The World This Week

CWA # 478
The World This Week
Another US investigation on COVID origin, Russia's Belarus embrace, Mali's second coup, and Europe's Africa apology

GP Team
30 May 2021
Photo Source: The Moscow Times

The World This Week #121, Vol. 3, No. 22

Apoorva Sudhakar, Anu Maria, Harini Madhusudan and Sukanya Bali

Mali: The "coup within a coup" 
What happened? 
On 28 May, Mali's constitutional court appointed Colonel Assimi Goita as the transitional President. It ruled that he would "lead the transition process to its conclusion" due to the "vacancy in the presidency."

On 27 May, Colonel Assimi Goita declared himself the transitional President; he led the military coup in August 2020. According to the BBC, Col Goita said: "President Bah Ndaw and PM Moctar Ouane had failed in their duties and were seeking to sabotage the country's transition." On the same day, soldiers released Ndaw and Ouane from detention.

On 26 May, Goita's aide announced that Ndaw and Ouane had resigned and added that "negotiations are ongoing for their liberation and the formation of a new government." On the same day, the UNSC called on the security forces for a "safe, immediate and unconditional release" of all detained officials. 

On 24 May, the military detained Ndaw and Ouane following a cabinet reshuffle wherein two military leaders who led the August coup, including Goita, were left out. Aljazeera reported that the UN and African Union released a joint statement signed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), US, UK, France, and Germany, calling for the civilian leaders' "immediate and unconditional release." The statement said: "We emphasize that the ill-considered action taken today carries the risk of weakening the mobilization of the international community in support of Mali." BBC quoted the French President terming the development "a coup within a coup."  
 
What is the background? 
First, the two coups within a year. In early 2020, anti-government protests on the grounds of corruption, crippling economy, pandemic mismanagement, and a deteriorating security situation gathered momentum. The protests were consolidated and led by the 5 June Movement, also known as the M5-RFP. On 19 August 2020, the then President was overthrown by the military. Since September 2020, Mali has been under a transitional government; it is expected to last until the proposed elections in February 2022.  However, the coup garnered criticism from several quarters. The military mitigated the threat of sanctions by appointing a civilian leadership with Ndaw and Ouane as the interim President and Prime Minister in September; they were former Defence and Foreign Minister, respectively. Meanwhile, Goita was appointed as Vice President. Over the months, the M5-RFP expressed its contentions with the military, claiming that it was excluded from talks and called for a cabinet reshuffle and a subsequent "broad-based" cabinet. This led to the latest cabinet reshuffle that triggered the second coup in May 2021. 

Second, the political complexities in Mali. There is growing resentment within Malians regarding the security situation of the country. The August coup was celebrated with hope for improved security conditions, given that there is a growing Islamist militancy in the country and in the neighbouring countries. Over the past few months, militants have targeted several military bases. Though France launched a military intervention in 2013, civilians perceive it to be ineffective, and there is growing anger within the civilians against the French military. 

Third, regional and external reactions. The two coups have resulted in criticism against Mali. Following the August coup, ECOWAS had suspended financial assistance to Mali; the sanctions were lifted only after the transitional leadership was handed over to Ndaw and Ouane. Similarly, following the latest coup, France has threatened Mali with EU sanctions. 

What does it mean?
First, the latest coup demonstrates the fragile leadership within Mali and the lack of political strength among the civilian leadership. It proves that the M5-RFP's criticism regarding the involvement of the military in the civilian-led transition was indeed correct. Further, the constitutional court falling in line with the military also highlights the weakness of democratic institutions. 

Second, no amount of external pressure or troop deployment will solve the political complexities in Mali. Goita taking overpower has led to a renewal of the threat of sanctions, but it is unlikely that the military will yield to pressure this time.

 
Europe in Africa: France and Germany take responsibility for the past in Rwanda and Namibia
What happened?
On 27 May, French President Macron asked for "the gift of forgiveness" from the people of Rwanda in his speech at Kigali Genocide Memorial while he was visiting Rwanda. He said France bears an "overwhelming responsibility" over the 1994 Rwanda genocide, though it had never been an accomplice. He also said: "France failed to heed the warnings and overestimated its ability to stop something that was underway". Rwandan President Paul Kagame responded: "his (Macron's) words were something valuable than an apology, they were the truth." He called it an "act of tremendous courage".

On 28 May, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas officially recognized the mass killings in Namibia (then German South-West Africa) during 1904-08  as 'Genocide'. He said: "We will now officially call these events what they were from today's perspective: a genocide." Also, Germany has pledged to provide USD 1.3 billion for the reconstruction and development of the communities to recognize the suffering caused. He said: "In the light of the historical and moral responsibility of Germany, we will ask forgiveness from Namibia and the victims." 

The Namibian government officials referred to the recognition as a "first step" towards reconciliation. But on the same day, Herero Paramount's chief, Yekuii Rukoro, replied: "This is a sellout job by the Namibian government. The government has betrayed the cause of people". He also said reparations should be collectively given to descendants of victims rather than as financial programs. Sima Luiper, one among Nama people, said: "Germany must come to Nama people, and Herero people, and ask for forgiveness, and it's up to us to decide if that apology is genuine or not". 

What is the background?
First, the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. In Rwanda, the minority Tutsi community were targeted by the Hutus after the assassination of Hutu President Habriamana in 1994; the violence resulted in the killing of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. France supported the Hutu led government and its policies that suppressed the RPF (Rwandon Patriotic Front) led by the Tutsis. It failed to recognize the warnings of an impending genocide. Operation Turquoise, the French-led military intervention backed by the UN in July 1994, failed to act, giving numerous Hutu perpetrators a chance to escape legal prosecution. 

Second, the genocide in Namibia during 1904-08. Over 100,000 Hereros and 10,000 Namas people were killed as a part of an 'extermination order' in the then German South-West Africa, during the German colonial rule for rebelling. People were driven to the Omaheke desert and abandoned; many died of dehydration and hunger. Thousands were poisoned, persecuted, imprisoned in concentration camps and died of diseases and abuses.

Third, the post-genocide bilateral relations. The RPF government, led by Paul Kagame in 1994, deteriorated the relationship between France and Rwanda. The French President Emmanuel Macron assigned a Commission of French Historians led by Vincent Duclert in 2019 to investigate France's involvement. The report concluded the "overwhelming responsibility" of France on the genocide caused by the policies adopted by President Francois Mitterrand. On 7 April, Macron announced plans to make the Duclert Report public. On 19 May, he spoke at the Paris Summit on Financing Africa, where he announced his decision to visit Rwanda to re-establish the relationship.

Germany, since 2015 has been negotiating with Namibia. The objective was to "find a common path to genuine reconciliation in memory of the victims". However, Namibia rejected the compensation for using the term 'financial aid' instead of 'reparations.' In 2018, Germany returned skulls and other remains of the Namibians, which were taken for scientific racial experiments. Now Germany has officially issued an apology. The government of Namibia has officially accepted the apology, but the descendants of the Herero and Nama people demand direct reparations. They rejected the offer as they say it would not be enough to replace the land and culture once they lost.     

What does it mean?
First, the apology and visit from France and Germany. It signals an effort to correct the past and also a sincere effort to re-establish the relations. This should be welcome. Second, the response from Rwanda and Namibia. Since Rwandan President Paul Kagame has accepted the apology, it would mean an end to the controversies and a turn for new beginnings. But for Germany, even though the Namibian government has accepted the apology, demand for direct reparations from the Nama and the Herero community means more work needs to be done for reconciliation. Since France and Germany have taken the first crucial steps, they should stay the course. 


Belarus: While the West impose bans, Putin supports "Europe's Last Dictator" 
What happened?
On 28 May, President Putin hosted Alexander Lukashenko at a resort in Sochi amid the global outcry over the forced diversion of Ryanair's plane and the arrest of a Belarusian journalist, an outspoken critic of the Lukashenko regime. Putin was seen praising Russia's closer ties with Belarus. He said: "We've been building the Union State" and added, "we are confidently moving in that direction, that work is already bringing concrete results to our citizens." Lukashenko stated the West was "seeking to stir up unrest in Belarus."

During the week, the EU and the US announced sanctions against the forced landing of the plane. On 27 May, the Foreign Ministers of the G7 countries and EU released a joint statement, calling for an "immediate and unconditional release" of the detained Belarusian journalist, Roman Protasevich. His Russian girlfriend was also detained; she admits to being the editor of the social media channel that revealed the personal information of the law enforcement personnel of Belarus. 
24 May also marks one year since the protests against his decision to run for the 2020 Presidential Elections. 

What is the background?
First, Belarus-Russia bonhomie and Moscow's interests. Russia has been steadily increasing its influence over  Belarus. However, the two leaders are described as 'uncomfortable allies,' one that is born out of necessity. Russia has backed Lukashenko's leadership for 27 years and remains Belarus' most powerful political and economic partner. For Russia, Minsk, geographically wedged between the NATO allies and Russia, would be one less neighbour who is influenced by the West. Russian and Belarusian air defence systems are known to be deeply integrated. Though the Kremlin has denied its involvement in the diversion of the plane, the UK Foreign Secretary claimed that it was "very difficult to believe that this kind of action could have been taken without at least the acquiescence of the authorities in Moscow." 

Second, the Western pressure on Belarus through sanctions and beyond. On 28 May, the Biden administration reimposed sanctions against nine state-owned enterprises and is developing additional penalties to further target officials in the Belarusian administration. The EU on the same day pledged a financial package of USD 3.7 billion if Belarus starts a 'peaceful democratic transition.' Previously, on 24 May, the European Union urged all EU-based carriers to avoid flying over Belarus airspace, announced sanctions against all officials linked to the diverted flight, and asked the Civil Aviation Organisation to start an investigation into the forced landing of a passenger plane and demanded the release of the arrested journalist. 

Third, Lukashenko's firm response despite international criticisms. The EU, since the beginning, has refused to accept Lukashenko's victory in the 2020 elections. It has called for new elections, condemned the repression and the violence against the protesters since August 2020. However, Lukashenko has stood his ground and has consistently defended his position. On 26 May, he claimed that he had acted legally and per international norms in the case of the diversion of the passenger plane and stated, "ill-wishers from outside and inside the country have changed their methods to attack the state."

What does it mean?
As someone who has used all means to suppress dissent within the country, the Lukashenko government's decision to divert a plane and arrest two young activists does not come as a surprise. Second, sanctions have failed to impact the government's actions, and it seems like the two sides, the West and Belarus-Russia, have decided to expand their influence and use other tools to engage with each other. 

The question is, how far would Russia be willing to go to defend Lukashenko?

 
US: Another investigation into COVID origin
What happened?
On 26 May, the US President ordered intelligence agencies to investigate the origin of COVID-19. President Biden said: "I have now asked the intelligence community to redouble their efforts to collect and analyze information that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion and report back to me in 90 days." On the same day, the New York Times reported a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson when asked about the WHO's further investigation in the country. He said: "the authoritative study report with many significant conclusions had already been issued."

On 23 May, Wall Street Journal reported: "Three researchers from Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) became sick enough in November 2019 and they sought hospital care." White House Press Secretary said: "We don't have enough information to draw a conclusion about the origins." She also said: "There is a need to look into a range of options. We need data, we need an independent investigation, and that's exactly what we've been calling for."

What is the background?
First, the US insistence to trace the origin of the virus. The Trump administration blamed China for the pandemic. Trump also referred to COVID-19 as the "China virus" or the "Wuhan virus." The administration also floated the idea without providing evidence that the virus may have accidentally escaped a lab in China. Before leaving office, Mike Pompeo also released a fact sheet over the origin of the virus. The document stated: "The US government had reason to believe that several researchers inside the WIV became sick in autumn 2019, before the first identified case of the outbreak, with symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illnesses." After the WHO investigation failed to draw definitive insights, earlier this month, health officials in the Biden administration renewed their request for a stringent inquiry. On 13 May, 18 scientists revealed in the 'Science' journal that they didn't have enough evidence to indicate a "natural or accidental laboratory leak" origin. The health experts began suggesting that "accidental release from a lab and zoonotic spillover both remain viable theories."

Second, international responses outside the US on the origin question. Amid the pandemic, Australia, the UK, and Japan also have demanded a more transparent and international investigation. These countries expressed concern over the WHO's report and highlighted that the investigation team was not given timely access to relevant data. 

Third, the failure of WHO's China mission to effectively address the origin question. On 30 March, WHO released a joint report with China, which dismissed the lab leak theory, calling it an "extremely unlikely" situation. Later authorities also refused to share raw data on early covid cases to perform analysis. The report was highly criticized for not being transparent. WHO Director-General also said: "I do not believe that this assessment was extensive enough" and demanded further investigation for the lab-leak theory. 

Fourth, China's response so far. Since the beginning, Beijing has been dismissive about the lab leak hypothesis and has pushed a theory that the virus was manufactured in an American lab or was brought into Wuhan through cold chain products. China had halted the visit of experts to Wuhan and has demanded investigation outside China. 

Fifth, the research on coronavirus at Wuhan lab. The WIV, a biosafety level 4 lab, had been doing research on bat coronavirus for several years. Wall Street Journal reported, Dr Shi Zhengli, WIV's leading bat coronavirus expert, "has publicly described doing experiments, including in 2018 and 2019, to see if various bat coronaviruses could use a certain spike protein on their surfaces to bind to an enzyme in human cells known as ACE2. That is how both the SARS virus and SARS-CoV-2 infect humans."

What does it mean?
Biden's robust intervention in analyzing the COVID-19 origin, due to an increase in pressure from the civil and political society, is likely to receive support across the political spectrum. China still remains non-transparent over the question of the virus origin, to the dismay of the international community amid rising demand over the issue of origin.


Also, in the news …
By Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok

East and Southeast Asia This Week 
China: Sinovac takes the lead in BRICS vaccine development center
On 29 May, the Global Times reported, Sinvoc will be leading the Chinese branch of the BRICS vaccine research and development center. The center aims to promote joint research, development, and clinical trial for the vaccines through an online and offline approach. This cooperation also entails production licensing for BRICS countries, to locally produce the vaccines.

Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai with nine others sentenced for illegal assembly; Electoral System bill passed with a majority
On 28 May, District Court in Hong Kong sentenced Jimmy Lai Chee-Ying to 14-months in prison for taking part in the illegal assembly of 1 October 2019. Along with Lai, nine others included were sentenced to up to 18 months. Lai was part of three illegal assemblies during the Hong Kong protests and was found using "Next Digital and personal accounts to sponsor riot activities, with suspected funding from foreign forces." According to Reuters, Judge Amanda Woodcock said: "part of the new sentence would be served consecutively, meaning Lai faces a total of 20 months in prison so far." 
On the same day, the Hong Kong legislature approved the "Improving Electoral System bill 2021," with 40-votes in favour, against two. The reforms included a reduction in seats from 35 to 20 for direct elections and an increase in the legislature's size to 90 seats. Reuters reported pro-Beijing lawmaker said: "These 600-or-so pages of the legislation come down to just a few words: patriots ruling Hong Kong." Antony Blinken said the bill "severely constrains people in Hong Kong from meaningfully participating in their own governance and having their voices heard."

Taiwan: Rejected for the fifth consecutive year in WHO meeting
On 24 May, Taiwan criticized the WHO for not inviting it for the 74th World Health Assembly for the fifth consecutive year. According to Reuters, Taiwan's Foreign and Health Minister made a joint statement saying, "it would continue to seek participation". Foreign Minister also said: "As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member." While Nauru and Eswatini spoke in favour of Taiwan, China and Pakistan voiced their clear opposition. China's ambassador to the UN said: "We urge relevant countries to stop politicizing health issues and using Taiwan issues to interfere in China's internal affairs."

Samoa: Deepening political crisis
On 24 May, the leader of the FAST opposition party held a ceremony to form a government outside the locked parliament. FAST deputy leader said: "Democracy must prevail, always." Last week, Samoa's head of state, suspended a parliamentary hearing scheduled for swearing-in the elected members. The government supported the suspension and refused to abide by the ruling of the Supreme Court, that the ceremony should go ahead.

Myanmar: SEA countries call to drop arms embargo 
On 29 May, Reuters reported, nine Southeast Asian countries calling for toning down the UN General Assembly draft resolution on Myanmar, including dropping the push for an arms embargo on Myanmar. The countries also highlighted: the draft "cannot command the widest possible support in its current form, especially from all countries directly affected in the region." They demanded further negotiations "to make the text acceptable, especially to the country's most directly affected and who are now engaged in efforts to resolve the situation." Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International also urged UN Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Myanmar.

The Philippines: China's illegal presence in the South China Sea
On 29 May, the Philippines protested China's "Illegal presence and activities" in the South China Sea. This was Manila's 84th diplomatic protest since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016. The protest is over the "incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels" near the Thitu island. The Philippines continued demand over the withdrawal of vessels has been ignored.
 
South Asia This Week
India: Social media versus the State
On 25 May, Facebook agreed to make changes to its operational processes to implement the new IT rules put forth by the Indian government. The new IT rules require social media platforms to follow additional diligence and appoint a chief compliance officer, nodal contact person and resident grievance officer. The platforms which fail to comply with the new rules stand a chance to lose their intermediary status. On 24 May, the Delhi police served a summons to the Twitter Office in New Delhi for the use of 'manipulated media' tag on tweets made by Indian politicians. 

Pakistan: North-South Gas Pipeline agreement signed with Russia
On 28 May, Pakistani and Russian officials officially signed the amended Inter-Governmental Agreement for the North-South Gas Pipeline in Russia. The USD 2.25 billion project has been renamed as Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline after the signing of the deal. Pakistan will have 74 per cent stakes in the pipeline while Russia will hold 26 per cent equity. On 23 May, the National Security Advisor of Pakistan and the US held a meeting in Geneva and discussed bilateral issues, mutual issues and regional issues with each other. 

Pakistan: Foreign Minister denies US use of bases for counter-terrorist activities
On 25 May, Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi announced that Pakistani bases in Afghanistan will not be used by the US for counterterrorism operations. Qureshi made the statements after the US President Joe Biden contemplated using Central Asian countries as bases to reposition its troops to prevent landlocked countries from becoming a breeding ground for terrorism again. On the same day, the Taliban also issued a statement and warned neighbouring countries against hosting the US troops in their armed bases. The Taliban spokesperson warned: "As we have repeatedly assured others that our soil will not be used against the security of others, we are similarly urging others not to use their soil and airspace against our country. If such a step is taken, then the responsibility for all the misfortunes and difficulties lies upon those who commit such mistakes."

Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week
Syria: President Bashar al-Assad extends his rule by seven years; wins the fourth term
On 2y May, the head of the Syrian Parliament announced that the incumbent President Bashar al-Assad had won the fourth term in the election, with 95.1 per cent of people voting in favour of his rule. However, the elections have been marked as fraudulent by the opponents in the country as well as the West. According to the figures provided by the Syrian government, over 14 million Syrians (almost 78 per cent) took part in the election, which has been criticized by France, Germany, Italy, Britain, Turkey, the United Nations and the US. The Assad regime added seven years to the decades' long rule of the Assad family with this win. 

Iran: IAEA warning on Tehran's nuclear capabilities
On 26 May, the Director-General of the IAEA drew attention to the importance of reaching an agreement at the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna as soon as possible with the looming dangers that may be presented if Iran succeeds in creating nuclear weapon heads. He called the uranium enrichment plans of Iran "very concerning" as it is was reaching purity levels that are used for making bombs. He said: "The Iranian programme has grown, become more sophisticated so the linear return to 2015 is no longer possible. What you can do is keep their activities below the parameters of 2015."

Iran: President announces ban on cryptocurrency mining until September
On 26 May, President Hassan Rouhani announced that the country would ban all activities that involve cryptocurrency mining amid a series of blackouts in major cities. There is growing unease in Iran as the summer blackouts cause discomfort and disrupt people's daily lives. The mining of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have high energy usage and hence, have been banned until 22 September. Owing to the increasing focus on climate change, China and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have also spoken against Bitcoin mining and its environmental effects. 

Israel: Global humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza 
On 25 May, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the US would provide aid worth USD 75 million to rebuild the Gaza strip. The fund will be used for development projects and providing economic aid to Palestinians. An additional USD 5.5 million will be spent on immediate disaster relief, and USD 32 million will be donated to the UN Palestinian aid agency. On 28 May, the Japanese government also pledged to provide an emergency grant of USD 10 million, which will be used to send food, medical supplies and other kinds of aid to Gaza. On 27 May, China's representative in the UN Human Rights Council announced that the country would be providing USD one million in emergency humanitarian assistance and 2,00,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the UN for Palestinian refugees. 

Ethiopia: US President pushes for a ceasefire and bringing an end to violence in Tigray
On 26 May, US President Joe Biden expressed concerns regarding the escalating violence in the Tigray region and the widening gaps between ethnic and regional communities in the country. He urged Ethiopian leaders to work towards a ceasefire to restore peace and stability in the region. He said: "The large-scale human rights abuses taking place in Tigray, including widespread sexual violence, are unacceptable and must end." On 24 May, the US State Department also announced economic and security curbs on Ethiopia and visa restrictions on officials from Ethiopian and Eritrean governments. 

DR Congo: Volcanic eruption adds to the humanitarian crisis 
On 27 May, the military governor reported that new eruptions from Mount Nyiragongo could take place at any moment in the coming days. More than 6,000 people have evacuated their homes in and around Goma city after the volcanic eruption in the previous week. The people are seeking shelter in neighbouring cities at the moment. However, the volcanic eruption has only added to the number of refugees fleeing the country because of the armed conflict in the region. Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council reports that over 6,000 people fled the region every single day for almost a year now. 

Europe and The Americas This Week
Lithuania: Vilnius walks out of China-led 17+1 group
On 29 May, the Foreign Minister announced that Lithuania was quitting the China-led 17+1 group of Central and East European Nations. He said: "Lithuania no longer considers itself a 17+1 format member and does not participate in this initiative." While announcing Lithuania's departure from the grouping, he also advised the other states from playing into the divisive politics of China and urged the East European countries to pursue "a much more effective 27+1 approach and communication with China." He emphasized that "Europe's strength and impact is in its unity."

Switzerland: Cabinet decides to ditch draft InstA treaty with the EU
On 26 May, the Swiss government announced that Switzerland will break off talks with the European Union which were being discussed for over seven years. The talks eventually fell apart due to the strong opposition from within the country over the pact, which sought to bind the country closer with the EU. The European Commission spokesperson said: "Without this agreement, this modernization of our relationship will not be possible and our bilateral agreements will inevitably age."

The EU: European Commission makes multiple moves against Belarus
On 28 May, the European Commission President pledged to provide Belarus with USD three billion through grants and loans if it implements changes to increase pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko. She said: "Our messages are twofold. To the people of Belarus: we see and hear your desire for change, for democracy, and for a bright future. And to the Belarusian authorities: no amount of repression, brutality or coercion will bring any legitimacy to your authoritarian regime." The European Union has pushed for a transition to democracy in the country. On 25 May, the White House press secretary revealed that: "President Biden will meet with President Putin in Geneva on 16 June. The leaders will discuss the full range of pressing issues, as we seek to restore predictability and stability to the US-Russia relationship." On 27 May, the G7 also released a statement against the forceful landing of a passenger airplane to arrest a journalist. Britain issued a collective statement that read: "This action jeopardized the safety of the passengers and crew of the flight. It was also a serious attack on the rules governing civil aviation."

The US: Senate Republicans reject bill for commission investigation of Capitol riots
On 28 May, the Senate Republicans blocked the bill to form a bipartisan commission into investigating the Capitol insurrection of 6 January. Even though six Republicans joined the Democrats, bringing the total to 54 votes, to create the commission, the initiative failed to receive the required majority of 60 votes. The Republicans rejected the bill as the incident is already being investigated by the congressional panels. 

The US: One year since the murder of George Floyd
On 25 May, the US citizens marked a year since the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who passed away while being taken into custody by the Minneapolis police. In April, Derek Chauvin, the officer-in-charge of arresting George Floyd was convicted for murder. However, Black Lives Matter (BLM) activists and family members of George Floyd have expressed that nothing much has for the African-American community and that more change needs to take place in American society. 

Brazil: Rise in economic hardships as the country faces worst crisis since 1980s
On 28 May, the economist and coordinator of the National Accounts Centre at the Getulio Vargas Foundation referred to the Brazilian economy and said that it was in a state worse than the 1980s. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused 4,50,000 fatalities and rendered millions unemployed. Brazil is facing one of the worst economic crises with rising inflation rates, 8.1 million people losing jobs and an estimated 5.4 million facing hunger. 

Colombia: One month of anti-government protests 
On 28 May, President Ivan Duque said that Colombia would begin deploying maximum military personnel in the western province of Valle del Cauca and it's capital after four people lost their lives in the anti-government protests. On the same day, Colombia marked one month of protests against the tax reforms that soon expanded to cover more demands. Thousands of people took to the streets to mark one month of unrest in the country which has led to the initiation of talks between the government and the protest leaders. However, on 27 May, the protest organizers revealed that there has been no progress in these negotiations and accused the government of stalling. The government has postponed the signing of the deal as they wait for certain leaders to condemn the roadblocks.  

About the Authors
Apoorva Sudhakar, Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Anu Maria is an intern with the Global Politics course at NIAS. Harini Madhusudan is a PhD Scholar in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at NIAS. 
 


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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regimes Consolidation Game
The World This Quarter
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
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2055

Haans J Freddy

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

Amrita Jash

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

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States(Jan-Mar2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trumps World Order
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
Global Politics Early Bird
March 2026 | CWA # 2033

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel
From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
PR Commentary
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
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

R Preetha

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

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
This Week in History
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
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
The World This Week
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
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
The World This Week
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
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
Global Politics Explainer
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?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
Global Politics Explainer
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?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

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

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
Global Politics Explainer
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?
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
Global Politics Explainer
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?
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
The World This Week
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
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
The World This Week
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
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
The World This Week
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
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1672

D Suba Chandran

India and Pakistan:
De-escalation and the “New Normal”
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
Conflict Weekly
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
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
NIAS Global Politics Database
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
IPRI Quarterly Forecasts I Triggers, Trends, and Trajectories
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, Droughts, and Ice Melt in Alps
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
NIAS Africa Weekly
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan