The World This Week

The World This Week
The rise of Delta variant, and the fall of Afghan State

GP Team
15 August 2021
Photo Source: AFP-AlJazeera

The World This Week #132, Vol. 3, No. 33

Harini Madhusudan and Harsimran Singh Sondhi 



The Global Spread of Delta Variant: Mutation Uncertainties, and the Vaccination Drives 
What happened?
On 13 August, China reported a delta variant-related resurgence in the country, with more than 1,200 new cases in 48 cities in 18 provinces. On 12 August, Japan and the US reported more than 18,000 and 138,000 new infections. The delta variant is contributing to the rapid rise in infections around the world and has spread to about 130 countries. The Delta and Lambda variants are pushing a resurgence of cases even in countries that have vaccinated large numbers. This increase raises a concerning alarm for the regions with low vaccination rates and strained healthcare infrastructures. 

According to the WHO, the Delta variant is the most transmissible variant of the virus. In early August 2021, the world recorded a total of 200 million cases. While the first 100 million took a year to reach, the next 100 million were reported in about six months.

What is the background?
First, the global spread and the mutation. Scientists have revealed that the new mutations would continue over the subsequent few cycles of the Sars-CoV-2. Existing variants include - Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Lambda; they have emerged from the virus' adaptability to the local environments and have developed independently. The Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants have been reported from 178, 123, 75 and 130 countries, respectively. Of these four, the Delta is known to be 50 per cent more transmissible than the Alpha variant. 

Second, the efficiency of vaccination drives, distribution imbalance and public reluctance. On 14 August 2021, according to Bloomberg's vaccine tracker, 4.64 billion doses have been administered across the globe. With a vaccination rate of 38,345,129 doses per day, estimates say that it would take another six months to cover 75 per cent of the population. Countries with higher incomes are getting vaccinations at a 20 times faster rate than those with the lowest incomes, highlighting an imbalance in the distribution. Also, there has been a public reluctance. While some regions have observed protests against lockdowns, others have seen wastage of vaccines due to fewer takers. States have incentivized vaccination and pushing vaccination campaigns amongst the anti-vaxxers and deniers to multiple beliefs.  

Third, early lifting of restrictions. In recent months, countries have eased lockdown restrictions for two reasons - to deal with the economic recovery and a declining rate of virus transmission/ death. After its success with controlling the spread, China was one of the first countries to ease restrictions. Sweden and South Korea did not impose lockdown restrictions until it was unbearable. However, the delta variant has shaken the system; and imposing a heavy burden on the health sector. 

What does it mean?
With herd immunity far, vaccination drives and boosters remain the only immediate solution. Second, more data is expected in the coming months on the efficiency rates of vaccinations with the emerging variants. Regions that have reported a high vaccination rate would remain an important observation ground to map the responses between vaccines and the new variants. Studies have emerged which show a correlation between the vaccinations and the spread of variants, which say that the Delta variant has spread through vaccinated people. Finally, the challenge for the governments is to juggle economic recovery, public demands, and the safety of the collective society.



Afghanistan: The international failure fastens the downfall
What happened?
On 11 August, the 'extended' Troika Plus meeting on discussions of Afghan settlement between Russia, China, the United States and Pakistan was held in Doha, Qatar. According to the Qatari Foreign Ministry, the meeting took place behind closed doors. The meeting's agenda was to examine the present situation in Kabul and curb rampant Taliban offences.

On 14 August, the Taliban took control of the strategic Mazar-e-Sharif in the north. On 13 August, Herat and Ghazni fell. On 12 August, Herat fell; so did Kandahar. On 14 August, President Ashraf Ghani spoke for the first time and said that the remobilization of the Afghan forces was of top priority. Also, on 14 August, President Biden President Biden announced that he would send 5000 American troops to evacuate the US and allied personnel. According to a Wall Street Journal report, these new steps by Biden "don't represent a major course correction in his decision to withdraw American forces from Afghanistan and largely consist of adjustments to moves already underway as he seeks to disengage from America's longest war."

On 13 August, NATO allies met in the North Atlantic Council to discuss the present situation in Afghanistan. The alliance condemned the Taliban's growing attacks "on Afghan civilians" and said: "We continue to assess the developments on the ground, and we are in constant contact with the Afghan authorities and the rest of the international community." NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said: "Our aim remains to support the Afghan government and security forces. We maintain our diplomatic presence in Kabul and the security of our personnel is paramount." 

What is the background?
First, the finality of the US withdrawal. The US has set 31 August 2021 as the deadline to withdraw from Afghanistan completely and has decided to end their longest ongoing war. President Biden said earlier: "The Afghans must decide their own future, and it is an unwinnable war." Despite media pressure and statements by senior military leaders who have fought in Afghanistan, Biden's decision to withdraw seems to be final. This means Afghanistan would have to handle the fighting on its own. While the American troops have slowly reduced their role in the fighting, they have been providing crucial air, cyber and intelligence support to the Afghan forces.

Second, the weakness of the Afghan Security Forces. The pace at which the provinces and the capitals have fallen over the last two weeks highlight the capabilities and willingness to fight the Taliban. From the available reports, it appears, it was more of a walkover for the Taliban than a takeover following a tough fight.

Third, the international response to the Taliban offensive. Despite the Troika meeting, statements from the UN, and a NATO meeting in Brussels, there has been no action taken so far. The statement by the UN Secretary-General that Afghanistan is "spinning out of control" is not backed by any action at the UN Security Council.

What does it mean?
Afghanistan is on the verge of being taken over by the Taliban. Though there is a discussion on "power-sharing", the Taliban would want otherwise. Rather, they would press for complete control. Why would they want to share power, if they can take control?



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

East and Southeast Asia This Week 
China: Hubei declares "red alert" to address the floods
On 13 August, the Hubei province in the mid-east of China declared a "red alert" in five cities after rain left 21 dead. Xinhua reported, damage to 2700 houses and shops, transportation and communication channels. According to China News Services, 774 reservoirs in Hubei has exceeded flood warning level. The province management bureau cited a loss of around 108 million yuan from the extreme weather conditions.

China: Beijing refuses to share data of COVID-19 to WHO 
On 12 August, the WHO urged China to share raw data, of the earliest COVID-19 cases, which was rejected by Beijing. The WHO announced the formation of a new group to trace the origin and end politicization in the investigation process. The WHO spokesperson said: "We should work altogether. You, me, everyone wants to know the origin of the worst pandemic in a century." 

China: Two Canadian citizens sentenced
On 10 August, a Chinese court sentenced a Canadian citizen, to 11 years in prison on espionage charges. On 9 August, another Canadian's appeal against the death sentence was rejected. 

China: Lithuania allows Taiwan office; Beijing recalls its Ambassador
On 11 August, Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open an office in Vilnius, under its own name. In response, Beijing recalled its ambassador. Lithuania's foreign ministry stated: "in line with the One-China policy, Lithuania is determined to pursue mutually beneficial ties with Taiwan like many other countries in the European Union and the rest of the world do." Chinese foreign ministry spokespersons added, "Lithuania's decision to allow the Taiwan authorities to open a 'representative office' under the name of 'Taiwan' has seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and severely contravened the one-China principle."

China: Ambassador to the US meets the high-level officials for the first time
On 13 August, China's ambassador to Washington, Qin Gang met the US Deputy Secretary, Wendy Sherman. Xinhua reported: "The two sides agreed that Sino-US bilateral relations are very important, and it is necessary to resolve issues through dialogue and communication, manage differences and contradictions, and improve bilateral relations." The report added, "Qin Gang emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-U.S. relations."

China: Five-day joint military drills with Russia concluded
On 13 August, Beijing and Moscow concluded a large-scale joint military drill in China's north-central Ningxia region. The Sibu/Cooperation 2021 was a five-day drill involving more than 10,000 ground troops and air forces. Xinhua reported the drill "reflects the new height of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and of the strategic mutual trust, pragmatic exchanges and coordination between the two countries."

Japan: JMA issues high-risk alert in Hiroshima
On 13 August, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a level-five risk alert in the western prefecture of Hiroshima. Hundreds of residents were evacuated to avoid floods and the risk of landslides. JMA official said: "There is a possibility that a grave disaster will occur" in the upcoming days. JMA also added, in Hiroshima "we have issued a special heavy rain warning. This is a level of heavy rain that we have never experienced before."

North Korea: Ambassador to Moscow expresses interest to strengthen cooperation with Russia  
On 12 August, Pyongyang's Ambassador Sin Hong-chol to Russia expressed interest in strengthening relations with Moscow. In an interview with TASS, a news agency he said: "We will also boost cooperation between North Korea and Russia with the view to counter the US, a common threat." He also said North Korea intends to strengthen its ties with Russia, to counter the growing US-South Korea relations in the Korean peninsula. 

Myanmar: Beijing funds USD 6 million for projects; foreign ministry denies responsibility for the two arrests
On 11 August, Myanmar's foreign ministry said, Beijing would transfer USD 6 million to fund 21 development projects as a sign of cooperation under the junta. The funds will be transferred within the Mekong-Lancang cooperation framework which includes animal vaccines, culture, agriculture, science, tourism, and disaster prevention.  On 9 August, the Myanmar foreign ministry denied the responsibility for the arrest of two Myanmar citizens. 

Thailand: Protesters march to the PM's residence
On 13 August, Thai protestors clashed with the police during their march towards the Prime Minister's residence. These rallies were against the government's failure to handle Covid-19 outbreaks and their impact on the economy. Bangkok police chief said, "The police aim is to maintain peace" he also added, "Those joining protests are at risk of infection and also breaching other laws." Authorities press charges against 300 cases involved in recent demonstrations.  

South Asia This Week 
India: QUAD members hold talks on Indo-Pacific
On 12 August, senior officials of QUAD members met virtually. Japanese foreign ministry released a statement: "The officials concurred on further advancing practical cooperation among the four countries on quality infrastructure, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief toward the achievement of a free Indo-Pacific....Officials reaffirmed its strong support for ASEAN unity and centrality as well as ASEAN led regional architecture."

Pakistan: Imran Khan says the US seeks Islamabad only to clear Afghanistan mess 
On 12 August, Pakistan Prime Minister accused the US saying: "Pakistan is just considered only to be useful in the context of somehow settling this a mess which has been left behind after 20 years of trying to find a military solution when there was no one...I think that the Americans have decided that India is their strategic partner now, and I think that's why there's a different way of treating Pakistan now." Earlier this week, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood also said, that "Islamabad was being made a "scapegoat" for the mistakes of those in Afghanistan."

Afghanistan: International community condemns the Taliban expansion 
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said: "We encourage The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to settle political differences, increase the representation of all stakeholders and engage with the Taliban from a united perspective." The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: "Afghanistan is spinning out of control. Every day, the conflict is taking a bigger toll on civilians, especially women and children." He also highlighted, more than 1000 people have been killed and injured in the recent attacks

Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week
Azerbaijan: Russia accuses armed forces of truce violation 
On 13 August, the Russian military accused Azerbaijan of violating the truce with Armenia for the first time after it deployed its troops in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. On 12 August, the Russian Defence Ministry informed the media that the Russian peacekeepers noted a truce violation on the previous day. The Russian military website announced the breach and said: "The Azerbaijani armed forces carried out two strikes using attack-type quadcopters on the position of the Nagorno-Karabakh armed formations. There were no casualties." The incident also marked the first time when Russia blamed one country in the conflict. 
 
Iran: The US imposes new sanctions amidst stalled talks 
On 13 August, the US imposed new sanctions on Omani businessmen after he was alleged to be involved in an oil network that illegally smuggled oil to the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGV-QF). The sanctions have been placed on Mahmood Rashid Amur Al Habsi at a time when the talks with Iran on the nuclear deal hit a roadblock after the appointment of President Ibrahim Raisi. The IRGC-QF is accused of using petroleum sales to fund its illegal activities. The US Treasury Department said: "As part of his oversight of shipping operations, Al Habsi has tampered with the automated identification systems that are onboard vessels, forged shipping documents, and paid bribes, circumventing restrictions related to Iran."
 
Israel: Foreign Minister visits Morocco 
On 12 August, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited Morocco and inaugurated its embassy office in the country after it normalized relations in 2020. On 11 August, Lapid also met with the Moroccan Foreign Minister and signed an air service agreement and agreed to cooperate on culture, sports and youth. The two countries also signed an MoU on establishing a political consultation medium to fit the motive of face-to-face diplomacy. The US also congratulated the efforts of the two countries in working towards the normalization of bilateral relations. 
 
Qatar: Ambassador to Saudi Arabia appointed
On 11 August, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AL Thani reappointed the ambassador to Saudi Arabia after a four-year break in diplomatic relations. The Emir appointed Bandar Mohamed Abdullah al-Attiyah as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Qatar's relations with Saudi Arabia are improving at a faster pace than the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. These countries had together imposed a blockade on Qatar for having close ties with Iran. As of today, Bahrain remains to be the only country to have continued with the trade and travel restrictions on Qatar. 
 
Algeria: Government fails to control wildfires 
On 12 August, the General Directorate of the Civil Protection (DGPC) reported that there were approximately over 100 active fires in Algeria, out of which 38 were in Tizi Ouzou. On 9 August, Algeria reported the flare-up of the first fire, after which over 69 people have lost their lives. As the people continue to evacuate from the affected regions, they have raised alarm over the lack of support and the unpreparedness of the government in handling the situation. While the government dispatches helicopters and firefighters, the people were caught unaware and were not equipped to deal with the catastrophe. 
 
Zambia: President accuses rival party of elections fraud
On 14 August, Zambian President Edgar Lungu accused the Parliamentary and Presidential election of being unfair and "not free." He said that his party, the Patriotic Front Party, would contemplate its next steps after 31 out of the 156 constituencies voted for Hakainde Hichilema, a Zambian businessman who previously criticized the President's handling of the economy and the pandemic. Lungu has accused the rival party of fraud as he claims that his constituencies showcased a large voters turnout but still seem to have lost the election. Hichilema called the Lungu's attempts a "desperate final act of an outgoing administration."

Europe and The Americas This Week
Russia: British journalist expelled after the UK refuses visas to Russian journalists
On 14 August, Sarah Rainford, a BBC journalist from the UK was expelled from Russia and ordered never to return. The Russian government spokesperson explained that she was being deported after the UK refused to give visas to its journalists. The BBC also urged Russia to reconsider its decision and called the move "an assault on media freedom." 

Italy: Highest temperature recorded in European History
On 11 August, Syracuse city recorded the highest temperature of 48.8 degrees Celsius. The last record of such high temperature was registered in Athens in 1977 when the temperature hit 48 degrees Celsius. The temperatures result from the extreme heatwave that has affected the European continent and caused multiple wildfires in Greece, Italy, Algeria, Turkey, Macedonia and Siberia. Since 15 June, Italy has witnessed over 44,442 wildfires which marks a hyper increase from the last year's record of 26,158. Climate scientists have cautioned the government regarding the unprecedented rise in temperatures. 
 
The UK: Over half a million EU citizens await a bid to stay
On 12 August, the BBC reported that over half a million EU citizens were waiting for the UK to approve their applications to let them stay in the UK. The Home Office data reported that over 483,200 applications were pending in July after a sudden surge in applications before the June deadline. 
 
Cuba: New sanctions by the US
On 13 August, the US State Department announced that it would place additional sanctions on two Cuban officials and a military unit until the government stops the crackdown on the protestors. The Director of the Treasury Department said: "Today's action shines a spotlight on additional perpetrators responsible for suppressing the Cuban people's calls for freedom and respect for human rights." The Foreign Minister of Cuba rejected the sanctions: "Such measures reflect double standards of a government used to manipulation and lies to maintain the blockade against #Cuba."

Haiti: Judge investigating the killing of former President steps down; Presidential elections postponed
On 13 August, Justice Mathieu Chanlatte dropped the judicial investigation into the assassination of the former Haitian President Jovenel Moise. In a letter to the Port-au-Prince Court he said: "We are removing ourselves from the said case for personal reasons and ordering its return to the dean of this court." The primary issue of concern is the safety of the judges which has been compromised during the pandemic. On 12 August, the Haitian authorities announced that the Presidential elections will be postponed to 7 November. 

Venezuela: Opposition begins negotiation with the government in Mexico City
On 13 August, the Venezuelan government met the opposition in Mexico City to address the acute political and economic crisis which has caused large scale migration from Venezuela. Along with Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia, Turkey, and Norway will also join the conference. The Venezuelan President blamed the US and European sanctions for its economic crisis and demanded immediate relief. The parties have agreed to a road map to help the success of the dialogue. The US State Department spokesperson responded to the demand and said: "We are willing to review sanctions policies on the basis of significant progress in the negotiation. But that is what we need to see: significant progress."

The US: Senate passes the infrastructure bill
On 10 August, the Senate passed the infrastructure plan worth USD one trillion with 69 votes for the plan while 30 voted against it. The new infrastructure bill has provisions for new funding worth USD 550 billion which will be used for transportation, broadband and utilities. The leader of the Senate Majority said: "Today, the Senate takes a decade's overdue step to revitalize America's infrastructure and give our workers, our businesses, our economy, the tools to succeed in the 21st century." 

Canada: Reopening of the southern border with the US
On 9 August, Canada opened its southern border to the US for people who have completed two doses of their vaccination. However, despite the opening of the border, the border authorities reported that there have been very few crossovers in the past week. Canada has reopened its tourist venues to restart the tourism industry, but most of the visitors have been Canadians themselves. The reopening of the border also ran into a few obstacles due to the labour dispute between the federal government and the Border Services Agency of Canada. 



About the Authors
Harini Madhusudan is a PhD Scholar in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Harsimran Singh Sondhi is a research intern at NIAS. Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at NIAS.


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

Femy Francis 

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

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

Anwesha Ghosh

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

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

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

Adarsh Vijay

April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Ashik J Bonofer

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

Amrita Jash

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

Anand V

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

Shreya Upadhyay

April 2026 | CWA # 2050

IPRI Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Global Politics Team

March 2026 | CWA # 2011

Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Femy Francis

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Global Politics Team

February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Abhimanyu Solanki

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

R Preetha

Risks, Reforms and Trajectories
November 2025 | CWA # 1966

Lekshmi MK

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

Global Politics Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Global Politics Team

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

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Global Politics Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

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

Femy Francis

China Reader
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

R Preetha

June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

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

M Kejia 

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

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

IPRI Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta