NIAS AFRICA WEEKLY

NIAS AFRICA WEEKLY
Expanding Russia-South Africa relations

NIAS Africa Team
4 April 2023
Photo Source: Sergei Chirikov, pool via AP

Africa Weekly #57&58, Vol. 2, No.13&14

4 April 2023

IN FOCUS

Russia and South Africa: Bilateral relations are expanding. Four reasons why
Expanding Russia-South Africa relations seems to be a scramble for influence from both sides. For South Africa, Russia has become an evident partner in terms of military and economy. For Russia, despite western sanctions, key strategic alliances remain in place.

by Anu Maria Joseph

On 30 March, South Africa hosted the 17th South Africa-Russia Joint Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation in the capital, Pretoria. South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said that the government has no plan to break ties with Russia at the demand of other countries. She said: “There are some who don’t wish us to have relations with old historical friends; We have made it clear that Russia is a friend. We have had a cooperative partnership for many years. While we are friends with many all over the world, we cannot become sudden enemies at the demand of others.”

Russia’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Alexander Kozlov stated: “Undoubtedly, the unprecedented sanctions against Russia have a negative impact on opportunities for trade growth. Under these conditions, it is necessary to come up with new forms of cooperation in the financial sector… We are willing to consider creating an ambulance service in South Africa equipped with Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopters as a pilot project. RUSAL is interested in supplying aluminium foil produced in Russia, which has a low carbon footprint. We know that in South Africa there is a high demand for this product in many industries.”

South Africa has long-standing relations with Russia, forged since the struggle against apartheid. Since then, bilateral relations have grown significantly, and Russia has been a significant actor in supplying military equipment to the country. During 17-27 February, South Africa conducted joint military drills with Russia and China. According to the Russian Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, bilateral trade between the countries increased by 16.4 per cent in 2022 reaching USD 1.3 billion.

Russian energy company, Unigreen Energy, has initiated a solar farm project with a capacity of 115 MW which is scheduled to begin production in 2024. South Africa-Russia shipping exports have also restarted after 30 years. Besides, Russian supermarkets are filled with South African alternatives as Russian imports collapsed amid the war.

1. South Africa’s pro-Russian stance on the Ukraine war
Along with 34 other countries it abstained from voting at the UN, condemning Russia’s intervention in Ukraine. It insisted on not taking sides and criticized the West for selective condemnation of Russia, ignoring other acts of aggression including the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory. They conveyed that the only path to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy and commitment to the principles of the UN charter to end international disputes by peaceful means.

2. Despite the divided public opinion within South Africa
Public response to the country's stance on Russia is divided. The majority of supporters of the African National Congress (ANC) agree with the government's choice. The Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party, has been critical of the government's neutral stance and has been calling to side with Ukraine. John Steinnhuisen, leader of the party said: “We are already involved in this war; our government can't be seen to be supporting Russia’s aggression; let’s put the country before party politics and think what this war will mean to us and what will be its impact on our economy.” South Africa’s Nobel prize winner Desmond Tutu criticized the naval exercises as “disgraceful” saying: “Tantamount to a declaration that SA is joining the war against Ukraine.”

3. International criticism
In February, the US condemned the decision to hold the joint military drills saying that it would appear as a compromise to South Africa’s neutrality towards war in Ukraine. The US has warned South Africa against assisting Russia to evade sanctions. It has threatened the country of rolling back aid funding or trade privileges to impose sanctions. The EU raised its concern about SA “moving further away from a nonalignment position.”

4. Rising Russian presence in the African continent
Russia’s growing influence in the continent was evident after France-West Africa relations deteriorated. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Africa for the second time ever since the beginning of the war. Russia has taken the opportunity to fill the void that France has left in Mali and Burkina Faso. Russia is successfully trying to build the narrative as an anti-colonial power. In 2023, Burkina Faso Prime Minister Paul Thieba described Russia as a “reasonable choice.” However, the west has raised allegations against Russia’s Wagner Group for committing human rights atrocities in Africa.

What does it mean? and what is next?
First, expanding Russia-South Africa relations seems to be a scramble for influence from both sides. For South Africa, Russia has become an evident partner in terms of military and economy. For Russia, despite western sanctions, key strategic alliances remain in place.

Second, though South Africa’s stance is often criticized for drifting towards pro-Russia, it has maintained relations with other western actors including the US. However, the cynical public response will be a significant challenge for the ANC government which is preparing for general elections in 2024. Besides, threats from the west will pose a significant challenge to the economy which is already struggling with a rampant power crisis and youth unemployment.

Third, increasing Russian presence in the continent is no more a speculation but a fact. Though international actors claim Russia is committing human rights atrocities in the continent, the extent and nature of the Russian footprints need close contemplation. In fact, 15 out of 34 countries which abstained from voting against Russia at the UN were African countries. Increasing competition for footprints in Africa has raised the strategic and geopolitical significance of the continent.

Note: Part of this commentary has been previously published as part of The World This Week.


AFRICA IN BRIEF
22 MARCH-4 APRIL
By Anu Maria Joseph

TUNISIA
US says IMF deal critical
On 22 March, the US said that it is significant for Tunisia to reach a deal with the IMF amid a worsening economic crisis. US Secretary of State Antony Bliken said: “The most critical thing they can do on the economic side is actually get an IMF agreement.” He added: “We would strongly encourage them to do that because the economy risks falling off the deep end.” The IMF guaranteed a USD two billion loan for Tunisia upon the demand for political reforms in the country. (“Tunisia IMF deal 'critical' US says - AFP,” BBC, 22 March 2023)

SUDAN
Begins talks to merge army factions 
On 27 March, military and civilian political leaders began talks to bring the government-backed militia, the RSF, under the authority of the army. The talks were part of the agreement signed in December agreeing for a return of civilian democratic rule. Military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who seized power through a coup said that he wanted to end the armed forces supporting dictatorial governments in Sudan. (“Sudan begins talks to bring army factions together,” BBC, 27 March 2023)

KENYA
One protester killed in clashes with security forces
On 27 March, one of the protesters was shot dead in Kenya’s western city of Kisumu after the protests turned violent. Clashes were also reported between the protesters and the police in informal settlements in Nairobi. Deployment of security forces to quell the protests has inflamed the tensions. The protests have been going on under the leadership of Raila Odinga against the rising cost of living and what the opposition mention as ‘illegal presidency’. (“One shot dead during Kenyan protests,” BBC, 27 March 2023)

AU calls for calm after the protests turned violent 
On 28 March, the African Union appealed for calm and called for dialogue in Kenya after the two-week long protests turned violent and left three people dead. AU Chairperson Maoussa Faki urged: "Stakeholders to exercise calm and engage in dialogue to address any differences.” He stated: "The Chairperson reiterates the total solidarity with and support to the government and the people of Kenya's efforts working towards national unity, peace and stability in the country.” The protests have been led by the opposition leader Raila Odinga against rising cost of living and what the opposition describe as “illegitimate presidency”. (“African Union appeals for calm after Kenya protests,” BBC, 28 March 2023)

US urges to refrain from violence during the protests
On 29 March, the US urged all political sides and security forces in Kenya to refrain from violence during the protests. Deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State Vendant Patel said: “We encourage political leaders, protesters and all parties to refrain from violence and rhetoric that could incite violence; We call on government security forces to act with restraint while protecting public safety and property." The protests led by opposition leader Raila Odinga against rising cost of living, turned violent leading to the death of at least three people across the country. (“US urges restraint over Kenya protests,” BBC, 29 March 2023)

Igad praises Ruto and Odinga agreeing to hold talks
On  3 April, East African bloc, Igad, praised Kenyan President Willam Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga for agreeing to hold talks to end the protests which have been going on for the past two weeks. Igad Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu stated that the decision would help “resolve differences on national issues through peaceful means and preserve Kenya’s unity and constitutional order.” The protests were going on against rising cost of living and electoral reforms. On 2 April, Odinga called off the protests after Ruto agreed to hold talks. (“Protests: Kenyan leaders commended for agreeing to talks,” BBC, 3 April 2023)

Aiming to launch its first earth observation satellite
On 4 April, BBC reported on Kenya preparing to launch its first earth observation satellite, which it described as a landmark achievement in the country’s space sector. Nation-1 or Taifa-1 in Swahili, is scheduled to be launched next week from the Vandenberg Space Force in California. The Kenyan Space Agency and the Defence Ministry in a joint statement said that the satellite is designed to provide data for use in agriculture, food security and environmental management. The statement added that it was “fully designed and developed” by Kenyan engineers in partnership with a Bulgarian aerospace manufacturer. (“Kenya to launch its first earth observation satellite,” BBC, 4 April 2023)

ETHIOPIA
TPLF removed from the terror list
On22 March, the Ethiopian Parliament voted to remove Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) from the country's terror blacklist. The decision comes four months after the group signed a ceasefire agreement with the federal government ending the two years of conflict. (“Ethiopia removes ‘terrorist’ tag from Tigray regional party,” Al Jazeera, 22 March 2023)

EU call for a successful implementation of ceasefire in Tigray to normalise ties
On 4 April, the European Union said that the Ethiopian government will have to carry out successful efforts for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed in Tigray to normalise its relations with the country. The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel said that the progress in Tigray is a rare example of good news in the world today. The EU had suspended budgetary support to Ethiopia citing human rights abuses after the conflict broke out in November 2020. Earlier this year, EU officials demanded accountability for the widespread abuses committed by the warring parties during the conflict. (“Tigray success vital to restore Ethiopia-Europe ties - EU,” BBC, 4 April 2023)

Prosecutors to drop charges against the TPLF leaders
On 30 March, prosecutors in Ethiopia said that they are dropping criminal charges against senior civil and military leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The same day, the Ministry of Justice stated that conflict-related cases would be seen “in the context of transitional justice.'' This is the latest development after the federal government signed a peace agreement in Tigray in November 2022, ending the two-year conflict. (“Ethiopia prosecutors drop charges against TPLF leaders,” BBC, 30 March 2023)

Peace deal in Tigray a “positive step”, says prime minister
On 28 March, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called the peace deal signed between the Tigray rebels and the government as “a positive step” and said that his government would also sit with other armed groups to resolve tensions. He was addressing the members of the parliament after a number of them raised concerns about growing tensions in other parts of the country. Abiy responded that “a lot more” is to be done to achieve complete peace in the country’s north. “It takes time to heal; Peace, much like war, needs bravery.” (“Abiy hails peace deal, to talk to other armed groups,” BBC, 28 March 2023)

PM appoints TPLF spokesperson as interim president in Tigray
On 23 March, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) spokesperson Getachew Reda as the president of the newly established interim administration in Tigray. The decision is a significant part of the implementation of the peace deal signed between TPLF and the federal government. The interim regional administration will be in place until elections are held under the supervision of the electoral commission. (“Ethiopia PM appoints TPLF spokesman as Tigray president,” BBC, 23 March 2023)

SOMALIA
Water crisis “far from over,” says Unicef
On  22 March, Unicef told BBC’s Newsday radio programme that Somalia’s water crisis is “far from over” and more than thousand people are in dire condition due to the severe drought. A recent joint report by the Somali government and the UN found that nearly 43,000 people in the country died from the drought in 2022, among which half were children under the age of five. The report said that from January to June this year a further 25,000 people could die. (“Somalia water crisis 'far from over' - Unicef, BBC, 22 March 2023)

UGANDA
US and EU raise concern on the bill against homosexuals
On 23 March, the US warned Uganda of possible economic “repercussions” over the new bill to crack down on homosexual activities. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: “We would have to take a look at whether or not there might be repercussions that we would have to take, perhaps in an economic way, should this law actually get passed and enacted.” The European Union has also raised concern about the bill. It said: “The European Union will continue engaging with the Ugandan authorities and civil society to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, are treated equally, with dignity and respect.” (“US should respect Ugandan sovereignty over anti-gay bill,” BBC, 23 March 2023)

GHANA
Anti-gay bill modified, says president
On 28 March, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said that the anti-gay bill has been “modified” following his government’s intervention. He was speaking at a joint news conference with the visiting US Vice-President Kamala Harris. He said: “My understanding … is that substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the intervention of the attorney general.” Harris commented that she had addressed the issue with President Akufo-Addo and that the US considers the issue as a matter of human rights. (“Ghana's anti-gay bill modified, president says,” BBC, 28 March 2023)

SOUTH AFRICA
Government to discuss arrest warrant on Putin ahead of BRICS conference
On 23 March, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said that the government will have to discuss the arrest warrant on Russian President Vladimir Putin issued by the International Criminal court (ICC) before considering any action. Putin is scheduled to travel to South Africa in August as part of the BRICS meeting. Pandor stated: “South Africa will have to look at existing provisions of our legislation. We also will have to have a discussion as cabinet, as well as with our colleagues in Russia, and really determine the way forward.” (“SA to consult Russia over Putin's arrest warrant,” BBC, 23 March 2023)

Government workers accept 7.5 per cent pay rise
On 31 March, civil servants in South Africa accepted the government’s decision for a 7.5 per cent pay rise. The pay rise will be implemented from 1 April. The decision comes after public servants went on strike demanding a 10 per cent pay rise. The acting deputy general manager of the Public Servants Association (PSA) said: “Although it's not all that we wanted but we believe that the 7.5 per cent will make much better economic sense to our members given the hardships they find themselves in.” (“South Africa civil servants accept new pay deal,” BBC, 31 March 2023)

Opposition vows to protect Putin from ICC arrest
On 24 March, South Africa’s opposition minority party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcome to visit Pretoria despite the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. EFF leader Julius Malema said that Putin will not be arrested while in South Africa, a country where Russia “played a huge role to support the struggle for freedom.” He stated: “Putin is welcomed here. No one is going to arrest Putin. If need be, we will go and fetch Putin from the airport to his meetings. He will address, finish all his meetings, and we will take him back to the airport.” He added: “we know our friends. We know the people who liberated us. We know the people who supported us.” (“SA opposition vows to 'protect' Putin from ICC arrest,” BBC, 24 March 2023)

John Steenhuisen re-elected as the leader of the Democratic Alliance
On 3 April, John Steenhuisen was re-elected as the leader of South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance. He secured 83 per cent of the votes against his opponent Mpho Phalatse who obtained 17 per cent of votes. Steenhuisen will be leading the party for the next three years. In his acceptance speech, he said that his party will work with other “like minded parties” ahead of the 2024 elections. (“Steenhuisen re-elected SA's main opposition leader,” BBC, 3 April 2023)

LESOTHO
MPs to debate on reclaiming parts of South Africa
On 29 March, Lesotho’s parliament is expected to discuss the motion to reclaim parts of South Africa. According to parliament’s order paper, an opposition MP wants the law makers to “declare the whole of the Free State, parts of the Northern Cape, parts of the Eastern Cape, parts of Mpumalanga and parts of KwaZulu-Natal as part of Lesotho's territory." (“Lesotho MPs to debate territorial claim to parts of SA,” BBC, 29 March 2023)

TANZANIA
US Vice-President announces USD 560 million to boost trade
On 31 March, US Vice-President Kamala Harris, during her visit to Tanzania, lauded the country’s reforms aimed at strengthening democracy. Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan described the visit as a milestone for the country. Harris began her visit to Africa in Ghana and will conclude in Zambia. She announced USD 560 million to Tanzania, supporting boosting trade and strengthening democracy. She described the visit as a meaningful step that helped to expand the partnership between the two countries. (“US vice-president lauds Tanzania democracy reforms,” BBC, 31 March 2023)

BURKINA FASO
At least 14 people killed in jihadist attack
On 24 March, security officials in Burkina Faso said that jihadist insurgents killed nearly 14 people, including four soldiers, near the northern city of Kaya. The attack happened on the same day interim leader Captain Ibrahim Traore visited the region. The jihadists targeted a unit of soldiers and defence volunteers who were tasked with repairing the water supply in the town of Zorkoum. (“Burkinabe militants kill 14 in attack in north,” BBC, 24 March 2023)

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
17 people executed by the Codeco militia
On 27 March, at least 17 people who were captured by the Codeco militia group were executed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. UN-sponsored Radio Okapi reported that the victims were travellers heading to Mungwalu, in Ituri province. They were abducted after three members of the militia group were killed in a clash with a rival group. The authorities have not yet commented on the attack. (“Militia execute 17 hostages in DR Congo hotspot,” BBC, 27 March 2023)

Need for urgent humanitarian assistance in North Kivu, says Doctors without borders
On 4 April, the Doctors Without Borders stated that urgent humanitarian assistance is needed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It said that about a million people had been forced to flee their homes in North Kivu province the previous year following the M23 rebel violence.  It added that the majority of the people are living in dire conditions and the aid workers are overwhelmed with increasing cases of measles and cholera. (“More aid urgently needed in eastern DR Congo - MSF,” BBC, 4 April 2023)

SENEGAL
Opposition leader found guilty of libel
On 30 March, leading Senegal’s opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, was found guilty of Libel charges and was sentenced to jail for two months. He was accused of Libel after charging the country's Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang of embezzlement. Sonko’s supporters fear that the sentence would prevent him from running for the presidential elections next year. Protests were marked across the capital, Dakar, ahead of the trial. (“Senegal opposition leader found guilty of libel,” BBC, 30 March 2023)

INTERNATIONAL
UN human rights office "extremly worried" about UK's Rwanda asylum plan
On  3 April, the UN human rights office said that it is “extremely worried about the impact” of the UK government’s Rwanda asylum plan. A spokesperson from the UN's human rights office said that the assessments of the refugee agency showed that the asylum plan in Rwanda was “not robust enough.” She added: "There are also concerns about respect for the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression in Rwanda. Those concerns do remain today; We have a lot of evidence of how these plans [off-shore asylum facilities] go wrong.” Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman said that the policy would have a “significant deterrent effect” enough for people to stop crossing the dangerous channel to the UK. (“UN 'extremely worried' about Rwanda asylum plan,” BBC, 3 April 2023)


About the author
Anu  Maria Joseph is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore.


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

Aishal Hab Yousuf

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

NIAS Global Politics Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Femy Francis 

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

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

Adarsh Vijay

April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Ashik J Bonofer

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

Amrita Jash

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

Anand V

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

Shreya Upadhyay

April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Global Politics Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Femy Francis

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Global Politics Team

February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Abhimanyu Solanki

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

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

Global Politics Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Global Politics Team

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Global Politics Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

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

Femy Francis

China Reader
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

R Preetha

June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

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

M Kejia 

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

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

IPRI Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta