Conflict Weekly

Conflict Weekly
Drone attacks in Russia

IPRI Team
8 December 2022
Photo Source: Maxar Technologies | The New York Times

Conflict Weekly #153, 8 December 2022, Vol.3, No.36

An initiative by NIAS-IPRI and KAS-India Office

Padmashree Anandhan


Russia: Drone attacks escalate the Ukraine war

In the news

On 5 December, the Russian Defence Ministry reported an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on the Russian airbases in Ryazan and Saratov. The drones were identified as “Soviet-made jet drones,” targeting the Dyagilevo airfield in the Ryazan Region and the Engels airfield in the Saratov Region located 300 miles from the Ukrainian border. According to the Ministry, the strike did not affect its aviation as the drones were shot down by the air defences and reported only slight damage to two aircraft, the death of three service members, and the injury of four other members. 

In response to the drone strike, Russia carried out missile attacks on “energy objects” using strategic bombers across Ukraine resulting in power outages in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Sumy, and Odessa regions. Ukraine has made no claims about the drone attacks. However, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the functioning of the power grid despite the missile attack target on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

On 6 December, the Russian Governor of Kursk city claimed another drone attack on an airfield in Kursk which set ablaze oil storage near the airfield. Remaining cautious of the recent escalation, the UK Ministry of Defence said, “if Russia assesses the incidents were deliberate attacks, it will probably consider them as some of the most strategically significant failures of force protection since its invasion of Ukraine.” On the other hand, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the US would not stop Ukraine from building its own long-range strike capabilities, while the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken remained ambivalent: “We have neither encouraged nor enabled the Ukrainians to strike inside of Russia.”

Issues at large

First, the geography of the Ukraine war. On 24 February, the war began with the Russian military breaching Ukraine's territory in the DPR and LPR regions. With the Donbas region coming under Russian control, the war began to spread to key port cities of Mariupol, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolaiv extending to Odessa in the southern axis and a simultaneous rapid development in the northeast axis from Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv, and extending further to Kyiv in March. This advancement began to slow down in April when Ukraine's forces put up a strong defence in the northeast region of Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy. This first turning point in the war weakened the Russian posture in the northeast axis with a heavy concentration of Russian forces only in Kharkiv and the southern axis and seriously challenged Russia’s goal to capture Kyiv in western Ukraine. Since then, regular exchange of attacks between Ukrainian and Russian forces continued in the region until the end of August when Ukraine’s strong counteroffensive in early September resulted in the successful recapture of 8,000 sq km in Kharkiv and Kherson. The next turning point happened in November when Russia withdrew from Kherson into the eastern bank Dnipro River, providing a strategic opportunity for Ukraine to launch attacks into the Donbas and recapture Zaporizhzhia where Russia maintains a stronghold. The latest drone attacks into Russia’s farthest regions have raised serious concerns about the scope of the war.

Second, the strained Russian offensive. The nature of the Russian offensive seems to be fluctuating since September. During April and May, there was a steady movement of the troops away from Chernihiv into Kharkiv and Russia began to face challenges from August onwards in terms of logistics, restocking of the military, and positioning of the personnel. This forced Russia to concentrate its forces on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in November. Since the withdrawal, Russia has diversified its offensive targeting energy grids, infrastructures, and the cyber domain; on the ground too, the attacks have been more sporadic or reactive in nature. 

Third, military aid from the west. The west has held a very defensive posture when it comes to sending military equipment and arms to Ukraine. During the course of the war, the type of military support has transformed from medium to high-range weapons systems such as the Howitzers, HIMARS, air defence systems, battle tanks, and drone technologies. In addition, the west continues to augment Ukraine's offensive capacity through regular intelligence support, satellite imagery, and military training, all of which have boosted Ukraine’s military strength.

In perspective

First, a tipping point or a deviation. There has been slow but a steady improvement in Ukraine’s military strike capacity and range between April and October. The first turning point for Ukraine was its counteroffensive starting from April onwards until November and its ability to launch precision strikes on Russian military bases and supply routes providing a strategic advantage to its troops in eastern Ukraine. Although the drone attacks into Russian territory remain to be claimed by Ukraine, it can be a tipping point that can change the course of the war. For the escalations and turning points in the war, the west’s support has been crucial. The recent drone attacks on its territory may not be a deviation but could serve as a strong warning for Russia.

Second, probable future scenarios for Russia. Russia’s last resort to secure its position in the northeast axis of Ukraine through mobilisation and martial law did not materialize and has ended up being a failure. The increasing support from the west to Ukraine and Russia’s continued challenges in replenishing its weapon and material supply and troops are set to strain Russia’s hold in eastern Ukraine. In the months ahead, Russia can be expected to adopt more off-ground or non-military tactics while it stocks up its military supplies.

Third, the future of western military support. The military support from the west to Ukraine has ranged from ground, maritime, and air defences supplies to intelligence support with the principal goal of bridging the asymmetry. It remains to be seen if the west will come together to put troops on the ground.

Regardless, the west can be expected to continue preventing escalations and reigning in the possibility of direct military engagement between both parties while securing energy and cyber infrastructures and waiting for the sanctions to take effect.


Also, from around the World

Avishka Ashok, and Sai Pranav, Joel Jacob, Sethuraman N, Akriti Sharma, Abigail Fernandez, Rashmi Ramesh, Apoorva Sudhakar, Anu Maria Joseph, Padmashree Anandan, Harini Madhusudan and Madhura Mahesh

East and Southeast Asia

China: CPC withdraws the zero-COVID policy and introduces new norms for pandemic control

On 7 December, China’s National Health Commission released a 10-point announcement withdrawing the zero-COVID policy and presented a new set of lenient norms to control the pandemic. The development came after numerous protests broke out in cities across China and resulted in an emergency meeting where the authorities agreed to ease the COVID-19 restrictions. The World Health Organization (WHO) Emergencies Director Dr Michael Ryan appreciated China’s decision to loosen its policy. 

China: Foreign Ministry expresses concerns over Japan’s increased defence budget

On 6 December, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning commented on Japan’s defence budget and called it a dangerous development that causes serious concerns for Japan’s neighbours. Mao accused Japan of hyping regional tensions to seek military breakthroughs while consecutively increasing its spending in the past decade. This comes after Japan announced its decision to increase its military spending from USD 295 billion to USD 318 billion over a period of five years.

Mongolia: People protest against rising corruption and soaring inflation

On 5 December, thousands of people protested against the alleged corruption in the coal industry and the soaring inflation in the Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar. They protesters demanded the dismissal of the Mongolian Parliament and justice against the corrupt officials. The weakening economy and the soaring inflation rate which reached 15.2 per cent this year due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine have frustrated the people. The protesters are also expressing anger against the “coal-faction” who have allegedly scammed billions worth of coal. The protests began to take a violent turn when the police attempted to disperse the crowds.

Japan: House of Councillors adopts resolution on human rights violation in China

On 5 December, Japan’s House of Councillors adopted a resolution on human rights in China and expressed concerns over the violation of rights in Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Hong Kong. China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning reprimanded the resolution for ignoring the basic facts, being based on disinformation and interfering in China’s internal affairs. Further, Mao pointed fingers at Japan’s aggression during the world wars and said: “Pointing fingers at other countries will not cover up Japan's past. Politicizing and instrumentalizing human rights issues to hurt China's image and stall China's development will not succeed.”

North Korea: Pyongyang responds to Seoul’s military drill with artillery rounds

On 5 December, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea had fired 130 artillery rounds at two sites from the east and west coast simultaneously. The shots were fired into the maritime buffer zone with South Korea. North Korea said that the shots were a warning against South Korea's military exercise with the US, terming the drill provocative. Seoul responded by stating that Pyongyang had violated the 2018 agreement.

Japan: Tokyo increases defence expenditure for five years to JPY 43 trillion

On 6 December, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that the government would boost its defence budget by 56 per cent over five years to JPY 43 trillion. The government plans to increase the defence expenditure to two per cent of Tokyo’s GDP by 2027. Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada stated that the increase in defence expenditure was to ensure Japan’s safety and security from Chinese and North Korean threats. He said that both countries threaten regional peace and Japan wanted to prepare defensive measures to counter it.

Japan: Tokyo dispatches two fighter jets for an air force exchange with Manila

On 7 December, Japan’s two F15 fighter jets arrived in the Philippines for an air force exchange to increase mutual understanding between the countries. It was the first time since the Second World War that Japan dispatched a fighter jet to the Philippines and to an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) country. The unit-to-unit exchange aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring regional security against China’s looming threat. Japan’s Air Self-Defence Force (ASDF) is working with the Philippines Air Force (PAF) to strengthen its air defence and enter defence cooperation between the countries. 

Australia: US to increase rotation of defence forces

On 6 December, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin announced that Washington would increase the rotation of defence forces in Australia following the Australia-US Ministerial Consultation (AUSMIN). A joint statement from the US and Australia outlined China's threat to regional peace as the reason behind the increased presence of the US in Australia. Further, Austin invited Japan to participate in military and naval exercises with the US and Australia to strengthen the trilateral relations. The US and Australia also called on North Korea to engage in talks for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and addressed Pyongyang's threatening missile launches. Both countries also condemned North Korea’s human rights violations and urged the implementation of the UN sanctions on Pyongyang.

Indonesia: Mt Semeru Volcano eruption raises highest level warning

On 5 December, the Mount Semeru volcano erupted, sparking evacuations on Java island. As the activity of the volcano has escalated, a warning of the highest level was issued. Meanwhile, no injuries were reported but nearly 2000 people were evacuated from the surrounding areas. People were asked to keep a distance of at least eight kilometres as hot avalanches of lava poured from Semeru. Hundreds of rescuers were deployed in the worst-hit village Sumber Wuluh where volcanic debris buried houses on their rooftops. 

Thailand: At least three killed in explosion near railway

On 6 December, at least three people were killed and four others were injured in a bomb blast on the railway side of Songkla in the southern province. The explosion happened when seven state railway employees were fixing a section of the track. The railway track had been damaged in another bomb blast happened on 3 December, which derailed a freight train. 

Indonesia: Parliament criminalizes sex outside marriage

On 6 December, the parliament passed the new criminal code banning citizens and foreigners visiting the country from having sex outside marriage. The legislation also curtails public demonstrations and cohabitation of unmarried couples in Indonesia. On the same day, small rallies against the legislation were held in Jakarta. The Guardian quoted rights groups that said the development indicates a move towards fundamentalism in Indonesia, which had been appreciated for its religious tolerance and secularism.

South Asia

India: Interstate border clashes reported between Karnataka and Maharashtra

On 6 December, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike members pelted stones on Maharashtra state vehicles. The violence was due to the unresolved interstate border dispute related to the Belagavi district. On 30 November, the Supreme Court was scheduled to conduct a hearing on the plea filed by Maharashtra claiming parts of the district. Thereafter, the visit of two Maharashtra ministers to Karnataka was cancelled.

India: Chinese vessels renters the Indian ocean ahead of missile tests

On 6 December, a Chinese Yuan Wang 5 surveillance vessel entered the Indian Ocean coinciding with India's long-range missile tests. In November, a similar vessel entered the Indian Ocean which again coincided with missile tests that were deferred. India had issued a notification for a no-fly zone over the Bay of Bengal for a possible missile launch. In August, the same vessel resulted in a diplomatic friction between the two countries.

Sri Lanka: OCHA ROAP says nearly three in ten households face food scarcity

On 6 December, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' (OCHA) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) released a report revealing that three out of ten households in Sri Lanka consume insufficient levels of food. The report outlines that the ongoing multidimensional crisis in the country is one of the worst since its independence in 1948. According to the World Bank, Sri Lanka faces 85.6 per cent of food inflation and ranks the sixth highest food price inflation in the world. The harvest for the last two seasons were reduced by 40-50 per cent. The OCHA ROAP report stated that several food security and nutrition assessments are underway or planned. The data collected from the field is currently analysed to fulfil future needs for humanitarian aid.

Pakistan: UNICEF regional director assures polio eradication by 2023

On 4 December, UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia George Laryea-Adjei expressed hope of eradicating polio from Pakistan by 2023. Adjei stated that the polio programme in the country is “back on track” and that Pakistan was in a better position to eradicate polio than a year ago. He said, “We are using all available resources and services at our disposal to reach every girl and boy in Pakistan with life-saving vaccines and protect them against the entirely preventable disease.” He lauded the efforts of the health workers struggling to administer vaccines throughout the country. This comes as Pakistan reported 20 cases of polio in 2022 when compared to one case reported in 2021.

Afghanistan: US Special envoy visits Japan, India and UAE

On 1 December, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West began his official visit to Japan, India, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan. During his visits, he met with the political representatives of the countries and discussed the humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan, the protection of Afghans’ rights, and shared security concerns. West also met with the Afghan diaspora in UAE and discussed matters related to challenges regarding human rights, business, politics, and media.

Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa

Israel- Palestine: Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians continue

On 3 December, Israeli warplanes attacked targeted sites in the Gaza Strip in response to the rocket that landed in southern Israel during the same week. The warplanes targeted a weapons facility and underground tunnel belonging to Hamas. On 5 December, clashes broke out in the Bethlehem Dheisheh refugee camp following a road construction project that facilitates settlers. During the clash, Israeli forces fired, and a 22 year old man was killed after being hit by four bullets in his chest. The firing rendered six others injured.

Iran: Crackdown against protesters continue

On 5 December, the BBC reported that a 27 year old man Noormohammadzadeh, one of the six protesters sentenced to death, was subjected to three rounds of mock executions. Mock execution is a form of psychological torture, where a person is made to feel that his execution is taking place, but is not carried out in reality. Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the human rights abuses and said that at least 21 protesters are at risk of being sentenced to death. On 6 December, five people were sentenced to death for allegedly killing a member of Basij, a paramilitary force affiliated with the IRGC. Prosecutors said that Ajamian was stripped naked, chased with knives and killed by a group of protestors paying tribute to another slain protester Hadis Najafi in Karaj, Tehran. On 6 December, Arab News reported that a group of 1200 university students in Iran have been struck by a food poisoning outbreak. Students at Kharazmi and Arak Universities blamed the authorities for deliberate food poisoning and protested by discarding the food provided to them.

Chad: Hundreds sentenced to jail for anti-government protests

On 5 December, 262 people were sentenced to two or three years in jail for the anti-government protests in October which witnessed over 50 casualties. The developments come after a mass trial held in the Koro Toro prison held on 2 December. Al Jazeera reported that the defendants were sentenced on charges of "unauthorised gathering, destroying belongings, arson and disturbing public order." The public prosecutor said that apart from the 262 people, 80 were given suspended terms and 59 were cleared of all charges; 83 minors will be tried and will be tried later in a special juvenile court. Meanwhile, several lawyers criticised the mass trial with the defence lawyers terming it "illegal" and others boycotted the proceedings. The Chad Bar Association labelled the trial a "parody of justice."

Sudan: Military signs agreement for a civilian transition

On 5 December, Sudan’s pro-democracy coalition Forces of Freedom and Change and the military signed an agreement to restore civilian rule in two years that would lead to an election. However, protesters in capital city Khartoum challenged the agreement and called the military to be accountable for the coup as well as the death of anti-coup protesters. The deal doesn’t cover security reforms leaving public concern that it would leave the military powerful and disrupt the democratic transition. A Forces of Freedom and Change spokesperson said: “The goals of the agreement are establishing a fully civilian authority, creating a free climate for politics, and reaching a final agreement with the widest political participation.” The African Union, Arab and western countries have been pressuring both sides for negotiations. Meanwhile, the UN and the US welcomed the agreement.

South Sudan: Opposition alliance urges government to intervene violent clashes in Upper Nile

On 6 December, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), a group of 10 opposition political parties urged the government to intervene in the ongoing violent clashes in the northern Upper Nile state. The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), an international ceasefire monitoring agency reported “renewed fighting” between the national army and the opposition forces in Maiwut and Fshoda regions. Though details regarding the number of casualties were not provided, the agency said: “it was concerned that these incidents might pose a real threat to the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement.”

Ethiopia: Federal troops deployed in Oromia to contain violence

On 6 December, BBC reported that federal troops had been redeployed in the Oromia region to contain the repetitive attacks by armed groups. Amhara militants are blamed for the recent attacks that killed dozens and displaced thousands in Anger Gute and Kiramu border towns in Oromia region. However, the Amhara community who are a minority in the region blamed Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebels for the attacks. Residents have been blaming the government for failing to protect them as violence in Oromia has been overshadowed by the conflict in Tigray. Besides, local authorities say that there is an urgent need for humanitarian aid as the roadblocks put up by the armed groups are hampering movement in the region.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: M23 ready to withdraw, says spokesperson

On 6 December, the M23 spokesperson announced the armed group's willingness to disengage and withdraw from the territories it controlled in eastern DRC. The spokesperson said the M23 would also support the regional attempts at establishing peace in the east. The development came alongside the conclusion of week-long talks between former Kenyan President and mediator Uhuru Kenyatta and almost 50 armed groups operating in the DRC; M23 did not participate in the talks. The M23 spokesperson instead requested a meeting with the East African Community and Kenyatta.

Europe and the Americas

Sweden: SIPRI finds increase in the global arms sales in 2021

On 5 December, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released a report on the performance of the top 100 companies in the arms industry in 2021. It said Russia was the prime supplier of raw materials and was facing the challenge of stagnation in the arms production. The report said Russia's sales increased only by four per cent due to the war. The US accounted for 40 of the total 100 firms and comprised half the global arms sales, leaving out North America where sales fell by 0.8 per cent. In the case of Europe, the ship building industry recorded increasing sales whereas the aircraft industry had low performance. In Asia and Middle East, arms sales had a 6.5 per cent growth in the Middle East, followed by China with 6.3 percent. The report identified supply chain issues, Ukraine war sanctions, and the COVID-19 pandemic as major reasons behind the reduction in the arms sales.

Russia: President signs law criminalising distribution of ‘LGBTQ Propaganda’

On 5 December, Vladimir Putin signed a law completely banning distribution of materials that promote non-traditional sexual relations, transgenderism, and pedophilia. The law, which has been approved by the upper and lower chambers of Russian Parliament during the last week of November, allows foreign offenders to be expelled from Russia. This applies to cinema, media, literature, and the internet, and advertisers. Previously, a law in 2013, had banned the distribution of LGBTQ materials to minors, and the new law applies to all ages, and broadens the content that is regulated. A breach would result in a fine of RUB 400,000 for individuals and up to RUB four million for corporate entities.

Russia-Japan: Mobile Coastal Defence Missile System deployed on northern Kuril Islands

On 5 December, the Russian defence ministry announced the deployment of a mobile coastal defence missile system as part of its strategically located chain of islands stretching between Russian Kamchatka Peninsula. The Russian Bastion systems with a flight range of up to 500 km (310 miles) were deployed on the island of Paramushir, revealing that “a military camp was set up on Paramushir with facilities allowing for year-round service, accommodation, recreation and food for personnel.” The territorial dispute in the region dates back to the end of World War II, when the Soviet troops seized the Southern Kuril Islands which Japan calls its Northern Territories. 

Colombia: Landslide caused by heavy rains in Pueblo Rico kills around 34

On 6 December, Colombia’s national agency for managing risks and disasters (UNGRD) reported that around 34 people died in a landslide caused by heavy rains near Pueblo Rico. The landslide hit a bus travelling from Cali to Condoto burying the passengers on board.

Colombia: Dissidents attack in Cauca leaves six soldiers dead

On 6 December, the government reported that six soldiers were killed in an attack by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in Cauca. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that the military will continue its operations against “illegal armed groups” and added that such operations will not stop until the dissident groups show a “will to negotiate for peace.” This comes as the government started peace talks with the National Liberation Army.

Colombia: President labels imprisoned Primera Linea members as “peace managers”

On 3 December, President Gustavo Petro designated the people imprisoned for participating in the 2021 anti-government protests as “peace managers.” The people imprisoned are a part of the Primera Linea group which led the protests in 2021. The opposition criticised this decision saying that they were imprisoned not for protesting but for committing crimes and breaking the law. Colombian Justice Minister Nestor Ivan Osuna said that this does not award the protestors amnesty or pardon and that they are still charged and are being investigated for committing crimes during the 2021 protests.

Canada: Government to freeze assets of Haitian businessmen

On 5 December, the Canadian government announced that it will freeze the assets of three Haitian businessmen, suspected of aiding the criminal groups in Haiti. The local assets of Chairman of GB Group Gilbert Bigio, Reynold Deeb and Sherif Abdallah will be freezed by the government for enabling “illegal activities of armed criminal gangs.” Neither of the businessmen nor the government have issued any statement regarding the sanctions.

Mexico: Three separate gang violence incidents claim nine lives in two days

On 4 December, the Zacatecas government reported that a judge was shot dead by a criminal gang. On 6 December, the prosecutors reported that eight people were killed in two separate incidents of gang violence in Acapulco. The prosecutors reported that five men were fatally shot in a resort bar in Acapulco where three died on spot and two died outside and at a hospital. The prosecutors reported the death of three other people who were fatally shot in Acapulco.

Honduras and Jamaica: Partial state of emergency announced to curb gang violence

On 6 December, a partial state of emergency was announced in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to curb gang violence and promote economic development. The Honduran police chief Gustavo Sanchez said that 1000 police officers will be deployed in both cities. Sanchez added that the officers will  arrest identified members of criminal groups and those who appear suspicious. A similar measure was introduced by the Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness who announced a partial state of emergency in Kingston and six other parishes. Holness said that this measure was introduced to reduce murder rates in the region and to curb gang violence. Jamaican authorities said that it will arrest people and search buildings without warrants. 


About the authors

Rashmi Ramesh, Akriti Sharma and Harini Madhusudan are Doctoral Scholars at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies. Abigail Miriam Fernandez, Apoorva Sudhakar, Avishka Ashok and Padmashree Anandan are Project Associates at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph, Joel Jacob, Sai Pranav and Sethuraman N are Research Assistants at the School of Conflict and Security Studies. Madhura Mahesh is a research intern at the NIAS.


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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Femy Francis

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

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

Nishchal N Pandey & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Ashik J Bonofer

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

Haans J Freddy

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

Amrita Jash

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

Shreya Upadhyay

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Abhimanyu Solanki

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

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 # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
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 # 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 # 1672

D Suba Chandran

India and Pakistan:
De-escalation and the “New Normal”
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?
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
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 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