Remembering the Rwandan Genocide and Martin Luther King

CWA # 1268

Conflict Weekly

Remembering the Rwandan Genocide and Martin Luther King

IPRI Team
5 April 2024

Photo Source: Jeremiah Kamau, Reuters

Conflict Weekly #222, 4 April 2024, Vol.5, No.14
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Anu Maria Joseph and Ramya B

30 years after the Rwandan Genocide
Anu Maria Joseph

In the news
On 7 April, it would be 30 years of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, a massacre of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus by the ethnic Hutus over 100 days. On the day, Rwandan President Paul Kagame will light a remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The UN and the African Union (AU) would additionally join the commemoration. On 2 April, remembering the genocide, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated: “This year, we remind ourselves of genocide’s rancid root: hate. To those who would seek to divide us, we must deliver a clear, unequivocal and urgent message: never again.”

On 4 April, French President Emmanuel Macron, in a video message which is to be released on 7 April, stated: “France, which could have stopped the genocide with its western and African allies, did not have the will.”

Issues at large
First, a brief historical note on the genocide. In 1994, on 6 April, a day before the massacre began, a plane carrying Rwanda's Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana was shot down, killing everyone on board. The extremists within the Hutus blamed the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF); the latter is a Tutsi-led rebel group which fought the Rwandan government during 1990-1993. Subsequently, the Hutu extremists began a slaughter campaign against the ethnic Tutsis. Neighbours and families killed each other using machetes and small arms. Tutsi women and girls were raped and kept as sex slaves; more than 15,000 women and girls were raped. The youth wing of the governing MRND party, Interahamwe, was converted into a militia to carry out the massacre. Through radios and newspapers, the Hutus spread the genocide propaganda under the phrase "weed out the cockroaches." The slaughter ended on 4 July 1994; the RPF with the support of the Ugandan army marched into the capital Kigali. Nearly two million Hutus fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo fearing revenge attacks.

Second, the limited international response. It was too late and when it happened it was too little. The UN Mission to Rwanda (UNAMIR) was deployed in October 1993 with a limited mandate to implement the Arusha Agreement; the agreement signed in August 1993, between the RPF and the Rwandan government, ended the conflict. The mission did little during the genocide and withdrew soon after the outbreak. Later, in November 1994, the UNSC established the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha (in Tanzania) to prosecute the perpetrators. The Tribunal has indicted 93 people responsible for the genocide. In 1999, the UN acknowledged its failure in stopping the genocide. Outside the UN, there was little interest among the other big countries. The US, after its troops were killed in Somalia in 1993, was not interested in getting involved in another African conflict. France, an ally of the Hutu government, (France supported the Hutu-led government under Habyarimana who was fighting against the Tutsi-led RPF militia since 1990) evacuated its citizens and was accused of not doing enough to stop the violence. It was only in 2021, after 27 years, that French President Emmanuel Macron, for the first time, acknowledged its "overwhelming responsibility" for the genocide.

Third, the generational trauma and a neverending post-genocide reconstruction. Two-thirds of the Rwandan population today are born after the genocide. Gacaca, a system of community courts within Rwanda was set up to achieve truth, justice and reconciliation. The gacaca courts adjudicated over 1.2 million cases. At present, Rwandan society does not talk about ethnicity anymore. The historic ethnic division between the Tutsi, Hutus and Twa is replaced by Ndi Umunyarwanda, meaning "I am Rwandan." Ndi Umunyarwanda has been a successful post-genocide social reconstruction to move on from the past, at least for the young generation. However, fear of a resurgence of ethnic tensions exists among the old generation. A wave of violence has been ongoing in eastern DRC bordering Rwanda with the involvement of several militant groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation Rwanda (DFLR). DFLR is known to be the perpetrators of the genocide. Many fear that the extreme ideologies of the DFLR could surpass the progress made by the Ndi Umunyarwanda.

Fourth, lessons learned and not learned from the Rwandan genocide. The first UN initiative to prevent another genocide was the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) in 2005. According to the R2P, all countries have the responsibility to protect people from genocide crimes by force, if required, with the authorisation of the UNSC. However, R2P is criticised for its non-binding character. The R2P was first tried in Libya in 2011 against the Gadaffi regime. Although the foreign intervention prevented genocide, the fall of Gadaffi and the subsequent civil war put the Western intentions behind the interventions under scrutiny. Now, the West is indifferent to intervention, especially in Africa. In 2020, an ethnic conflict broke out in Ethiopia's Tigray region between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian federal forces. The conflict killed more than 600,000 people. The international community remained silent while the violence continued. The situation repeated today in the Sudanese civil war and the war in Gaza.

In perspective
The international community consider the Rwandan genocide of 1994 as a lesson that gathered a collective conscience against 'genocide.' 30 years into truth, justice and reconciliation, Rwanda is on the right path towards social reconstruction. However, concerns about resurging ethnic tension do persist. Meanwhile, the international community continue to discuss how an early action could have prevented the genocide.

Although "never again" is a common narrative, collective mechanisms and actions to prevent genocides are a few. Moreover, countries waver to acknowledge the "g-word" which comes with a baggage of responsibilities. Countries settle for conflicts in Africa as low-intensity conflict leaving it to humanitarian agencies. After Rwanda, Darfur in Sudan, Rohingyas in Myanmar and Tigrayans in Ethiopia all were genocide victims which the international community failed to acknowledge and prevent. Until addressing the causes is prioritised above the consequences, "responsibility to protect (R2P)" would remain aspirational and "never again" would end up "yet again."

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

4 April 1968: Martin Luther King Jr assassinated
Ramya B

On 4 April 1968, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, at the age of 39, was assassinated by a sniper attack. James Earl Ray, who reportedly fled after the attack, was captured in the United Kingdom and was convicted in 1969 after entering a guilty plea. The US Attorney General Janet Reno ordered a new investigation on 26 August 1998 due to sustained complaints of a conspiracy; the Department of Justice released a 150-page report in 2000, rejecting allegations that there was a conspiracy to assassinate King.

The Rise of Martin Luther King
King was the foremost civil rights leader and an inspirational activist who stood for the core values of equality, nonviolence, and human rights for all Americans in the aftermath of the Second World War and the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reminding the world of the significance of securing universal voting rights and the abolition of segregation laws (separate but equal) of all forms. He stood faithful to his ideology of non-violent protests even when faced with the repeated occurrences of white supremacists, including an attack on his home in January 1957 and a stabbing injury in September 1958. He remarked: "The experience of these last few days has deepened my faith in the relevance of the spirit of nonviolence and peaceful social change."

Born into an educated African American family in 1929 with two generations of inspirational men and pastors, he graduated in law and medicine. He was a theologian and pastor who completed his doctorate in 1955. He had all available opportunities to lead a peaceful family life with his wife, children, and community but chose to become the champion of the vulnerable section of the USA.

Rosa Parks, secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), of which Martin Luther King was an active member, was jailed in 1955 after refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery. Martin Luther King Jr became famous for coordinating a peaceful bus boycott in the deeply segregated city for 382 days. The Supreme Court of the US declared segregation in buses unconstitutional in 1956. Montgomery became an inspiration for the nationwide civil rights movement, and King Junior became a national trailblazer.

"I have a Dream": The legacy of Martin Lurher King Jr
After establishing the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, which aimed to provide educational opportunities for African Americans, Dr King journeyed more than six million miles and gave more than 1,500 speeches. He organized voter registration drives and represented the disadvantaged wherever an injustice, protest, or action was needed, including a massive protest in Birmingham, Alabama, one of America's most racially divided cities. His famous speech 'I have a dream' was delivered at one of Washington, DC's largest civil rights gatherings, and was listened to by 2.5 million people in 1963.

His leadership and civil rights movement resulted in US President Lyndon B Johnson passing the Civil Rights Act on 2 July 1964. The Civil Rights Act prohibited racial discrimination in employment and education and outlawed racial segregation in public places. Furthermore, the bill established a solid foundation for several other pieces of legislation—including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which set strict rules for protecting the right of African Americans to vote—that have since been utilized to uphold equal rights for women and all minorities. He spent time in India studying Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and applying them to the American civil rights movement after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

King's contributions to the civil rights struggle altered the global perception of African Americans.

King came to represent change and optimism for rising against repression and speaking out against racial injustices in the face of violence, verbal abuse, and ridicule. He continues to remain an inspiration today through the words of his books and articles, including the well-known "Letter from Birmingham Jail," denouncing the abuses African Americans were subjected to at the time with a clarion call, "Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere."

Today, we remember King as a legend who championed international human rights and fought for the equality and liberties of African Americans.

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Akriti Sharma, Akhil Ajith, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Padmashree Anandhan, Dhriti Mukherjee, Shamini Velayutham, and Nuha Aamina

East and Southeast Asia
China: 30 locations renamed to assert claims over Arunachal Pradesh
On 30 March, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs renamed 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh to assert its claims to what it calls as Zangnan region, a part of the Tibet autonomous region. 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass, and a piece of land were renamed to Mandarin Chinese. The ministry additionally released a latitude and longitude and a high-resolution map. The ministry stated: “In accordance with the relevant provisions of the State Council [China’s cabinet] on the management of geographical names, we in conjunction with the relevant departments have standardised some of the geographical names in Zangnan of China.” The renaming came a week after Beijing protested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the Sela Tunnel. India has repeatedly rejected Chinese claims. The previous week, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated: “China may repeat its baseless claims as many times as they want. That is not going to change the position. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”

China: Warns against stringent sanctions on North Korea
On 28 March, Chinese Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, warned of further sanctions against North Korea. His remarks came after the UNSC voted on a draft resolution that extends the mandate of the panel of experts assisting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee. Geng stated that increasing sanctions would be counterproductive, and any military alliances would exacerbate tensions in the Korean Peninsula. He called on all parties to adopt a rational and pragmatic approach to a political settlement. Geng commented that the sanctions should serve to denuclearize the Korean peninsula.

Taiwan: 7.4 magnitude earthquake kills seven
On 1 April, Taiwan was hit by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude killing at least seven people and injuring more than 700. This is the largest earthquake Taiwan has experienced in the past 25 years. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake hit south of the city of Hualien at a depth of 34.8 kilometres. A series of warnings were issued in the southern part of Japan and the Philippines.

North Korea: Tests mid-to-long-range solid fuel-based hypersonic missiles
On 2 April, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea successfully tested its mid-to-long-range solid fuel-based hypersonic missiles. The launch was overseen by North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, who stated that the test showcases the “absolute superiority” of the country in defence technology. Kim stated that North Korea has “fully turned all tactical, operational, and strategic-grade missiles of different ranges into solid-fuel, with warhead control, and capable of nuclearization.” The hypersonic capabilities are a strategic boost to North Korea as they are hard to intercept.

North Korea: Russia vetoes UN resolution on sanctions monitoring panel
On 29 March, Russia vetoed the UN resolution aimed at renewing the expert panel which monitors the sanctions imposed on North Korea for nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated: “It is obvious to us that the UN Security Council can no longer use old templates in relation to the problems of the Korean Peninsula. The United States and its allies have clearly demonstrated that their interest does not extend beyond the task of ‘strangling’ the DPRK by all available means, and a peaceful settlement is not on the agenda at all.” The US Department of State responded that the Russian veto undermines international peace and security. It stated: “Russia alone will own the outcome of this veto: a DPRK more emboldened to reckless behaviour and destabilizing provocations, as well as reduced prospects for an enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

Myanmar: China carries out military exercises along the border
On 2 April, the Irrawaddy reported that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would carry out a military exercise on 2-3 April, along the borders of the Kachin state. China’s Southern Theatre Command spokesperson, Tian Junli, stated that the drill would “test rapid manoeuvres” and “safeguard national sovereignty, border stability, people’s lives and property.” On 1 April, China’s special envoy to Myanmar, Deng Xijun, and Myanmar’s Prime Minister, Min Aung Hlaing, engaged in a bilateral dialogue. They discussed the need for cooperation to tackle issues such as “drug trafficking, online gambling, fraud and border trade.”

Myanmar: Junta attack on monastery kills eight civilians
On 2 April, the Irrawaddy reported that the Myanmar junta bombed the Myoma Shwe Kyang monastery in Papua town, in the Karen state on 31 March. The attack killed eight civilians. The attack came after the resistance forces captured a junta battalion and an armoury on 30 March. On 1 April, the Irrawaddy reported that the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 5 seized the Junta’s Infantry Battalion 19 and its Armory 642 in Karen state’s Papun town on 30 March. A member of the KNU Brigade 5 stated that the junta’s Y-12 aircraft “has been bombing [Papun] since March 19 … day and night. A bombing raid lasts for three to four hours.” While KNU carried out its operation in Papun, residents were evacuated to safety at a Buddhist monastery and later moved to Ka Ma Maung town.

South Asia
Pakistan: Chinese hydropower project halted
On 29 March, the Economic Times reported that the Chinese company, Power Construction Corporation of China (PCCC), halted its activities following the suicide attack which killed five Chinese nationals at the Dasu hydropower project in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. On 26 March, a vehicle with explosives hit a bus carrying six people. It was the second suicide attack on individuals working on China-backed projects in the region since 2021. PCCC has been supervising the construction of the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project. It suspended the operations and laid off 2,000 workers due to security concerns. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has ordered a joint investigation and ensured the safety of Chinese citizens working on projects across the country.

India: Maoist camps busted in Chhattisgarh
On 31 March, the Hindu reported that police from the Maharashtra state busted a Maoist camp bordering the Chhattisgarh state and seized materials including corded wire, detonators, and literature on Naxalism. Anti-naxal operations were launched and the camp was demolished. Subsequently, clashes occurred between the security personnel and Maoists. The Hindu quoted the police: “Sensing mounting pressure and taking cover of darkness, Naxals fled from the firing spot.”

India: Meiteis demand for deferring the elections in Manipur
On 3 April, the Hindu reported that the Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), a Meitei civil society organisation in Delhi, wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the Chief Justice of India (CJI), seeking the postponement of the Lok Sabha election in Manipur due to the unrest and “abnormal” situation in the state. The elections are scheduled for 19 and 26 April. The organisation stated: “It clearly indicates that these attacks by Kuki militants on Meetei are politically motivated attacks under the protection of a policy called ‘Suspension of Operation (SoO)’ between 24 Kuki militants and the Government of India. As the election has brought relative peace in Manipur, the postponement of the LS election is a prerequisite.”

Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa
Syria: Israel targets Iranian consulate
On 1 April, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus killing two Iranian generals and five officers. Iran and Syria condemned the attack. Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Faisal Mekdad, said that the “heinous terrorist attack” killed innocent people. He stated: “We strongly condemn this atrocious terrorist attack that targeted the Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed innocents.” Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, called the strike a “violation of all international obligations and conventions and blamed the consequences of this action on the Zionist regime.” The Iranian militant group, Hezbollah, stated: “This crime will not pass without the enemy receiving punishment and revenge.” On 3 April, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council met to decide on a “required response” to the strike. At the council meeting, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: “We will make them regretful about the crime and similar acts.”

Yemen: US intercepts Houthi drones in the Red Sea
On 31 March, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its forces destroyed two drones targeting Yemen and the Red Sea. The drones targeted naval ships of US allies and international commercial vessels. Referring to the recent confrontation with Houthi rebels, CENTCON stated: “These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition, and merchant vessels.”

Somalia: Ethiopian ambassador expelled
On 4 April, Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador to the country and ordered the closure of the two consulates. It additionally recalled the ambassador to Ethiopia. The expulsion came after a rise in tensions between the two following Ethiopia’s port deal with self-declared Somaliland in January. Somalia considers Somaliland as part of its territory and accused Ethiopia of infringing on its “sovereignty and internal affairs.” Somalia described the deal as an act of “aggression” and an "impediment to… peace and stability.”

Ethiopia: Federal forces carry out war crimes in Amhara, says HRW
On 4 April, Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Ethiopian federal forces of summarily executing civilians and committing war crimes in the Amhara region. It called on the UN for an independent investigation. Deputy Africa director at HRW, Laetitia Bader, stated: “Civilians are once again bearing the brunt of an abusive army operating with impunity. The Ethiopian armed forces’ brutal killings of civilians in Amhara undercut government claims that it’s trying to bring law and order to the region.” Additionally, it called on the AU to suspend Ethiopia’s participation in the peacekeeping missions until “commanders responsible for grave abuses are held accountable.”

Uganda: Constitutional Court rejects appeal against anti-LGBTQ law
On 3 April, Uganda’s Constitutional Court rejected an appeal seeking to annul the anti-LGBTQ law. The court ruled that a few sections of the law were “inconsistent with the right to health, privacy and freedom of religion,” but, did not suspend the law. Uganda’s deputy chief justice and head of the court, Richard Buteera, stated: “We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement.” Uganda-based Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum committed that the decision “unfortunately will fuel human rights violations” against the LGBTQ community in the country. Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 imposes a lifetime in prison for same-sex relations and describes “aggravated homosexuality” as an offence punishable by death.

Zimbabwe: National disaster announced amidst severe drought
On 3 April, Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national disaster amidst the prolonged drought. Mnangagwa stated that the country requires USD two billion to address the hunger crisis induced by the drought. According to BBC, nearly 2.7 million people in the country face hunger. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 13.6 million people are experiencing crisis-level food insecurity across the region.

Togo: Delay in elections amidst constitutional reform
On 4 April, BBC reported on Togo announcing the delay in the parliamentary and regional elections over the controversial constitutional reform. According to the reform which was approved the previous week, the country replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one. The opposition parties rejected the reform citing that it would let President Faure Gnassingbé stay in power. On 3 April, the presidential office announced the postponement of the elections which were initially scheduled for 20 April. The election delay was announced after President Gnassingbé returned the bill for a second reading amidst widespread criticism.

Europe and the Americas
Cyprus: Syrian immigrants enter through the southeastern coast
On 1 April, Xinhua that an estimated 500 Syrian immigrants in seven small boats reached the southeastern coast of Cyprus in a day. Rescue operations were initiated amidst overcrowded vessels. The vessels are expected to have originated from Lebanon, which is 200 kilometres from Cyprus. This is the second similar exodus since 13 January. Cyprus Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, raised concern over the influx of Syrians due to the high number of hostilities in Gaza. He urged the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the Frontex, to intercept the entry of illegal immigrants.

Belarus: Defence ministry conducts three-day military drill
On 2 April, Deutsche Welle reported that Belarus conducted a three-day military drill on its border near Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland. The exercises were held in the Gomel and Grodno regions in Belarus to train territorial defence troops. Belarusian Ministry of Defence stated: "A command and staff exercise is being conducted with the 336th reactive artillery brigade as part of the build-up of the combat readiness check of formations and military units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.” The development came a week after Lithuania, Baltic EU and NATO protested the statements made by Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko. He hinted at a possible military attack against Poland or Lithuania if necessary.

Ukraine: Zelensky commemorates two years of the liberation of Bucha
On 31 March, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, commemorated the second anniversary of the liberation of Bucha. At a flag-raising ceremony at the Memorial to the Defenders of the Bucha Community, Zelensky stated: “...this is a war to prevent anyone from daring to become a beast towards others.” The suburb of Bucha near Kyiv was occupied by Russia soon after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022; however, a mid-March Ukrainian counterattack liberated the suburb. Following the liberation, mass graves and remnants of Russian war crimes were found. Later, Bucha was referred to as a symbol of atrocities committed by Russia. According to the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General, 1,400 civilians were killed in Bucha.

Russia: Attack on Ukraine's energy infrastucture
On 31 March, according to Sputnik, Russia attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the gas industry using long-range precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Russian Ministry of Defence announced that the strike had disrupted “enterprises of the defence industry on the production and repair of weapons, military equipment and ammunition” in Ukraine, hitting all targets.

Haiti: More than 50,000 civilians flee Port-au-Prince, says UN
On 2 April, the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 53,000 people fled Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince between 8 and 27 March due to a surge in gang violence. It stated: “It should be emphasized that [these] provinces do not have sufficient infrastructure and host communities do not have sufficient resources that can enable them to cope with these massive displacement flows coming from the capital.” In Port-au-Prince, gangs were attacking businesses, torching pharmacies, and vandalising schools. Armed men stormed the State University of Haiti (HUEH) hospital, which was shut down in March due to violence and was set to reopen on 1 April. As armed men converted the hospital into their command centre, the reopening is likely to be delayed. Access to healthcare is being restricted while gangs control the roads, making the transportation of medical supplies difficult.

Mexico: Eight Chinese migrants found dead on Oaxaca beach
On 29 March, the bodies of eight Chinese migrants were found on a beach in the Oaxaca state after their boat capsized. Seven women and a man were on the boat that set off from the Chiapas state trying to reach the US. According to the prosecutor’s office in Oaxaca, an investigation is underway alongside efforts to coordinate with the Chinese embassy in Mexico to identify the victims.

Ecuador: 14 people arrested for organised crime
On 3 April, Ecuador’s attorney general stated that as part of an investigation into organised crime in the country, 14 people, including judges, lawyers, and police who helped dangerous criminals walk free, were arrested. Several detained individuals are additionally accused of ‘Metastasis’ corruption and organised crime. Recently, drug trafficking has led to a spike in violence and crime in the country.

The US: Biden expresses outrage over killing of aid workers in Gaza
On 2 April, US President Joe Biden asserted that he was “outraged and heartbroken” by Israel’s killing of seven aid workers in Gaza. He accused Israel of not taking sufficient measures to protect civilians, which “has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed.” He added: “This is a major reason why distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza has been so difficult – because Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians.” Describing the deceased workers as “brave and selfless,” Biden claimed that such incidents should “simply not happen,” and that the US “has repeatedly urged Israel to deconflict their military operations against Hamas with humanitarian operations, in order to avoid civilian casualties.” He assured that the US would continue to “deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians” and “press Israel to do more to facilitate that aid.”

Newsmakers This Week
Padmashree Anandhan, Ken B Varghese and Bishwarupa Kar

75 Years of NATO
On 4 April, NATO turns 75, becoming the oldest military alliance. Established in 1949, beginning with 12 members and expanding to 32, NATO stands sturdy for countries wanting to be part of the alliance. The first round of NATO expansion began on 25 March 1999, toward the east with Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland. Since then, it continued to spread through the Baltic, and Eastern Europe (2004: Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) to northern Europe (2023 & 2024: Finland and Sweden). The expansion was accompanied by the degradation of its relations with Russia through the collapse of the NATO-Russia Council in 2002 and the trigger for the war in Ukraine. The military organisation which pledged not to expand further during the German reunification in 1990 continued to include more members. The question of its continued existence and leadership has never been as significant since the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Article 5, the critical part of the NATO treaty, considers an attack on any NATO member as an attack on all. This was triggered once until now in 2001 when the 9/11 attacks took place in the US. Since then NATO’s intervention has been concentrated in Afghanistan, Libya and multiple military exercises with the alliance members. After the Crimean annexation followed by the war in Ukraine, NATO’s landscape and scope shifted inward to protect its members. The war has triggered chaos over the US leadership, giving a wake-up call for the organisation to boost its arsenal capacity and to look beyond the US support.

On 3 April, during the meeting with the NATO foreign ministers, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, proposed a new approach toward aiding Ukraine. During a foreign ministers meeting ahead of the NATO 75th anniversary, Stoltenberg pitched an idea of funding EUR 100 billion as military aid to Ukraine over five years to shift more responsibility on NATO to gather support. He stated: “We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul…so that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments. Less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges.” The statement came as the US delayed the USD 60 billion military aid to Ukraine. Besides, ministers from Poland and Germany expressed support for the long-term support and the proposal.

World Central Kitchen
On 2 April 2024, a series of airstrikes by Israel, killed seven aid workers of the World Central Kitchen, an international charity, working in Gaza. The attack resulted in WCK and multiple other charities suspending their aid activities.

The WCK is a US-based, non-governmental organization, that has worked in other places (for example in Haiti) providing emergency food aid for survivors.

With food scarcity and malnutrition rising, international experts have warned that some 30 per cent of Gaza's population is already facing "catastrophic" levels of hunger and that northern Gaza could officially see famine anytime between now and May.

Earthquake in Taiwan
On 3 April 2024, Taiwan was hit by an earthquake of 7.5 magnitude, the strongest in 25 years. The epicenter was found to be in Hualien County which has a population of 300,000. The quake damaged both infrastructure and lives; so far, 10 have been reported to be dead, 650 injured, and 42 missing.

Taiwan is well accustomed to earthquakes, therefore, it already has an efficient disaster management mechanism.

Constitutional Court in Uganda approves the anti-homosexuality legislation
On 3 April 2024, the Ugandan Constitutional Court approved the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. The court ruled that a few sections of the law were “inconsistent with the right to health, privacy and freedom of religion,” but, did not suspend the law. The act imposes a lifetime in prison for same-sex relations and describes “aggravated homosexuality” as an offence punishable by death. The international community describes the Act as the most brutal existing anti-homosexuality law. This comes against a backdrop of existing political and religious unacceptance of homosexuality within the country. Ugandan academics, human rights activists, lawyers, journalists, legislators and religious leaders appealed against the law in December 2023 arguing that it violates fundamental rights including the right to privacy and freedom from discrimination. The anti-homosexuality act in Uganda adds to the recent wave of increasing anti-LGBTQ sentiments across Africa.

About the authors

Ramya B is an Associate Professor at the Department of History, Kristu Jayanti College. Akriti Sharma is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan and Anu Maria Joseph are Research Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Dhriti Mukherjee, Akhil Ajith and Shamini Velayutham are Research Assistants at NIAS. Nuha Aamina is a Undergraduate Student at St Joseph’s University, Bangalore. Ken B Varghese is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Political Science at Madras Christian College, Chennai. Bishwarupa Kar is pursuing Masters in Politics and International Relations at Pondicherry University.

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June 2026 | CWA # 2133

NIAS Global Politics Team

Israel-Lebanon Tensions and a New Deal I The US-Iran War, Week Fourteen

Conflicts in Africa I The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2132

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Fourteen:

Intensifying Domestic Pressure and the Lebanon Question

CW Note

June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:

New Deal amidst Israeli incursion and Hezbollahâ€™s retaliation

CW Explainer

June 2026 | CWA # 2130

Akshath Kaimal

The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal:Â

Why did the Permanent Court of Arbitration reject Rwandaâ€™s claims? What was Rwandaâ€™s complaint? Why did the UK cancel the deal?

CW Column

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

The World This Week

May 2026 | CWA # 2128

NIAS Global Politics Team

The Quad Foreign Ministersâ€™ Meeting 2026, and China's Shenzhou-23 Mission

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2127

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting 2026:

Prioritizing Critical minerals, Supply chain resilience, and Maritime surveillance

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

The Shenzhou-23 Mission:

Chinaâ€™s Space Missions, Technology, and Infrastructure

Conflict Weekly

May 2026 | CWA # 2125

NIAS Global Politics Team

Israel-Lebanon Tensions I Crisis in Cuba I Ebola Outbreak in Africa

Weekly Columns on Africa and the Middle East

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2124

Glynnis Winona B

The Crisis in Cuba:

The US Sanctions, Energy Crisis, and Economic Instability

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2123

Akshath Kaimal

The Ebola and the DR Congo:

Multiple Outbreaks, Fragile Healthcare System, and Ineffective Global Responses

CW Column

May 2026 | CWA # 2122

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:

Ballistic missiles, Nuclear drills with Belarus, and the Czech ammunition initiative

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2121

Deb Dutta

Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the Border Tensions:

Collapse of the Ceasefire, Ineffective Beirut, and Aggressive Tel Aviv

CW Column

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

CW Column

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

The World This Week

May 2026 | CWA # 2118

Global Politics Team

The Putin-Xi Summit, PM Modi's UAE Visit, and the India-Nordic Summit

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2117

Lekshmi MK

The India-Nordic Summit and PM Modiâ€™s Oslo Visit

Arctic cooperation, Climate diplomacy, and Trade diversification

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2116

Yesasvi Koganti

India, the UAE, and PM Modiâ€™s visit:

Deepening Energy, AI, Defence, and Maritime Cooperation

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2115

Aparna A Nair

The Putin-Xi Summit

Trade, Technology, Security, and Pipeline

Global Politics Explainer

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

Global Politics Explainer

May 2026 | CWA # 2113

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Sri Lanka and the US-Iran WarÂ

Rising oil imports, Austerity measures and State capacity

Global Politics Explainer

May 2026 | CWA # 2112

Nithin V

Why does the Falkland Islands dispute keep recurring?

Why do the UK and Argentina still clash over a remote South Atlantic archipelago?

The World This Week

May 2026 | CWA # 2111

NIAS Global Politics Team

The Trump-Xi Summit

The Africa Forward Summit 2026 I North Korea's Constitutional Amendment 2026

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2110

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Trump-Xi Summit:

Managing Strategic Competition through Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2109

Aishal Hab Yousuf

North Korea's Constitutional Amendment 2026:

The End of Korean Reunification, the Declaration of New Borders, and the Control of Nuclear Command

TWTW Review

May 2026 | CWA # 2108

Ada Khan

The Africa Forward Summit 2026:

Five Takeaways of the Nairobi Declaration

Conflict Weekly

May 2026 | CWA # 2107

NIAS Global Politics Team

Rising violence in the Lake Chad region I The New Wave of Violence in DR Congo

The Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire I Iranâ€™s Lebanon precondition for a ceasefire with the US

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2106

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Continuing Militant Attacks in Pakistan:

Multiple targets, Civilian casualties, and Cross-border tensionsÂ with Afghanistan

CW Explainer

May 2026 | CWA # 2105

Rohini Reenum

Iranâ€™s Lebanon precondition for a ceasefire with the US:Â

Four reasons why Tehran insists on including Hezbollah

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2104

Brighty Ann Sarah

The Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:

Nominal Truce and Persisting ViolationsÂ

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2103

Akshath Kaimal

Rising violence in the Lake Chad region:Â

Complex Geography, Multiple Insurgencies, and an Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

CW Review

May 2026 | CWA # 2102

Glynnis Winona B

Weakening faith in institutions and Political polarization in Latin America and the Caribbean:

Six Takeaways from the UNDP Democracy and Development Report 2026

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2101

Anu Maria Joseph

The New Wave of Violence in DR Congo:

Farmer-herder clashes, Armed groups, and Security vacuum

The US-Iran War

May 2026 | CWA # 2100

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Hormuz Strait and the Fertilizer Crisis in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa

The US-Iran War

May 2026 | CWA # 2099

Kirsten Wilfred Coelho

Why is the UK reluctant to engage?

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2098

Sreemaya Nair

India, Russia and the imperative to strengthen the traditional relationship

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2097

Kirsten Wilfred Coelho

President Trump and the US-China Trade Tensions

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2095

Santhosh Guru PR

The Eurasian-Indo Pacific Congruence and its Critique

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2094

Rakshitha B

Transactional US foreign policy and it implications for India's Strategic Autonomy

Remembering Amb PS Raghavan and his legacy

May 2026 | CWA # 2093

Glynnis Winona B

The Russia-Ukraine War and the Rise of Parallel Strategic Systems: A Critique of Raghavan's Strategic Framework

Conflict Weekly

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

CW Column

May 2026 | CWA # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East:

Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAE’s Covert Manoeuvres

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:

Fraying Ceasefire, Renewed Negotiations and the Risk of a Stalemate

The World This Week

May 2026 | CWA # 2089

Global Politics Team

US troop withdrawal from Germany I UAE’s Exit from OPEC I Japan, Vietnam and PM Takaichi’s Visit

King Charles's US Visit

TWTW Takeaways

May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V

King Charles's US Visit:

Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2087

Siddhi Halyur

Japan, Vietnam and PM Takaichi’s Visit

Exploring Strategic Sectors of Cooperation

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

UAE’s Exit from OPEC:

Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market

TWTW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2085

Glynnis Winona B

US troop withdrawal from Germany:

Growing US-Europe differences and Challenges for Berlin

Conflict Weekly

May 2026 | CWA # 2084

NIAS IPRI

The US-Iran War, Week Nine I Escalating Violence in Mali

Review: Five Takeaways of RSF's 2026 Report on Media Freedom

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:

Deadlocked Negotiations, Competing Agendas and Domestic Pressure

CW Note

May 2026 | CWA # 2082

Akshath Kaimal

Escalating Violence in Mali:

Between Ethnic Insurgencies, Jihadist Attacks, and Military Coups

CW Review

May 2026 | CWA # 2081

Jenin Raj S

Media freedom hits a 25-year low:

Five Takeaways from the RSF 2026 Index

The World This Week

April 2026 | CWA # 2080

Global Politics Team

Nepal’s New “National Commitment” I Japan’s New Defence Posture

Four Takeaways of the WFP's report on the fallouts of the Middle East crisis

TWTW Note

April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Japan’s New Defence Posture:

From Post-War Pacifism to Strategic Recalibration and Autonomy

TWTW Note

April 2026 | CWA # 2078

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal’s New “National Commitment”

Managing Consensus and Moving ahead towards a New Nepal

TWTW Review

April 2026 | CWA # 2077

Nithin V

The Middle East Crisis and its Fallouts on Hunger and Global Food Supply Network

Four Takeaways of the WFP's report on the fallouts of the Middle East crisis, April 2026

April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

The US-Iran War, Week Five: Widening Conflict, Houthi Involvement, and Trump’s Renewed Threats

PR Commentary

March 2026 | CWA # 2043

Abhimanyu Solanki

Escalatory Airpower, Hybrid Retaliation, and Regional Security

Reassessing the Pakistan–Afghanistan Confrontation and Its Implications for India

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

R Preetha

Transnational organized crime, Emerging technologies, Global security environment and ‘Diverse threat vectors’

Five Takeaways of the US Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) Report for 2026

March 2026 | CWA # 2041

Aparna A Nair

China-Vietnam 3+3 Strategic Dialogue

Defence, Diplomacy and Public Security

March 2026 | CWA # 2040

Femy Francis

China's Interests and Strategies in the US-Iran War

Why Beijing’s support for Iran is rhetoric and muted

March 2026 | CWA # 2039

Femy Francis

Trump-Xi Meeting

Why did Trump reschedule it? What does that mean?

March 2026 | CWA # 2038

Anu Maria Joseph

Sudan-Chad tensions and the Boko Haram attack in Nigeria's Maiduguri

March 2026 | CWA # 2037

Padmashree Anandhan

Massive drone attacks, Growing energy leverage and Drifting peace efforts

March 2026 | CWA # 2036

Brighty Ann Sarah

Continuing Israel-Hezbollah Confrontation

Expanding Israeli Military Operations and the Reshaping of Southern Lebanon

March 2026 | CWA # 2035

Akshath Kaimal

Five Takeaways of Human Rights Watch Report 2026

March 2026 | CWA # 2024

Lekshmi MK

The UN and the Iran-US War

UNSC Resolution 2817 between “Clear and Unified Message” and “Manifest Injustice”

March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

China’s Two Sessions 2026

New Five-Year Plan, Ethnic Unity Law, and an Enhanced Defence Budget

March 2026 | CWA # 2022

Padmashree Anandhan

Continuing Strikes and Inconsistent Diplomatic Efforts

March 2026 | CWA # 2021

Anu Maria Joseph

Political instability in Madagascar and spreading violence in South Sudan

March 2026 | CWA # 2020

Brighty Ann Sarah

Continuing Israel-Hezbollah Confrontation

Attacks in South Lebanon, Beirut’s Conundrum, and Tel Aviv’s Greater Goals

March 2026 | CWA # 2019

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria

Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment

March 2026 | CWA # 2018

Rohini Reenum

The US-Iran War, Week Two

Expanding Fronts, Shifting Goalposts, and Global Fallout

The World This Week

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

Canada’s PM Mark Carney’s India Visit

Resetting Economic, Strategic and Cultural Ties

Global Politics Early Bird

March 2026 | CWA # 2010

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Elections 2026

The Rise of the “New” and the Fall of the “Old”

March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

Nepal Elections 2026

Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape

The World This Week

March 2026 | CWA # 2008

Global Politics Team

Canadian PM's India Visit I Nepal Elections and its Political Reset

March 2026 | CWA # 2007

Global Politics Team

The World Today #272, 06 March 2026

The World Today

Early Bird

March 2026 | CWA # 2006

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Election 2026, Day One

Peaceful polling, with over 60 per cent turnout

March 2026 | CWA # 2005

Global Politics Team

The World Today #271, 05 March 2026

The World Today

March 2026 | CWA # 2004

Akshath Kaimal

The “Forgotten” South Sudan Conflict

Instability returns, with a fragile peace agreement, uptick in violence and limited international engagement

March 2026 | CWA # 2003

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modi’s Visit to Israel

From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership

March 2026 | CWA # 2002

Femy Francis

German Chancellor’s China Visit

Reducing trade deficit and recalibrating economic cooperation with Beijing

March 2026 | CWA # 2001

R Preetha

Trump’s State of the Union Address

Six major takeaways on the economy, border and internal security and Iran

March 2026 | CWA # 2000

Rohini Reenum

The US-Iran War, Week One

Rapid Escalation, Regional Spillover, Global Uncertainty

Conflict Weekly

March 2026 | CWA # 1999

IPRI Team

The US-Iran War, Week One | The Return of Violence to South Sudan

Weekly Column on Ukraine & Africa

February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan

Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover

February 2026 | CWA # 1997

Padmashree Anandhan

Four Years of War in Ukraine

Continuing Uncertainty

February 2026 | CWA # 1996

Akshath Kaimal

Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes

Another round of cross-border attacks

March 2026 | CWA # 1995

Global Politics Team

The World Today #269, 03 March 2026

The World Today

March 2026 | CWA # 1994

Global Politics Team

The World Today #268, 02 March 2026

The World Today

PR Commentary

March 2026 | CWA # 1993

D Suba Chandran

The US-Iran Conflict and Pakistan

Balancing Rhetoric, Regional Interests and Global Alignments

Conflict Weekly

February 2026 | CWA # 1992

IPRI Team

Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes I Fours Years of Ukraine War

Weekly Column on Africa

March 2026 | CWA # 1991

Global Politics Team

Trump’s State of the Union Address | German Chancellor’s China Visit | India’s PM’s Israel Visit

February 2026 | CWA # 1990

Global Politics Team

The World Today #266, 27 February 2026

The World Today

Conflict Weekly

February 2026 | CWA # 1989

IPRI Team

Abu Dhabi Talks on Ukraine I Militant Attacks in Balochistan

CW Columns on Middle East and Africa

February 2026 | CWA # 1988

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine Peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Negotiations without a ceasefire or resolution

February 2026 | CWA # 1987

Akshath Kaimal

Continuing militant attacks in Balochistan

Expanding violence, Security-first response and Missing political dialogue in Pakistan

PR Commentary

February 2026 | CWA # 1986

R Preetha

Pakistan’s Central Asia Boost

Pakistan’s Climate and Water Crisis

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies

The World This Week

February 2026 | CWA # 1965

Global Politics Team

AI Impact Summit in New Delhi I Munich Security Conference 2026

Conflict Weekly

February 2026 | CWA # 1964

IPRI Team

US-Iran & Ukraine Negotiations in Geneva I US Military Deployment in Nigeria

CW Columns on Middle East and Africa

February 2026 | CWA # 1963

Global Politics Team

The World Today #255, 16 February 2026

Today in History

The World This Week

February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

Japan: Sanae Takaichi’s historic win | Honk Kong: Jimmy Lai Sentenced

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas

Early Bird

February 2026 | CWA # 1961

Lekshmi MK

Sanae Takaichi’s historic win in Japan

What does it mean for domestic politics and regional stability?

Early Bird

February 2026 | CWA # 1960

Femy Francis

Jimmy Lai sentenced for 20 years in Hong Kong: Who, What, and Why

CEAP

February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti

UK and China

PM Keir Starmer’s visit and the Recalibration of Economic, Strategic, and Domestic ties

February 2026 | CWA # 1958

Akshath Kaimal

India-EU Free Trade Agreement: Five Major Takeaways

The focus on expanded cooperation in defence, technology and critical minerals

February 2026 | CWA # 1957

R Preetha

The India–US interim trade framework

Tariff recalibration and Energy and Supply Chain realignment

February 2026 | CWA # 1956

Lekshmi MK

End of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)

Erosion of arms control, Return of nuclear anxieties, and the New focus on China

The World This Week

February 2026 | CWA # 1955

Global Politics Team

End of the New START I India–US interim Trade Framework I India-EU Free Trade Agreement I UK PM Keir Starmer’s China visit

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas

February 2026 | CWA # 1954

Nishchal Nath Pandey

Nepal Elections 2026: Political Parties, Gen Z Protests and Hope for a New Beginning

Conflict Weekly

February 2026 | CWA # 1953

IPRI Team

Abu Dhabi Talks on Ukraine I Militant Attacks in Balochistan

Weekly Columns: Conflicts in Africa and the Middle East

CW Column: Conflicts in the Middle East

January 2026 | CWA # 1952

Brighty Ann Sarah

US threats against Iran, and Phase Two operations in Gaza

CW Column: Conflicts in Africa

January 2026 | CWA # 1951

Anu Maria Joseph

Africa: Renewed violence in Ethiopia and a Jihadist attack in Niger

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1950

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine: The Trilateral Talks, and the Deadlock over Donetsk & Security Guarantees for Kyiv

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1949

R Preetha

The United States: ICE Crackdowns, Rising Resistance and the Political/Legal pushback

Conflict Weekly

January 2026 | CWA # 1948

ICE Crackdowns and Resistance in the US I Trilateral Talks on Ukraine

TWTW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1947

Brighty Ann Sarah

The Pentagon’s National Defence Strategy: Four major takeaways

TWTW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

R Preetha

The Davos Summit 2026

Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum

The World This Week

January 2026 | CWA # 1945

Global Politics Team

The Davos Forum 2026 Takeaways I The US Pentagon’s National Defence Strategy

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1944

Brighty Ann Sarah

Syria: The State victory over the Syrian Democratic Forces

Conflict Weekly Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

Another major kidnapping in Nigeria and Election announcement in Guinea-Bissau

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

Greenland: Trump’s escalation-deescalation approach and Europe’s defence

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

The War in Gaza: Trump’s Board of Peace and the Challenges to Phase Two

Conflict Weekly

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Gaza I Escalation/De-escalation in Greenland

TWTW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

Greenland: Trump’s escalation-deescalation strategy and Europe’s defence

The World This Week

January 2026 | CWA # 1938

Continuing Tensions over Greenland

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Nigeria: Intensifying domestic responses, and questions over Trump’s intervention

CW Note

January 2026 | CWA # 1936

Brighty Ann Sarah

Protests in Iran: Continuing Stalemate and Shifting US Position

Conflict Weekly

January 2026 | CWA # 1935

IPRI Team

Protests in Iran | Instability in Nigeria

The World This Week

January 2026 | CWA # 1934

Global Politics Team

The US, Greenland and Trump's Claims

Conflict Weekly

January 2026 | CWA # 1933

IPRI Team

Protests in Iran, the US Military Intervention in Venezuela and Conflicts in Africa

NIAS Conflict Weekly | The World This Week

January 2026 | CWA # 1932

Global Politics Team