Conflict Weekly

Conflict Weekly
The Female Genital Mutilation bill in The Gambia, Search for a Ceasefire in Gaza and Continuing Instability in Haiti

IPRI Team
22 March 2024
Photo Source: Carmen Yasmine Abd Ali for The Washington Post

Conflict Weekly #220, 22 March 2024, Vol.5, No.12
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Anu Maria Joseph, Nuha Aamina and Navinan GV

The Gambia: The genital cutting and the return of the FGM debate
Anu Maria Joseph

In the news
On 18 March, a bill aiming to decriminalise Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia proceeded to the second reading in the parliament. The lawmakers of the country voted 42 to four, advancing the bill. The bill was introduced on 5 March by an independent lawmaker, Almameh Gibba. He argued that the ban on genital cutting violated the rights to “practice their culture and religion” in the Muslim country and that “the bill seeks to uphold religious loyalty and safeguard cultural norms and values.”

On 18 March, on the day of voting, speaking to the Washington Post in front of the national assembly, Jaha Dukureh, a Gambian activist, said: “It is a rollback on women’s rights and bodily autonomy. It is a rollback in terms of telling women what to do with their own bodies. This is all this is. You are denying [us] as women who have been through FGM. You are telling us that what we are saying is a lie.” Dukureh was a victim of the cutting when she was a child and found it out on her wedding night when she was 15. Her younger sister died after the procedure.

Outside the national assembly, women and men held placards that read: “Girls need love, not knives.” Since the introduction of the bill, several popular religious leaders have increased their campaign demanding for revoking FGM. Followers of a popular Muslim cleric, Abdoulie Fatty, are rallying support by chanting: "Female circumcision is my religious belief, Gambia is not for sale."

On 6 March, the UN called The Gambia to withdraw the bill, describing it as "an abhorrent violation of human rights.” UN rights office spokesperson Seif Magango stated: We are alarmed by the tabling of a bill in The Gambian parliament seeking to repeal the Women's Amendment Act of 2015 that prohibits female genital mutilation.”

Issues at large
First, the female genital mutilation (FGM) debate in The Gambia. UNICEF defines FGM as “the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.” The cutting procedure differs among societies that are engaged in FGM. At the extreme level, the clitoris, which is a sensitive part of the female reproductive system, is removed, and the genitals are cut and stitched back to control women’s sexuality. According to a UNICEF report in 2021, 76 per cent of females in the Gambia, aged between 15 and 49, have undergone genital cutting. The report represents a timeline after FGM was banned in 2015. The ban was imposed by former President Yahya Jammeh who claimed that the practice is not required in Islam. Jammeh said that after 21 years of studying the Quran, he realised that cutting is based on “no traditional facts.” He banned the practice as “it endangers the lives of women and girls.” It is carried out by traditional women practitioners supported by the mother of the victim, without sterile equipment. Often, the same equipment is used on multiple victims who are under the age of eight. FGM is an inhumane practice that leads to serious physical and psychological issues including infections, bleeding, infertility, depression, trauma and at times death. 

The ban was met with strong criticism from those who supported it. The narratives on revoking the ban began right after Jammeh was out of power. Under the ban, an individual convicted of performing the cutting faces three years in prison or a fine or both. The latest debate began in August 2023 when three women were convicted for carrying out the cutting, and an Islamic cleric paid the fine, saying that the practice was taught by the prophet Muhammad. Further, they began the campaign to reverse the ban, which led to the bill. 

Second, the excuse of history, traditions, religion and patriarchy on the FGM. Contemporary historians claim the practice began in Egypt during the reign of Pharaohs, to prevent the slaves from unwanted pregnancies. However, over time FGM spread across ethnicities and religions, especially in Africa and the Middle East. A practice that then had no religious backing and has been inherently patriarchal, a deep-rooted inequality characterised by male dominance. However, the justifications differ among societies. Some claim it is an important part of their culture. For some, it is a practice out of fear of being socially stigmatized. 

Third, the global challenge of the FGM. On 8 March, on the occasion of Women’s Day, UNICEF released a report that the number of women across the world who have undergone FGM has increased from 200 million to 230 million in eight years. The majority are from African countries, with more than 144 million cases, followed by 80 million in Asia and six million in the Middle East. FGM is practised in 30 countries across Africa and the Middle East. Only Iraq and Oman in the Middle East have provisions against cutting. It is widely carried out in Africa, although banned in 23 countries. In total, FGM is practised in 90 countries across the world, and only 51 countries have laws against FGM. 

In perspective
Undoubtedly, genital cutting is a gross form of discrimination against women and children. It is a brutal practice that compromises women’s right to freedom, health, security and physical integrity- an extreme form of discrimination against women and inhumane. The justification is not mentioned in any of the religious doctrines. 

Two-thirds of the total population in Africa and the Middle East want to end the cutting practice, says UNICEF. Women have the right to ownership of their bodies and it is cruel that there are instances of mothers imposing these beliefs on their daughters. Deep-rooted religious and patriarchal leadership, superstitions and the fear of stigmatization are not easy to cut through. Fundamental rights are compromised under religious beliefs. The genital cutting cannot be justified under any circumstances. The only answer to the FGM is to stop the practice.


The War in Gaza: The search for a ceasefire and military operations in Rafah
Nuha Aamina

In the news
On 22 March, a report in the Washington Post, referring to Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Tel Aviv, said he has gone to "warn Israeli leaders against a ground invasion of the densely packed Gaza city of Rafah and to try to advance a cease-fire plan." The above report also referred to a statement by Blinken in Cairo on 21 March: "President Biden has been very clear that a major ground operation in Rafah would be a mistake and something that we can’t support."

On 21 March, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, announced that the US has “put forward” a resolution “before the United Nations Security Council that does call for an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages.”. 

On 19 March, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated: “The extent of Israel’s continued restrictions on entry of aid into Gaza, together with the manner in which it continues to conduct hostilities, may amount to the use of starvation as a method of war, which is a war crime.” 

On 16 March, ahead of his two-day trip to the Middle East, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, called on Israel to allow “aid to reach Gaza on a larger scale now…There is a danger that a comprehensive offensive in Rafah will result in many terrible civilian casualties, which must be strictly prohibited.”

On 15 March, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, approved an operation in Rafah and said that the inhabitants would be evacuated. The Israeli government stated that the Israeli Defence Force was “preparing operationally and for the evacuation of the population.” Netanyahu also said: “No amount of international pressure will stop us from realising all the goals of the war: eliminating Hamas, releasing all our hostages and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat against Israel.” On the same day, Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said that Egypt was seeking to “reach a ceasefire in Gaza.” In the US, President Joseph Biden agreed with US Senator Chuck Schumer when he called for new elections in Israel and criticised Netanyahu for being an “obstacle to peace.”

Issues at large
First, the significance of Rafah. The city, geographically situated at the southern tip of Gaza, bordering Egypt, has witnessed 2.3 million civilians relocate from the north during the last five months. Rafah is seen as the last safe zone for the Palestinians in Gaza, and many fear an attack on the city will force people to flee to neighbouring countries. 

Second, Israel’s reluctance to accept a ceasefire. The US and other countries from Europe have been pressurizing Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement. Hamas presented a proposal on 14 March, to the mediators urging Israel to stop its “aggression” against Palestinian civilians, allow the passage of aid, the return of Gazans to their respective homes and withdraw Israeli forces. For Israel, Hamas’ demands are “unrealistic.” Israeli security cabinet member and Minister of National Unity, Chile Tropper, stated that if Israel had to arrive at “a deal that will return our boys and girls home, it will come at a cost, and a heavy one.” 

Third, deepening rift between Israel and the US. The US support for Israel appears to be weakening, though it has been backing Israel's efforts to eliminate Hamas. The US has also criticized Israel on the humanitarian crisis; on 14 March, Schumer stated that the current Israeli government no longer "fits the needs of Israel.” At the state level, there is support for a two-state solution in the US; Biden has also emphasized the same. However, for Netanyahu, these are unrealistic expectations. 

Fourth, the worsening humanitarian crisis. According to health authorities in Gaza, the Israeli ground and air campaign led to the deaths of more than 31,500 people,  According to a UN-backed assessment, there is likely to be a spike surge in famine, affecting 300,000 people if there is no access to aid.

In perspective
First, with Israel getting ready for military operations in Rafah, the US and other Arab states are determined to find a ceasefire agreement in place. 

Second, though there is external pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire, Netanyahu seems to going ahead with his plans for military operations in Rafah. For him, unless the Hamas is eliminated, Israel will not end its war in Gaza.


Haiti: Continuing political instability 
Navinan GV

In the news
On 21 March, Ernst Julme, also known as Ti Greg, the boss of the Delmas 95 gang, was assassinated in a police operation. He was a member of the gang leader Jimmy Cherizier's "Viv Ansanm" alliance. 

On 20 March, members of Petion-Ville were slaughtered and set on fire.

On 18 March, gangs looted suburban communities, killed dozens, and left their bodies in the streets and fuel stations. Subsequently, four power stations were destroyed. The spokesperson for the US Department of State, Vedant Patel, stated that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is close to finalising the transitional council. 

On 16 March, UNICEF reported that one of its relief containers at Haiti's main port, packed with "essential items of maternal, neonatal, and child survival," had been robbed as gangs gained control of the capital. UNICEF chief said the situation was like "Mad Max."

On 12 March, Laurent Uwumuremyi, the Haiti country director for the humanitarian group Mercy Corps, said that Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation had “not yet generated any effect” in the capital.

Issues at large
First, the resignation of the prime minister. Ariel Henry was unable to return to Haiti from his trip to Kenya in late February to secure the support of a Kenyan-led multinational force to Haiti. During his absence, the country witnessed a surge in violence, after gangs took control of the airport. Amid threats of civil war and international pressure, on 11 March, Henry tendered his resignation following an emergency meeting of regional leaders of CARICOM. The CARICOM discussed the framework for political transition, while the US highlighted the need for swift action as the gangs wreaked chaos. 

Second, the delay in the transitional council. Internal fighting among political parties and the reluctance of some groups to participate in the transitional council are two primary reasons for the delay. The proposal to have a new leadership in Haiti was rejected by several political parties, including the Pitit Desalin led by former senator and presidential candidate Jean-Charles Moise. Asserting that no Haitian should accept any proposal from the international community, Moïse insisted on implementing the three-person presidential council, which he recently formed with former police officer Guy Phillippe and a Haitian judge. 

Third, continuing violence. Despite Henry’s resignation, the tensions have not reduced. Jimmy Cherizier, the leader of the G9 gang, stated: “We’re not going to recognise the decisions that CARICOM takes.” He said that those living in Haiti should make the decisions and rejected the transitional council. After gangs destroyed four power stations in the capital, many parts of Port-au-Prince remain without power. There is a shortage of energy, fuel, and medical supplies, affecting hospitals across the country, with six out of ten facilities unable to function. Gangs have blocked roads and ports, limiting fuel distributors' ability to carry gas to pumps around the country. 

In perspective
Haiti is expected to see more political clashes with obstacles in forming the transitional council. Though the international community wants Haiti to speed up the process, there is no consensus among the parties about who should be in the councilThe majority of the Haitians including the gangs oppose the foreign-backed transitional council. 


Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups

Vetriselvi Baskaran, Akhil Ajith, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Padmashree Anandhan, Dhriti Mukherjee, Shamini Velayutham, Navinan GV, and Narmatha S 

East and Southeast Asia
China: Foreign Ministry rebukers Taiwan’s participation at the Summit for Democracy
On 18 March, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, opposed Taiwan’s participation in the third Summit of Democracy, held in the South Korean capital Seoul. Taiwanese Minister of Digital Affairs, Audrey Tang, attended the meeting and delivered a video message on the discrimination faced by the country. He added that they are willing to work with like-minded countries to ensure the safe use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Meanwhile, Lin urged South Korea to follow the “one-China” principle and that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.”

China: Brazil launches investigation against Chinese industrial product dumping
On 17 March, Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services began an investigation into the alleged industrial product dumping by China. They plan to probe into the past six months of imports ranging from metal sheets, pre-painted steel, and tyres. Due to China’s surplus production capacity, there has been a flood of exports from China. According to Chinese customs data, exports to and imports from Brazil increased by more than a third in the first two months of 2024. Brazil’s Ministry of Industry stated that there were “sufficient elements that indicate the practice of dumping in exports from China to Brazil . . . and damage to the domestic industry resulting from such practice.” This has created a dilemma for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who wants to further relations with China while protecting the domestic industry. Vietnam has launched a similar investigation against the dumping of wind towers and steel products.

Taiwan: China building military bases near Itu Aba, claims Foreign Minister
On 20 March, Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, stated that China is building military bases on the Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, and Mischief Reef. The bases are close to Taiwan’s Itu Aba, also known as Taiping, which is Taiwan’s main territory in the Spratly Islands. Wu stated that besides the ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, tensions are increasing over Itu Aba. He stated: "China has already created very enormous South China Sea military bases on the three islands surrounding Taiping - Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, and Mischief Reef - and these are all quite close to our Taiping." 

North Korea: Ballistic missile tests in the Korean peninsula
On 18 March, the South Korean Joint Chief of Staff reported that North Korea carried out ballistic missile tests towards the east of the Korean peninsula. The tests came ahead of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Seoul for the Summit for Democracy. Japanese Coast Guard confirmed the launches. South Korea condemned the launches as a “clear provocation.” The US State Department stated that North Korea violated several UNSC resolutions and is posing a threat to the region. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida responded: “North Korea's series of actions threaten the peace and security of our region and the international community, and are absolutely unacceptable.”

South Korea: Seoul hosts the Summit for Democracy
On 18 March, South Korea hosted the third Summit for Democracy in Seoul. The three-day Summit is themed ‘Democracy for Future Generations,’ focussing on digital threats to democracy, including misinformation, artificial intelligence, and deep fakes. The summit is attended by more than 100 countries. South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, while addressing the gathering, stated that the countries share the duty to exchange information on artificial intelligence and technology to promote democracy. He warned that AI and other digital technology without accountability are a threat to democracy. Yoon stated: “Fake news and disinformation based on artificial intelligence and digital technology not only violates individual freedom and human rights but also threatens democratic systems.” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated: “As authoritarian and repressive regimes deploy technologies to undermine democracy and human rights, we need to ensure that technology sustains and supports democratic values and norms.” 

South Asia
Pakistan: Prime Minister Sharif asserts intolerance to cross-border terrorism
On 20 March, amid simmering tensions with the Taliban regime, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan would “not tolerate any kind of terrorism from across the border.” The statement came days after clashes and air strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He lamented: “Unfortunately, terrorism has reared its head again. The reality is that despite such great sacrifices and resources, our martyrs and troops are risking their lives to eliminate terrorism.” Sharif highlighted that while Pakistan wanted to “engage in trade and commerce and develop” its relations, “if a neighbour’s soil is used for terrorism [in Pakistan], this is intolerable.” He expressed his expectations for neighbouring countries to devise a joint plan against terrorism with “sincerity.”

Pakistan: Clashes with Afghanistan along the border
On 18 March, Pakistan launched air strikes on Afghanistan, attacking the militant outfit responsible for the 16 March North Waziristan attack. The same day, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), eight militants, including the perpetrator of the Mir Ali attack, Shera alias Janan, were killed by security forces in North Waziristan as part of an intelligence-based operation (IBO). The ISPR added that sanitization operations were “being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan remain determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.” On 16 March, in a terrorist attack in Mir Ali, seven soldiers were killed. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “national commitment” to the “complete eradication of terrorism,” and vowed that the country would not hesitate to strike back if attacked at borders or inside its territory. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence responded that “bases of Pakistani security forces” across the border were targeted with heavy weapons, killing one army officer and injuring three soldiers. Pakistan’s airstrikes elicited a response from the US State Department’s Principal Deputy spokesperson Vedant Pate on 16 March: “We deeply regret the loss of life and injustices sustained during the attack in Pakistan, and the loss of civilian lives during the strike in Afghanistan.” The US urged the Taliban to “ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from Afghan soil,” while calling on Pakistan “to exercise restraint and ensure civilians are not harmed in their counterterrorism efforts.”

Pakistan: Gwadar cut off amidst protests
On 18 March, Dawn reported on the road link of Gwadar and parts of the Makran division with Karachi and other areas being cut off for more than 48 hours in light of protests against the alleged enforced disappearance of two individuals. From 16 March, locals and the victims’ relatives blocked the coastal highway and the M-8 motorway, leaving hundreds of vehicles and people in buses on the highways stranded, as the protestors demanded the return of the two children. The closure severed the land communication between Gwadar, Karachi, Pasni, Ormara and Iran, leading to a shortage of essential goods in Turbat and Gwadar. Negotiations between the district administration and protestors remain fruitless. Protesters, including women and children from Gwadar and other areas, have camped at the highway with placards and banners, and have asserted that they will not move until their demands are met. They alleged that the two missing people were forcefully taken away by security forces three months ago, given assurance of their return in ten days.

Bangladesh: Worst air quality in 2023, says World Air Quality Report
On 20 March, the World Air Quality Report 2023 ranked Bangladesh number one with the highest average amount of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 concentration of 79.9 micrograms per cubic metre. The report adds Dhaka as the second worst capital city. The level recorded is 15 times more than the WHO set limit. Minister for Environment, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, stated: “There can be no overnight fixes but now that we have identified the sources of the pollution, we have acknowledged the problem.” 

Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa
Israel: Airstrikes result in causalities
On 20 March, Al Jazeera reported that 23 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes which targeted local relief distribution workers near Gaza City’s Kuwait Roundabout. An Israeli bombing on a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza resulted in the death of at least 15 Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed that he made it “supremely clear” to Biden that Israel is “determined to complete the elimination” of the Hamas from Rafah. On the same day, an Israeli airstrike killed three Palestinians in the West Bank. 

Israel: Arrests in the West Bank
On 19 March, the Israeli military arrested three Palestinians in the West Bank. Separately, two men were arrested in the town of Azzun, and a man was arrested in the town of Kafr Thulth. On 18 March, the Israeli military arrested a man in the Jabal al-Sharif area of Hebron. Meanwhile, following an Israeli raid, Hamas targeted a bulldozer with an explosive device in the Balata camp, east of the city of Nablus.

Syria: Israeli strikes outside Damascus
On 19 March, according to the Syrian Ministry of Defence, Israel launched missiles at multiple targets outside the capital Damascus. The ministry stated: “Syrian air defences intercepted Israeli missiles and shot down some of them.” The ministry added that the strikes caused infrastructural damage. Meanwhile, two Syrian military sources asserted that the strikes hit the Hezbollah ammunitions near the northeast of Damascus.

Yemen: Houthi and US military attacks in the Red Sea
On 19 March, the Houthi rebels attacked a ship in the Red Sea and fired missiles against Israel defying the UNSC order to halt the attacks. Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, stated that they fired “anti-ship” missiles at a US ship, Mado, in the Red Sea, and at several locations in the Israeli city of Eilat. On 18 March, US Central Command, CENTCOM, stated that it destroyed seven anti-ship missiles and three drones in Yemen. The US military stated: “It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.” 

Nigeria: 87 people abducted in Kaduna
On 18 March, BBC Africa reported that at least 87 people were abducted in the Kajuru region of Kaduna state. The abductees included women and children. According to the residents, the gunmen were dressed like military personnel. The latest abduction adds to the series of abductions that happened the previous week. On 3 March, several Internally Displaced People (IDPs) were abducted by the bandits in the Borno state. On 7 March, bandits attacked a school and abducted 280 students in Kaduna state. On 10 March, 15 students were abducted from a boarding school in Sokoto state. The series of abductions has raised regional and international concern about the resurgence of ransom kidnappings in the country.

Niger: Suspends military cooperation with the US
On 17 March, Niger’s military spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane announced the suspension of the military agreement with the US which allowed the latter to install military bases to operate in Niger. This immediate call-off came after the recent US delegates' visit. Abdramane stated: “Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism.” During the visit, the US delegates warned Niger of its increasing ties with Iran and Russia.

Africa: Indian Navy rescues cargo vessels from pirates
On 16 March, the Indian Navy rescued a Maltese-flagged bulk carrier, MV Ruen, which was hijacked three months before. The merchant vessel was hijacked in December by the Somalian pirates with 17 crew members. According to the Navy, all the 35 pirates on board were forced to surrender and raided for the possession of illegal arms, ammunition and contraband. The hijacking of MV Ruen by Somali pirates in December marked their first successful operation since 2017. 

Europe and the Americas
Russia: Amnesty International criticises measures taken to suppress Ukrainian identity
On 18 March, Amnesty International reported on Russia’s measures in Crimea to suppress Ukrainian identity. The report centred around Russia’s efforts in the last ten years to delegitimise Ukraine’s sovereignty. It criticised Russia for imposing restrictions on Ukraine’s Crimean Tatar identities in education, religion, media and judicial system. As per the report: “Changes to the curriculum and the almost total eradication of Ukrainian language tuition are designed to ensure that younger generations will lack the knowledge and awareness to challenge the Russian narrative surrounding Crimea's history.” It found that such policies were used in altering the ethnic makeup. 

Russia: Peskov hints at creating a buffer zone 
On 18 March, the Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov, hinted at having a buffer zone between Russia and Ukraine as the only solution to protect Russia from Ukrainian attacks. Peskov claimed that the increasing attacks on the border impacted public facilities and residential buildings, and demanded a buffer zone. This is the first move from Russia towards a solution to the conflict amidst increased attacks in Belgorod and other neighbouring border zones.

Venezuela: Airspace to Argentina closed in response to plane “theft”
On 12 March, the Buenos Aires Times reported on Venezuela's decision to close its airspace to Argentina. This comes after Argentina handed over a Venezuelan cargo plane to the US. Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yvan Gil, stated that it would continue to block the airspace until compensated for the “theft” of the Venezuelan plane. He asserted: “Venezuela exerts full sovereignty of its airspace, and repeats that no aircraft, coming from or going to Argentina, may fly over our territory, until our company is duly compensated for the damage caused.” Argentina’s Presidential spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, responded: “The Argentine Republic has started diplomatic proceedings against the Venezuelan Government, headed by dictator Maduro, after its decision to prevent the use of airspace in that country by any Argentine aircraft.” In February, the US seized a Boeing 747 cargo plane owned by a subsidiary of Venezuelan state carrier Conviasa, which was sold to Venezuela by Iran.  

Cuba: Government protests US comments on demonstrations against food shortage and power blackouts
On 18 March, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered a note to the chargé d’affaires at the US diplomatic mission in Havana, Benjamin Ziff, protesting the comments by the US embassy. On 17 March, the state media El Necio reported that demonstrators took to the streets in Santiago “due to the long hours of power outages from lack of fuel and other situations arising from the current economic crisis.” An economic and energy crisis in the country has led to worsening blackouts, forcing hundreds of thousands to migrate. In response to the protest, the US embassy commented: “We urge the Cuban government to respect the human rights of the protesters and attend to the legitimate needs of the Cuban people.” Later, the Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, condemned the “disrespectful” comments which were an “open interference in Cuba’s domestic affairs.” He added: “It was also cynical, as we said publicly, and hypocritical because it was referring to issues that are occurring in Cuba in which there’s an import and responsibility from the US government.” 

Colombia: President suspends ceasefire with an armed group 
On 17 March, Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, suspended a ceasefire with the Estado Mayor Central armed group, claiming that the group violated the agreement by attacking an indigenous community. The government announced that from 20 March, it would resume military operations against the group. The group broke away from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia after signing a peace agreement in 2016. Indigenous leaders in Cauca reported that on 16 March an armed group attacked and injured at least three individuals. Petro stated that the organisation was “violating the ceasefire agreement,” and accused it of using peace talks as a pretext to “strengthen itself militarily.”

Canada: Increase in hate crime in Toronto following 7 October attack
On 18 March, Toronto police stated that the amount of anti-Muslim and antisemitic hate crimes has increased in Toronto due to the war in Gaza. According to Police Chief Myron Demkiw, hate crimes in 2024 rose by 93 per cent compared to 2023. 69 arrests and 173 charges relating to hate crimes have been made since the war began. Of the 84 hate crimes in 2024, 56 per cent were antisemitic. Additionally, there are cases of hate crimes carried out by anti-2SLGBTQI+, anti-Black, and anti-Muslim/Arab/Palestine communities.

The US: Austin to support Ukraine through assistance and planning
On 19 March, following the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, the US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, assured the continuity of aid to Ukraine and expressed the US’ determination to support it with necessary resources. In response to the delay in aid worth USD 60 billion in the Congress, he stated: “We were only able to support this much-needed package by identifying some unanticipated contract savings.” He mentioned that in total, the group had generated USD 88 billion as security assistance to Ukraine and would continue in two tracks. The first would be giving near-term support for the Ukrainian troops, and the second would be helping the Ukrainian leaders in planning their defence and deterrence. 

The US: Supreme Court blocks Texas migration bill 
On 18 March, the US Supreme Court issued an administrative stay, preventing Senate Bill 4 (SB4), a Texas immigration law that allows local and state police to arrest individuals illegally entering from Mexico. SB4 was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in December 2023. Abbott contended that SB4 is vital to reduce migrant crossings, and accused the Biden administration of not doing enough to secure the border. Since 2021, after Biden took office, at least 6.3 million migrants have illegally crossed into the US. 


This Week in History
"This Week in History" is a new column that examines historical events, consequences, legacies and their current relevance. We hope this column will provide an opportunity to build a young team that can analyze current events from a historical perspective and vice versa.

18 March 2014: Russia annexes Crimea
Rosemary Kurian
On 18 March 2014, Russia officially annexed Crimea, marking the beginning of its current conflict with Ukraine.

At the 21st century beginning, Ukraine had witnessed the Orange Revolution supporting the anti-Russian faction within the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament. This led to the victory of the anti-Russian Viktor Yushchenko as President of Ukraine. In 2010, Viktor Yanukovych returned to power as the new President. In Crimea, the predominantly Russian population supported Yanukovych and his pro-Russian Party of Regions. His return to presidency was favourable to the Russian control in Crimea. He extended Russia’s lease on the Sevastopol Port till 2042, which allowed Russia to bring around 25,000 troops to Sevastopol, the largest city in Crimea and a key port in the Black Sea. It also served as the headquarters of Ukraine’s Navy until 2014. In early 2014, after several months of protests, Yanukovych fled from Ukraine, following which several Russian troops with no determining insignia seized several government buildings, including that of the parliament. In March 2014, Russian troops were sent to Crimea, to protect the ethnic Russian population and subsequently Russia gained de facto control over Crimea. 

On 16 March 2014, a referendum was held in Crimea on whether the population would like to accede to Russia. In what was noted as an illegal referendum with predetermined results, the results favoured Russia with an overwhelming 97 per cent, which was not recognised by Ukraine and most of the West. On 18 March, Putin signed a treaty officially incorporating Crimea into Russia, which has largely failed to gain global legitimacy and recognition. Under international law, Russia was bestowed the designation of an “occupying power” due to its annexation of Crimea. 

The Crimean annexation prompted increased separatist movements in the Donbass region, with Luhansk and Donetsk declaring allegiance to Russia, a precursor to the current war in Ukraine. To Russia, the actions in Ukraine since 2014 are the former’s efforts to prevent Ukraine’s ties with NATO or the EU, both of which Russia sees as threats to its sphere of influence. In 2018, Russia inaugurated the Kerch Strait bridge which created a direct access link from Russia to Crimea, and its 12 mile span makes it the longest bridge in Europe. While the west condemned the construction, to Russia, the bridge was a mark of power over Ukraine and increase in naval influence. Russian naval ships routinely blocked vessels’ access to Ukrainian ports through the Sea of Azov. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the bridge became a key supply route for weapons to Ukrainian regions with Russian influence. Ukraine has had two attempts at destroying parts of the bridge, in which it took great pride and a massive morale boost during the war. All efforts at resolution have been halted with the question of Crimea as both parties claim it, and like Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, said, the war began with Crimea, and it will end with Crimea. 


17 March 1992: The end of Apartheid in South Africa
Karthik Manoharan

On 17 March 1992, in a landmark referendum, South Africa voted to end apartheid, with 68.7 per cent voting to end racism and minority white rule as a result of a long and arduous struggle against racial segregation. President FW de Klerk declared, "Today, we have closed the book on apartheid." In South Africa, apartheid laws were implemented in the 1850s, beginning with the Masters and Servants Acts of 1856. These laws were applied in four different territories and criminalized the breach of employment contracts. However, it became evident that the laws were primarily enforced against unskilled black workers, although they were technically applicable to all citizens. This discrimination continued with the Mines and Works Act of 1911, which limited the participation of black individuals in numerous skilled mining occupations.

Having gained independence in 1910, South Africa experienced the implementation of laws that aimed to subjugate the black majority and grant unprecedented power to the white minority. The passage of the Natives Land Act in 1913 further worsened the situation by restricting the acquisition and use of land by black Africans to a mere 7 per cent, confining them to reserves. In response to the Natives Land Act, the African National Congress (ANC), originally known as the South African Native National Congress, was formed to fight against discriminatory policies. However, geopolitical conditions, including the impact of world wars and economic depression, exacerbated racial segregation and strengthened apartheid.

As resistance against apartheid grew, demonstrations evolved from non-violent to armed means. The Sharpeville massacre in 1960 was a turning point, where unarmed black protesters were met with violent police retaliation, resulting in the deaths of over 60 people and injuring hundreds. The incident garnered international condemnation and heightened the willingness of anti-apartheid activists to turn to armed struggle. Nelson Mandela, among other leaders, was arrested and imprisoned during this period.

International pressure and economic sanctions eventually forced President FW de Klerk to begin dismantling apartheid. The repeal of the Population Registration Act in 1989 and the subsequent release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 signalled a gradual shift towards dismantling apartheid policies. 

In his inaugural address as President of the State on February 2, 1990, FW de Klerk implemented various reforms and initiated the path towards a democratic South Africa. To gauge white support for dismantling apartheid, a referendum was proposed. The 1992 referendum, although restricted to white South Africans, delivered a strong majority vote of 68.7 per cent in favour of abolishing apartheid, with 31.2 per cent opposed. In 1994, South Africa held its first free and fair elections, making Nelson Mandela the country's first black President. This marked a significant milestone in the nation's history, solidifying the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy and equality.


Newsmakers This Week
Femy Francis, Shamini Velayutham and Anu Maria Joseph

Hong Kong’s Article 23
On 19 March, the Hong Kong Legislative Council approved Article 23 of the Safeguarding National Security Law. The provision is an extension of the 2020 National Security Law passed by the pro-Chinese authorities. 

Article 23 gives the legislature and the police force more power and purview to subjugate dissent and quash pro-democratic movements in the country. It extends the power to legislate against opposition by increasing the ambit of what the law consists of and who can be charged. Under the law, the authorities can probe anyone who takes part in secessionism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces and actors. Additionally, they have increased the severity of punitive actions taken by the authorities if found guilty, with most leading to increased prison time or life imprisonment. 

The Chief Executive and leader of Hong Kong John Lee supported the law and said: “Today is a historic moment for Hong Kong.” Lee added that the law is necessary to safeguard Hong Kong from “potential sabotage and undercurrents that try to create troubles,” particularly "ideas of an independent Hong Kong.” The approval garnered international decry. Amnesty International’s China director Sarah Brook said: “The passing of this law sends the clearest message yet that the Hong Kong authorities’ hunger to accommodate Beijing will outstrip any past commitments on human rights.” The US Congressional-Executive Commission expressed its concerns over the effects on US firms and businesses in Hong Kong and the curtailed freedom of Hong Kong citizens.

The Houthis
On 21 March, Bloomberg reported on a deal between the Yemeni Houthi rebels, Russia and China. The rebel group told China and Russia that their ships could freely sail in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, without being attacked. This understanding was reached between the Chinese, and Russian diplomats and the Houthi top leadership. In return, the rebel group demanded political support in the global arena, including at the UNSC. The discussion did not specify how this support would work; however, the deal aims to block provisions against the rebel group by the international actors, says Bloomberg. For Russia and China, the deal would be a reassurance from Houthis in terms of misidentification and attacks.

ISIS-K in Afghanistan
On 21 March, according to the New York Times, a suicide bombing in Kandahar city in Afghanistan killed 20 people and injured several members of the Taliban. Kandahar is home to the Taliban’s top leader, Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the birthplace of the Taliban movement. According to Taliban officials, the militant vehicle exploded in front of the New Kabul Bank. The Taliban officials refuted the death tolls and claimed that only three people were killed. The Taliban officials at the Ministry of Interior asserted that the Islamic State-Khorasan, or ISIS-K is suspected to have carried out the attack. However, in its Telegram channel, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant ISIL (ISIS) group took ownership. The Ministry of Interior Affairs of Afghanistan stated: “The government condemns this attack and assures people that the perpetrators of this attack will be identified, arrested and handed over to judicial centres as soon as possible.”

Sudan's Hunger Crisis
On 20 March, a UNSC press release warned that the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is causing a hunger crisis which is evolving into a famine. Director of Operations and Advocacy in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Edem Wosornu, stated: “Sudan is one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory and on course to become the world’s worst hunger crisis.” He added: “A humanitarian travesty is playing out in Sudan under a veil of international inattention and inaction.” The UN estimates that 222,000 children could die of malnutrition in the coming months. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 28 million people- 18 million in Sudan, seven million in South Sudan and three million in Chad face acute food insecurity. Besides, efforts to reach out to the population are being challenged by violence and interference from the warring parties.


About the authors
Padmashree Anandhan and Anu Maria Joseph are Research Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Dhriti Mukherjee, Akhil Ajith and Shamini Velayutham are Research Assistants at NIAS. Vetriselvi Baskaran, Navinan GV, and Narmatha S are Postgraduate Students at the University of Madras. Nuha Aamina is an Undergraduate Student at St Joseph’s College, Bangalore.

Karthik Manoharan is a PhD Scholar at the Department of History, Loyola College, Chennai. Rosemary Kurian is an undergraduate student at St Joseph’s University, Bangalore. She is currently part of the NIAS Area Studies team on Europe.


PREVIOUS COMMENTS

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 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
June 2026 | CWA # 2193

Aparna A Nair

75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, CPEC expansion and Middle East mediation
July 2026 | CWA # 2186

Lekshmi MK

NATO Summit 2026:
Four takeaways on Alliance unity, Defence commitments, and Support for Ukraine
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 # 2172

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran negotiations:
Tenuous Ceasefire, Renewed Threats and the Contest over the Strait of Hormuz 
June 2026 | CWA # 2169

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (Apr-Jun 2026):
Growing External Engagement, Enduring Internal Constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2168

Adarsh Vijay

High-Level Visits, Sideline Diplomacy and Upgrading Ties
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 # 2157

Global Politics Team

The G7 Summit 2026
President Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit I Myanmar President’s China visit
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 # 2145

Glynnis Winona B

Myanmar and Press Freedom:
Four Takeaways on Legal repression, Institutional collapse, Violence, and Digital control 
June 2026 | CWA # 2144

Nithin V

Bangladesh and Press Freedom:
Four Takeaways on Digital security laws, Political polarisation, Journalist safety, and Media vulnerability 
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 # 2139

Siddhi Halyur

Afghanistan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on political control, religious restrictions and economic vulnerabilities 
June 2026 | CWA # 2138

Siddhi Halyur

Nepal and Press Freedom:
Three takeaways on Political constraints, Missing legal protection and Funding issues
June 2026 | CWA # 2136

Acsah H

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:
Does this leave Jeff Bezos grounded, Elon Musk unchallenged, and NASA’s lunar timeline in jeopardy?
June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:
New Deal amidst Israeli incursion and Hezbollah’s retaliation
June 2026 | CWA # 2130

Akshath Kaimal

The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal: 
Why did the Permanent Court of Arbitration reject Rwanda’s claims? What was Rwanda’s complaint? Why did the UK cancel the deal?
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 # 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 # 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 # 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 # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Global Politics Team

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

Nithin V

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

Siddhi Halyur

Exploring Strategic Sectors of Cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Glynnis Winona B

Growing US-Europe differences and Challenges for Berlin
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Akshath Kaimal

Escalating Violence in Mali:
Between Ethnic Insurgencies, Jihadist Attacks, and Military Coups
April 2026 | CWA # 2080

Global Politics Team

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

From Post-War Pacifism to Strategic Recalibration and Autonomy
April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Anu Maria Joseph

Three Years of War in Sudan
Prolonged Stalemate, Humanitarian Cost, External Interventions and Regional Fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2070

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War I Conflicts in Africa I The War in Ukraine I China-Japan Tensions I Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes
April 2026 | CWA # 2069

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Femy Francis 

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

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
Continuing Conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan and DR Congo, Security issues in Nigeria, and Political Instability in Madagascar
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

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

Adarsh Vijay

April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Ashik J Bonofer

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
April 2026 | CWA # 2054

Amrita Jash

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

Anand V

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

Shreya Upadhyay

April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Global Politics Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Femy Francis

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Global Politics Team

February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Abhimanyu Solanki

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
November 2025 | CWA # 1967

R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

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

Global Politics Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Global Politics Team

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Global Politics Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

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

Femy Francis

China Reader
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

R Preetha

June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

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

M Kejia 

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

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

IPRI Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta