Ukraine-Russia War
Uma Purushothaman | Assistant Professor, Central University of Kerala, Kerala
Ukraine and beyond: The US Strategies towards Russia
Debangana Chatterjee | Assistant Professor, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore
Lessons from Ukraine War: Effectiveness of Sanctions
Himani Pant | Research Fellow, ICWA, Delhi
Ukraine and beyond: What next for Russia and Europe?
Sethuraman Nadarajan
Israel-Lebanon Maritime Border Deal
Avishka Ashok
G20 Summit: Four takeaways from Bali
NIAS Africa Team
China-Africa relations: Looking back and looking ahead
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Chad's political crisis
Sourina Bej
Elections in Sweden
Padmashree Anandhan
Italy's far-right wins 2022 elections
Padmashree Anandhan
Putin’s address in the Valdai Discussion: Six takeaways
Devjyoti Saha
Solomon Islands’ China card: Three reasons why
NIAS Africa Team
Floods in West Africa: Nigeria and beyond
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Famine in Somalia
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Kenya Elections 2022
IPRI Team
Protests in Iran
IPRI Team
Clashes between Armenia-Azerbaijan
Padmashree Anandhan
Queen Elizabeth: End of an era
Padmashree Anandhan
Russia and Eastern Economic Forum 2022: A sturdy Far East
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The reinvention of Al Shabab
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Lavrov's visit to Africa
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Macron's visit to Africa
GP Team
Floods and Emergency in Pakistan
IPRI Team
Six months of War in Ukraine
GP Team
Regional round-ups
Padmashree Anandhan
Who will be the next UK prime minister: Liss Truss v. Rishi Sunak
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Tunisia's political crisis
NIAS Africa Team
Tunisia’s political crisis: Five questions
NIAS Africa Team
Tribal conflict in Blue Nile: Causes and Implications
STIR Team
Geopolitics of Semiconductors
Padmashree Anandhan
France: Uber files leak, and Macron’s trouble
Emmanuel Selva Royan
Italy: Three factors about its current political instability
NIAS Africa Team
Sudan-Ethiopia border tensions and a profile of Blaise Compaoré
NIAS Africa Team
Africa’s continuing migration problem: Three issues
STIR Team
China in Space: Shenzhou-13 and Tiangong
NIAS Africa Team
Africa’s displacement crises: Three key drivers
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Into the Sixth Decade of African Unity
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Communal Tensions in Ethiopia
Padmashree Anandhan
What does Macron's victory mean for France and the EU
Rishma Banerjee
The rise of Marine Le Pen
Sourina Bej
Four challenges ahead for President Macron
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Mali ends defence ties with France
GP Team
New US assistance for Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | UK-Rwanda asylum deal
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Africa, Russia, and the War in Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Political Crisis in Tunisia
GP Team
Russia's gas ultimatum to Europe
IPRI Team
30 days of War in Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
60 years of Algerian independence
IPRI Team
Sri Lanka’s worsening economic crisis
NIAS Africa Team
In Focus: Libya
IPRI Team
The end of Denmark’s Inuit experiment
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Europe and Africa: Will AU and EU be equal partners?
Anu Maria Joseph
Europe and Africa: Will AU and EU be equal partners?
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Lecture report: Ukraine, Russia and Europe
Joeana Cera Matthews
Into History: Northern Ireland and Bloody Sunday, 50 years later
Nireekshan Bollimpalli
Africa’s slow COVID vaccination continues. Four reasons why
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS: Conflict over the Nile Dam
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS: Instability in Burkina Faso
Padmashree Anandhan
Munich Security Report: Six takeaways
Joeana Cera Matthews
Europe and Africa: An elusive search for an equal partnership
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Femicides in Europe: The case of France
Padmashree Anandhan
Post Brexit: Three challenges in Northern Ireland
Porkkodi Ganeshpandian and Angkuran Dey
The return of the Left
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Lithuania and China: Vilnius has become Beijing’s Achilles heel. Four reasons why
Mohamad Aseel Ummer
Africa: The anti-France sentiments in Mali and beyond
Shalini Balaiah
The Middle East in 2021: Never-ending wars and conflicts
Angelin Archana
Russia in 2021: Expanding boundaries
Prakash Panneerselvam
East Asia in 2021: New era of hegemonic competition
Apoorva Sudhakar
Coup in Burkina Faso: Five things to know
Joeana Cera Matthews
In Europe, abortion rights are "a privilege." Four reasons why
Padmashree Anandhan
Mapping COVID-19 protests in Europe: Who and Why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Pakistan, US and Russia: Putin Online, Biden Offline
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The unrest in Kazakhstan: Look beyond the trigger
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Deepening Pakistan-Russia ties
D. Suba Chandran
Justice Ayesha: Breaking the Legal Ceiling
Ankit Singh
Pakistan's Judiciary in 2021
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Same Page Story: Civil-Military Relations in 2021
D. Suba Chandran
Pakistan's Foreign Policy in 2021
Ankit Singh
Pakistan’s economy in 2021: Major highlights
Ankit Singh
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank
Apoorva Sudhakar
The PDM is back, again
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Qureshi’s visit to Brussels: Three takeaways
GP Team
The Complete Compendium for 2021
GP Team
The Americas in 2021
GP Team
Europe in 2021
GP Team
Middle East and Africa in 2021
GP Team
South Asia in 2021
Apoorva Sudhakar
Protests in Gwadar: Four major highlights
Ankit Singh
Mini budget, IMF and a contemporary puzzle.
Ankit Singh
Pappu Sain bids adieu to the world
Apoorva Sudhakar
Smog, pollution and more: Deteriorating air quality in Pakistan
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
PTI’s secret dealing with the TTP and TLP
Vaishnavi Iyer
France, Algeria, and the politics over an apology
Joeana Cera Matthews
NATO-Russia relationship: Looking beyond the suspensions and expulsions
D. Suba Chandran
PTI’s TLP flip-flop and a secret deal
Apoorva Sudhakar
The increasing curbs on digital media freedom in Pakistan
Padmashree Anandhan
Facebook's Metaverse: Why it matters to Europe
Joeana Cera Matthews
Poland, EU and PolExit. It is complicated, for three reasons
Harini Madhusudhan
Europe's Energy Crisis and Gazprom
D. Suba Chandran
TLP: The government caves in again
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
TLP is back again
Apoorva Sudhakar | Project Associate, School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS
Pakistan’s transgender community: The long road ahead
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Since January 2021: Why the US President has not called Pakistan’s Prime Minister so far?
Apoorva Sudhakar
No honour in honour killing
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Military Reshuffle: A strategic or routine decision?
D. Suba Chandran
Dr AQ Khan: Between a national hero and a nuclear proliferator
Apoorva Sudhakar
Rising child abuse in Pakistan: Five reasons why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Hazara Persecution in Pakistan: No end in sight
D. Suba Chandran
Protests in Gwadar: Who and Why
Chetna Vinay Bhora
Europe's Energy Crisis: It could get worse. Five reasons why
STIR Team
Cover Story: War against Malaria
Aswathy Koonampilly
Japan: New Prime Minister, Old party
GP Team
Europe's Energy Crisis
STIR Team
The Science and Politics of Materials
Sourina Bej
France: Paris Terror Trial
Harini Madhusudan
Belarus: Weaponization of the Migrant Crisis
Juan Mary Joseph
Attacks on Chinese Investments in Pakistan: Who, Where And Why?
Joeana Cera Matthews
Haiti: Two months after the assassination, the storm is still brewing
Joeana Cera Matthews
From Crimea to Navalny: Putin's calibrated Europe strategy
Joeana Cera Matthews
Nord Stream-2: Why is the region unhappy about the pipeline?
Lokendra Sharma
Two months of Cuban protests: Is the ‘revolution’ ending?
GP Team
The New Afghanistan
STIR Team
Climate Change and Energy Options
Apoorva Sudhakar
Digital Pakistan: Idea, Potential and Challenges
Anu Maria Joseph
South Africa: What is behind the pro-Zuma protests?
Dincy Adlakha
China and Russia in Myanmar: The interests that bind
Sarthak Jain
Nord Stream 2 is Russia’s geopolitical victory
Jeshil J Samuel
REvil is dead. Long live REvil
STIR Team
Space Tourism
Keerthana Rajesh Nambiar
The EU Summit 2021: Five Takeaways
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Impending famine in Tigray, should make Ethiopia everyone's problem
Anu Maria Joseph
Too late and too little is Ethiopia's international problem
Sankalp Gurjar
Africa's Ethiopia Problem
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia's Tigray problem is Tigray's Ethiopia problem
Lokendra Sharma
The future of nuclear energy looks bleak
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Five reasons why Afghanistan is closer to a civil war
Mohamad Aseel Ummer
Migration in Africa: Origin, Drivers and Destinations
Dincy Adlakha
The new three-child policy is two decades too late
Dincy Adlakha
Loud Echoes of the National Security Law in China
Joeana Cera Matthews
Farfetched goals on pandemic recovery, climate action and economic revival
STIR Team
Rare Earths and the Global Resource Race
SDP Scholar
The Rise and Reign of Ransomware
Gurpreet Singh
India and the geopolitics of supply chains
Chetna Vinay Bhora
Spain, Morocco and the rise of rightwing politics in Europe over immigration
Vibha Venugopal
The return of Taliban will be bad news for women
Udbhav Krishna P
Revisiting the recent violence: Three takeaways
Joeana Cera Matthews
For the Economist, Taiwan is the most dangerous place. The argument is complicated
Apoorva Sudhakar
15 of the 23 global hunger hotspots are in Africa. Three reasons why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The US decision to withdraw is a call made too early. Three reasons why
Lokendra Sharma
Learning from Cuba's vaccine development efforts
V S Ramamurthy and Dinesh K Srivastava
An energy mix of renewables and nuclear is the most viable option
Lokendra Sharma
Deadly second wave spirals into a humanitarian disaster
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The US-Taliban Deal: One Year Later
Akriti Sharma
The Quad Plus and the search beyond the four countries
Apoorva Sudhakar
India's Endgames, Roles and Limitations in Quad
Sukanya Bali
Tracing the Quad's evolution in the last two decades
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia: Five fallouts of the military offensive in Tigray
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Afghanistan: The recent surge in targeted killing vs the troops withdrawal
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
In Honduras, a move towards a permanent ban on abortion laws
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Civilian protests vs military: Three factors will decide the outcome in Myanmar
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Trump’s Climate Change legacy: Disruption and Denial
Apoorva Sudhakar
Trump’s Iran legacy: Maximum pressure, minimum results
N Manoharan and Drorima Chatterjee
Five ways India can detangle the fishermen issue with Sri Lanka
IPRI Team
Coup in Myanmar and Protests in Russia
D Suba Chandran
The PDM differences, Gwadar fencing, and Lakhvi's arrest
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Nagorno-Karabakh: Rekindled fighting, Causalities and a Ceasefire
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Thailand: For the pro-democracy protests, it is a long march ahead
Harini Madhusudan
Brexit: A year of the UK-EU transition talks and finally, a Deal
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia: The conflict in Tigray and the regional fallouts
Aparaajita Pandey
The Americas: Top Five Developments
Teiborlang T Kharsyntiew
Europe: Top five developments
Sandip Kumar Mishra
East Asia: Top Five developments in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
Outer Space in 2020: Missions, Privatization, and the Artemis Accords
Sukanya Bali
5G, Huawei and TikTok: Four trends in 2020
Sumedha Chatterjee
COVID-19: How the world fought in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
The Vaccine Rush: Expectations vs Realities
Harini Madhusudan
Open Skies Treaty: The US should not have withdrawn, for five reasons
Savithri Sellapperumage
Kamala Harris makes history
Mallika Devi
China is against the Quad. Five reasons why
Srikumar Pullat
Space of Tomorrow: The Need for Space Security
Tamanna Khosla
Japan: New Prime Minister, Old Challenges
Vaishali Handique
Not just regime change: Women and protest movements in Sudan
Sneha Tadkal
Technology in contemporary global protest movements
Chavindi Weerawansha
Students as agents of change: Protest movements in Zimbabwe
Anju Annie Mammen
“Unveiling”: Women and protest movements in the Middle East
Harini Madhusudan
‘The Revolution of Our Times’: Protests in Hong Kong
Samreen Wani
Lebanon: Can Macron's visit prevent the unravelling?
Harini Madhusudan
The Legacy of Shinzo Abe. It is Complicated.
Boa Wang
Two Sessions in Beijing
Boa Wang
How China fought the COVID-19
N. Manoharan
Is COVID-19 a Bio-weapon from China?
Prof PM Soundar Rajan
Is there an overlap of 5G Networks and COVID hotspots?
Rashmi Ramesh
Will COVID-19 provide a new agenda to the NAM?
Harini Madhusudan
Iran's New Military Satellite: Does it violate the UNSC 2231?
Jenice Jean Goveas
Epidemics through History
Sanduni Atapattu
Preventing hatred and suspicion would be a bigger struggle
Chavindi Weerawansha
A majority in the minority community suffers, for the action of a few
Chrishari de Alwis Gunasekare
The Cardinal sermons for peace, with a message to forgive
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Who and Why of the Perpetrators
Natasha Fernando
In retrospect, where did we go wrong?
Ruwanthi Jayasekara
Build the power of Co-existence, Trust, Gender and Awareness
N Manoharan
New ethnic faultlines at macro and micro levels
Asanga Abeyagoonasekera
A year has gone, but the pain has not vanished
Jenice Jean Goveas
In India, the glass is half full for the women
Fatemah Ghafori
In Afghanistan, there is no going back for the women
Lakshmi V Menon
The decline in terrorism in Pakistan in 2019
Rashmi Ramesh
The EU and the Arctic: The interest is not mutual. Why?
Rashmi Ramesh
Iceland, Denmark and Norway: Small is Big in the Arctic
Harini Madhusudan
The Non-Arctic powers: Interests of Japan and South Korea
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Malaysia: New PM, Old Challenges
Lakshmi V Menon
Pakistan to remain “Grey”; North Korea and Iran in “Black”
Rashmi Ramesh
Trump's India Visit: Optics, Substance and Rhetoric
Kabi Adhikari
The controversial MCC Nepal Compact
Malini Sethuraman
ISIS post Baghdadi: Will there be another Caliphate in 2020?
Aarathi Srinivasan
Climate Change: The Economy of the Indian Ocean Region in 2020
Prathiksha Ravi
Israel and the Middle East: The New Alliance Plans in 2020
Padmini Anilkumar
Middle East: The Return of Russia in 2020
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Sudan and Algeria: Road to Democracy in 2020
Lakshmi V Menon
Syria: ISIS Decline, US Retreat and the Return of Russia in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
The US-China Trade Dispute: Towards further disruptions in 2020
Parikshith Pradeep
The US under Donald Trump: The Fall of an Empire in 2020
Vivek Mishra
After Soleimani assassination: Options for the US
Sukanya Bali
Iran, Iraq and the US: Who wants what?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Old problems to persist with no solutions in the near term
Aashiyana Adhikari
Indian and Chinese investments in Nepal: Managing asymmetry
Shailesh Nayak | Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
Blue Economy and India: An Introduction
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
North Africa in 2019: A year of protests, with some positive results
Sukanya Bali
Hong Kong in 2019: China's New Achilles Heel
Harini Madhusudan
The US-China Trade Dispute in 2019: Towards a thaw in 2020?
Parikshith Pradeep
The US in 2019: Trump rollsout a template for a global American retreat
Rashmi Ramesh
The Arctic Littorals: Iceland and Greenland
Harini Madhusudan
The Polar Silk Route: China's ambitious search in the Arctic
GP Team
Syria: Who wants what?
Harini Madhusudan
Violence in Hong Kong: Will the protests end?
Rashmi Ramesh
Is Catalonia Spain’s Hong Kong?
D. Suba Chandran
Why an Arctic foray is essential for India
Parikshith Pradeep
Russia's Polar Military Edge
Nidhi Dalal
Protests rock Chile, Bolivia and Haiti
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Will prosecuting Suu Kyi resolve the Rohingya problem?
Lakshman Chakravarthy N & Rashmi Ramesh
Climate Change: Four Actors, No Action
Sukanya Bali
Brexit: Preparing for the Worst Case
Lakshman Chakravarthy N
5G: A Primer
Rashmi Ramesh
From Okjökull to OK: Death of a Glacier in Iceland
Sukanya Bali
Challenges before Boris Johnson
Parikshith Pradeep
The Hong Kong Protests: Who wants what
Harini Madhusudan
The Hong Kong Protests: Re-defining mass mobilization
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
ASEAN Outlook on the Indo Pacific: Worth all the Hype?
Mahesh Bhatta
Monsoons first, Floods next and the Blame Games follow
Titsala Sangtam
Counting Citizens: Manipur charts its own NRC
Vivek Mishra
Can Hedging be India’s Strategy?
Lakshmi V Menon
Amidst the US-Iran standoff, Saudi Arabia should be cautious
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
For Russia, it was big power projection
Harini Madhusudan
For China, it was trade and a temporary truce
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
For Japan, it was commerce and climate change
Sourina Bej
For the US, it was trade, tariff and talks
Titsala Sangtam
Iran, US and the Nuclear deal: Europe in the middle?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Modi's Colombo Visit: Four issues to watch
Raakhavee Ramesh
Higher than the Himalayas: Pakistan and China
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Across the Himalayas: Nepal and China
Mahath Mangal
The Russian Resurgence: Is the US supremacy waning?
Mahath Mangal
San Francisco wants to ban, Kashgar wants to expand
Jerin George
Espionage or Investigative Journalism?
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Huawei Controversy: Five things you need to know
Mahath Mangal
Why the world needs to look at Yemen
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Central Asia Connector
Harini Madhusudan
An Under-represented East Asia
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Africa Embraces the Belt and Road
Sourina Bej
It’s Europe vs EU on China
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Sudan: Between Democracy and another military rule
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Responses and Inspiring Lessons
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Thailand: Between Elections and Instability
Sourina Bej
Two Sessions in 2019: Four Takeaways
Lakshmi V Menon
The End of ISIS Caliphate?
Harini Madhusudan
For China, its a sigh of relief
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
For Vietnam, its a big deal
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
For Japan, No Deal is Good Deal
Sourina Bej
For South Korea, a costly disappointment
Harini Madhusudan
No deal is better, but isn't it bad?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
The Other Conflict in Rakhine State
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Yemen: Will Sa'nna fall?
Harini Madhusudan
Sinicizing the Minorities
GP Team
US, South Korea and Thailand
Lakshmi V Menon
The Qatar Blockade: Eighteen Months Later
GP Team
Yemen, Venezuela and US-China
Sourina Bej
Maghreb: What makes al Shahab Resilient?
Harini Madhusudan
US-China Trade War: No Clear Winners
Abhishrut Singh
Trump’s Shutdown: Five Things to Know
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: Will 2019 be better for the Rohingya?
D. Suba Chandran
Bangladesh: The Burden of Electoral History
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
US and China: Between Confrontation and Competition
Mahesh Bhatta | Centre for South Asian Studies, Kathmandu
Nepal
Nasima Khatoon | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
The Maldives
Harini Madhusudan | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
India
Sourina Bej | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
Bangladesh
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
Afghanistan
Harini Madhusudan
China and Japan: Renewing relations at the right time
Sourina Bej
The INF Treaty: US withdraws to balance China?
Harini Madhusudan
The Khashoggi Killing: Unanswered Questions
Lakshmi V Menon
US and Israel: Trump's Deal of the Century
Nasima Khatoon
The New Maldives: Advantage India?
Harini Madhusudhan
To NAFTA or Not: Trump, Mexico and Canada
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Malaysia’s China Moment: The Mahathir Gamble
Sourina Bej
BIMSTEC: A Bay of Good Hope?
Young Scholars Debate
India, Imran Khan and Indo-Pak Relations
Siddhatti Mehta
Does Brexit mean Brexit?
Oishee Majumdar
Factsheet: China’s Investments in Africa
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
The 8888 Uprising: Thirty Years Later
Harini Madhusudhan
The Tariff War: 'Stick of Hegemony' vs Vital Interests
Druta Bhatt
FactSheet: Shangri La Dialogue 2018
Rahul Arockiaraj
Immigrants as the “Other”: The Social and Economic Factors in the US
Divyabharathi E
Is Trump-Putin Summit a setback for the US?
Apoorva Sudhakar
India and Bangladesh: The Long Haul
Divyabharathi E
Quad as an alternative to the BRI: Three Main Challenges
Oishee Majumdar
FactSheet: India-Bangladesh Relations
D. Suba Chandran
Trump meets Putin; will it cost NATO?
Sourina Bej
Trump and the NATO: One Block, Different Views
Gayan Gowramma KC
Now, the United States withdraws from the UNHRC
Siddhatti Mehta
Will China be able to sustain its Dominance?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: Why won't they do anything for the Rohingya?
Harini Madhusudan
The Idea of an US Space Force: Strategic Calculations
Apoorva Sudhakar
Afghan Peace: Reality or Illusion?
Hely Desai
Looking beyond Trump: Is the US declining?
Manushi Kapadia
Is China using its soft power to become superpower?
Lakshmi. V. Menon
Middle East: Has Russia chosen Israel over Iran?
Miti Shah
G7: Why Trump wants Russia in?
Hely Desai
FactSheet: G7 Summit
Siddhatti Mehta
The Panmunjom Declaration: “Tip of the Iceberg”
Druta Bhatt
Iran N-Deal and the Trans-Atlantic Divide
Manushi Kapadia
US and China: Towards a Trade War
Miti Shah
Palestine: US triggers new tensions
Divyabharathi E
The "Indo-Pacific Command": What's in the name?
Harini Madhusudan
Trump’s Tariff Strategy: Targetting Adversaries and Allies
Hely Desai
Trump-Kim Summit: Three Likely Outcomes
Apoorva Sudhakar
The Lebanon Pawn: Will it change after elections?
Lakshmi V Menon
Israel, the Game Changer?
Samreen Wani
Deciphering Turkey's External Push
Divyabharathi E
China and Russia: The New Alignments
Ann Maria Shibu
Can India afford to lose Maldives to China?
Dhruv Ashok
Why Maldives is important to China?
Lakshmi V Menon
ISIS and the Yazidi victims: Why the World should stand up?
Harini Madhusudan
US- China Tariff Face-off : Five questions
Jamyang Dolma
Why is Free Tibet important for India
Divyabharathi E
Arctic: The Strategic Significance
Lakshmi V Menon
Do we need the Quad?
Samreen Wani
Why Trump’s Iran exit is a big mistake?
Jamyang Dolma
Inter Korean Summit: Will it work?
Dhruv Ashok
The Fishermen Issue between India and Sri Lanka
Apoorva Sudhakar
Bangladesh's Economy: Decoding a Success Story
Ann Maria Shibu
Why India should not pull out of the Indus water treaty?
Divyabharathi E