Conflict Weekly 58

Conflict Weekly 58
Anti-Separatism bill in France, Protests in Nepal against a gender-specific law, Surge in targetted killings in Afghanistan, and Instability continues in Ethiopia

IPRI Team
18 February 2021
Photo Source: Katmandu Post

IPRI Conflict Weekly #58, 18 February 2021, Vol.2, No.07

Sourina Bej, Abigail Miriam Fernandez and Apoorva Sudhakar


France: Lower House approves Macron’s anti-separatism bill in a pledge to fight Islamic extremism
In the news 
On 16 February, the lower house of the French National Assembly approved the “Respect for the Principles and Values of the Republic” or the ‘anti-separatism’ bill brought by President Emmanuel Macron to fight Islamic radicalism and defend the republic. The lower house dominated by Macron’s centrist La République En Marche party, voted 347 to 151 in favour of the bill. It will now be put to vote in the conservative-led upper house or the Senate where it is expected to approve. “It’s an extremely strong secular offensive. It’s a tough text…but necessary for the republic,” said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to RTL radio ahead of the vote.
 
Issues at large 
First, the bill in brief. The bill, once enacted as a law, will impose measures such as sanctions for online hate speech, tighter controls on home-schooling, limits on donations to religious groups from abroad, and a requirement for all associations in France receiving public funding to sign a contract pledging to respect Republican values. Among the more than 70 separate articles, the law expands the ability of the French State to close places of worship and religious schools, as well as ban preachers it deems “extremist.”
 
Second, rising Islamic extremism and politicization of the attacks. The bill was introduced by Macron in the backdrop of a series of attacks with the recent being in October 2020 when a teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded for showing his pupils the cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech in the bill. His beheading by an 18-year-old Muslim Russian refugee of Chechen ethnicity bore the hallmarks of a similar attack on the French magazine Charlie Hebdo. In 2015, the office of Hebdo was attacked, for creating these comic strips on the Prophet. Hebdo has remained one event where the French laïcité (secularism) was in direct conflict with one's religious norms and the beheading of Paty further deepened the social conflict.  Macron has since politicised the attacks and called Islam to be in crisis. His bill has the public support as Paty is seen as a symbol of French free-thinking that has been attacked by the Islamic radicals.
 
Third, a colonial idea of laïcité challenged in a multicultural French society. French society has witnessed a slow social integration of its Muslim population. The post-colonial French society is multicultural and yet one of its communities, the Muslims, today still live as ethnically ghettoized as in the colonial period. Also, France follows a strict separation of religion and state, formalized through Art 1 of its constitution, wherein to be a French secular means absence of religious symbol in public space. However, the contemporary interpretation of laïcité has been illiberal and its politicisation only meant increasing anxiety towards Islam. The public discourse fuelled by political leaders has been a public prohibition towards headscarf irrespective of whether the person is a public servant or not. France has remained colour-blind but the Muslims in France are not the French Muslims. This identity crisis and what it means to be a French today is further convoluted by the bill which sees France and its republic values at odds with Islam.
 
Fourth, the French state and propagation of civic liberalism. French nationalism itself is defined by civic expression of its liberalism. This French liberalism has propelled the State to defend these values through strict policing and the bill has been the likely extension. Macron and Darmanin have been particularly accused of seeing a whole marginalized community through the acts of few and pandering them as a threat. The passage of the bill would legalize what Macron calls the development of a “counter-society” that rejects secularism.  
 
In perspective 
First, the anti-separatism bill is yet to be adopted as law and since its drafting, the term ‘separatism’ remains problematic. With no legal definition to the term, its fuzziness could probably be a case for more abuse from the State. Today one reads in every French newspaper how a cloth (hijab) or type of meat (halal) are signs of social separatism which could be legalised through State action.
 
Second, with Macron passing the bill, he could formalize the ground for the popularity of the political right. With campaigning ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections, the right-wing opposition Republicans (LR) party and the far-right National Rally have both called for more restrictions on Islamism and garner the public mandate.
 


Nepal: Protest against a new law needing consent for women to travel abroad
In the news 
On 10 February, the Department of Immigration in Nepal proposed a new law wherein women under 40 years of age would have to seek consent from the family and the ward office to travel abroad on a visit visa. “This girls/women in this age group are at a higher risk of human trafficking and other abuses. The new rule is proposed for their protection,” said Tek Narayan Paudel, a spokesperson of the Department to Nepal daily Kathmandu Post. The proposal has triggered a widespread women’s protests which led the department, later in the week, to clarify that the provision was only applicable to those travelling alone for the first time to the Gulf or Africa.
 
The protest against the proposal now coincides with a larger demand for safeguards of the rights of the woman in the country. Since 8 February, hundreds have rallied in Kathmandu demanding the conviction of the perpetrators in Bhagirathi Bhatta's rape and her subsequent murder. The protest programme led by students of Padmakanya Campus was organised as part of the ongoing Brihat Nagarik Andolan, a campaign protesting against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s House dissolution move.
 
Issues at large 
First, the rationale behind the administration’s decision. The government’s protectionist approach denies women their right to earn. In 1985, the Foreign Employment Act prohibited recruiters from providing jobs to women without the consent of guardians. In 1988, the Act was amended to include permission from guardians as well as the government. The latest proposal adds to an existing series of legal restrictions on travel for women. Even after the clarification, it discounts women’s contribution to Nepal’s migrant-led-economy. The rationale of the administration to tighten the women trafficker’s network, turns a blind eye to the larger deplorable conditions of the Nepali migrant workers (across gender) in their workplace over the years, ranging from being underpaid to getting laid off illegally to even their death.
 
Second, deeply entrenched patriarchal society. The protest is a stark reminder of the patriarchy, the culture of impunity, rising rape cases and silent trafficking networks in the country. Nepal is still a highly patriarchal society where caste and class of both the victim and the perpetrators provide impunity from justice. It's widely reported that victims of sexual assault are being prevented from seeking legal action in the name of local "settlement" and "reconciliation" involving community elders. Similarly, it took a decade for Nepal to legally ban the menstrual huts but not the social practice. This entrenched patriarchal mindset of feminine inferiority makes state institutions hesitant to investigate cases of violence and in turn adopt a protectionist approach to control attacks on women. While all along, trafficking of women for various labours including prostitution have continued. According to the annual human trafficking report of the National Human Rights Commission for 2018-19, nearly 1.5 million Nepalis of which 15000 women are at the risk of trafficking.    
 
Third, civil society pressure. Weak criminal investigations, attempts by officials to protect perpetrators and the politicization of rape cases have led the civil society groups, amid the political crises, to pressurise the government to act. The proposal has been the fallout. Since 2020, around 2,144 rape cases have been registered with the Nepal police and the judiciary convicts sexual assault perpetrators a prison term of seven to 25 years. The National Women Commission has remained defunct since 2017 and political leaders apathetic to women issues. Similarly, Nepal’s constitution, promulgated in 2015, has barred handing off death penalty making it difficult to prosecute convicts with harsh laws.
 
In perspective  
Travelling on visit visas probably makes women vulnerable to abuse. But in a larger duty of the State to protect, the authorities have blind-sided the reasons for which women migrate and missed the opportunity to make applications for an employment visa more transparent. In the past, the State’s protectionist approach has failed to yield expected results as women have continued to go abroad through illegal routes and face abuse while being traffickedd. The particular proposal increases the risk of incidents where sub-agents and traffickers could lure women more to trafficking and defeats the rationale of the State.
 


Afghanistan: Surging targeted killing amid troop withdrawal discussions 
In the news
On 17 February, the Taliban published an open letter urging the United States to remain committed to the Doha agreement regarding the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan. The letter signed by Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Abdullah Abdul Ghani Baradar stated, “We are fully confident that the Afghans themselves can achieve the establishment of an Islamic government and enduring peace and security through intra-Afghan dialogue.” Similarly, in a message to the NATO leaders, the Taliban said, “Our message to the upcoming NATO ministerial meeting is that the continuation of occupation and war is neither in your interest nor in the interest of your and our people.”
 
On 15 February, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in a pre-ministerial press conference reiterated that the presence of the alliance’s troops in Afghanistan is “conditions-based,” saying “we will not leave before the time is right.” On the same day, Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, stated, “At this moment, the Taliban has taken a hard stance, which unfortunately is not helping the situation.”
 
On 15 February, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released a report in which it stated that 65 journalists, media professionals and human rights defenders were killed in Afghanistan between 1 January 2018 and 31 January 2021, with 11 losing their lives since the start of negotiations in September 2020. Further, the report also documented a “changing patterns” of attacks as it identified the recent killings as an intentional, premeditated and deliberate targeting of individuals with perpetrators remaining anonymous.
 
Issues at large
First, the question of troop withdrawal. Presently, there are roughly 8,000 NATO troops and nearly 2,500 US troops in Afghanistan. While the Taliban has voiced its strong opposition to the presence of international troops in Afghanistan, the Afghan government expects the continued support of the alliance in its train, advice and assist mission. However, as the new US administration under President Joe Biden is reviewing the Doha agreement signed with the Taliban in February 2020, according to which the US pledged to withdraw all international troops by April 2021, the question of complete troop withdrawal remains in question.
 
Second, surging violence and targeted killing. Despite the ongoing negotiation, violent conflict continues unabetted across Afghanistan. Apart from the UNAMA report, TOLO News, a local news agency has stated that 340 people were either killed or wounded in security incidents in Afghanistan since the start of February 2021 as a result of magnetic IEDs, roadside bombs and targeted killings.
 
Third, the stalled intra-Afghan negotiations. The negotiations in Doha been stalled for almost four weeks as both sides have not held meetings on the agenda of the second phase of the Intra-Afghan dialogue which started on 5 January. The Taliban’s missing presence in Doha is one of the main reasons behind the deadlock.
 
In perspective
First, the presence of international troops has not curbed the surge in violence, however, this does not mean that the troops should leave. The continuing presence of the US and NATO forces has helped prevent the Taliban from tilting the balance of power on the ground in its favour. Further, it has also helped curb hard-line armed groups from exploiting the security vacuum that may arise. Thus, the Biden administration will have some difficult decisions to take, however, it is unlikely that there will be a complete withdrawal of troops given the situation in Afghanistan and the status of the negotiations.
 
Second, violence is a manifestation of the stalled negotiations that have seen limited progress and vague statements from both sides. Further, it shows that the two sides have failed to reach a consensus on the most important and first agenda of the talks which is the call for a reduction in violence.
 
Third, the US-Taliban agreement and intra-Afghan negotiations provide a singular opportunity to bring peace to war-torn Afghanistan. However, with the Taliban prioritising the Doha agreement over the intra- Afghan talks the opportunity seems to be slipping away.


Ethiopia: Instability persists with continuing violence, jailed opposition leaders, and closure of refugee camps
In the news
On 14 February, Nation reported that at least 28 people were killed and dozens injured in the conflict-hit Tigray region during the anti-government protests which started on 8 February; Ethiopian forces allegedly used live bullets against the protesters.
 
On 13 February, Aljazeera reported that the condition of jailed Oromo opposition leaders who have been on a hunger strike since 27 January deteriorated; four leaders were taken to the hospital after they collapsed.
 
On 11 February, the Director-General of Ethiopia’s Agency for Refugees and Returnees Affairs announced the closure of two Eritrean refugee camps citing the impact of the Tigray conflict on the two. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said the two camps had been destroyed and the refugees displaced.
 
Issues at large
First, the uncertainties surrounding the Tigray conflict. Hundred days after the Ethiopian government launched an offensive into Tigray on 4 November 2020, the uncertainties regarding the political developments in the region persist. After Ethiopia declared an end to the conflict on 28 November, many leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have gone into hiding but have also vowed to continue resistance. Further, since Ethiopia had also imposed an emergency on Tigray prior to the conflict, information from the region has been difficult to verify.
 
Second, the multiple crises in Ethiopia. Even before the Tigray crisis began in November 2020, Ethiopia started to witness political and ethnic unrest. For example, the above-mentioned opposition leaders were jailed on grounds of inciting riots following the assassination of popular singer-activist Hachalu Hundessa in June 2020. Similarly, other instances ethnic conflicts - like the massacre of over 200 in the Benishangul-Gumuz region in western Ethiopia - have taken place over the last few months.
 
Third, the creeping authoritarianism. Ahmed came to power in 2018 on the promise of reformist and inclusive politics, after the Oromo ethnic group protested against the TPLF-led federal government for sidelining other ethnic groups. However, over time, Ahmed has reflected an authoritarian approach by jailing opposition leaders, journalists critical of the government, and imposing frequent internet shutdowns.
 
Fourth, the worsening humanitarian conditions. Since the conflict in Tigray escalated, humanitarian agencies including the UN, have been calling on the government to provide unhindered access to the region, especially to the two Eritrean camps, as relief supplies were scarce.
 
In perspective
First, the multiple political and ethnic crises do little to help Ahmed gain the support of Ethiopians. Ahmed’s reluctance to hold any dialogue with opposition figures leads to increased resentment among the population. In the current atmosphere, it is unlikely that Ahmed will succeed in establishing the inclusive governance he once promised. However, the previous regime too has shaped the current state of affairs as it did not leave much space for Ahmed to reverse the authoritarian past of Ethiopia.
 
Second, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in the Tigray region, the scale of which remains unknown as the government is controlling information from the region and also dismissing independent reports or claims made by journalists or aid organisations.
 


Also, from around the world
By Apoorva Sudhakar and Abigail Miriam Fernandez
 
Peace and Conflict from East and Southeast Asia
China: NYT reveals Utsul community as latest target of CPC campaign against foreign influence
On 14 February, The New York Times reported that Utsuls, a Muslim community with a population of 10,000, in the Hainan island are the latest targets of the “Chinese Communist Party’s campaign against foreign influence and religions.” Some of the measures taken against the Utsuls include replacing signboards reading “Allahu Akbar’’ with “China Dream’’ stickers, removal of halal signs at restaurants and closure of Islamic schools and banning headscarves frequently. However, the Utsul community has sometimes carried out protests against the targeting.
 
Thailand: Court of Appeal denies bail to four leaders
On 15 February, the Thailand Court of Appeal dismissed a plea to release four leaders of the Ratsadon Group. The Court held the four protests leaders had tarnished the monarchy. On the same day, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha warned that violence will lead to more bloodshed, which will be bad for the whole country. His statement came after anti-government protests turned violent on 13 February, wherein the protesters said if the government does not release the four leaders within a week, they would hold another rally on 20 February.
 
South Korea: Lee-Yong soo calls for taking Japan’s wartime sex slavery issue to ICJ
On 16 February, Lee Yong-soo, one of the survivors of Japan’s sex slavery during the Second World War, said the issue should be taken up to the International Court of Justice. She cited that Japan had been unresponsive to a South Korean court’s verdict in favour of the women. She said, “I plead with the government to hold Japan accountable under the international law…I hope the two nations resolve the issue permanently at the international court and live-in peace with each other.” She reiterated that the survivors wanted an acknowledgement and apology from Japan, not financial reparations.
 
New Zealand: Tired of having Australia export its problems, says Ardern
On 16 February, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern criticised Australia for cancelling the citizenship of Suhayra Aden, a suspected ISIS terrorist wanted with a ‘blue notice.’ Aden, who was born in New Zealand moved to Australia at the age of six. On 15 February, she, along with her two children, was reported to have been captured trying to illegally cross the Syrian border and was detained by Turkey. Arden said New Zealand “is tired of having Australia export its problems” but would consider the issue because of the children. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defended Australia’s decision claiming that national security interests are his primary concerns.
 
New Zealand: Air New Zealand comes under the scanner to deal with Saudi Arabia
On 13 February, Oxfam said a USD three million contract signed by Air New Zealand to repair engine components for Saudi Arabian vessels “is an unacceptable breach of international obligations and New Zealanders’ trust.” This indirectly fuels war crimes in Yemen. Following the revelation, PM Ardern ordered an inquiry into the matter. Further, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is also looking into the issue. According to 1 News, Air New Zealand, had been open about its contracts with the US and Australia, but not about its dealings with Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
 
Myanmar: Suu Kyi faces a second charge during a closed-door trial; military suspends privacy laws
On 16 February, Aung San Suu Kyi’s lawyer said the military charged her under the Natural Disaster Management law during a closed-door trial. She has been accused of violating COVID-19 guidelines. Previously, Suu Kyi was charged for allegedly importing walkie-talkies. If convicted of these charges, Suu Kyi could face six years in prison. Along with Suu Kyi, former President Win Myint has also been charged under the Natural Disaster Management law. Meanwhile, on 14 February, the military suspended three sections of the country’s privacy laws. The suspension of these sections threatens the protection of citizens against detention without warrant, removes constraints on security forces’ to search private property, and allows for spying on communications.
 
Myanmar: China, Russia withdraw from UNHRC resolution
On 12 February, China and Russia withdrew from a UN Human Rights Council resolution on the developments in Myanmar. The UNHRC pushed for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and Win Myint and others. The UN Special Rapporteur condemned the detention of the leaders and the alleged use of live bullets against the protesters. Meanwhile, Nepal and Hong Kong accused China of causing civil unrest in Myanmar.
 
Peace and Conflict from South Asia
India: 22-year-old climate activist arrested for sharing “Toolkit” related to the farmers’ protest
On 13 February, Disha Ravi, a 22-year-old climate activist was arrested in Bengaluru after she was accused of sedition and conspiracy by the Delhi Police in the Toolkit case. The Delhi police stated that Ravi is a key conspirator in the case as she is admitted to editing something on the online document before sharing it in the initial interrogation. Her arrest has created outrange from both civil society and political leaders who have criticised the Delhi Police as “unwarranted harassment, unfortunate and shocking.”
 
India- China: Disengagement continues along the south bank of Pangong lake
On 16 February, the Indian Army released multiple videos and images showing the continued process of disengagement between China and India along the banks of Pangong lake area in eastern Ladakh.  From Pangong South Bank, the Chinese withdrew 130-140 tanks, 30 artillery guns and 2,000 troops. From Pangong North Bank, 30 artillery guns and some 4,000-5,000 troops were withdrawn by the Chinese. This development is seen as a breakthrough after the forces of both sides were involved in a face-off on this area for nearly a year.
 
India: Nepal and Sri Lanka react to Tripura chief minister’s remarks 
On 15 February, in reaction to the chief minister of Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb statements, Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka stated that a political party of a foreign country cannot be established in the country under any circumstances. Similarly, Nepal’s Ambassador to India made a phone call to Joint Secretary in-charge of Nepal and Bhutan to expressed concern over the “objectionable remarks” made by the chief minister. Previously, Deb mentioned plans to extend the Bharatiya Janata Party’s base, claiming that Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the BJP is “planning to form its government in neighbouring countries, including Nepal and Sri Lanka.”
 
Bangladesh: Five Islamist extremists sentenced to death for the murder of blogger
On 16 February, a Special Anti-Terrorism Tribunal sentenced five Islamist extremists to death and one man to life in prison over the murder of Avijit Roy, a Bangladeshi-American writer and rights activist. The Public Prosecutor stated that the six men convicted belong to the al-Qaeda-inspired armed group Ansar Ullah Bangla Team, which police say was behind the murders of many secular activists and bloggers. This verdict comes less than a week after eight Islamist extremists were sentenced to death for the murder of a publisher who brought out books by secular writers, including two by Roy. In 2015, Roy was hacked to death outside Bangladesh’s largest book fair by machete-wielding extremists.
 
Pakistan: Officials open to the idea of US forces staying in Afghanistan 
On 14 February, senior officials stated that Pakistan is not opposed to the idea of the US-led international forces extending their stay in Afghanistan until a political deal is reached through intra-Afghan talks. Further, the official stated, “While we want every side to stick to the deal, Pakistan desires orderly and responsible withdrawal of the US and other international forces,” adding, “The key here is not to repeat the mistakes of the past.” Further, the official stated, “While we want every side to stick to the deal, Pakistan desires orderly and responsible withdrawal of the US and other international forces.”
 
Afghanistan: Hekmatyar blames Afghan Govt and the US for stalled talks 
On 14 February, Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar blamed the Afghan government and the US for the deadlock in the Doha negotiations. He said that the United States has “failed” in its fight against the Taliban while calling the incumbent government “occupied.” He added, “the US has no option or alternative except withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan.” In response, political leaders across Afghanistan criticised Hekmatyar for his statement. Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, termed the statements as “the language of threat and insult,” saying such talk “doesn’t work” in Afghanistan and it is not what the people expect from their political leaders.
 
Peace and Conflict from Central Asia, Middle East and Africa
Kyrgyzstan: Protest erupt after Court rules against jail time for former customs officer
On 14 February, civilians took to the streets demanding action against widespread corruption. The protesters condemned a Bishkek Court verdict which “ordered a mitigated punishment and no jail time” for Raimbek Matraimov, a former customs official who was sanctioned by the US for his role in illegally funnelling hundreds of millions of dollars out of the country. On 11 February, the Court placed a fine on Matraimov to pay a fine of USD 3000. The Court observed he had paid back USD 24 million. However, the protesters demanded his arrest and reiterated that they were protesting for a bright future.
 
Iran: Tehran threatens to suspend snap IAEA inspections
On 15 February, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Iran will suspend the snap inspections by the IAEA if the rest of the signatories of the JCPOA do not fulfil their obligations. Referring to the US, he said, “It does not mean ending all inspections by the U.N. nuclear watchdog…All these steps are reversible if the other party changes its path and honours its obligations.” Iran’s envoy to the IAEA tweeted that he had conveyed the same to the nuclear watchdog.
 
Iraq: One killed, eight injured in a rocket attack in Kurdistan
On 15 February, a foreigner was killed and eight others injured after a volley of rockets targeted a US airbase in Iraq’s Kurdistan. A Shia group called Awliyaa al-Dam claimed responsibility for the same. The group said, “The American occupation will not be safe from our strikes in any inch of the homeland, even in Kurdistan, where we promise we will carry out other qualitative operations.” The US and Iraqi forces accuse such small militia groups of being a front for pro-Iran factions.
 
Syria: Six fighters killed in an Israeli missile attack
On 15 February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that six-Iran backed fighters were killed when Israel launched several missiles targeting the capital, Damascus. The Observatory said the missiles hit the Syrian Army’s Fourth Division close in the mountains close to the highway connecting Damascus and Beirut. According to the state-run news agency, SANA, said the missiles were launched from the Golan Heights and Syria managed to take down most of them.
 
Yemen: UN calls for de-escalation as Houthis launch an offensive in against Marib
On 16 February, the UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs said an assault in Marib would impact nearly two million people and lead to the displacement of thousands; this could have “unimaginable humanitarian consequences.” On the same day, Houthi-run Al Masirah television reported 13 airstrikes on Marib, an oil-rich region. Therefore, the Houthis had not targeted Marib until recently. However, in February, the Houthis started their offensive against Marib. Currently, the death toll has not been ascertained though hundreds are believed to have succumbed.
 
Yemen: UN agencies warn of acute malnutrition among children
On 12 February, the FAO, WFP, WHO and UNICEF released a joint report warning that “hundreds of thousands of young children in Yemen risk dying from severe acute malnutrition” in 2021 if they do not receive immediate treatment. The report said, 2.3 million children, all under five years of age, were at the risk of acute malnutrition. Of this, 400,000 children are likely to suffer from severe acute malnutrition, - the most extreme form of undernutrition - which, if untreated, can result in death.
 
Sudan: Government declares emergency in seven regions 
On 16 February, The Guardian reported that Sudan had declared states of emergency in seven regions after protests against rising food prices turned violent; buildings were burned and markets were looted. On 11 February, security forces had arrested as many as 300 people, including the former Vice President, who were protesting against the rising prices of essential commodities, especially bread, fuel, and power.
 
Nigeria: One killed; dozens abducted as gunmen raid school 
On 16 February, one student was killed and over 40 others, including teachers, were abducted by suspected armed bandits in the Niger state. As many as 26 students, 16 staff members and their family members have been abducted. On the same day, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the incident and directed armed forces to ensure the return of all abductees.
 
The Sahel: G5 summit concludes, Macron says will not reduce troops
On 16 February, the G5 Sahel summit, consisting of the Great five - Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania - along with their allies concluded. French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed speculations of troop drawdown and said a rushed exit will be a mistake. Instead, he said, France will launch other operations in collaboration with Chadian, Malian, and Mauritanian troops. Further, he also said French troops will be adjusted in accordance with the involvement of other countries in the Tabuka Task Force which aims to divide France’s military activities between other European countries.
 
Peace and Conflict from Europe and the Americas
Spain: In Catalonia elections, pro-independence parties wins an absolute majority
On 14 February, three pro-independence parties secured over half of the vote in elections for the first time, winning 74 of the 135 seats. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist Party won the most votes; however, he would need the support from the separatists to form a coalition. Further, this is the first-time pro-independence parties took more than half the votes, winning 51 per cent. This election comes almost three-and-a-half years after the pro-independence regional government of the then president Carles Puigdemont pushed Spain into its worst political crisis in decades.
 
Russia: Navalny supporters hold Valentine’s Day protests 
On 14 February, pro- Navalny supports held candle-lit gatherings in residential courtyards across Russia despite warnings that they could be arrested. The demonstrators stood outside for 15 minutes with flashlights or candle, and post it on social media under the hashtag “Love is stronger than fear.” On the same day, another activist called on women to form a human chain in Moscow in support of Navalny’s wife Yulia. The demonstrations took place despite the Navalny’s allies declaring a moratorium on street rallies until the spring.
 
The US: Seven Republican senators voted in favour of convicting Trump
On 13 February, seven Republican senators voted along with the Democrats to convict former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial. However, the vote of 57 to 43 fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to find him guilty of inciting the Capitol riot. Soon after the verdict, Trump sent out a statement reiterating the “witch hunt” that is being waged upon him by his enemies. On the same day, the House managers made an abrupt demand to hear from witnesses who could testify to what Trump was doing and saying during the riots, the Senate voted to allow the investigation.
 
The US: Power outage after winter storm makes its way across the country
On 15 February, millions of people remained without power as a deadly winter storm made its way across the southern and central parts of the United States. Temperatures across the middle of the country had plummeted to all-time lows. At least 23 people have died since the storm, with almost four million across the country remained without electricity of which 3.5 million of those outages were in Texas. The storm seems to have defied a trend of ever-milder winters, but the frigid temperatures in Texas could be a consequence of global warming.
 
Ecuador: Electoral body orders partial recount over disputed presidential polls
On 13 February, the National Electoral Council (CNE) in Ecuador announced that it will conduct a partial recount of 7 February presidential polls after meeting between two presidential candidates still contesting for second place. The electoral body stated that there would be “a recount of 100 per cent of the votes in the Guayas province” which is the most populous province in the country and a recount of 50 per cent of the votes in 16 other provinces. Further, the United Nations has called for “transparency and promptness” in a vote recount.
 
Honduras: US prosecutors to investigate President Hernández for accepting drug-related bribes
On 12 February, US prosecutors are investigating the president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández according to a new court filing. This latest filing is part of the criminal case of a Honduran drug trafficker, Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez, who prosecutors say paid Hernández large bribes to fund the Honduran leader’s 2013 presidential campaign in exchange for protection of his drug business. However, Hernández has repeatedly denied any ties to drug cartels. Further, the filing is the first scenario in which US prosecutors have made public that they are investigating the president.
 


About the authors
Sourina Bej is an independent scholar based in West Bengal. Apoorva Sudhakar and Abigail Miriam Fernandez are Project Assistants at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS.


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Aparna A Nair

China and the Open-Weight AI:
Why are Chinese companies betting on it? What does it mean for the global AI race?
September 2026 | CWA # 2267

NIAS Global Politics Team

The SCO Summit in Bishkek:
The US-Venezuela Oil Agreement
September 2026 | CWA # 2264

Sreemaya Nair

The SCO Summit in Bishkek:
Four takeaways on rejecting sanctions on Iran, de-dollarisation, and emphasis on territorial integrity
September 2026 | CWA # 2259

Aparna A Nair

The Trial of Joshua Wong:
What are the charges? Why did he plead guilty now?
September 2026 | CWA # 2258

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War Week 26:
Renewed Escalation and Diplomatic Deadlock
August 2026 | CWA # 2256

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Lake Ontario
SpaceX hits triple digits:
August 2026 | CWA # 2254

Namrata L Ghanghatkar

The US-Canada tariff tensions:
How did the trade deal end up stuck in limbo?
August 2026 | CWA # 2253

Akshath Kaimal

The case against Meta:
A historic settlement, global action against social media platforms and implementation challenges
August 2026 | CWA # 2252

Namrata L Ghanghatkar

The US and North Korea:
A brief history, Trump-Kim Summits and the new gamble
August 2026 | CWA # 2251

Adwaith Sankar

Kim Jong Un:
Internal Consolidation and External Realignment
August 2026 | CWA # 2248

Namrata L Ghanghatkar

Japan's Yasukuni Shrine Controversy:
Why do Japanese leaders continue to visit the shrine? Why do Japan's neighbours object?
August 2026 | CWA # 2245

Arafaath Rahby

Sri Lanka (Apr-Jun 2026):
Resilience, Recovery, and Rising Global Standing
August 2026 | CWA # 2239

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine:
Continuing deep strikes, escalating civilian targeting, and expanding drone warfare
August 2026 | CWA # 2236
CW Newsmakers
Sheikh Hasina, Settler Violence in West Bank, Heat Waves in Northeast Asia...
August 2026 | CWA # 2235

Adwaith Sankar

Southeast Asia (April-June 2026)
Economic headwinds, Internal friction, and Contrasting domestic developments
August 2026 | CWA # 2233

Teshu Singh

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

Dattesh D Parulekar

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

Dhivya KM

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

Acsah H

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

Global Politics Team

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

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

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

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar

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

Manikranth Chakravarthula

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Priyanka Makhijani

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

Adwaith Sankar

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Radhika M Agarwal

June 2026 | CWA # 2193

Aparna A Nair

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

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

Dhivya KM

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Deb Dutta

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

July 2026 | CWA # 2177

Deb Dutta

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

Radhika M Agarwal

June 2026 | CWA # 2169

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

Radhika M Agarwal

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

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

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

Anu Maria Joseph

June 2026 | CWA # 2154

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

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

Global Politics Team

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

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf 

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Nithin V

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

Siddhi Halyur

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Radhika M Agarwal

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Glynnis Winona B

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Rohini Reenum

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Nithin V

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Femy Francis 

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

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

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Ashik J Bonofer

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

Haans J Freddy

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

Amrita Jash

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

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States(Jan-Mar2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trumps World Order
March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel
From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
March 2026 | CWA # 2001

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Abhimanyu Solanki

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

November 2025 | CWA # 1841

IPRI Team

October 2025 | CWA # 1828

Brighty Ann Sarah

October 2025 | CWA # 1827

GP Team

September 2025 | CWA # 1819

Ayan Datta

Africa
September 2025 | CWA # 1816

Brighty Ann Sarah

The Middle East
September 2025 | CWA # 1815

Anshuman Behera

South Asia
September 2025 | CWA # 1814

Anshuman Behera

South Asia
September 2025 | CWA # 1812

Kasvi Batra

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

R Preetha

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

Ditipriya Ghosh

August 2025 | CWA # 1795

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Astha Panda

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Lekshmi MK

July 2025 | CWA # 1772

Kasvi Batra

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

Swati Sood

Prioritizing Neighbors
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

IPRI Team

July 2025 | CWA # 1767

Naomi Miriam Mathew

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

Kasvi Batra

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

Lekshmi MK

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

July 2025 | CWA # 1759

Padmashree Anandhan

July 2025 | CWA # 1750

Swati Sood

July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

M Kejia

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

IPRI Team

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

Swati Sood 

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

Farhaz Rashid Ahmed

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

Gauri Gupta

June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

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

Santhiya M

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

Merin Treesa Alex

Instability to possible stability
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

June 2025 | CWA # 1701

Santhiya M

June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

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

Gauri Gupta

June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

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

Farhaz Rashid Ahmed

No clear winners, yet
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Padmashree Anandhan

May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Anu Maria Joseph

May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

April 2025 | CWA # 1657

Abhishiktha S Kumar

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

IPRI Team

April 2025 | CWA # 1642

Esther Gamako Zugwai

March 2025 | CWA # 1641

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

March 2025 | CWA # 1639

Anu Maria Joseph

March 2025 | CWA # 1634

Nuha Aamina

March 2025 | CWA # 1622

GP Team

March 2025 | CWA # 1621

Vaneeta

March 2025 | CWA # 1613

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

March 2025 | CWA # 1609

IPRI Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1594

Ayan Datta

February 2025 | CWA # 1592

South Asia Brief Team

February 2025 | CWA # 1591

GP Team

February 2025 | CWA # 1590

IPRI Team

December 2024 | CWA # 1579

Sayeka Ghosh

January 2025 | CWA # 1573

Vaneeta

January 2025 | CWA # 1570

Vaneeta

January 2025 | CWA # 1565

GP Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1563

IPRI Team

January 2025 | CWA # 1562

Ayan Datta

December 2024 | CWA # 1555

Nupur Priya

November 2024 | CWA # 1544

Ayan Datta

November 2024 | CWA # 1537

Rohini Reenum

October 2024 | CWA # 1522

Advik S Mohan

October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

October 2024 | CWA # 1479

GP Team

September 2024 | CWA # 1476

Advik S Mohan

September 2024 | CWA # 1472

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1465

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1458

Samruddhi Pathak

August 2024 | CWA # 1457

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2024 | CWA # 1448

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1446

IPRI Team

August 2024 | CWA # 1445

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2024 | CWA # 1444

Ayan Datta

August 2024 | CWA # 1442

Vetriselvi Baskaran

August 2024 | CWA # 1437

Prajwal T V

August 2024 | CWA # 1427

Ken B Varghese

July 2024 | CWA # 1416

GP Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

July 2024 | CWA # 1404

Vetriselvi Baskaran

July 2024 | CWA # 1392

Ayan Datta

June 2024 | CWA # 1377

GP Team

June 2024 | CWA # 1368

Ayan Datta & Sayeka Ghosh

June 2024 | CWA # 1355

GP Team

June 2024 | CWA # 1349

Padmashree Anandhan

June 2024 | CWA # 1339

LS Hareesh

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

May 2024 | CWA # 1330

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1321

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1320

Femy Francis

May 2024 | CWA # 1318

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1311

Akhil Ajith

May 2024 | CWA # 1310

Dhriti Mukherjee

May 2024 | CWA # 1308

GP Team

May 2024 | CWA # 1307

IPRI Team

April 2024 | CWA # 1286

Karthik Manoharan

April 2024 | CWA # 1282

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

April 2024 | CWA # 1273

GP Team

April 2024 | CWA # 1265

Devi Chandana M

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

March 2024 | CWA # 1243

GP Team

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
January 2024 | CWA # 1211

Bibhu Prasad Routray

January 2024 | CWA # 1199

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1152

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1150

NIAS Africa Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1149

Sneha Surendran

November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1146

IPRI Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1142

GP Team

November 2023 | CWA # 1140

GP Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1114

Prerana P

June 2023 | CWA # 1113

CR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1090

Yogeswari S

October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1076

IPRI Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1071

Dhriti Mukherjee

August 2023 | CWA # 1070

Ankit Singh

September 2023 | CWA # 1067

PR Team

September 2023 | CWA # 1062

Feben Itty

September 2023 | CWA # 1061

Genesy B

September 2023 | CWA # 1060

Sreeja JS

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1045

NIAS Africa Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1043

Sneha Surendran

August 2023 | CWA # 1042

Nithyashree RB

August 2023 | CWA # 1038

Anu Maria Joseph

August 2023 | CWA # 1036

NIAS Africa Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1024

NIAS Africa Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1022

Ankita Dutta

July 2023 | CWA # 1019

Sneha Surendran

July 2023 | CWA # 1016

Medini Hegde

July 2023 | CWA # 1015

Ramya Balasubramanian

July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1008

IPRI Team

June 2023 | CWA # 985

GP Team

June 2023 | CWA # 977

NIAS Africa Team

June 2023 | CWA # 976

Jerry Franklin

June 2023 | CWA # 974

Akshaya S

June 2023 | CWA # 968

Rishika Yadav and Nityashree RB

May 2023 | CWA # 955

Amit Gupta

May 2023 | CWA # 953

GP Team

May 2023 | CWA # 952

Rishika Yadav

April 2023 | CWA # 943

NIAS Africa Team

April 2023 | CWA # 935

GP Team

March 2023 | CWA # 931

Himani Pant

March 2023 | CWA # 929

IPRI Team

March 2023 | CWA # 927

Indrani Talukdar

January 2023 | CWA # 922

Bhoomika Sesharaj

January 2023 | CWA # 921

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

March 2023 | CWA # 919

NIAS Africa Team

January 2023 | CWA # 901

Riya Itisha Ekka

January 2023 | CWA # 900

Apoorva Sudhakar

January 2023 | CWA # 899

Sayani Rana

January 2023 | CWA # 892

IPRI Team

January 2023 | CWA # 891

NIAS Africa Team

December 2022 | CWA # 886

Sethuraman Nadarajan

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 848

Vignesh Ram

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
November 2022 | CWA # 836

Padmashree Anandhan

November 2022 | CWA # 833

Rishma Banerjee

November 2022 | CWA # 814

IPRI Team

October 2022 | CWA # 809

Padmashree Anandhan

October 2022 | CWA # 808

Devjyoti Saha

October 2022 | CWA # 807

Dr Beena

October 2022 | CWA # 794

GP Team

September 2022 | CWA # 786

GP Team

July 2022 | CWA # 769

NIAS Africa Team

July 2022 | CWA # 762

Padmashree Anandhan

July 2022 | CWA # 760

GP Team

July 2022 | CWA # 759

IPRI Team

July 2022 | CWA # 757

IPRI Team

July 2022 | CWA # 756

NIAS Africa Team

June 2022 | CWA # 751

NIAS Africa Team

June 2022 | CWA # 743

NIAS Africa Team

April 2022 | CWA # 724

IPRI Team

April 2022 | CWA # 723

STIR Team

April 2022 | CWA # 720

GP Team

April 2022 | CWA # 719

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 707

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 706

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
March 2022 | CWA # 703

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 701

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 697

Avishka Ashok

March 2022 | CWA # 696

Nireekshan Bollimpalli 

March 2022 | CWA # 695

IPRI Team

March 2022 | CWA # 693

PR Team

March 2022 | CWA # 692

GP Team

March 2022 | CWA # 691

IPRI Team

February 2022 | CWA # 689

GP Team

February 2022 | CWA # 688

Padmashree Anandhan

February 2022 | CWA # 685

IPRI Team

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

IPRI Team

February 2022 | CWA # 679

Porkkodi Ganeshpandian and Angkuran Dey

February 2022 | CWA # 678

Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan 

February 2022 | CWA # 668

Amit Gupta

January 2022 | CWA # 653

STIR Team

January 2022 | CWA # 645

Ankit Singh

January 2022 | CWA # 640

Ankit Singh

January 2022 | CWA # 639

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

January 2022 | CWA # 638

Sneha M

December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
November 2021 | CWA # 613

GP Team

November 2021 | CWA # 610

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

November 2021 | CWA # 602

D. Suba Chandran

October 2021 | CWA # 595

Joeana Cera Matthews 

October 2021 | CWA # 593

Harini Madhusudhan

October 2021 | CWA # 590

Sneha M

October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
October 2021 | CWA # 586

Apoorva Sudhakar

October 2021 | CWA # 584

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

September 2021 | CWA # 560

Apoorva Sudhakar

September 2021 | CWA # 550

Joeana Cera Matthews 

September 2021 | CWA # 547

Lokendra Sharma

August 2021 | CWA # 539

STIR Team

August 2021 | CWA # 533

Dincy Adlakha

August 2021 | CWA # 532

Sarthak Jain

August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
July 2021 | CWA # 512

Mohamad Aseel Ummer

July 2021 | CWA # 503

GP Team

June 2021 | CWA # 498

Gurpreet Singh

May 2021 | CWA # 467

Lokendra Sharma

May 2021 | CWA # 464

GP Team

April 2021 | CWA # 456

GP Team

March 2021 | CWA # 440

IPRI Team

February 2021 | CWA # 436

IPRI Team

February 2021 | CWA # 434

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

February 2021 | CWA # 428

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

February 2021 | CWA # 427

Apoorva Sudhakar

February 2021 | CWA # 424

GP Team

January 2021 | CWA # 415

GP Team

January 2021 | CWA # 411

D Suba Chandran

December 2020 | CWA # 405

Mallika Devi

December 2020 | CWA # 404

Harini Madhusudan

December 2020 | CWA # 403

Kamna Tiwary

December 2020 | CWA # 400

Sourina Bej

November 2020 | CWA # 369

IPRI Team

September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

September 2020 | CWA # 336

Harini Madhusudan

September 2020 | CWA # 335

Sourina Bej

August 2020 | CWA # 320

IPRI Team

June 2020 | CWA # 304

Padmashree A

May 2020 | CWA # 295

GP Team

May 2020 | CWA # 293

Boa Wang

May 2020 | CWA # 288

Adnan Aziz Chowdhury

May 2020 | CWA # 286

Boa Wang

May 2020 | CWA # 283

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 277

IPRI Team

April 2020 | CWA # 272

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 271

IPRI Team

April 2020 | CWA # 259

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 255

GP Team

April 2020 | CWA # 253

IPRI Team

March 2020 | CWA # 250

Rashmi Ramesh

March 2020 | CWA # 240

GP Team

March 2020 | CWA # 239

IPRI Team

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

February 2020 | CWA # 212

GP Team

January 2020 | CWA # 209

Boa Wang

January 2020 | CWA # 208

Vivek Mishra

December 2019 | CWA # 196

Harini Madhusudan

November 2019 | CWA # 179

Rashmi Ramesh

October 2019 | CWA # 178

Sourina Bej

September 2019 | CWA # 164

GP Team

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
September 2019 | CWA # 161

Rashmi Ramesh

July 2019 | CWA # 147

Vivek Mishra

June 2019 | CWA # 134

Sourina Bej

June 2019 | CWA # 133

Harini Madhusudan

June 2019 | CWA # 126

Jerin George

June 2019 | CWA # 124

GP Team

May 2019 | CWA # 117

Sourina Bej

May 2019 | CWA # 114

GP Team

May 2019 | CWA # 113

GP Team

April 2019 | CWA # 111

GP Team

January 2019 | CWA # 80

Abhishrut Singh

January 2019 | CWA # 78

Kriti

January 2019 | CWA # 77

Komal Tiwary

December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
September 2018 | CWA # 58

Aparupa Bhattacherjee

August 2018 | CWA # 52

Oishee Majumdar

July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

July 2018 | CWA # 40

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta

June 2018 | CWA # 21

Harini Madhusudan

May 2018 | CWA # 8

Samreen Wani

May 2018 | CWA # 1

Samreen Wani