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The World This Week
The Year of COVID, Protests and Elections
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GP Team
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The World This Week # 99, 27 December 2020, Vol 2, No 51
East Asia This Year
By Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok
China: Economy surges after Coronavirus slump
On 12 October, China's National Bureau of Statistics announced an economic growth of 4.9 per cent in July to September quarter compared with the period last year. It amounts to roughly six per cent pace of growth pre-pandemic. The retail sales climbed to 3.3 per cent while the industrial production rose to 6.9 per cent. China's September exports grew by 9.9 per cent and imports by 13.2 per cent as compared to September of last year. "On the whole, China's economy was primarily driven by domestic demand," a spokeswoman for the National Bureau of Statistics said. In the first three months of 2020, China's economy shrank by 6.8 per cent due to nationwide lockdowns to combat the spread of Covid-19. It was the first time China's economy contracted since it started recording quarterly economic data back in 1992.
China: CPC releases roadmap for the next 15 years
On 3 November, the Chinese Communist Party made public a roadmap for development in China for the next 15 years. On 29 October, it also concluded an annual four-day conclave. It was the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. The committee adopted proposals to formulate the "14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035." The proposal sets a blueprint for China's economic growth and social development in the coming years and has a central focus on technological self-sufficiency.
China: The Chang'e-5 and a success story in Space
On 17 December, China's lunar probe Chang'e-5, carrying samples of rocks and soil from the far side of the moon, landed safely in the northern Inner Mongolia region. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) director Zhang Kejian declared the mission a success.
China: The US TikTok
On 7 August, US President Trump issued an executive order banning any transactions with the Chinese owners of TikTok and WeChat, starting in 45 days. On 14 August, he signed an executive order giving ByteDance 90 days to sell its TikTok business in the US. Later on 19 September, Trump supported a deal in principle, in which Oracle and Walmart will partner with Tiktok, that would allow TikTok to continue its operations in the US. In November, the US Court of Appeals set 14 December and 28 December for ByteDance and the Trump administration respectively to file motions and other documents in the case. On 7 December, a US District Judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking the US Commerce Department from imposing restrictions on TikTok which would effectively bar its use in the US.
China: Tariffs on Australia
In November, China's commerce ministry imposed tariffs on wine imported from Australia and said these were temporary anti-dumping measures to prevent subsidized imports of Australian wine. Tariffs range from 107 per cent to 212 per cent. China is the largest buyer for Australia's wine exports, accounting for 39 per cent in the first nine months of 2020, according to Wine Australia. Amid political tensions in 2020, Beijing had also imposed tariffs on other Australian imports including coal, sugar, barley and lobsters. Both countries reached the lowest point after Australia pushed for investigations into the origins of coronavirus.
Taiwan: Taipei chooses independence
On 11 January, Taiwan held elections for 113 seats in the Legislative Yuan alongside the Presidential Elections. President Tsai Ing Wen from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates sovereignty of Taiwan from China, won a second term with a landslide victory. 57 per cent of the 19.3 million eligible voters chose the DPP over the Kuomintang (KMT) which was in favour of building stronger economic relations with China to boost its economy. The DPP promoted its pro-independence policies in the background of the Hong Kong protests which changed the perception of millions of Taiwanese. Energy, economic Policies and same-sex marriages were other key issues of the campaign. On 7 March, post the Presidential Election, the KMT held the Chairmanship by-election. Johnny Chiang, who backed party reform and changes to the cross-strait relations, was elected as the President with 84,860 votes.
Japan: End of Abe; Yoshihide Suga the new Prime Minister
On 14 September, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected a new President of the Party after former President Shinzo Abe resigned on 28 August citing health reasons. Yoshihide Suga, then Chief Cabinet Secretary, became the new Prime Minister, as he won the election with ease as most voting members from the party endorsed him. Suga has taken over from Abe at a crucial time when the country is going through a rough patch economically. He considers the following as primary issues: economic recovery, structural reforms, relations with China and South Korea and a review of the constitution.
South Korea: Elections post-electoral reforms
On 15 April, South Korea held its 21st Legislative Elections for all the 300 seats of the National Assembly. This was the first election that took place after the Electoral Reform Bill was passed in December 2019. According to the reforms, 30 seats which would have been elected through Proportional Representation (PR) method would now be assigned through the new compensatory basis. The voting age was also lowered to 18 from 19 years. This led many parties such as the Democratic Party and the United Future Party, to establish satellite parties to win more seats through PR. The Democratic Party and its satellite, the Platform Party, won the elections by taking over 180 seats out of 300 seats of the National Assembly. The Democratic Party which single-handedly won 163 seats is the only party to do so since 1960.
Australia: Report on Afghanistan war crimes released
On 19 November, the Inspector-General of the Australian Defense Force Afghanistan Inquiry Report shed light on the war crimes committed by Australian soldiers during the war in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. The investigation in 2016 and submitted evidence of at least 39 murders of Afghan civilians and prisoners by the Australian Special Forces. After the report was submitted, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a special investigation into the report's findings. Two soldiers were sacked, and 13 others have been served dismissal notices. Afghanistan reacted to the report and claimed the crimes to be inexcusable but also praised the efforts of Australia to look into the actions of its soldiers and called it a welcome step that would pave the road to justice.
New Zealand: The Christchurch attack followup
On 27 August, the Christchurch gunman who killed 51 people two mosques was given a life imprisonment sentence without the possibility of parole by Justice Cameron Mander. This is the first time such a harsh punishment has been imposed in New Zealand. During the hearing, 90 survivors and family members recounted the horrors of the attack. The accused, however, showed no signs of remorse over his actions and continued disrespecting the victims and smirked at the proceedings of the court. On 8 December, the Royal Commission of Inquiry report was released for public viewing. The report observed that the country's security agencies mostly anticipate acts of terror from Islamist terrorists and that there were no proper checks on firearm licenses. The report also recommended new security and intelligence agency, counter-terrorism minister and funding for research into New Zealand centred extremism. It suggested having anti-terror and hate-speech laws and workplace diversity for the public sector. The PM promised to establish a ministry of ethnic communities that would improve the security agencies' abilities to recognize and restrain hate crimes and launch an early intervention body to help people who show signs of radicalization.
Southeast Asia This Year
By Lokendra Sharma
Myanmar: The NLD returns to power after the elections
On 8 November, general elections were held in Myanmar. Aung San Suu Kyi led National League for Democracy (NLD) won in a landslide, defeating the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). After the victory, the NLD also reached out to the ethnic parties inviting them to join the government.
Singapore: Another election, same results
On 10 July, general elections were held in Singapore. The People's Action Party led by Lee Hsien Loong, which has been ruling since 1959, retained power by winning 83 of the 93 seats. Its vote share, however, dwindled from 70 per cent in 2015 elections to 61.2 per cent. The opposition Workers' Party (WP) won 10 seats; its best performance so far. Pritam Singh from the WP was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition; a first in Singapore's history.
Thailand: A year of pro-democracy protests
On 21 February, Thailand's Constitutional Court dissolved the pro-democracy Future Forward Party (FFP). Third largest in terms of parliamentary seat share, the FFP was popular among the youth and its disbandment sparked immediate protests. The protests, however, waned with the spreading pandemic and ensuing lockdowns. In June, protests again erupted when an exiled Thai pro-democracy activist went missing in Cambodia. The protests have been primarily led by the youth, and have continued for more than five months. The protestors have raised three main demands. First, the resignation of the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former army chief who seized power in the 2014 military coup. Second, a new constitution replacing the military-drafted constitution of 2017. Third, reforming the monarchy and bringing it under constitutional limits. No demands have been met by the Prayut government even as it has proposed to form a national unity panel to solve the political conflict.
Southeast and East Asia: Historic trade deal RCEP signed
On 15 November, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal was signed by the 10 ASEAN countries plus Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea at a virtual summit hosted by Vietnam. The signatory countries cover a third of world population and global GDP, making it the largest trade deal till date. India, which was part of the negotiations for the deal since 2013, opted out in November 2019 due to concerns over Chinese imports and the 'rules of origin'. The RCEP countries have adopted common rules of origin, harmonizing trade and supply chains within the trading bloc. The deal would have to be ratified by six ASEAN and three non-ASEAN members and is expected to enter into force by the end of 2021.
Malaysia: A year of political crisis
On 1 March, Malaysian politician Muhyiddin Yassin took an oath and became the eight Prime Minister. In February, the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) withdrew support from the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition. Short of majority in the Parliament, Mahathir Mohamad, who became the PM following victory in the 2018 general elections, resigned on 24 February. The ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition led by the current PM Yassin enjoys a razor-thin majority in the parliament. It has been a source of instability since the formation of government in the midst of the pandemic in March. On 28 October, the Malaysian King requested the lawmakers to support the budget to be tabled by the Yassin government. The budget, which was being seen as a vote of confidence for Yassin, was finally approved by the Parliament on 15 December by a slim majority, ending months of political instability.
Indonesia: Widespread protests over a new law
In October, thousands of Indonesians protested in Jakarta and other parts of the country against the controversial 'omnibus law'. The bill was passed with the support of seven out of nine parties. It relaxes the existing labour, business and environmental laws; according to the government, these measures will boost the economy hard hit by the pandemic. The bill was opposed by a coalition of 15 activist groups including different trade unions. The protestors have demanded the revocation of the law which they say would cut down wages, undermine job security, remove provisions like sick leave among others and also harm the environment. 35 investment firms also wrote to the government raising concerns over the law's adverse impact on the environment. The protests have since petered out, even as the Joko Widodo led government has refused to back down.
The Philippines: Two bomb explosions claim many lives
On 24 August, the Philippines was hit by twin explosions which claimed the lives of 14 people and injured 75 others. The bombs exploded in the Jolo town of Sulu province which is a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf militants. First one was a homemade bomb on a parked motorcycle and killed five soldiers and four civilians. The second one was a suicide bombing in which a female attacker detonated herself; it killed a soldier and wounded several others. A third unexploded bomb was found in the public market later. It was suspected that the attack was masterminded by Mundi Sawadjaan, who is a bomb expert with the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group; this group has pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State. It is one of the most violent terrorist organizations in the region and is responsible for the various bombing, beheadings and kidnapping. The Philippines military is in the midst of a months-long offensive against the group.
South Asia This Year
By Sourina Bej, Akriti Sharma and Abigail Fernandez
India: New Delhi and Washington conduct two-plus-two dialogue
On 27 October, India and the US concluded the two-plus-two dialogue. Both sides signed several agreements including the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement; MOU for Technical Cooperation in Earth Observations and Earth Sciences, and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and extension of the bilateral MOU concerning cooperation with the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership in India. They reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the rule-based order, and freedom of navigation.
India: The Malabar naval exercise
On 20 November, Japan, Australia, India, and the US concluded the Malabar Naval Exercise. On 6 November, the first phase was conducted off the coast of Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal with a focus on anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations. The second phase took place from 17-20 November in the Arabian Sea. The exercise reflected the "commitment of the participating countries to support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific as well as rule-based international order", the Indian Navy said in a statement.
India: LAC stand-off with China
On 18 December, India and China agreed to hold the ninth round of talks over the LAC at the 20th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). On 16 June, 20 Indian troops died during a stand-off with Chinese troops. Since June, there has been a heavy deployment of troops in the Galwan Valley. Eight rounds of military and diplomatic talks happened, but no concrete plan of disengagement has been achieved so far. Both sides have been accusing each other of intruding across the LAC.
India: Foreign Secretary's visit to the neighbouring countries
On 26 November, Foreign Secretary of India Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Nepal. On 10 November, he visited the Maldives and reviewed the major infrastructural projects, provided aid for the Greater Male Connectivity Project and the COVID-19 situation. On 18 August, he visited Bangladesh and met the PM Sheikh Hasina. These visits were aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation on the COVID-19 vaccine.
India: The anti-CAA protests
On 10 January, the government announced the enforcement of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Earlier, on 19 December 2019, the Rajya Sabha passed the law with 125 MPs voting in favour of it and 99 against it. The Act seeks to pave the way for citizenship for Buddhist, Sikh, Christian, Parsi, and Hindu immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation. Protests broke out across the country; the protestors called the bill an assault on India's constitution and demanded its withdrawal.
India: Local elections in J&K
On 23 December, the results of the J&K District Development Council (DDC) were declared by the JK Election Commission. The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) won 110 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged out as the single-largest party with 75 seats. Independent candidates won 50 seats, while the Indian National Congress won 26. DDC elections marked the restart of political activity in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
India: Farmers protest across the country
On 17 September, Lok Sabha passed the farmers' laws. Since 26 November, farmers from Haryana and Punjab have been protesting against three farm acts - the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, the Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act. On 8 December, the farmers met with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to negotiate over the agricultural laws. However, the meetings are yet to produce a breakthrough. The farmers' said, "they would settle for nothing less than the scrapping of the legislations." So far, the five-round of talks with the government has remained inconclusive.
India: Naga peace talks in doldrums
On 13 August, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaak-Muivah faction) released the original copy of the confidential "Framework Agreement" (FA) signed by the Prime Minister of India in 2015 in the lines of achieving a peace settlement between the Naga separatist groups and the Republic of India. The release comes in the backdrop of growing mistrust with interlocutor Governor of Nagaland Ravi whom the group accused of doctoring the FA and creating a rift between Nagaland's political groups. On 14 August 2020, the NSCN Chief has stated never to "merge with India but coexist" during the Naga Independence Day celebrations and fight till the wrong of the interlocutor is undone. This had put the decades-long peace negotiation to the Naga conflict in the doldrums. Governor Ravi has taken a strong position where he considers the demands of the NSCN (IM) of a separate flag and constitution as "imaginary".
Sri Lanka: Elections and the return of Mahinda Rajapaksa
On 5 August, the Parliamentary elections were held that witnessed the return of Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Sri Lanka People's Front, secured two-thirds of seats needed to form the government and carry out its promised constitutional changes. The party won 145 of the 225 seats, plus five more seats from its allies. The opposition party - United National Party (UNP) led by former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was routed, having lost all but one of the 106 seats it held in its outgoing parliament. The main opposition party in the Parliament now is the Samagi Jana Balawegaya led by Sajith Premadasa (son of Ranasinghe Premadasa, a former president assassinated in 1993) with 54 seats. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) could secure only ten seats in the new Parliament.
Sri Lanka: 20th Amendment passed
On 22 October, the 20th Amendment to the constitution was passed after a two-day long debate in the Parliament. 156 of the 225 parliamentarians voted in favour of the amendment. The amendment repeals most of the provisions of the 19th Amendment, which was passed in 2015. The 20th amendment provides expansive and unrestrained power to the Executive President and reduces that of the Prime Minister. The amendment faced resistance from the opposition political parties. 39 petitions were filed in the Supreme Court by the opposition leaders and civil society groups.
The Maldives: Defence agreement with the US
On 10 September, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and Southeast Asia Reed Werner and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi signed the Framework for the US Department of Defence-Maldives Ministry of Defence and Security Relationship. Both sides reiterated their support for free and open Indo-Pacific. "the Framework sets forth both countries' intent to deepen engagement and cooperation in support of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean, and marks an important step forward in the defence partnership." said the US Department of Defence.
Bangladesh: A moment of pride as the last span of the biggest Padma Bridge is installed
On 13 December, Bangladesh inaugurated the completion of a major part of the main structure of the multi-purpose Padma Bridge. After defying considerable delays and funding crunch, the last span of the project was also installed. The Padma Bridge, which cost Taka 301.93 billion, is the largest development project in the country and the 6.15 km long bridge will be directly connected to 21 districts thereby facilitating the movement of goods and people.
Bangladesh: Protests against sexual violence
On 6 October, hundreds of Bangladeshis staged protests and scuffled with police as anger increased over the instances of sexual violence towards women. The protests in Dhaka and elsewhere erupted after a video emerged that showed several men stripping and attacking a woman from a backward community in the southern district of Noakhali. Before being taken down, the clip was shared multiple times on Facebook, sparking outrage online in the country where justice against sexual assault is still a distant dream. According to the local human rights organization Ain-o-Salish Kendra (ASK), between January and September 2020 nearly 1,000 rape cases, including 208 gang rapes were reported in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh: Relocation of the Rohingya refugees
On 3 December, amid many criticisms from the international human rights group, Bangladesh initiated the process of relocating Rohingya refugees to a remote, flood-prone island, Bhashan Char. Many see Bhasan Char as an "island detention center," noting its isolation. The relocation of the Rohingya refugees is much needed to ease their overcrowding in the camps of Cox's Bazar. Bangladeshi authorities are imminently relocating between 1,000 to 3,000 Rohingya refugees. Bhasan Char is a slit of land that emerged from the sea less than 20 years ago and has never been inhabited before. Bangladesh has identified this island to accommodate nearly 1 million refugees after they were uprooted by successive waves of violence across the border in Myanmar. In 2017, more than 730,000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh following a military clampdown on the minority community.
Nepal: Border row with India, with a new map
On 19 May, a border dispute with India heated up after Nepal's cabinet endorsed a new political map showing Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura under its territory. The announcement by Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali came weeks after tensions began with India over the construction of a road close to its border. Nepal's ruling Nepal Communist Party lawmakers also tabled a special resolution in Parliament demanding the return of Nepal's territory in Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh. The Lipulekh pass is a far western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral part of their territory - India as part of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of Dharchula district. The move by Nepal was in protest against the recently-inaugurated road section in Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand, which India has claimed to be within its territory.
Nepal: Parliament dissolved amid infighting within the ruling party
On 21 December, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli got the country's President to dissolve the Parliament, a controversial move amidst a prolonged tussle for power between him and his ruling coalition partner Nepal Communist (MC) leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda". President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved Parliament's House of Representatives at Oli's recommendation and announced the mid-term general election in April-May. This decision has been termed "unconstitutional, impulsive, and autocratic" by the opposition and his own party members within the Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Expressing dissatisfaction over Oli's move to dissolve the House, seven ministers, belonging to the Prachanda faction, announced their resignation in a joint statement issued during a press conference here. The dissolution comes six months of leadership tussle between Oli and Prachanda over the question of the passing of the prime ministerial position. While Oli has remained reluctant to relinquish power, the resistance from NCP and cry for his resignation has simultaneously grown with many favouring Prachanda as their leader.
Pakistan: Rise of the Opposition with the Pakistan Democratic Movement
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was formed in September, a coalition of 11 political parties against the incumbent PTI government. The movement has brought together the two-mainstream, but rival political parties, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) currently headed Maryam Nawaz. The PDM claims that the 2018 General Election of Pakistan was rigged by the Pakistani military as voiced by Nawaz Sharif who claimed that there is a 'state above the state.' The slogan of the PDM' Vote ko izzat do' which in Urdu which means 'respect the sanctity of the vote' clearly reflects their narrative. Over the last four months, the PDM organized massive rallies across the country starting from Panjab's Gujranwala then in Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Multan and Lahore. They are planning to hold a "long march" to Islamabad in January 2021, aiming to oust the government.
Pakistan: Protests against gender violence and the #auratmarch2020
Aurat march was held in Karachi, Multan, Lahore and Quetta whereas Aurat Azadi March was held in Islamabad, Sukkur and Multan in March. The marches were attended by women, children, men and transgender people. The theme this year was 'Khudmukhtari (autonomy) and Violence (both sexual and economic)'. The women rallied against the patriarchy and how it is a catalyst for the ongoing high rates of sexual and economic violence. However as expected, hard-line conservatives in Pakistan have criticized the Aurat March, some even taking it to mainstream media while on social media alleging Pakistani feminists of encouraging un-Islamic vulgarity by raising inappropriate slogans.
Pakistan: Turbulence in Pak-Saudi relations and the OIC
In 2020, diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were strained as multiple issues threatened established political alliances in the Gulf region. Pakistan expected Riyadh to extend support while dealing with India over J&K; Islamabad had requested a supportive meeting with the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). However, Saudi Arabia turned down the request after which Pakistan repeated its demand, which in turn resulted in Riyadh calling in a $1 billion loan. Consequently, Pakistan repaid the loan with a new loan. However, the two sides nevertheless sought to enhance the "longstanding Pakistan-Saudi Arabia fraternal ties" amid the deteriorating relations.
Pakistan: The FATF rush sees no results
Pakistan in 2020 demonstrated much progress in its attempt to reach the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirement of implementing the 27-point Action Plan. However, the rush was not sufficient to get off the watchdog's 'Grey List.' Following an extension given in October 2019 to February 2020, the FATF decided to maintain Pakistan's status on its 'grey list' until June, when the next review will take place. Islamabad got an unexpected breather after the FATF temporarily postponed all mutual evaluations and followup deadlines in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this period witnessed political tussles and hidden agendas. In October, the FATF found that Pakistan has successfully complied with 21 out of 27 points of action and decided to keep the country on its 'grey list' until February 2021 urging swift completion of its full action plan.
Pakistan: Increasing anti-India narrative at International forums
In 2020, Pakistan has taken its anti-India narrative more aggressively at various international forums. It began when Pakistan released a dossier containing irrefutable "evidence" of India's alleged sponsorship of terrorism in the country, calling on the international community to take notice and make efforts for peace and stability in South Asia. The same dossier was then presented to the United Nations and UN Secretary-General to ask India to stop its' illegal and aggressive activities.' Similarly, the dossier was presented to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) while urging the group to use their political influence and economic power to prevent India from committing 'state sponsorship of terrorism against Pakistan.'
Afghanistan: US-Taliban agreement in Doha
In February, the US and the Taliban signed an "agreement for bringing peace" to Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar. The agreement called for the removal of the United States and Coalition forces from Afghanistan within 14 months if the Taliban upheld the deal. Under the agreement, the Taliban agreed not to allow al-Qaeda or any other extremist group to operate on Afghan soil. The signing of the agreement was preceded by a seven-day "reduction in violence", and not a "ceasefire", a term the Taliban objected to as they were not ready to commit. Further, the agreement states that the US will start diplomatic discussions with the United Nations to remove members of the Taliban from the "sanctions list." The main issue regarding the signing of this agreement was that the Afghan government was not a part of the negotiations, nor was it a signatory to the final agreement.
Afghanistan: Spiralling issue of violence and targeted killings
Through 2020, apart from the surge in Islamic State terrorist attacks, violence continued across Afghanistan as the United States increased airstrikes and raids targeting the Taliban, while the Taliban continued to carry out attacks on Afghan government targets. The Taliban have also carried out high-profile attacks across the country, including in Kabul. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report, nearly 6,000 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded in the first nine months of the year as heavy fighting between government forces and Taliban fighters rages on despite efforts to find peace. The Taliban was accountable for 45 per cent of civilian casualties while government troops were responsible for 23 per cent and the United States-led international forces were responsible for two per cent. Further, the country also witnessed the surge in targeted assassinations in the national and provincial capitals where attacks were focussed on select assassinations of government officials and pro-government leaders.
Central Asia This Year
By Abigail Fernandez
Nagorno-Karabakh: Fighting breaks outs leading to a ceasefire
In September, Armenia and Azerbaijan report dozens of casualties, both military and civilian, after fighting erupted following months of increased tensions, beginning the worst fighting to hit the region since the 1990s. Armenia said Azerbaijan fired the first shots. However, Azerbaijan said it was launching a "counter-offensive" in response to Armenian aggression. For more than six weeks, fighting and displacement continued in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding areas. However, in November, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia signed a nine-point- ceasefire agreement to end the intense fighting under which Russian peacekeepers were deployed along the front line. Further, it has been agreed that Azerbaijan will continue to hold on to areas of Nagorno-Karabakh that it has taken during the conflict, while Armenia agreed to withdraw from several other adjacent areas in the next few weeks. The peace deal sparked celebrations in Azerbaijan and protests in Armenia, where demonstrators briefly occupied government buildings.
Kyrgyzstan: Worst political crisis as protests took to the streets
Kyrgyzstan witnessed one of its worst political crises in decades when protests took to the streets in early October causing then-President Sooronbai Jeenbekov to declare a state of emergency in the capital, permitting the military to step in after clashes broke out between supporters of rival politicians. Subsequently, Jeenbekov resigned after which Sadyr Japarov, who was in detention but freed by protestors was named prime minister putting an end to the weeks of turmoil and unrest. Protesters had taken to the street to contest the outcome of Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary elections, although the protesters succeeded in pushing the Central Election Committee to annul the outcome of the elections, the country was thrown into a political crisis leaving the citizens' fundamental human rights at risk.
The Middle East This Year
By Rashmi Ramesh
The Abraham Accords: A new chapter in diplomacy
On 28 January, President Trump announced the Middle East Peace Plan, also known as the "Deal of the Century." The plan authorized Israel to expand its occupation and aimed at recognizing its claims over the Golan Heights, Jordan Valley, Israeli settlements and Jerusalem. It also stated an offer for 'a viable path' to Palestinian statehood but proposed a demilitarized Palestine.
The Abraham Accords is a followup of the Deal of the Century. An initiative to normalize the relations between Israel and the Arab world, the Accords were first signed between Israel and UAE-Bahrain on 15 September. The most recent signatories of the deal are Sudan and Morocco. Projected as one of the biggest diplomatic efforts of the Trump administration, the normalization deal is set to bolster the defence ties between the US, Arab countries and Israel. Trade, tourism is also set to expand in a bigger fashion due to the normalization of relations. Iran and Turkey criticized the deal for sidelining the Palestinian cause and supporting the Jewish occupation.
Iran: Regional rivalry, assassinations, and internal issues
Iran witnessed a turmoil-ridden year characterized by its rivalry with the US and compelling domestic issues. 2020 began with the assassination of the decorated officer Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the chief of IRGC's Quds Force, the architect of Iran's involvement in various parts of the Middle East and North Africa. The assassination in January created a war-like situation between Iran and the US, but Iran took more cautious steps and inflicted material damage on the US assets in Iraq. Over the past one-year Iranian attacks on the Green Zone in Baghdad have increased, forcing the US to reduce its personnel in the Embassy as well significantly reduce the troops in Iraq. The Popular Mobilization Unit, supported by Iran, influenced the Iraqi Parliament to a larger extent, to pass a resolution calling for a withdrawal of all the foreign troops stationed in Iraq.
In November, Mohsen Fakrizadeh, top nuclear scientist of the country was assassinated allegedly by Israel, once again raising the tensions between Iran and Israel and the threat of further non-compliance to JCPOA. The hardliners in Iran are in loggerheads with the moderate cabinet led by President Hassan Rouhani and are pushing for further enrichment of uranium. Iran also faced economic woes fuelled by increased US sanctions and COVID-19. The US also effectively blocked a $5 billion emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund, that Iran applied for, to battle the pandemic. Unemployment and high rates of inflation continue to bother the Iranian population.
Yemen: The greatest humanitarian crisis
In November, the UN Security held a briefing on the humanitarian situation in Yemen. In a strong statement, the UN Humanitarian Relief Coordinator remarked that the "Yemenis are not going hungry, they are being starved. The parties to the conflict, the Security Council members, donors, humanitarian organizations and others should do everything to stop this." The Chief of the World Food Programme highlighted the need to step up relief measures to try and stop the impending famine in the country. Yemen is in the midst of a continuing proxy war and failing negotiations. Iran and Saudi Arabia-led coalition have been waging a proxy war in Yemen. Aimed at securing regional domination, this has reached a state of stalemate. As a result, Yemen remains embroiled in violence that is cyclical in nature. The UN Special Envoy to Yemen opines that the "relatively calm situation" may soon come to an end, as there is a probability of escalation of violence shortly.
The battle for Idlib: Ceasefire between Russia and Turkey
In March, Turkey and Russia agreed to a ceasefire in Syria's north-western province Idlib, as an attempt to avoid a major escalation. The battle for Idlib started once again in April 2019, when the Syria-Russia backed forces attacked the last rebel-held province. In February, 36 Turkish soldiers were killed in an offensive led by the Russia-backed Syrian regime. The Turkish response to this offensive raised speculation of a direct armed conflict between Russia and Turkey. The ceasefire agreement negotiated directly between Putin and Erdogan stated that it would be applicable to the entire line of contact; a security corridor of six kilometres north and six kilometres south of Idlib's M4 motorway will be established, and joint Russian-Turkish patrols will be conducted along with the M4 from 15 March. However, in recent months, the Syrian regime and Russian forces have continued attacks on the province. Russia has held the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), a terrorist outfit, responsible for breaking the ceasefire and prompting retaliatory strikes.
Israel: Continuing political instability
On 23 December, Israel's parliament was dissolved, after Prime Minister Netanyahu's government failed to pass a budget. This has pushed the country to its fourth election in just two years. The third consecutive election held in April 2019 gave a fractured mandate, thereby the unity government established by Netanyahu and Benny Gantz coming to power. The government collapsed, as Netanyahu refused to endorse the spending plans for 2021. Netanyahu's Likud Party is also facing internal clashes. Senior leader Gideon Saar defected from the party in December, stating that he would contest the next elections by forming a new party. This gives rise to a three-front contest in Israel and a contest for the conservatives' votes, as both Netanyahu and Saar share a similar vote base. Israel has also seen steady anti-government protests throughout the year. The main reasons are said to be the corruption cases against Netanyahu and the manner in which the pandemic was managed.
Lebanon: Year of political turmoil
On 4 August, a powerful explosion in a warehouse in the Port of Beirut resulted in the death of more than 200 people and thousands of others rendered injured. The blast was not only a catastrophe but also paved the way for political turmoil in the country. Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned shortly after the blasts, citing "deeply-rooted corruption" and an inefficient political system. Mustapha Adib, Diab's successor, resigned within a month blaming an unbreakable political stalemate, especially by Iran-backed Shiite group Hezbollah. In September, French President Macron visited Beirut and attempted at finding political consensus. He offered a draft proposal to the different political blocks of Lebanon which emphasized upon four issues- addressing COVID-19 and humanitarian situation; rebuilding Beirut; introducing reforms in various sectors of the government; and conducting elections within a maximum period of one year. However, the formation of a new government in 2020 may not see the light of the day. On 23 December, PM-designate Saad Hariri warned of "clear complications hindering the birth of the new leadership."
Africa This Year
By Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia: Tensions with Tigray escalate to large scale conflict
In November, the Ethiopian government launched a military offensive against its northern region, Tigray, leading to a full-blown conflict which lasted three weeks. Prior to the offensive, Ethiopia accused Tigray of attacking its military bases. In retaliation, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also announced a six-month emergency and communications blackout. On 28 November, Ahmed claimed victory over Tigray; he said the Ethiopian army had captured Tigray's capital, Mekelle. However, the Tigray People's Liberation Front refuted these claims. As a result of the conflict, more than 50,000 Ethiopians have fled to Sudan. Tensions between the Ethiopian government and Tigray escalated after the region conducted its regional elections in September. In June, Ahmed cited the ongoing pandemic and announced that general elections scheduled for August would be postponed to 2021.
Libya: A year of fragile ceasefires
In October, the warring sides in Libya signed a permanent ceasefire following UN-brokered talks in Geneva. The UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) and the rival government Libyan National Army (LNA) were engaged in conflict for more than a year. Prior to the October ceasefire, the GNA and LNA have signed two ceasefire agreements in 2020; both were breached. However, since November, both sides participated in talks hosted by the UN to arrive; they discussed forming a transitional government that would lead up to presidential and parliamentary elections in December 2021. Involvement of external actors like Turkey, Russia, Egypt, supporting rival sides has made adhering to ceasefires difficult. In December, the UN confirmed the presence of at least 20,000 foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya.
Mali: Protests, a coup and an interim government
In August, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the then President, resigned from his position following a dispute regarding promotions at a military base. Simultaneously, civilians were engaged in widespread anti-government protests amid increasing security threats, deteriorating economy and the pandemic. Imam Mahmoud Dicko led the opposition groups on June 5; later, the protesters were recognized under a single banner called the June 5 Movement - Rally of Patriotic Movement or the M5-RFP. In September, the military junta appointed a retired colonel as the interim President and subsequently appointed a transitional government in October. However, since November, several political parties and civil society workers criticized the National Transitional Council (CNT); they allege that "the military has carved out for itself the lion's share of the council's 121 seats, taking 22 of them."
The Horn of Africa: Locusts swarm endangering millions
Since the early half of 2020, the Horn of Africa has been ravaged by locusts swarms. In January, the FAO called for an estimated USD 76 million to combat the rapid spread of this pest; however, the amount kept increasing. In June, the FAO predicted the second phase of the outbreak. In December, the FAO sought an additional USD 40 million for surveillance of the pest in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The FAO Director-General cited that more than 35 million people suffer from acute food insecurity in these five countries. According to him, another 3.5 million would be subjected to the same if adequate measures are not implemented.
Across Africa: Battle for the ballots as dozens of African countries hold elections
The year witnessed several instances of electoral violence, both structural and physical. In Guinea and Ivory Coast, the incumbents citing the passing of new Constitutions, contested and won controversial third terms. The incumbent leaders of both the countries, who had completed two terms, claimed that the new constitutions reset the clock making them eligible for a third term. As the Opposition cried foul, civilians took to the streets in both the countries resulting in several deaths. Similarly, Uganda, which held its elections in January 2021, was mired in electoral violence in November after opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was arrested twice in a month. Violence following his arrest left at least 50 dead. In countries like Tanzania and Burundi, the internet and social media were blocked before the election day.
Europe This Year
By Harini Madhusudan
Brexit: A year of ambiguities in the transition talks
In December, the UK and EU reached a tentative agreement, to avoid a hard Brexit beginning 1 January 2021. The anticipation of what may happen to the deal at the end of the transition period was on a knife-edge for 11 months, after missing a string of immovable deadlines. Major issues in the negotiation process included fishing rights, access to markets, 'level playing field' for businesses, regulatory alignments, financial and banking access, security and law enforcement, and the Northern Ireland protocol. However, critical details would still need to be worked out.
Belarus: Elections and the protests that followed
In August, the presidential elections in Belarus led to Alexander Lukashenko's victory for a sixth term. This was contested by the opposition Sviatlana Tsikanouskaya who falsified the results and claimed to have won 60-70 per cent share of the votes. Belarus saw its largest anti-government protests that led to violent persecution by the authorities. Multiple attempts by the international community and the local leadership failed to stop Lukashenko from assuming power in September. By October, the Belarusian government and EU officials imposed sanctions on officials from both sides. In December, protests against Alexander Lukashenko continued in Belarus and prosecutors launched criminal cases against Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other opponents of Lukashenko.
Alexi Navalny: Poisoning and the investigation process
In August, Russian opposition figure Alexi Navalny was poisoned by a nerve agent during his flight from Tomsk to Moscow, where he fell violently ill. He was shifted to a hospital in Germany after which the German government revealed that they possess evidence that he was poisoned by the Novichok Agent; evidence corroborated by the German, French, and Swedish labs. In October, OPCW reports confirmed the presence of a new type of Novichok, which was not included in the list of controlled chemicals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In December, Navalny, who is still recovering at a secret location in Germany, posed as a senior official from Russia's National Security Council tasked with carrying out an analysis of the poisoning operation and got a Russian Secret agent who was tasked with tailing him, to reveal details on how he was poisoned. Bellingcat investigated the incident and released their report on the near-fatal poisoning of Navalny.
Islam and France: Terror attacks in France
In October, France faced two terrorist attacks. The first was the beheading of a teacher for showing the controversial cartoon of Charlie Hebdo to his students. The second was the knife attack by a 21-year-old Tunisian that killed three in the city of Nice. The two incidents highlighted the personalized nature of terrorism, where the perpetrators were unknown to the intelligence officials, no allegiance to a terrorist group, did not state any political agenda. Signs of radicalization, if at all visible, were expressed on social media. And they came armed with little more than knives.
The French government's response to the attacks also became a target of international criticism after President Macron's provocative speech, and PR strategies of projecting the cartoons on public buildings, arresting four 10-year-old children, and launching an indiscriminate crackdown on French Muslim political organizations that had nothing to do with the killings. This resulted in public outrage with protests and calls to boycott French products spread around the world, diluting the response to the Islamic Extremism.
COVID-19: Coronavirus in Europe and the EU Recovery Fund
With over 500,000 deaths, the impact of the coronavirus in Europe has been overwhelming for both the government and health systems. The UK announced a tier-four lockdown, and many parts of the region are also observing resurgence in the number of cases for the third time. The European Union in the early weeks of December concluded their plans for a European Recovery Fund at the European Union Summit. It represents the first instance of large-scale EU borrowing in order to fund grants, which fundamentally means EU debt for inter-regional transfers. In the months leading to the agreement, Hungary and Poland had been blocking the funds due to a compliance clause. The 1.82 trillion-euro ($2.21 trillion) seven-year budget and recovery package is expected to come into effect from 1 January 2021.
Greece, Cyprus, and Israel: Natural Gas Agreement
In January, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel signed an agreement to build the Eastern Mediterranean Pipeline that will carry natural gas 1,900km from the Eastern Mediterranean basin to the European market. The pipeline is estimated to cost USD 8.53 billion and carry an initial 10 billion cubic meters annually, expandable to 16 billion cubic meters annually. It was a major irritant to Turkey, which saw it as an attempt to exclude it from the region's energy abundance.
Greece and Turkey: Migrant crisis
In February, Turkey announced that it was opening its borders to refugees bound for Europe. This triggered the biggest refugee crisis in five years. For two weeks, Turkey gave free passage on the country's buses and trains to refugees travelling to the Greek border, during which time, Greece says it resisted more than 42,000 attempted entries at the land border and an unspecified number at sea. Greece notified Turkey that it was extending its border fence at the Evros river to secure its border against further refugee crises. On May 11, Turkey warned Greece against trespassing on Turkish soil. Both sides sent border reinforcements, displaying tensions between the two sides.
Latin America This Year
By Aparupa Bhattacharjee
Bolivia: A new election brings former Finance Minister as the President
On 18 October, a general election was held in Bolivia. The former Finance Minister, Luis Arce Catacora of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) the party was elected as the President in a landslide victory with 55 per cent of the votes. Although able to secure a majority in both chambers of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, the party was unable to gain the two-thirds majorities, on the whole, for the first time since 2009. The results of the election superseded the disputed results of the October 2019 elections and brought the party of the former President Evo Morales, back to power. Morales was forced to resign on 10 November 2019 by the military and the police of Bolivia, due to an on-going protest. The 19 days of civil protests were due to the dispute related to the election and the release of a report from the Organization of American States (OAS), which alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Brazil: Bolsenaro adds to the anxiety against the COVID-19 vaccines
On 18 December, Brazil's President Jair Bolsenaro warned his people in a public interview regarding the side effects of the vaccine. He stated, "In the Pfizer contract it's clear… 'we (Pfizer are not responsible for any side effects).' If you become an alligator, it's your problem." He also added fears such as women growing beard or men speaking with an effeminate voice as a result of the vaccine. This added to the growing anxiety among people regarding the vaccination. Brazil being one of the countries that are worst affected by the COVID-19, the health ministry is still far from a structured vaccination roll-out plan. The President, who was affected by the virus, has played down the impact comparing it to a 'simple flu'. His current statement will further encourage the on-going anti-vaccine protest in the country.
Mexico: A new bill deepens anti-US sentiments
On 15 December, the lower house of the Parliament in Mexico had passed a bill aimed at restricting the powers of "foreign agents" operating within. The law strips foreign agents of diplomatic immunity and requires them to share any intelligence obtained. This will have an impact on the US-Mexico national security relations because this will restrict the work of the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).DEA works closely with the Mexican forces in its fight against the drug cartels based in Mexico. This comes after a public uproar against the arrest of Mexico's former Defense Minister General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda in the US by the officials in October 2020.
Venezuela: Maduro retains power through an election
On 20 December, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro dissolved the National Constituent Assembly. He stated the body which was previously formed by him was no longer needed since his re-consolidation of power after the election on 6 December. His party - the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and allied parties captured 67.6 per cent of the total 277 seats in the National Assembly. The opposition under the leadership of Juan Guaido had boycotted the elections and still refused to accept the results to be fair. The last election was in 2019, followed by a political turmoil. Guaido, stating the result to be fraudulent, declared himself as the acting President. He was supported by the US and 50 other countries and organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union. But this election ensured the return of Maduro in spite of international opposition as he still enjoys the support of the military and the people due to his indigenous roots.
Chile: Referendum for a new Constitution
On 25 October, a national plebiscite was held in Chile. The referendum was regarding the drafting of a new constitution in the country. The agenda also focused on whether it should be drafted by a constitutional convention, or by a mixed constitutional convention, that comprises currently-sitting members of Parliament and directly elected citizens. A landslide victory with 78 per cent of votes made it evident that people demand a new constitution. 79 per cent of voters opted for a Constitutional Convention for drafting the new constitution. This plebiscite brings peace for the time being since the 2019 protests. On 11 April 2021, a second vote will be held to elect the members of the constitutional convention. This will be held alongside municipal and gubernatorial elections and will be followed by a third vote in 2022.
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NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #89 | Africa’s debate on colonial reparations
Sneha Surendran
Africa’s debate on colonial reparations
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #87&88 | Elusive Ceasefires in Sudan
Anu Maria Joseph
Sudan’s ceasefires remain elusive: Four reasons why
GP Team
UK’s AI Summit
Femy Francis
Ten years of BRI: Xi and the Beijing Summit
Femy Francis
The return of the South China Sea
Femy Francis
BRICS Summit poised as the Champion of Global South
Femy Francis
Japan-Australia's Reciprocal Access Agreement
CR Team | Avishka Ashok
China: Palestine Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit emphasizes hope for statehood
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #85&86 | Niger-France ties and Liberia elections
Nithyashree RB
Liberia elections: Explained
Jerry Franklin
France's increasing unpopularity in Niger
PR Team
The Snow Leopards of Pakistan
Padmashree Anandhan
Poland elections 2023: Reasons behind the shift
Padmashree Anandhan
Ukraine: The failure of the Black Sea Grain Initiative
Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri
Issues for Europe
Yogeswari S | CSIS
Poland’s engagement
Prof Joyati Bhattacharya
G20 Summit: India the Global Host
Anu Maria Joseph
Africa in the Indian Ocean region: Explained
Dhriti Mukherjee
Pakistan grapples with soaring electricity bills and free riders
Shamini Velayutham
Pakistan: Recent spike in Polio cases
Dhriti Mukherjee
Pakistan’s power predicament: Soaring bills and public discontent
Ankit Singh
Pakistan’s Economy: Three questions
Sneha Surendran
From Cargo to Canvas: The vibrant world of Pakistani Truck Art
Anu Maria Joseph
Taiwan in Africa: The Last Ally and the Lost Allies
Feben Itty | CSIS
NATO’s Challenge
Genesy B | abcnews
Russia’s Endgame
Sreeja JS
Ukraine’s Strategies and Endgame
NIAS Africa Team
Africa Weekly #79 | Africa Climate Summit
Sneha Surendran
Africa Climate Summit: Rising new leadership in climate action
Nithyashree RB
Coup in Gabon: Three questions
NIAS Africa Team
Africa Weekly #78 | Coup in Gabon
Sneha Surendran
Wildfires in Europe: Another year of devastation
Rishika Yadav
Floods in Europe: Impacts, and issues
Padmashree Anandhan
Return of the Heatwaves
Jerry Franklin A
A profile on Ethiopia's Oromo ethnic group
Sneha Surendran
A profile on Ethiopia’s Somali ethnic group
Nithyashree RB
A profile on Ethiopia’s Afar ethnic group
Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia’s Amhara problem
Jerry Franklin A
ECOWAS and Niger remain at an impasse, causing a prolonged standoff
Lakshmi Parimala H
Mural, Movie and the Map: Akhand Bharat mural and Adipurush
Rishika Yadav
The High Seas Treaty
Indrani Talukdar
Ukraine War and the International Order
Jerry Franklin A
Coup in Niger: Manifold national, regional and international stances
Sneha Surendran
Senegal's political crisis: Four questions
NIAS Africa Team
Africa Weekly #73&74 | Coup in Niger and Senegal’s political crisis
Himani Pant
Germany-Russia Relations: What Next?
D. Suba Chandran
Que Sara Sara: Pakistan, Two Months After 09 May
Sneha Surendran
Pakistan’s e-Sport Industry: A Profile
Ramya Balasubramanian
Russia and Europe: Understanding Moscow’s strategies
Bibhu Prasad Routray
Return of Violence in Manipur
Nithyashree RB
The UN in Africa: MINUSMA has failed. So did Mali
Bibhu Prasad Routray
Myanmar continues to burn
Anu Maria Joseph
The Wagner Group in Africa: Fallouts of the failed revolt in Russia
NIAS Africa Team
Africa Weekly #69-71 | The Wagner Group in Africa
Lakshmi Parimala
Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine
Padmashree Anandhan
Rise and fall of the Wagner Revolt: Four Takeaways
Sneha Surendran
The Wagner Revolt: A profile of Yevgeny Prigozhin
Padmashree Anandhan
The War in Ukraine: Four Issues to watch in 2023
Rishika Yadav, Sneha Surendran, Sandra D Costa, Ryan Marcus, Prerana P and Nithyashree RB
Global Gender Gap Report 2023: Regional Takeaways
Harini Madhusudan, Rishika Yada, Sneha Surendran, Prerana P, Sreeja JS and Padmashree Anandhan
Russia: Anatomy of Wagner Revolt, and its Fallouts
Anu Maria Joseph
Resurging insurgency in Uganda and insecurity in East Africa
Jerry Franklin
Eritrea: Back to the IGAD after 16 years
Bibhu Prasad Routray
India: Violence continues in Manipur
Jerry Franklin
Tunisia: A Political Profile
Jerry Franklin
Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis: Reasons for its continuation
Anu Maria Joseph
Ceasefires in Sudan: An uneasy trajectory
Rishika Yadav, Sreeja JS, Nithyashree RB, and Melvin George | Rishika Yadav is a Research Assistant in NIAS Europe Studies at NIAS. Nithyashree RB, Sreeja JS, and Melvin George are Research Interns in NIAS Europe Studies at NIAS.
The Battle for Bakhmut: Significance, Objectives, Course, and What Next
Nithyashree RB
Poland approves Russian Influence Law: Three Implications
Rishika Yadav | Research Assistant, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore
Serbia: Mass shootings, protests and instability
Rishika Yadav and Nityashree RB | Research Assistant and Research Intern, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore
Turkey’s Elections: Unravelling the Political Spectacle of 2023
Padmashree Anandhan | Research Associate National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore
Belgorod drone attacks: Who, What and Why?
NIAS Africa Team
In Focus | Japan in Africa
Devjyoti Saha
Japan in Africa: Renewed Efforts to Revitalise Relations
Indrani Talukdar
Russia's Position in the Arctic: New challenges
Lakshmi Parimala H
Bhutan's Gross National Happiness
Amit Gupta
The Trump Phenomenon: Why it Won’t Go
Rishika Yadav
Turkey’s Election: Issues, Actors and Outcomes
IPRI Team
The Armenia-Azerbaijan Stalemate
NIAS Africa Team
Droughts in East Africa: A climate disaster
NIAS Africa Team
Sudan: Intensifying political rivalry and expanding violence
NIAS Africa Team
Expanding Russia-South Africa relations
Padmashree Anandhan
Pentagon document leak: Russia-Ukraine Conflict From a Tactical Lens
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Tunisia: The question of undocumented migrants
Indrani Talukdar
Belarus’s endgame in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Padmashree Anandhan
Russia: Drone attacks escalate the Ukraine war
Padmashree Anandhan
The UK: Conservative party put to test as worker strikes continue
Bhoomika Sesharaj
PR Explains: Pakistan’s power outage
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Pakistan’s Blue Helmets: A long-standing contribution
D Suba Chandran
Karachi: The race and new alignments for the Mayor
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Macron’s visit to Africa: Three Takeaways
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Nigeria elections: Ruling party wins; What is ahead?
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | M23 atrocities in DRC and upcoming Nigeria elections
NIAS Africa Team
Africa in 2023: Elections and conflicts
IPRI Team
The continuing crisis in Israel
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Africa
IPRI Team
Protests in Spain, Sweden and Israel
Avishka Ashok
China: A complicated economic recovery
Padmashree Anandhan
Europe: An impending energy crisis and its economic fallouts
Ankit Singh
Defence: Towards a new cold war
Riya Itisha Ekka
Brazil: Managing Bolsonaro’s legacy
Apoorva Sudhakar
Africa: Despite the elections, democratic backslide will continue
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Pakistan in 2023: Between elections, economic turmoil and climate crisis
Sethuraman Nadarajan
Sri Lanka in 2023: A troubling economy and an unstable polity
Avishka Ashok
Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to Africa
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Bamako’s pardon of Ivorian soldiers
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The relapse of ANC
Allen Joe Mathew, Sayani Rana, Joel Jacob
Newsmakers: From Putin to Rushdie
Sethuraman Nadarajan
Rest in Peace; Queen Elizabeth. Mikhail Gorbachev, Pelé...
Ankit Singh
Global economy in 2022: The year of cooling down
Bhoomika Sesharaj
Digital world: Elon Musk and the Twitter Chaos
Madhura Mahesh
The FTX Collapse: Depleting cryptocurrencies
Harini Madhusudan
The Space race: Scaling new technological feats
Avishka Ashok
G20: More challenges
Akriti Sharma
COP27: Hits and Misses
Padmashree Anandhan
The Ukraine War
Poulomi Mondal
French Exit from Mali: More questions than answers
Mohaimeen Khan
Yemen, Syria, and Sudan: Continuing humanitarian crises
Padmashree Anandhan
NATO and the Madrid Summit: Expanding defence frontiers
Padmashree Anandhan
Elections in France, Sweden, and Italy: The rise of the right
Janardhan G
North Korea: Missile Tests Galore
Avishka Ashok
The Taiwan Strait: Political and military assertions
Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia: Uncertainties despite ceasefire
Apoorva Sudhakar
Tunisia: The end of the Jasmine Revolution
Rashmi BR
Iraq: Deadlock and breakthrough
Kaviyadharshini A
Iran: Anti-government protests
Chrishari de Alwis Gunasekare
Sri Lanka: Political and Economic Crises
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: The coup and after
NIAS Africa Team
The US-Africa Leaders Summit
IPRI Team
Workers strike in the UK
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | End of Operation Barkhane
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The ceasefire in Ethiopia
IPRI Team
Drone attacks in Russia
Vignesh Ram | Assistant Professor | Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
Malaysia’s recent Elections: More questions than answers
Vignesh Ram
Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia's new Prime Minister
Harini Madhusudan, Rishma Banerjee, Padmashree Anandhan, Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan, and Avishka Ashok
What next for Russia, Ukraine, Europe, South Asia & India, and China
Padmashree Anandhan and Rishma Banerjee
UNGA 77: Who said what from Europe?
Rashmi BR and Akriti Sharma
COP27: Ten key takeaways
Rashmi Ramesh
Ice Melt in Alps in Europe: Three impacts
Rishma Banerjee
Tracing Europe's droughts
Padmashree Anandhan
Major causes behind Europe’s continuing heatwaves
Emmanuel Selva Royan
100 days of the Ukraine war: US Responses in the war
Padmashree Anandhan
100 days of the Ukraine war: What next for Europe?
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
100 days of the Ukraine war: More loss than gain for Russia
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Challenges to peace in Eastern Congo
Avishka Ashok | Research Associate | National Institute of Advanced Studies
20th Party Congress of the Communist Party of China: Major takaways
Angelin Archana | Assistant Professor, Women’s Christian College, Chennai
China's response to the Ukraine crisis: Shaped by its relationship with Russia and EU under the US Shadow
Shreya Upadhyay | Assistant Professor, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore
Transatlantic Ties in the Wake of Ukraine-Russia War
Uma Purushothaman | Assistant Professor, Central University of Kerala, Kerala
Ukraine and beyond: The US Strategies towards Russia
Debangana Chatterjee | Assistant Professor, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore
Lessons from Ukraine War: Effectiveness of Sanctions
Himani Pant | Research Fellow, ICWA, Delhi
Ukraine and beyond: What next for Russia and Europe?
Sethuraman Nadarajan
Israel-Lebanon Maritime Border Deal
Avishka Ashok
G20 Summit: Four takeaways from Bali
NIAS Africa Team
China-Africa relations: Looking back and looking ahead
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Chad's political crisis
Sourina Bej
Elections in Sweden
Padmashree Anandhan
Italy's far-right wins 2022 elections
Padmashree Anandhan
Putin’s address in the Valdai Discussion: Six takeaways
Devjyoti Saha
Solomon Islands’ China card: Three reasons why
NIAS Africa Team
Floods in West Africa: Nigeria and beyond
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Famine in Somalia
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Kenya Elections 2022
IPRI Team
Protests in Iran
IPRI Team
Clashes between Armenia-Azerbaijan
Padmashree Anandhan
Queen Elizabeth: End of an era
Padmashree Anandhan
Russia and Eastern Economic Forum 2022: A sturdy Far East
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The reinvention of Al Shabab
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Lavrov's visit to Africa
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Macron's visit to Africa
GP Team
Floods and Emergency in Pakistan
IPRI Team
Six months of War in Ukraine
GP Team
Regional round-ups
Padmashree Anandhan
Who will be the next UK prime minister: Liss Truss v. Rishi Sunak
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Tunisia's political crisis
NIAS Africa Team
Tunisia’s political crisis: Five questions
NIAS Africa Team
Tribal conflict in Blue Nile: Causes and Implications
STIR Team
Geopolitics of Semiconductors
Padmashree Anandhan
France: Uber files leak, and Macron’s trouble
Emmanuel Selva Royan
Italy: Three factors about its current political instability
NIAS Africa Team
Sudan-Ethiopia border tensions and a profile of Blaise Compaoré
NIAS Africa Team
Africa’s continuing migration problem: Three issues
STIR Team
China in Space: Shenzhou-13 and Tiangong
NIAS Africa Team
Africa’s displacement crises: Three key drivers
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Into the Sixth Decade of African Unity
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Communal Tensions in Ethiopia
Padmashree Anandhan
What does Macron's victory mean for France and the EU
Rishma Banerjee
The rise of Marine Le Pen
Sourina Bej
Four challenges ahead for President Macron
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Mali ends defence ties with France
GP Team
New US assistance for Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | UK-Rwanda asylum deal
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Africa, Russia, and the War in Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Political Crisis in Tunisia
GP Team
Russia's gas ultimatum to Europe
IPRI Team
30 days of War in Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
60 years of Algerian independence
IPRI Team
Sri Lanka’s worsening economic crisis
NIAS Africa Team
In Focus: Libya
IPRI Team
The end of Denmark’s Inuit experiment
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Europe and Africa: Will AU and EU be equal partners?
Anu Maria Joseph
Europe and Africa: Will AU and EU be equal partners?
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Lecture report: Ukraine, Russia and Europe
Joeana Cera Matthews
Into History: Northern Ireland and Bloody Sunday, 50 years later
Nireekshan Bollimpalli
Africa’s slow COVID vaccination continues. Four reasons why
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS: Conflict over the Nile Dam
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS: Instability in Burkina Faso
Padmashree Anandhan
Munich Security Report: Six takeaways
Joeana Cera Matthews
Europe and Africa: An elusive search for an equal partnership
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Femicides in Europe: The case of France
Padmashree Anandhan
Post Brexit: Three challenges in Northern Ireland
Porkkodi Ganeshpandian and Angkuran Dey
The return of the Left
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Lithuania and China: Vilnius has become Beijing’s Achilles heel. Four reasons why
Mohamad Aseel Ummer
Africa: The anti-France sentiments in Mali and beyond
Shalini Balaiah
The Middle East in 2021: Never-ending wars and conflicts
Angelin Archana
Russia in 2021: Expanding boundaries
Prakash Panneerselvam
East Asia in 2021: New era of hegemonic competition
Apoorva Sudhakar
Coup in Burkina Faso: Five things to know
Joeana Cera Matthews
In Europe, abortion rights are "a privilege." Four reasons why
Padmashree Anandhan
Mapping COVID-19 protests in Europe: Who and Why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Pakistan, US and Russia: Putin Online, Biden Offline
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The unrest in Kazakhstan: Look beyond the trigger
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Deepening Pakistan-Russia ties
D. Suba Chandran
Justice Ayesha: Breaking the Legal Ceiling
Ankit Singh
Pakistan's Judiciary in 2021
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Same Page Story: Civil-Military Relations in 2021
D. Suba Chandran
Pakistan's Foreign Policy in 2021
Ankit Singh
Pakistan’s economy in 2021: Major highlights
Ankit Singh
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank
Apoorva Sudhakar
The PDM is back, again
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Qureshi’s visit to Brussels: Three takeaways
GP Team
The Complete Compendium for 2021
GP Team
The Americas in 2021
GP Team
Europe in 2021
GP Team
Middle East and Africa in 2021
GP Team
South Asia in 2021
Apoorva Sudhakar
Protests in Gwadar: Four major highlights
Ankit Singh
Mini budget, IMF and a contemporary puzzle.
Ankit Singh
Pappu Sain bids adieu to the world
Apoorva Sudhakar
Smog, pollution and more: Deteriorating air quality in Pakistan
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
PTI’s secret dealing with the TTP and TLP
Vaishnavi Iyer
France, Algeria, and the politics over an apology
Joeana Cera Matthews
NATO-Russia relationship: Looking beyond the suspensions and expulsions
D. Suba Chandran
PTI’s TLP flip-flop and a secret deal
Apoorva Sudhakar
The increasing curbs on digital media freedom in Pakistan
Padmashree Anandhan
Facebook's Metaverse: Why it matters to Europe
Joeana Cera Matthews
Poland, EU and PolExit. It is complicated, for three reasons
Harini Madhusudhan
Europe's Energy Crisis and Gazprom
D. Suba Chandran
TLP: The government caves in again
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
TLP is back again
Apoorva Sudhakar | Project Associate, School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS
Pakistan’s transgender community: The long road ahead
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Since January 2021: Why the US President has not called Pakistan’s Prime Minister so far?
Apoorva Sudhakar
No honour in honour killing
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Military Reshuffle: A strategic or routine decision?
D. Suba Chandran
Dr AQ Khan: Between a national hero and a nuclear proliferator
Apoorva Sudhakar
Rising child abuse in Pakistan: Five reasons why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Hazara Persecution in Pakistan: No end in sight
D. Suba Chandran
Protests in Gwadar: Who and Why
Chetna Vinay Bhora
Europe's Energy Crisis: It could get worse. Five reasons why
STIR Team
Cover Story: War against Malaria
Aswathy Koonampilly
Japan: New Prime Minister, Old party
GP Team
Europe's Energy Crisis
STIR Team
The Science and Politics of Materials
Sourina Bej
France: Paris Terror Trial
Harini Madhusudan
Belarus: Weaponization of the Migrant Crisis
Juan Mary Joseph
Attacks on Chinese Investments in Pakistan: Who, Where And Why?
Joeana Cera Matthews
Haiti: Two months after the assassination, the storm is still brewing
Joeana Cera Matthews
From Crimea to Navalny: Putin's calibrated Europe strategy
Joeana Cera Matthews
Nord Stream-2: Why is the region unhappy about the pipeline?
Lokendra Sharma
Two months of Cuban protests: Is the ‘revolution’ ending?
GP Team
The New Afghanistan
STIR Team
Climate Change and Energy Options
Apoorva Sudhakar
Digital Pakistan: Idea, Potential and Challenges
Anu Maria Joseph
South Africa: What is behind the pro-Zuma protests?
Dincy Adlakha
China and Russia in Myanmar: The interests that bind
Sarthak Jain
Nord Stream 2 is Russia’s geopolitical victory
Jeshil J Samuel
REvil is dead. Long live REvil
STIR Team
Space Tourism
Keerthana Rajesh Nambiar
The EU Summit 2021: Five Takeaways
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Impending famine in Tigray, should make Ethiopia everyone's problem
Anu Maria Joseph
Too late and too little is Ethiopia's international problem
Sankalp Gurjar
Africa's Ethiopia Problem
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia's Tigray problem is Tigray's Ethiopia problem
Lokendra Sharma
The future of nuclear energy looks bleak
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Five reasons why Afghanistan is closer to a civil war
Mohamad Aseel Ummer
Migration in Africa: Origin, Drivers and Destinations
Dincy Adlakha
The new three-child policy is two decades too late
Dincy Adlakha
Loud Echoes of the National Security Law in China
Joeana Cera Matthews
Farfetched goals on pandemic recovery, climate action and economic revival
STIR Team
Rare Earths and the Global Resource Race
SDP Scholar
The Rise and Reign of Ransomware
Gurpreet Singh
India and the geopolitics of supply chains
Chetna Vinay Bhora
Spain, Morocco and the rise of rightwing politics in Europe over immigration
Vibha Venugopal
The return of Taliban will be bad news for women
Udbhav Krishna P
Revisiting the recent violence: Three takeaways
Joeana Cera Matthews
For the Economist, Taiwan is the most dangerous place. The argument is complicated
Apoorva Sudhakar
15 of the 23 global hunger hotspots are in Africa. Three reasons why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The US decision to withdraw is a call made too early. Three reasons why
Lokendra Sharma
Learning from Cuba's vaccine development efforts
V S Ramamurthy and Dinesh K Srivastava
An energy mix of renewables and nuclear is the most viable option
Lokendra Sharma
Deadly second wave spirals into a humanitarian disaster
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The US-Taliban Deal: One Year Later
Akriti Sharma
The Quad Plus and the search beyond the four countries
Apoorva Sudhakar
India's Endgames, Roles and Limitations in Quad
Sukanya Bali
Tracing the Quad's evolution in the last two decades
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia: Five fallouts of the military offensive in Tigray
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Afghanistan: The recent surge in targeted killing vs the troops withdrawal
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
In Honduras, a move towards a permanent ban on abortion laws
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Civilian protests vs military: Three factors will decide the outcome in Myanmar
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Trump’s Climate Change legacy: Disruption and Denial
Apoorva Sudhakar
Trump’s Iran legacy: Maximum pressure, minimum results
N Manoharan and Drorima Chatterjee
Five ways India can detangle the fishermen issue with Sri Lanka
IPRI Team
Coup in Myanmar and Protests in Russia
D Suba Chandran
The PDM differences, Gwadar fencing, and Lakhvi's arrest
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Nagorno-Karabakh: Rekindled fighting, Causalities and a Ceasefire
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Thailand: For the pro-democracy protests, it is a long march ahead
Harini Madhusudan
Brexit: A year of the UK-EU transition talks and finally, a Deal
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia: The conflict in Tigray and the regional fallouts
Aparaajita Pandey
The Americas: Top Five Developments
Teiborlang T Kharsyntiew
Europe: Top five developments
Sandip Kumar Mishra
East Asia: Top Five developments in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
Outer Space in 2020: Missions, Privatization, and the Artemis Accords
Sukanya Bali
5G, Huawei and TikTok: Four trends in 2020
Sumedha Chatterjee
COVID-19: How the world fought in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
The Vaccine Rush: Expectations vs Realities
Harini Madhusudan
Open Skies Treaty: The US should not have withdrawn, for five reasons
Savithri Sellapperumage
Kamala Harris makes history
Mallika Devi
China is against the Quad. Five reasons why
Srikumar Pullat
Space of Tomorrow: The Need for Space Security
Tamanna Khosla
Japan: New Prime Minister, Old Challenges
Vaishali Handique
Not just regime change: Women and protest movements in Sudan
Sneha Tadkal
Technology in contemporary global protest movements
Chavindi Weerawansha
Students as agents of change: Protest movements in Zimbabwe
Anju Annie Mammen
“Unveiling”: Women and protest movements in the Middle East
Harini Madhusudan
‘The Revolution of Our Times’: Protests in Hong Kong
Samreen Wani
Lebanon: Can Macron's visit prevent the unravelling?
Harini Madhusudan
The Legacy of Shinzo Abe. It is Complicated.
Boa Wang
Two Sessions in Beijing
Boa Wang
How China fought the COVID-19
N. Manoharan
Is COVID-19 a Bio-weapon from China?
Prof PM Soundar Rajan
Is there an overlap of 5G Networks and COVID hotspots?
Rashmi Ramesh
Will COVID-19 provide a new agenda to the NAM?
Harini Madhusudan
Iran's New Military Satellite: Does it violate the UNSC 2231?
Jenice Jean Goveas
Epidemics through History
Sanduni Atapattu
Preventing hatred and suspicion would be a bigger struggle
Chavindi Weerawansha
A majority in the minority community suffers, for the action of a few
Chrishari de Alwis Gunasekare
The Cardinal sermons for peace, with a message to forgive
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Who and Why of the Perpetrators
Natasha Fernando
In retrospect, where did we go wrong?
Ruwanthi Jayasekara
Build the power of Co-existence, Trust, Gender and Awareness
N Manoharan
New ethnic faultlines at macro and micro levels
Asanga Abeyagoonasekera
A year has gone, but the pain has not vanished
Jenice Jean Goveas
In India, the glass is half full for the women
Fatemah Ghafori
In Afghanistan, there is no going back for the women
Lakshmi V Menon
The decline in terrorism in Pakistan in 2019
Rashmi Ramesh
The EU and the Arctic: The interest is not mutual. Why?
Rashmi Ramesh
Iceland, Denmark and Norway: Small is Big in the Arctic
Harini Madhusudan
The Non-Arctic powers: Interests of Japan and South Korea
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Malaysia: New PM, Old Challenges
Lakshmi V Menon
Pakistan to remain “Grey”; North Korea and Iran in “Black”
Rashmi Ramesh
Trump's India Visit: Optics, Substance and Rhetoric
Kabi Adhikari
The controversial MCC Nepal Compact
Malini Sethuraman
ISIS post Baghdadi: Will there be another Caliphate in 2020?
Aarathi Srinivasan
Climate Change: The Economy of the Indian Ocean Region in 2020
Prathiksha Ravi
Israel and the Middle East: The New Alliance Plans in 2020
Padmini Anilkumar
Middle East: The Return of Russia in 2020
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Sudan and Algeria: Road to Democracy in 2020
Lakshmi V Menon
Syria: ISIS Decline, US Retreat and the Return of Russia in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
The US-China Trade Dispute: Towards further disruptions in 2020
Parikshith Pradeep
The US under Donald Trump: The Fall of an Empire in 2020
Vivek Mishra
After Soleimani assassination: Options for the US
Sukanya Bali
Iran, Iraq and the US: Who wants what?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Old problems to persist with no solutions in the near term
Aashiyana Adhikari
Indian and Chinese investments in Nepal: Managing asymmetry
Shailesh Nayak | Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
Blue Economy and India: An Introduction
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
North Africa in 2019: A year of protests, with some positive results
Sukanya Bali
Hong Kong in 2019: China's New Achilles Heel
Harini Madhusudan
The US-China Trade Dispute in 2019: Towards a thaw in 2020?
Parikshith Pradeep
The US in 2019: Trump rollsout a template for a global American retreat
Rashmi Ramesh
The Arctic Littorals: Iceland and Greenland
Harini Madhusudan
The Polar Silk Route: China's ambitious search in the Arctic
GP Team
Syria: Who wants what?
Harini Madhusudan
Violence in Hong Kong: Will the protests end?
Rashmi Ramesh
Is Catalonia Spain’s Hong Kong?
D. Suba Chandran
Why an Arctic foray is essential for India
Parikshith Pradeep
Russia's Polar Military Edge
Nidhi Dalal
Protests rock Chile, Bolivia and Haiti
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Will prosecuting Suu Kyi resolve the Rohingya problem?
Lakshman Chakravarthy N & Rashmi Ramesh
Climate Change: Four Actors, No Action
Sukanya Bali
Brexit: Preparing for the Worst Case
Lakshman Chakravarthy N
5G: A Primer
Rashmi Ramesh
From Okjökull to OK: Death of a Glacier in Iceland
Sukanya Bali
Challenges before Boris Johnson
Parikshith Pradeep
The Hong Kong Protests: Who wants what
Harini Madhusudan
The Hong Kong Protests: Re-defining mass mobilization
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
ASEAN Outlook on the Indo Pacific: Worth all the Hype?
Mahesh Bhatta
Monsoons first, Floods next and the Blame Games follow
Titsala Sangtam
Counting Citizens: Manipur charts its own NRC
Vivek Mishra
Can Hedging be India’s Strategy?
Lakshmi V Menon
Amidst the US-Iran standoff, Saudi Arabia should be cautious
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
For Russia, it was big power projection
Harini Madhusudan
For China, it was trade and a temporary truce
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
For Japan, it was commerce and climate change
Sourina Bej
For the US, it was trade, tariff and talks
Titsala Sangtam
Iran, US and the Nuclear deal: Europe in the middle?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Modi's Colombo Visit: Four issues to watch
Raakhavee Ramesh
Higher than the Himalayas: Pakistan and China
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Across the Himalayas: Nepal and China
Mahath Mangal
The Russian Resurgence: Is the US supremacy waning?
Mahath Mangal
San Francisco wants to ban, Kashgar wants to expand
Jerin George
Espionage or Investigative Journalism?
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Huawei Controversy: Five things you need to know
Mahath Mangal
Why the world needs to look at Yemen
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Central Asia Connector
Harini Madhusudan
An Under-represented East Asia
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Africa Embraces the Belt and Road
Sourina Bej
It’s Europe vs EU on China
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Sudan: Between Democracy and another military rule
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Responses and Inspiring Lessons
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Thailand: Between Elections and Instability
Sourina Bej
Two Sessions in 2019: Four Takeaways
Lakshmi V Menon
The End of ISIS Caliphate?
Harini Madhusudan
For China, its a sigh of relief
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
For Vietnam, its a big deal
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
For Japan, No Deal is Good Deal
Sourina Bej
For South Korea, a costly disappointment
Harini Madhusudan
No deal is better, but isn't it bad?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
The Other Conflict in Rakhine State
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Yemen: Will Sa'nna fall?
Harini Madhusudan
Sinicizing the Minorities
GP Team
US, South Korea and Thailand
Lakshmi V Menon
The Qatar Blockade: Eighteen Months Later
GP Team
Yemen, Venezuela and US-China
Sourina Bej
Maghreb: What makes al Shahab Resilient?
Harini Madhusudan
US-China Trade War: No Clear Winners
Abhishrut Singh
Trump’s Shutdown: Five Things to Know
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: Will 2019 be better for the Rohingya?
D. Suba Chandran
Bangladesh: The Burden of Electoral History
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
US and China: Between Confrontation and Competition
Mahesh Bhatta | Centre for South Asian Studies, Kathmandu
Nepal
Nasima Khatoon | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
The Maldives
Harini Madhusudan | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
India
Sourina Bej | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
Bangladesh
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
Afghanistan
Harini Madhusudan
China and Japan: Renewing relations at the right time
Sourina Bej
The INF Treaty: US withdraws to balance China?
Harini Madhusudan
The Khashoggi Killing: Unanswered Questions
Lakshmi V Menon
US and Israel: Trump's Deal of the Century
Nasima Khatoon
The New Maldives: Advantage India?
Harini Madhusudhan
To NAFTA or Not: Trump, Mexico and Canada
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Malaysia’s China Moment: The Mahathir Gamble
Sourina Bej
BIMSTEC: A Bay of Good Hope?
Young Scholars Debate
India, Imran Khan and Indo-Pak Relations
Siddhatti Mehta
Does Brexit mean Brexit?
Oishee Majumdar
Factsheet: China’s Investments in Africa
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
The 8888 Uprising: Thirty Years Later
Harini Madhusudhan
The Tariff War: 'Stick of Hegemony' vs Vital Interests
Druta Bhatt
FactSheet: Shangri La Dialogue 2018
Rahul Arockiaraj
Immigrants as the “Other”: The Social and Economic Factors in the US
Divyabharathi E
Is Trump-Putin Summit a setback for the US?
Apoorva Sudhakar
India and Bangladesh: The Long Haul
Divyabharathi E
Quad as an alternative to the BRI: Three Main Challenges
Oishee Majumdar
FactSheet: India-Bangladesh Relations
D. Suba Chandran
Trump meets Putin; will it cost NATO?
Sourina Bej
Trump and the NATO: One Block, Different Views
Gayan Gowramma KC
Now, the United States withdraws from the UNHRC
Siddhatti Mehta
Will China be able to sustain its Dominance?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: Why won't they do anything for the Rohingya?
Harini Madhusudan
The Idea of an US Space Force: Strategic Calculations
Apoorva Sudhakar
Afghan Peace: Reality or Illusion?
Hely Desai
Looking beyond Trump: Is the US declining?
Manushi Kapadia
Is China using its soft power to become superpower?
Lakshmi. V. Menon
Middle East: Has Russia chosen Israel over Iran?
Miti Shah
G7: Why Trump wants Russia in?
Hely Desai
FactSheet: G7 Summit
Siddhatti Mehta
The Panmunjom Declaration: “Tip of the Iceberg”
Druta Bhatt
Iran N-Deal and the Trans-Atlantic Divide
Manushi Kapadia
US and China: Towards a Trade War
Miti Shah
Palestine: US triggers new tensions
Divyabharathi E
The "Indo-Pacific Command": What's in the name?
Harini Madhusudan
Trump’s Tariff Strategy: Targetting Adversaries and Allies
Hely Desai
Trump-Kim Summit: Three Likely Outcomes
Apoorva Sudhakar
The Lebanon Pawn: Will it change after elections?
Lakshmi V Menon
Israel, the Game Changer?
Samreen Wani
Deciphering Turkey's External Push
Divyabharathi E
China and Russia: The New Alignments
Ann Maria Shibu
Can India afford to lose Maldives to China?
Dhruv Ashok
Why Maldives is important to China?
Lakshmi V Menon
ISIS and the Yazidi victims: Why the World should stand up?
Harini Madhusudan
US- China Tariff Face-off : Five questions
Jamyang Dolma
Why is Free Tibet important for India
Divyabharathi E
Arctic: The Strategic Significance
Lakshmi V Menon
Do we need the Quad?
Samreen Wani
Why Trump’s Iran exit is a big mistake?
Jamyang Dolma
Inter Korean Summit: Will it work?
Dhruv Ashok
The Fishermen Issue between India and Sri Lanka
Apoorva Sudhakar
Bangladesh's Economy: Decoding a Success Story
Ann Maria Shibu
Why India should not pull out of the Indus water treaty?
Divyabharathi E