Conflict Weekly

CWA # 1001
Conflict Weekly
Protests in France, Termination of UN Mission in Mali, and Violence in Israel

IPRI Team
6 July 2023
Photo Source: Zakaria Abdelkafi, AFP

Conflict Weekly #183, 6 July 2023, Vol.4, No.27
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI and India Office of the KAS

Padmashree Anandhan, Nithyashree RB, Sandra D Costa, Rishika Yadav and  Ryan Marcus

France: Protests and anti-violence rallies underline issues bigger than a police shooting
Padmashree Anandhan 

In the news
On 3 July, France24 reported that mayors across France staged anti-violence rallies against the ongoing riots after the rioters attacked the house of the mayor of Haÿ-les-Roses, Vincent Jeanbrun. The same day, following a visit to police barracks in the capital's 17th Arrondissement, French President Emmanuel Macron assured his support to the anti-violence protesters. Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne stated that the priority is to bring back the order. The demonstrators said: "Everywhere in France are the scene of serious unrest, which targets republican symbols with extreme violence."

The anti-violence protests erupted as a response to violent riots followed by protests, continuing since 27 June after the shooting of a teen, Nahel Merzouk, in Nanterre. The charges of "intentional homicide" were imposed on the police officer after a video of the police shooting the teen was publicized. In response to the riots, France's Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered the deployment of 40,000 police officers and imposed a curfew as the clashes grew uncontrollable. 

The protests began as a "White March" in the northern suburb of Nanterre, where Nahel belongs. Clashes erupted when the protesters used projectiles on police and spread to other cities in France. Most are in the north, central, and southwest of Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Pau, Toulouse, and Lille. The protesters included a majority of the young population between 14 and 18 years old, people from the working class, African descent, and Muslims protesting for "justice for Nahel."

Issues at large
First, the nature of the protests. The protests, concentrated in Paris, later spread sporadically to other parts of France. However, the reasons are beyond the death of Nahel. It includes persisting issues of racial discrimination, growing police misconduct, and increasing government's harsh measures, including the pension reforms, increase in taxes and cost of living. 

Second, a divided France. Episodes of protests, violence and anti-violence rallies across France represent a divided society. The police are against the government's decision to detain the police officer who shot Nahel. The divide is between the "law-and-order" force, which implements measures despite public opposition, and the public, disappointed with the government's response to their demands.

Third, the larger debate over police brutality and systemic racism. The shooting brought back the long-standing accusations against the systemic racist approach by the security forces. The debate over police brutality has existed since 2005, when two teens were killed in a police run, resulting in riots across France against racial discrimination. An investigation in 2017 by France's civil liberties ombudsman revealed that young African descendants are subjected to more than 20 times of identity checks compared to the entire population. In 2020, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International launched a "class action" against the government for not addressing the issue of ethnic profiling by the police. 

Fourth, the harsh government response. Nearly 45,000 police have been deployed to counter the violence. According to France24, the units were "heavily equipped and have armoured vehicles." The government's harsh response to the protests is nothing old. According to a previous report by Foreign Policy, in 2018 and 2019, the government dealt with the "Yellow Jackets" protests by equipping the security forces with weapons that would cause serious injuries. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin issued a statement supporting the police in controlling the unrest. The mayors have taken the initiative to pressure the government further to address the violence.

In perspective
The violence has continued for seven days and has been dealt with by the government through security forces. On the other hand, the anti-violence rally by the regional heads has led to an immediate meeting with the mayors to discuss settling the issue and showcase the government's support to the local leaders. The continued tensions amid the yellow jacket protests, COVID-19 protests and pension reform protests since Macron's first term have given way to deep-seated conflict within the society, reducing respect for institutions.

Mali: Termination of the UN Mission - MINUSMA
Nithyashree RB

In the news
On 30 June, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to terminate the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and end its mandate. According to the resolution drafted by the French government, MINUSMA will continue responding to violence, safeguarding civilians and providing humanitarian assistance until 30 September. Further, MINUSMA will limit its operations to providing security to UN personnel and infrastructure until 30 December, when its mandate completely ceases. MINUSMA's withdrawal from Mali is to begin on 1 January 2024. 

The same day, the permanent representative of Mali to the UN, Issa Konfourou, commented: "The Mission has not achieved its fundamental objective of supporting the Government's efforts to secure the country." Konfourou welcomed the UNSC decision and acknowledged MINUSMA's provision of humanitarian and social assistance. He assured cooperation with the UN during the withdrawal process and ensured the Malian government's aim to implement the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation 2015.

Acting Deputy Representative to the UN, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, commented: "While we deeply regret the transition government's decision to abandon MINUSMA and the harm this will bring to the Malian people, we voted in favour of this resolution as we are ultimately satisfied with the drawdown plan this Council has just adopted. We call on all signatory parties to continue their cooperation and avoid any actions that would jeopardize the ceasefire." Permanent Representative of the UK to the UN, Barbara Woodward, stated: "We do not believe that partnership with the Wagner Group will deliver long-term stability or security for the Malian people." 

Issues at large
First, a brief note about the MINSUMA. It began operations in Mali on 25 June 2014 after the jihadists and separatist movements jeopardized security and stability. The mission aimed at providing security, stability and civilian protection, supporting political dialogue and reconciliation, and promoting human rights. Since 2019, the insurgency in the region has exacerbated; MINUSMA, which was already understaffed, made its operation difficult. The mission could not help decrease the fatalities and lost 303 of its personnel. Following the coup in 2020, the Malian military government demanded authorization for each flight of MINUSMA which slowed ensuring security and humanitarian assistance. Dwindled cooperation between the government and MINUSMA limited its operations. 

Second, the rising anti-West sentiments. Anti-West protests have been rising in Mali, calling for non-intervention by the West. The Malians see deploying French and other European troops as a neocolonial occupation. Mali's military's relationship with France was strained after the military accused the French troops of failing in their operation. In February 2022, France announced the withdrawal of its troops from Mali, stating the lack of cooperation by the government following the coup. Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop accused MINUSMA of deepening internal divisions and conflicts and stated the call for withdrawal for its failure to contain the militants. Diop added that there exists distrust towards the mission. He commented: "MINUSMA seems to have become part of the problem by fuelling community tensions exacerbated by extremely serious allegations which are highly detrimental to peace, reconciliation and national cohesion in Mali." 

Third, the role of Russian mercenaries. US National Security spokesperson John Kirby asserted that the Wagner Group was responsible for the Malian government's decision to push MINUSMA out. Kirby commented: "We know that senior Malian officials worked directly with Prigozhin employees to inform the UN Secretary-General that Mali had revoked consent for the MINUSMA mission." The condemnation of the Wagner Group's involvement in Mali is increasing. Since 2022, the Russian Mercenary has been operating in Mali, taking hold of the vacuum left by the French. In May, the UN accused the Malian troops and foreign military personnel, indicating the Wagner Group, of killing more than 500 people in Central Mali. 

In perspective
First, the termination of the mission is likely to increase human rights violations as there is a lack of accountability from the military government. Pushing out MINUSMA will put the Malians at a greater humanitarian risk. 

Second, the unequipped government and the Russian mercenaries. With over 17,000 personnel, MINUSMA has been the UN's largest and most expensive mission for a decade. The Malian government and Russian mercenaries are not equipped to counter the multiple challenges, including deep social divisions, rising insurgency, and jihadism. 

Israel: Violence in Jenin
Sandra D Costa

In the news
On 2 July, Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli military conducted airstrikes in Jenin. At least ten Palestinians were killed, and over a hundred were wounded. According to the report, the attack was aimed at the Jenin Brigades, a Palestinian group that emerged from various factions in 2021. 

On 4 July, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, remarked that all military operations must be conducted with full "respect for international humanitarian law." 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Jenin should be "a military operation, to take down buildings, exterminate terrorists – not one or two but tens and hundreds if necessary thousands."

On the other side, a spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called the operation "a new war crime against our defenceless people."

The US White House National Security Council stated: "We support Israel's security and right to defend its people against Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other terrorist groups."

Issues at large
First, a brief note on the Jenin refugee camp. The camp is located in the city of Jenin in the West Bank. It was established in 1953 to host the Palestinian refugees who had fled the 1948 war, also known as the Nakba. Israeli forces controlled the camp during the 2002 second Palestinian intifada. Additionally, it stands as one of the nineteen West Bank refugee camps with the highest unemployment and poverty rates. Israel considers the Jenin refugee camp a militant stronghold; the camp witnessed Israeli army raids for over a year. On 30 June, Israel raided the camp, killing two Palestinians.

Second, increasing violence in the West Bank. Since January, the West Bank has been subjected to increasing violence including raids, shootings and killings, destruction of buildings and infrastructures, and tear gas firings. According to Al Jazeera, more than 140 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the beginning of the year.

Third, the cycle of violence. The State and Hamas have led a vicious cycle of violence. On the one hand, the demolition of Palestinian structures around settlements by Israel, torching of homes and vehicles, raids and shootings and drone attacks are continuing. On the other hand, there have also been attacks on non-state actors. According to Al Jazeera, 130 Palestinians have lost their lives in the West Bank in just seven months into the year, compared to 170 Palestinians in 2022.

In perspective
Jenin, besides Gaza, is becoming a key battleground in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For Netanyahu and his party, the standpoint is clear: "The Jewish people have an exclusive and inalienable right to all parts of the Land of Israel." The bloodshed in Jenin has exacerbated the divisions inside Palestine, prompting Hamas to call on young Palestinians in the West Bank to join the struggle. The divisions within the Palestinian society present a challenge to the Palestinian Authority, which seeks to retain control and stability despite being attacked by different parties.

IPRI REVIEW
Myanmar: Five takeaways of the UNHCR report on climate-induced displacement
Rishika Yadav

On 23 June, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP) published the "Myanmar Emergency Update." 

The report is about the internally displaced people (IDPs) in Myanmar, their dire situation exacerbated by the devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha. The report revealed that as of 12 June, there are at least 1,844,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in the country, with 1,516,000 newly displaced since 1 February 2021.

Although the report provides valuable insights into the displacement figures caused by cyclone Mocha and ongoing conflicts, there is a significant data gap concerning sex and age disaggregation. This limitation hinders a comprehensive understanding of how different demographic groups are affected. Such data is crucial for targeted and effective responses.

Following are five key takeaways from the report.

1. Cyclone Mocha worsening the situation for the IDPs in Myanmar
Cyclone Mocha in May, which caused landslides across Myanmar, has compounded the hardships faced by IDPs, refugees, and host communities in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Myanmar was the hardest hit, with the state of Rakhine affected worse. The cyclone exacerbated a dire situation following heavy rainfall, strong winds, landslides, and the destruction of houses and infrastructure, leading to increased IDPs. 

2. Increased efforts by UNHCR, UNICEF and UNFPA in addressing the Cyclone Mocha fallouts
The UNHCR and its partners (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are responding to the crisis caused by the cyclone Mocha. They provide relief items, such as shelter support, core relief items (CRIs), and personal protective equipment (PPE), to the affected communities. UNHCR actively supports coordinated efforts in Myanmar, focusing on the state of Rakhine. It has launched flash appeals seeking USD 375 million to provide humanitarian assistance.

3. Deteriorating security situation
The security situation in the northwest region of Myanmar continues to worsen, with 27 townships remaining under Martial Law. Communities in conflict-affected areas, particularly in the state of Chin, cities of Sagaing, and Magway, are facing vulnerabilities due to recurrent conflicts, displacement, frequent airstrikes, artillery fire, security operations, and arson. The situation calls for coordinated efforts under the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons 1954 to address the complex intersection of climate and conflict-induced displacement.

4. Challenging food security situation
The loss of arable farmland, particularly in the northwest region, is an additional challenge to an already precarious situation. The destruction of farmland disrupts agricultural production and hampers communities' ability to sustain themselves, exacerbating the existing food security concerns. 

5. Fallouts on neighbouring countries
The report says that although no new Myanmar refugees were recorded in Thailand during the reporting period, India has seen over 700 new arrivals in May 2023, bringing the total number since February 2021 to 54,200. The Indian state of Mizoram has the largest number of refugees (40,550 individuals), while Manipur hosts 8,450 individuals. 

IPRI REVIEW
Afghanistan: Four Takeaways of the US State Department Report on After Action Review
Ryan Marcus

On 1 July, the US Department of State released the "After Action Review on Afghanistan," covering the events between January 2020 and August 2021. The After Action Review (AAR) analyses the activities following the termination of the US military operation in Afghanistan. The Department of State was tasked with a complex environment to execute a massive humanitarian airlift. The situation had burdened the Department's personnel and crisis response structures.  

The following are the four takeaways from the report.

1. Unstable situation impinging on the pre-planned evacuation procedures
Despite the withdrawal of the military in February 2021, the State Department officials operated in the belief that the situation would not deteriorate in Kabul for several months. Following the Taliban's gains in early May 2021, US official circles raised an alarm to execute preparations for an evacuation. The US officials relied on the assurance of Ashraf Ghani's government to concentrate its military forces in Kabul. The department and the interagency had prepared a backup plan for a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO). However, with the deteriorating situation after the Taliban takeover and Ghani's flight, the Consular officers encountered multiple challenges while airlifting thousands of US citizens at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)

2. Fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in the embassy
The COVID-19 pandemic caused several operations of the department to stall. The US embassy in Kabul suspended in-person interviews for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and instructed the Afghan staff to refrain from embassy premises to prevent local spread. Following a brief resumption of its operation, the COVID outbreak in 2021 disrupted the embassy's functioning. COVID-related precautions have caused the department to discuss crisis planning and response. The decline in visa demand following COVID had made the Bureau of Consular Affairs available to enlist personnel at the embassies, contact US citizens and increase outreach for resource and response time. However, due to COVID protocol engagement, the State Department could not strategize to its full potential.  

3. Gaps in appointments
Several Department positions were not filled by the Senate-confirmed appointees, causing a prolonged gap in filling senior domestic or chief of mission positions that are not in the Department's best interest. Under the Trump and Biden administrations, most positions related to US foreign policy were occupied by a series of talented career officers in an acting capacity. The AAR report considers the qualified acting officers different from a Senate-confirmed official.

4. New personnel in an unfamiliar situation during May 2021
The embassy underwent a major staff transition right before the Taliban takeover in May 2021. Due to the one-year foreign service tour assignments, several officers departed in late July and early August. Several officers, including the senior regional security officer and the head of the consular section, had briefly arrived in Kabul before the situation, causing difficulty in crisis planning and undertaking responsibilities. The new personnel were unfamiliar with the conditions of Afghanistan and found it challenging to execute the evacuation process.

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Rishika Yadav, Sneha Surendran, Jerry Franklin, Ryan Marcus, Femy Francis, Rashmi Ramesh, Harini Madhusudan, Padmashree Anandan and Akriti Sharma
 
East and Southeast Asia
South Korea: Two-week strike against reforms in labour law
On 3 July, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) announced that it would organize a two-week strike against the reformed labour law proposal. An estimated 500,000 workers will strike, demanding South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation. The strikes oppose the proposed flexible overtime of up to 69 hours per week. KCTU Chairman Yang Kyung-soo remarked: "We are going on a general strike because we need to stop regressive labour reforms. The KCTU declares an all-out struggle against the Yoon government, and this two-week strike is the first step."

Taiwan: Chinese aircraft crossing Taiwan Strait's median line
On 30 June, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence spotted eleven Chinese aircraft crossing the strategic median line in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, 24 Chinese warplanes were spotted near Taiwan, and five battleships performed a "joint war readiness patrol."

South Asia
Maldives: Foreign Ministry statement against the "India Out" campaign
On 30 June, after a group of protestors staged a demonstration on the "India Out" campaign in the Maldives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement blaming the opposition for the protests. It stated that the protests "only provoke hatred, but also promote hostility with the objective of tarnishing the country's long-standing cordial ties with India." 

India: Violence continues in Manipur
On 2 July, according to The Hindu, at least four men were killed in Manipur violence. Bishnupur Superintendent of Police (SP), quoted by The Hindu: "Three village guards were killed by the miscreants who are suspected to have come from the hill areas. By the time the police reached the spot, they had left but took vantage positions and an exchange of fire took place." 

Central Asia, The Middle East, and Africa
Armenia: Four Armenian defence servicemen killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region
On 1 July, News.am, an Armenian media, reported on the death of four Armenian soldiers in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "The Azerbaijani side is deliberately escalating the situation as its forces remain illegally on Armenia's sovereign territory." The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented: "Armenia bears full responsibility for the escalation of tensions." This comes after the US-led three-day closed-door mediation between Armenia and Azerbaijan on 29 June, in its latest attempt to quell the conflict that has flared repeatedly. Following the mediation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Armenia and Azerbaijan have made "further progress" toward a peace agreement.

Iran: Rise in execution rates
On 4 July, Iran Human Rights (IHR), a non-profit human rights organization based in Iran, stated that Iran has executed more than 354 people until 30 June this year. IHR warned that the pace is higher than in 2022, and the Iranian authorities have used death penalties to inflict fear following the protests related to the death of Mahsa Amini. The group also noted a 36 per cent rise compared to death penalties in 2022 and a 126 per cent rise in drug-related charges.

Ethiopia: Addis Ababa concerned over fights in Sudan
On 29 June, BBC reported that the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Meles Alem, expressed his concerns over the expansion of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan and fighting involving a rebel group, Sudan's People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), in the state of South Kordofan. According to the UN, more than 50,000 civilians have fled Sudan to Ethiopia. 

Rwanda: British court rules migrant deportation illegal
On 29 June, Africanews reported that the British court of appeal declared the plan to deport migrants from Rwanda unlawful, citing that Rwanda cannot be considered a safe Third World country. The court stressed in a summary of the judgement: "Unless and until the deficiencies in its asylum process are corrected, sending asylum seekers to Rwanda will be unlawful." The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the government will appeal in the Supreme Court. 

Europe and the Americas
Poland: Greenpeace protestors urge on limiting timber harvest
On 30 June, the Greenpeace activists called on the Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Jakub Morawiecki, to take action to protect Poland's forests. They requested the government to limit timber harvesting in the Carpathian Mountains' forests. According to Greenpeace, a forested area of five soccer fields disappears every hour from the Carpathians, which run through parts of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Ukraine. Greenpeace protestors remarked: "The politicians have de facto privatized Polish forests and treat them like money-making machines."

Turkey: ErdoÄŸan declines ratification of Sweden's NATO membership
On 3 July, Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan signalled that the country would not ratify Sweden's membership in NATO. ErdoÄŸan has described Sweden's Quran burning incident, on 28 June, as a hate crime against Muslims. Turkey has delayed the approval of Sweden's membership and accused the country of being lenient towards anti-Islamic demonstrations and promoting the Kurdish insurgency in Sweden. Turkey and Hungary are the only countries that have not approved Sweden's bid. Meanwhile, Erdogan stated: "We advise them to scrutinize themselves and do their homework better." He added: "We will teach the arrogant Western people that it is not freedom of expression to insult the sacred values of Muslims." 

Germany: Poland condemned over Oder River pollution
On 3 July, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection condemned Poland for its failure to address the pollution of the Oder river that had resulted in the death of hundreds of fish. The Oder river runs along the borders of the two countries. Christopher Stolzenberg, a spokesperson for the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, stated: "There has been no reaction by the Polish side to limit the salt discharge." Meanwhile, Aleksander Brzozka, a spokesperson for Poland's Ministry of Climate and Environment, said that his government was in contact with the German side and "exchange information on a current basis."

Haiti: UN Secretary-General visits violence-torn country, calling for international aid 
On 1 July, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, visited Haiti for the first time as head of the UN. He appealed for a "robust international force" to aid Haiti's security forces in fighting violent gangs. The country has been facing violence perpetrated by gangs, leading to a humanitarian crisis and death and displacement. The UN has reported that 5.2 million people in Haiti currently need humanitarian assistance. 

Peru: Ubinas volcano spewing ashes; emergency status declared
On 3 July, Peru officials said they would declare an alert around the Ubinas volcano in the southern region of the Moquegua. Seismic activity was detected around the regions, along with the volcano releasing toxic gas. Ubinas is Peru's most active volcano and a part of the Pacific's 'Ring of Fire.' The Geophysics Institute of Peru (IGP) reported that the current seismic activity began on 22 June. The National Institute of Civil Defence reported that the area's status alert was raised to orange from yellow after the volcano's ash spill reached 1,700 metres in height.

The US: Supreme Court overturns affirmative action-based admissions in two universities
On 29 June, the US Supreme Court bench ruled that race can no longer be a factor in university admissions. The policy of positive discrimination, also called affirmative action, has helped African Americans and Hispanics access quality education. Justice Clarence Thomas, the nation's second black judge and a conservative, nodded with the majority bench decision and called such positive discrimination policies "patently unconstitutional."

The US: Shooting in Baltimore left two dead and 28 injured
On 2 July, during a block party in southern Baltimore, a mass shooting incident left two dead and injured 30 others. The police commissioner of the district mentioned that a search was on for the shooter. Separately, a gunfight erupted at a Kansas nightclub where eight people were shot and injured. 

About the authors
Akriti Sharma, Rashmi Ramesh and Harini Madhusudan are PhD Scholars at NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis and Rishika Yadav are Research Assistants at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan is a Research Associate at NIAS. Nithyashree RB is a Postgraduate Scholar at the Stella Maris College, Chennai. Jerry Franklin is a Postgraduate Scholar at the Madras Christian College, Chennai. Ryan Marcus is an Undergraduate Scholar at the Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore. Sneha Surendran is a Postgraduate Scholar from OP Jindal University, Haryana. Prerana P is a Postgraduate Scholar at the Christ (Deemed To Be) University, Bangalore.


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Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1727

Aparna A Nair

Second China-Central Asia Summit:
China’s continuing search for regional partners, and the emphasis on the BRI
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

IPRI Team

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

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

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

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

D Suba Chandran

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Rishma Banerjee

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

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

STIR Team

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

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Nasima Khatoon

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

Harini Madhusudan

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

Sourina Bej

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

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan