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The World This Week
The Quad reinvigoration, UN General Assembly meeting, Elections in Russia and Canada, and another political turmoil in Tunisia
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GP Team
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The World This Week #138, Vol. 3, No. 39
D Suba Chandran, Keerthana Nambiar, Joeana Cera Matthews, Vaishnavi Iyer and Mohamad Aseel
Quad: Expanding the areas of cooperation into regional infrastructure, emerging technologies and cyber
What happened?
On 24 September, welcoming the other three leaders of Quad, the US President Biden said: "This group meeting of democratic partners who share a world view and have a common vision for the future, coming together to take on key challenges of our age, from COVID to climate to emerging technologies…When we met six months ago, we made concrete commitments to advance our shared and positive agenda for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Today, I'm proud to say that we're making excellent progress... In sum, we are four major democracies with a long history of cooperation. We know how to get things done, and we are up to the challenge." The other three Prime Ministers echoed the same sentiment in their statements.
On 24 September, the Quad leaders also released a joint statement. The joint statement stressed "shared security and prosperity" and "a free and open Indo-Pacific." The statement recommitted "to promoting the free, open, rules-based order, rooted in international law and undaunted by coercion, to bolster security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond." It also emphasized "the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity of states."
The joint statement also stressed the need for the Quad to work with partners in Southeast Asia and Europe. It said: "We commit to work together and with a range of partners. We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN's unity and centrality and for ASEAN's Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and we underscore our dedication towards working with ASEAN and its member states—the heart of the Indo-Pacific region—in practical and inclusive ways. We also welcome the September 2021 EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific."
The joint statement stressed cooperation in five specific fields – COVID vaccines, climate change and clean energy, emerging technologies, regional infrastructure, and cyberspace. Besides the above five areas, the joint statement also had a special focus on the Indo-Pacific and the role planned for the Quad. Recognizing that the shared futures of the four countries "will be written in the Indo-Pacific," the joint statement has promised redoubling the efforts "to ensure that the Quad is a force for regional peace, stability, security, and prosperity."
What is the background?
First, the Quad reemphasis and broadbasing. Ever since Biden took over as the President, there has been a push to make the Quad effective. Though the idea of Quad emerged in 2004, there was a slow push during the first phase. In recent years, there has been a new push to realize the potential of the four countries in the Quad. With Biden at the helm, there has been an effort to find specific areas that would bring the four countries closer; cooperation in emerging technologies, cyberspace and COVID vaccines – is an attempt to broaden the Quad focus.
Second, Quad as a pillar of the Indo-Pacific push. Obama referred to a US Pivot and later the Indo-Pacific; however, none transformed into an action plan with specific goals and strategies. Under Biden, there is an effort to see the Quad as not an end (in terms of cooperation between the four countries), but a means to achieve a larger objective in the Indo-Pacific.
Third, building a larger partnership along with the Quad. During the last few months, the US has attempted to revisit its Southeast Asia linkages. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Southeast Asia. The recent pact between Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS) aims to widen the US partnership in the Indo-Pacific. The 24 September Quad statement on North Korea, ASEAN and Europe should be viewed in this backdrop.
Fourth, the China factor. Though the Quad has been careful in not bringing Beijing as a part of its focus or statements, China's absence in the statements makes it more present. All four countries have bilateral issues with China at different levels.
What does it mean?
First, the operationalization of Quad. The recent statement provides a larger space for the Quad to cooperate; from issues of COVID vaccines to emerging technologies, cyber, and regional infrastructure, there is a new critical push. Building regional infrastructure is an essential prerequisite to make the region self-sufficient; as collateral, a regional infrastructure may also provide an alternative to the countries in the region. Currently, China has been the most significant player in the region in supporting the regional infrastructure through its BRI.
Second, Biden taking the Quad mantle. The other three countries, though work closely at a bilateral level, may not lead, given their limited political, economic, and technological capabilities.
Third, China factor in bringing the four countries on a common platform. With the bilateral relations with Beijing strained during recent years, India and Australia are keen to find multilateral frameworks to meet the China challenge. Did China force the Quad countries to come together is a different question; Beijing would see the four countries exploring new avenues to bring them together.
UN: The General Assembly discussions focus on multilateralism, climate change, migration and COVID vaccines
What happened?
On 21 September, General Secretary Antonio Guterres addressed the United Nations General Assembly outlining the six "Great Divides" that must be bridged. "With humanity on the edge of an abyss, and moving in the wrong direction, the world must wake up", quoted the Secretary-General. He called in for greater actions on Covid-19 and vaccine inequalities, bold steps towards gender equality, digital technology dangers, and closing the generational gap. "This is our time. A moment for transformation. An era to re-ignite multilateralism. An age of possibilities," the Secretary-General informed the world leaders and ambassadors.
More than 100 leaders attended the meeting. The US President Joe Biden declared a "new era" of US diplomacy, as the world stands at an "inflection point in history." Chinese President, Xi Jinping expressed the need to improve global governance and practice true multilateralism, including the "need to be handled through dialogue and cooperation". The UK Prime Minister warned that it was time for humanity to "grow up". President Tayyip Erdogan said, "We plan to present the Paris climate agreement to our parliament's approval next month in line with constructive steps that will be taken."
What is the background?
First, Covid 19 and the vaccine inequalities. The UN statements and discussions focused on reversing the global failure to tackle Covid-19 and vaccinate 70 per cent of the world population by the first half of 2022. While some countries have vaccines widely available, some struggled to get supplies.
Second, the focus on multilateralism. Recently, there has been a refocus on multilateralism. With Trump gone, along with his unilateral actions whether within the UN or outside it, there has been a renewed focus on multilateral actions to deal with issues ranging from COVID vaccination to climate change.
Third, the end of War on Terrorism. Ever since the 9/11 attacks, terrorism has remained a primary concern in the General Assembly. Afghanistan has been a significant part of the discussion. The rise of radical groups in Iraq, Syria and Africa made terrorism a primary theme for discussions at the UN.
Fourth, the chaos of migration and climate change commitments. The regional conflicts loom over the General Assembly meeting accompanying the migration crisis. Europe-bound migrants, crisis in the US-Mexico border, violence in the Tigray crisis, and the terror in Afghanistan have been the source of migration. Thousands of people desperately trying to cross the borders for a chance at a better life. Migration has become another focus of the UN discussions. On Climate Change, the leaders have pledged concrete commitments before the COP26 and UN Climate Change Conference.
What does this mean?
First, the UN has been trying to stimulate the idea of multilateralism for years now. Wherein, the world might be able to face the pressing issues from the pandemic to the migration crisis working together. In this meeting, the world leaders seem to be acknowledging the gravity of issues and planning for the future accordingly.
Second, the 76th UN General Assembly 2021 unlike the earlier meetings has proved to be successful and engaging with the realistic approach with a tinge of idealism. The lingering question is if the UN can deliver up to the goals and expectations, or is it just transitioning for mere survival.
Russia: General Elections 2021 underlines Putin's political hold
What happened?
On 17 September, Russia began polling for its three-day general elections both online and offline. The parliamentary election, which ended on 19 September, elected 450 deputies to the State Duma for five years. Despite an easy win of 49.82 per cent votes, the United Russia party lost significant ground compared to their 2016 election win of 54 per cent votes. Contributions by other parties included the Communist party with 18.93 per cent of the vote, while the LDPR party and the Fair Russia party garnered 7.5 per cent individually. Overall, the elections saw an official voter turnout of 51.7 per cent.
On 20 September, jailed critic Alexei Navalny's aide Lyubov Sobol said: "With such a colossal number of violations, the results of the State Duma elections cannot be recognized as clean, honest or legitimate."
On 24 September, after announcing the final results, Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova said: "We did everything we could, based on our understanding of honour and conscience, everything we could, and it's up to you to judge."
What is the background?
First, the pre-election controversies. Before the elections, Kremlin critics were barred from participation while others were implicated with legal suits or unexplained arrests. The Smart voting app promoted by jailed Alexei Navalny's supporters was banned. The subsequent crackdown on civil society, media, and other NGOs also raised concerns about attempts to silence the Opposition. During the elections, criticisms ranged from accusations of voter fraud to requests of annulling the results. Ballot box stuffing, pens with disappearing ink, and threats against observers were other alleged violations.
Second, the Opposition's role. The opposition parties that participated in the elections provided a pretence of pluralism, as critics were carefully excluded. This lack of real electoral competition implied the results were a foregone conclusion. Over the years, this has been the case with Russian elections. Since the beginning of Putin's regime, all of his elections have been termed fraudulent, and every time, these allegations have been strategically silenced. Alexei Navalny, the prominent Kremlin-rival, had managed to garner an efficient opposition. The idea of Navalny – Opposition to the Kremlin became quite popular despite the Kremlin crackdown. Once Navalny's organization was termed 'extremist', and he was jailed, the vocality of the Opposition was lost.
Third, fairness of the election. Russia's 'managed/guided' form of democracy was evident via this election. The 'opposition' was Kremlin-approved since critics were effortlessly silenced or taken off the arena. According to the Interior Ministry, none of the 750 complaints on voting violations received was severe enough to affect the results. For the first time since 2007, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), didn't send in election observers due to limitations set by Moscow. It seems only fair that this year's elections were dubbed 'a transition from a flawed democracy to a fully-fledged authoritarian state'.
Fourth, the backlash. Internal criticisms included a coalition of defeated candidates claiming foul-play over the online voting system; they also asked for annulling the results. However, these claims were not taken into consideration by the Russian CEC. There was also an international backlash. From the US State Department spokesperson Ned Price to the EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson Peter Sano, the elections were termed undemocratic and staged. Other European countries also called out Moscow's growing authoritarianism.
What does it mean?
First, questions over democracy in Russia. The opinion polls had predicted United Russia's popularity accounting for less than 30 per cent; however, the Kremlin achieved a supermajority despite a low turnout. In light of this, questions arise regarding Moscow's larger democratic process and whether the concept of Russian democracy is a sham. It also indicates that a return to full-fledged democracy is not in the cards for Russia.
Second, Putin's hold over Russia. Despite the widespread violations by his administration, Putin's popularity in terms of votes was unaffected. Kremlin's justification of the crackdown prosecuting those deviants of the law rather than one with political motives shows how effortlessly critics are silenced in Russia.
Canada: Justin Trudeau wins but fails to secure a majority
What happened?
On 20 September, Trudeau's Liberal Party won the snap elections with a minority vote. The party won 158 seats as compared to the 157 seats in the 2019 elections. Despite the conservative party's extremely moderate pitch, the party won 119 seats as compared to the 121 seats in 2019. The bloc won 34 seats, and the NDP won 25 seats. Thus, the new government elected in Canada is again a minority government.
On 21 September, in his victory speech, Trudeau said: "Our government is ready." He also noted: "You are sending us back to work with a clear mandate to get Canada through this pandemic and to the brighter days ahead, and my friends, that's exactly what we are ready to do." In his short speech, he stated that the moment Canada faces demands real and important change and that the voters have given his government clear direction.
On 21 September, Erin O'Toole, the opposition leader spoke to his supporters on the night of the elections where the Liberals were projected to lead a minority government. He said: "I will never stop serving this great country". He emphasized that Canadian voters did not give Trudeau the majority he desired and that "A few days ago Mr. Trudeau was saying he would hold another election in 18 months if he didn't get what he wants". He called Trudeau's moves a "power grab" and insisted that Canada must heal divides and not risk the nation for selfish gains.
What's the background?
First, the snap elections. The call for the snap elections came on 15 August 2021, just halfway into Trudeau's term. The next round of elections was scheduled for 16 October 2021; however, the Trudeau government insisted that the Parliament was slipping into "dysfunctionalism" along with "obstruction and toxicity" levels, which was of real concern.
Second, the electoral debate. Both parties indulged in aggressive campaigning. Trudeau focused on the management of the pandemic by his government and vaccine passports. He attacked the Opposition for bolstering anti-vaxxers as O'Toole had previously opposed mandatory vaccination. He mentioned his campaign is: "at a crossroads, at a moment where we have to make a really important choice". The Opposition referred to Trudeau's call for snap elections "selfish" amidst the fourth wave of the pandemic. O'Toole said: "Now is the time for Canadians to make a choice. We can choose to settle for second-best - for a party that hardly tries and barely delivers. Or, we can choose to believe in a brighter, better, more united future."
What does this mean?
First, the failure of Trudeau to garner majority. The motive of the snap elections was to generate a majority government. Polls in August reflected a slight rise in the popularity of the Liberal Party. Relying on the conventional wisdom of Canadian voters preferring a majority rule by the incumbent rather than a prolonged minority rule, the snap elections were expected to generate a clear majority. This was not achieved.
Second, the no-change Parliament. Trudeau will have to address the same issues of climate change, opioid abuse, debt and deficit planning in an almost similar parliamentary set-up. The electoral debates revealed the dissatisfaction of the Opposition; this may lead to a slightly more unstable parliament for Trudeau to rejoin. Moreover, the polls revealed that the opposition seats fell by two, indicating that a moderate pitch for conservatives was ineffective.
Tunisia: President announces rule by decree
What happened?
On 22 September, Tunisian President Kais Saied declared that he will 'rule by decree' and defy the constitution's parts that challenge his executive and legislative authorities. According to the new rules that have been published in the official Gazette allows him to release 'Legislative text' upon his decree, he is also entitled to appoint a cabinet and determine its policies and direction of implementation without any interferences. The announcements raised immediate concerns among the Opposition; a senior leader of the Heart of Tunisia party rejected the presidential decisions calling it a "premeditated coup". The leaders of the Ennahda, the largest opposition party condemned it, as the declaration meant "cancelling the constitution".
On 23 September, Attayar, Al Joumhouri, Akef and Ettakatol parties released a joint statement calling for an end to Saied's intervention. These minor parties have significant influence among the non-elite sections of the country. The statement questions the President's authority and rejects his legitimacy, "He will be held responsible for all the possible repercussions of this dangerous step". A senior official of the UGTT union said, "Tunisia is heading towards absolute, individual rule."
On 24 September, the UGTT labor Union, a powerful political entity in the country said in a statement the recent developments can be a "danger to Democracy". The union had earlier welcomed Saied's decision to dissolve the Parliament but had called for an immediate return political stability and to operate within the bounds of the constitution. The head of Amnesty International commented that the development is worrying and cautioned," the warning signs are blinking red".
What is the background?
First, the suspension of the Parliament. Kais Saied suspended the Parliament and dismissed Rached Mechichi as the Prime Minister on 25 July; he took over the legislative and executive powers. The decision came after series of nationwide protests against the misgovernance of the moderate-Islamic Ennahda party resulting in a plummeting economy. The party was accused of being instrumental in establishing a highly a corrupted administration that failed to handle the covid pandemic effectively. The legal immunity enjoyed by all Parliamentarians were withdrawn, and travel bans imposed. The Opposition condemned the suspension to be a constitutional coup.
Second, the delayed decisions. The suspension was declared to be for 30 days, followed by the naming of a new Prime minister along with the cabinet. By 25 August, the interim administration was brought under both growing international and domestic pressure to name a new Prime minister.
The Opposition headed by Ennahda and other minor parties called nationwide mobilization against Saied's administration and called for a swift return to the former status quo. Meanwhile, many supporters of the recent interventions have openly expressed concerns regarding the absence of clarity of Saied's roadmap to a new government.
What does it mean?
First, Kais Saeid, despite denying any aspiration to rule, can become an authoritarian ruler in the future. The new administration lacks support from the existing political parties and bureaucracy. He is criticized for lacking any prior experiences in governance; critics warn of the formation of a highly authoritarian regime that is incapable of delivering efficient governance. The security forces have remained uninvolved after the suspension, but in the light of the recent reforms, Tunisa's military and intelligence can be a critical factor in the new administration.
Second, the fragmented and divided Opposition that had created disunity and lack of collective consensus is being brought under a single banner to resist Saied's administrative reforms collectively. A strong and combined opposition that resist the new governance can possibly recreate the bloody images of the 2011 Arab Spring that swept across various countries in the region.
Third, Tunisia was often seen as the beacon of democracy among the nations that was part of the Arab Spring. The new governmental policies can undermine the ideals and achievements of the revolution. A political tussle in Tunisia in the future can also cause regional instability in the North African Belt.
Also in the news …
By Sukanya Bali, Avishka Ashok and Juan Mary Joseph
East and Southeast Asia This Week
China: Evergrande fears soothed after largest-ever debt restructuring issued; Regulators ban crypto trading and mining
On 22 September, Reuters reported that China's debt-ridden Evergrande agreed to settle interest payments on a domestic bond, soothing fears of an immediate collapse of the real estate giant. The Chinese central bank, the People's Bank of China has also injected 90 billion yuan into the banking system, in what is expected to be one of China's largest debt restructurings. Reuters had earlier quoted IMF Chief economist Gita Gopinath that Evergrande's potential default could have implications on China's financial stability as the real estate sector forms a big part of the Chinese economy.
On 24 September, China's top regulators intensified a crackdown on cryptocurrencies with a ban on all crypto transactions and mining. Ten regulators, including the central bank, vowed to work together to root out "illegal" cryptocurrency activity.
China: Two Canadians released from detention, following the release of Huawei CFO
On 24 September, Meng Wanzhou, the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, left from Canada to return to China after three years of detention. She was accused of providing false information to HSBC bank and enabling a grant worth USD one million to Skycom Tech, a company based in Iran, thereby violating the sanctions imposed by the US. Soon after, the US Department of Justice decided on deferred prosecution agreement, two Canadians who were arrested in China were also released from China
China: Xi Jinping's climate goals at the UN General Assembly
On 21 September, the Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a video message at the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly's 76th Session. In the video, he announced that China would stop the construction of coal-fired power plants in foreign countries and instead help to develop green and low-carbon energy.
China: Ant Group's Huabei begins to share consumer data with China's central bank; Huawei CFO discharged in the US extradition case
On 22 September, Reuters reported that China's Ant Group, an affiliate of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, has begun sending its consumer credit data to the database run by China's central bank. Ant's virtual credit card service Huabei said in a social media post on its official Weibo account that it was being integrated into China's central bank credit reporting system. The move is critical as the Chinese regulatory grip on the company and the larger financial technology sector tightens.
On 25 September, a Canadian court granted an order of discharge to Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, leaving her free to leave the country after the US extradition case ended. The discharge came after lawyers of the Canadian government asked the court to discharge her after Meng reached a deal with US prosecutors over the bank fraud case. The deal was immediately followed by the release of two Canadians from Chinese jails who were arrested shortly after Meng was taken into custody in December 2018.
China: Lithuania's warning against Chinese phones
On 22 September, Reuters reported that Lithuania's Defense Ministry recommended consumers avoid buying Chinese mobile phones and advised them to throw away their current Chinese phones after a government report found built-in censorship capabilities in the devices. Lithuania's state-run cybersecurity body said that phones sold in Europe by China's smartphone giant Xiaomi Corp have a built-in ability to detect and censor terms like "Free Tibet", "Long live Taiwan independence" or "democracy movement". Relations between Lithuania and China have soured after the former's decision to allow a Taiwanese Representative Office in the country.
Taiwan: Applies to join the CPTPP
On 22 September, Reuters quoted the official Central News Agency that Taiwan has formally applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), less than a week after China submitted an application to join the pact. The original 12-member Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was seen as an important economic counterweight to China's growing influence until 2017 when then-President Donald Trump pulled the US from the pact.
North Korea: Quad leaders urge to engage in dialogue, refrain from provocations
On 25 September, the leaders of the US, Australia, Japan and India called on North Korea to engage in dialogue and abide by UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit ballistic missile tests. The call, which came at the end of the first in-person summit of the QUAD countries, came after North Korea test-fired a new missile recently in violation of UNSC resolutions.
South Korea: Agrees to boost policy cooperation with Saudi Arabia
On 24 September, South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-Yong and his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, agreed to boost cooperation between the countries' key industrial policy initiatives during bilateral talks at the UN General Assembly. The two parties have agreed to work on ways to link Korea's Green New Deal and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The Green New Deal, proposed by President Moon Jae-in, aims to push for digital and green energy projects and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Vision 2030 is Riyadh's reform drive aimed to reduce its dependence on oil.
South Asia This Week
India: Prime Minister meets Japanese and Australian leaders prior to the QUAD meeting
On 24 September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga prior to the QUAD meeting and discussed ways to boost trade and cooperation between the two countries. On 23 September, Prime Minister Modi also met with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss regional and global developments and other ongoing cooperation in the field of trade, defence, clean energy and the pandemic. On 25 September, Modi also met with US President Joe Biden and discussed Pakistan's role in Afghanistan.
Pakistan: Foreign Minister meets Antony Blinken and discusses regional engagements
On 23 September, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in New York while they were in the city for the 76th United Nations General Assembly meeting. The leaders spoke for almost an hour and majorly focused on the Afghan crisis. Qureshi pushed for a balanced relationship with the US, with the two countries participating in trade, investment, energy and regional connectivity. He also urged the US administration for greater involvement and engagement with the Taliban.
Afghanistan: Taliban requests representation at the UNGA meeting
On 23 September, the Taliban requested permission to address the United Nations General Assembly gathering. A committee including nine member countries like the US, Russia and China are expected to vote on the request, but the Taliban using the official platform does not seem like a possible outcome. The Taliban nominated Suhail Shaheen as their UN Ambassador. However, Ghulam Isaczai, the representative of the Ghani government will take part until the committee comes to a decision which may be well after the end of the UNGA meeting.
Afghanistan: Chinese, Russian and Pakistani envoys meet the interim government to discuss an inclusive government
On 21 September, Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan met the Prime Minister of the interim cabinet of Afghanistan along with other Pakistani special envoys, Russian and Chinese representatives. The leaders discussed the possibility of peace and an inclusive government in Afghanistan. The envoys also met with Abdullah Abdullah and Hamid Karzai and discussed the need for an inclusive government. Shahzada Massoud, a politician from the Karzai government, said: "In the meeting, adopting a moderate domestic and foreign policy and unity among the Afghans was insisted on. And the establishment of an inclusive government was discussed in detail."
Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week
Kyrgyzstan: Taliban leader meets officials to discuss cooperation
On 23 September, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted regarding the meeting between the Afghan Foreign Minister of the interim government and the Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Security Council and the head of the Foreign Policy Department of Kyrgyzstan. The objective of the meeting was to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation between Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. The Taliban representative welcomed the Kyrgyz delegation and thanked them for their support and hoped for continued assistance and cooperation between the two countries.
Lebanon: Najib Mikati's government wins vote of confidence
On 20 September, Lebanon's new government won a vote of confidence after the IMF granted a bailout to the country and worked on a number of reforms to change the state of the economy. Over 85 Parliamentarians voted for Prime Minister Najib Mikati while 15 voted against. The session lasted eight hours while the 100 Members of Parliament out of a total of 128, discussed and debated the new government in power.
Israel: Palestinian President accuses Israel of destroying the two-state solution
On 24 September, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas blamed Israel for creating obstacles to the two-state solution by its actions. He said: "Israel is destroying the prospect of a political settlement based on the two-state solution through its settlements on West Bank land it captured in the 1967 Middle East war." The statements were made while he addressed the United Nations General Assembly Meeting. Israeli Ambassador to the US reacted to the speech by Abbas and called it a "speech full of lies." He said: "Those who truly support peace and negotiations do not threaten delusional ultimatums."
Mali: Protests break out in support of the interim government and Russia
On 22 September, protests broke out in Mali in support of the transitional government. Thousands gathered in the capital city of Bamako and called for closer ties with Russia while they dismissed relations with France. The protests broke out after the diplomatic tensions between Mali and France, which is pressuring the country to hold elections in February and end relations with the Russian mercenary group Wagner. The protests were against the French presence in the country. South Sudan
South Sudan: United Nations report points out threat to human rights and the peace process
On 23 September, the United Nations released a report according to which the extreme plundering of South Sudan's public coffers posed a threat to the human rights of the people and challenged the peace process. The country has been posed with numerous challenges since its independence, such as the civil war, chronic instability, economic chaos, ethnic violence and a hunger crisis. The Commission on Human Rights Chair Yasmin Sooka said: "Corruption, embezzlement, bribery, and misappropriation of State funds by political elites are merely the tip of the iceberg. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the National Revenue Authority, and a number of foreign corporations have all been complicit in this."
Europe and The Americas This Week
The EU: Rules to force USB-C chargers for all phones
On 24 September, a new rule proposed by the European Commission (EC) will force manufacturers to create a universal charging solution for phones and small electronic devices and thereby encourage consumers to re-use existing chargers. The proposal called for USB-C chargers for all smartphones sold in the EU. However, tech giant Apple has warned that such a move would harm innovation. Most Android phones come with USB micro-B charging ports or have already moved to the more modern USB-C standard.
The EU: Upsurge in gas prices affect consumers and energy firms
On 24 September, the BBC reported that a surge in gas prices has hit consumers and energy firms in the UK, with subsequent effects for the food industry and supplies of carbon dioxide. In other European countries, consumers are facing a rise in energy bills, and governments are scrambling to search for alternatives. The crisis has highlighted the difficult situation that Europe faces with respect to funding the move to renewable energy.
Switzerland: Vote on same-sex marriage in a referendum
On 22 September, Reuters reported that Swiss voters will decide on 26 September whether to allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt children. The federal government and Parliament approved opening civil marriage to same-sex couples. However, the opponents forced a referendum on the issue under Switzerland's system of direct democracy. Switzerland is one of the last Western European countries to ban gay marriage.
Russia: Prosecutor General bans Church of Scientology with 'Undesirable' Tag
On 25 September, Russia designated the Church of Scientology an "undesirable organization" and effectively banned it, putting tens of thousands of members at risk of being jailed. The Prosecutor General's Office said that they found the World Institute of Scientology Enterprises and the Church of Spiritual Technology "pose a threat to the security of the Russian Federation."
Germany: Climate activist rally ahead of federal elections
On 25 September, climate activists rallied in cities around Germany ahead of the upcoming federal elections. Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg told a gathering that, "no political party is doing enough." The activists have called for Germany to do more to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees C and to end the use of coal for power generation by 2030, instead of 2038. Climate change has been a central theme in the election campaign after the recent devastating floods in the country.
The US: Approves $1 billion for Israel's 'Iron Dome' defense system
On 24 September, the US House of Representatives voted to give $1 billion to fund Israel's Iron Dome missile-defence system, two days after objections from liberal Democrats forced leaders to remove it from a broader spending bill. The objections were due to the accusation of human rights abuses against Palestinians by Israel.
Paraguay: River hits record low levels
On 24 September, government figures showed that the Paraguay River, a crucial outlet for the country to the sea, fell to its lowest level in at least 117 years, threatening massive economic losses.
Colombia: FARC dissidents take responsibility for June bombing
On 24 September, a FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) dissident commander took responsibility for a June bomb attack on a military base in the Colombian city of Cucuta, which had wounded 44 people, including two US military advisers. The group also took responsibility for the recent shooting of a helicopter carrying President Ivan Duque. The FARC rebels, who rejected a 2016 peace deal, said that the bombing attack was focused on "the North American advisors and the leaders of the army's 30th Brigade."
About the Authors
Joeana Cera Matthews and Keerthana Nambiar are postgraduate scholars in the Department of International Relations at the University of Mysore. Mohamad Aseel is a postgraduate scholar from the Central University of Kerala. D Suba Chandran is Professor and Dean of the School of Conflict and Peace Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Sukanya Bali, Avishka Ashok and Vaishnavi Iyer are Research Associates at NIAS. Juan Mary Joseph is a research intern at NIAS.
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Ankita Chakra
17 August 1945: George Orwell publishes the Animal Farm
Rianne Rajath P
18 August 2019: Iceland holds a funeral for the Okjokull glacier
Anu Maria Joseph
Russia’s increasing footprints in Africa
Ayan Datta
Lavrov’s visit to Africa: Four takeaways
Anu Maria Joseph
Kenya: Protests force the government to withdraw the financial bill
Vetriselvi Baskaran
Kenya’s non-NATO ally designation by the US | Explained
GP Team
Interim government in Bangladesh
Prajwal T V
06 August 1912: NASA’s Curiosity lands on Mars
Ayush Bhattacharjee
08 August 1914: Endurance leaves England for Antarctica Expedition
Shifa Moideen
09 August 1965: Singapore declares Independence
Vetriselvi Baskaran
Energy in Pakistan: Five Takeaways
Mugdha Chaturvedi
Nelson Mandela's South Africa: The dream and the reality
Ken B Varghese
South Africa’s 30 years of democracy
Pummy Lathigara
28 July 2005: IRA announces the end of its armed campaign
Nivetha B
29 July 1958: The US establishes NASA
Leivon Victor Lamkang
29 July 1957: IAEA comes into force
Pranesh Selvaraj
4 August 2007: The US launches Phoenix, a mission to Mars
Nandini Khandelwal
Saddam Hussein becomes the President of Iraq
Ronakk Tijoriwala
Five women organise the Women's Rights Convention in the US
Shreya Jagadeesan
23 July 2020: China Launches its First Mission to Mars
Rohit Paswan
24 July 1911: The Rediscovery of Machu Picchu
Neha Tresa George
South Africa: The Decline of the ANC
Shilpa Joseph
South Africa Elections 1996-2024: An Overview
Vetriselvi Baskaran
South Africa Election 2024: Course, Issues and Outcomes
Vetriselvi Baskaran
A surge in attacks on girl’s school in Pakistan
Dhriti Mukherjee
Growth and Investment in Pakistan: Four Takeaways
Dhriti Mukherjee
Pakistan: The decision to ban PTI
Shilpa Jospeh
Portugal: Democrats win over socialists by a thin margin
Govind Anoop
Hungary: Right Wing wins; Support shifts to Centre
Vetriselvi Baskaran
Belgium: Extremist parties see narrow win
Padmashree Anandhan
France: Rise of Far-right triggers political crisis
Karthik Manoharan
05 July 1962: The Algerian War comes to an end
Ayan Datta & Sayeka Ghosh
US Presidential Debate 2024: Trump exposes Biden’s weaknesses, promises stronger America
Vetriselvi Baskaran
One year of war in Sudan: Regional Implications
Anu Maria Joseph
Sudan: One Year of Civil War
Anu Maria Joseph
30 years after the Rwandan Genocide
Vetriselvi Baskaran
The 37th African Union Summit: Five takeaways
Anu Maria Joseph
Elections in Senegal: A democratic victory in Africa
Jerry Franklin A
South Africa Elections 2024: Five questions
Anu Maria Joseph
The Gambia: The genital cutting and the return of the FGM debate
Dhriti Mukherjee
Haiti: The UN backed Kenyan police force lands
Vetriselvi Baskaran
Punjab budget 2024-25: Prioritising Health and Initiatives
Dhriti Mukherjee
Sindh Provincial Budget 2024-25: Urban and Political
Padmashree Anandhan
European People’s Party (EPP) Leads with clear majority Country wise breakup
Neha Tresa George
EU elections - Part II: A profile of recent four elections (2004-2019)
Shilpa Joseph and Ken Varghese
Voting for the next MEPs
Femy Francis | Research Assistant at NIAS
06 May 1882: The US President signs the Chinese Exclusion Act, restricting immigration from China
Mugdha Chaturvedi
20 May 2002: East Timor becomes an independent country
Dhriti Mukherjee
Ten Years of CPEC-1 (Dasu Hydropower Project: A Profile)
By young scholars of NIAS Course on Global Politics: Contemporary World Order and Theories. Compiled by Sayeka Ghosh.
South Korea Elections 2024: An interview with Dr Sandip Mishra and Dr Vyjayanti Raghavan
By the NIAS-IPRI Course scholars on Contemporary Conflicts, Peace Processes, Theories and Thinkers. Compiled by Ayan Datta.
The War in Gaza: An Interview with Dr Stanly Johny
Mallika Joseph | Adjunct Professor, NIAS
21 May 1991: LTTE human bomb assassinates Rajiv Gandhi
Padmashree Anandhan
Putin-Xi Summit: Towards a Strategic transformation in Russia-China relations
Akhil Ajith
Chang’e 6 and China’s Lunar Exploration program
Femy Francis
Antony Blinken’s China Visit
Femy Francis
China in Mexico: What, How and Why
Dhriti Mukherjee
Lawyers’ protests in Lahore: Two Reasons Why
Rohini Reenum
Protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir: What and Why?
Dhriti Mukherjee
9 May Violence: One Event, Different Actors, Multiple Outlooks
D Suba Chandran
The Fog of 9 May: One year after the anti-Establishment violence
Rohini Reenum
Pakistan and Wheat: From a Crisis to a Scandal
NIAS South Asia Team
South Asia This Week (21 Apr- 27 Apr 2024)
NIAS South Asia Team
South Asia This Week (14 Apr -20 Apr 2024)
Devi Chandana M
Seychelles-India Relations: Five Areas of Partnership
D Suba Chandran
Karachi: Seven Shades of Violence
Rohini Reenum
Recurrent floods in Pakistan: What and Why
Dhriti Mukherjee
Pakistan's Position on the War in Gaza
Dhriti Mukherjee
Pakistan's narrow tax base: Failures so far, challenges ahead
Sayeka Ghosh
26 April 1986: Chernobyl nuclear accident
Dhriti Mukherjee
Profile: Street Crimes in Karachi
Femy Francis
Germany and China: It’s the economy, stupid
Arya Prasad
Elections in South Korea: Six Takeaways
Alka Bala
25 Years of Euro: What lies ahead?
GP Team
75 Years of NATO
NIAS South Asia Team
South Asia This Week (25 Mar- 01 Apr 2024)
Devi Chandana M
Rise in China’s Marriages
Padmashree Anandhan
Ireland: Four reasons why Prime Minister Leo Varadkar resigned
GP Team
Elections in Senegal
NIAS Africa Team
Africa This Week (16-22 March)
T C A Raghavan
March 1739: Nadir Shah invades Delhi
Karthik Manoharan
17 March 1992: The end of Apartheid in South Africa
Rosemary Kurian
18 March 2014: Russia annexes Crimea
NIAS Africa Team
Africa This Week
IPRI Team
Continuing Kidnappings in Nigeria
Sivasubramanian K
09 March 1776: Adam Smith publishes “The Wealth of Nations”
NIAS South Asia Team
South Asia This Week (2-9 Mar 2024)
NIAS South Asia Team
South Asia This Week (26 Feb-02 Mar 2024)
NIAS Africa Team
Africa This Week (1 March-7 March)
NIAS Africa Team
Africa This Week (24 February-29 February)
Asanga Abeyagoonasekera
Sri Lanka: The rise of ultra-nationalism and elections
IPRI Team
The Battle for Avdiivka in Ukraine
NIAS South Asia Team
South Asia This Week (11-17 Feb 2024)
NIAS Africa Team
Africa This Week
IPRI Team
Israel's Military Campaign in Rafah
NIAS Latin America Team
Latin America This Week (3-10 Feb 2024)
NIAS South Asia Team
South Asia This Week (3-10 Feb 2024)
NIAS Africa Team
Africa This Week (3-10 Feb 2024)
IPRI Team
Protests in Senegal
Jerry Franklin A
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): Five Questions
Padmashree Anandhan, Femy Francis, Rohini Reenum, Akriti Sharma, Akhil Ajith, Shamini Velayutham and Anu Maria Joseph
Expert Interview: Russia in the International Order
Bibhu Prasad Routray
Myanmar: Ethnic Armed Organizations, China’s Mediation and Continuing Fighting
Narmatha S and Anu Maria Jospeh
Ethiopia-Somalia tensions over Somaliland | Explained
CEAP Team
Taiwan elections
GP Team
Taiwan Election 2024
Femy Francis
Taiwan Election 2024: The return of DPP
IPRI Team
The War in Ukraine and Gaza
CEAP Team
NIAS- CEAP- China Reader | Daily Briefs
Padmashree Anandhan
The War in Ukraine: Drones, missiles and counterattacks
Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia and Sudan: Governance in deadlock
Hoimi Mukherjee | Hoimi Mukherjee is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science in Bankura Zilla Saradamani Mahila Mahavidyapith.
Chile in 2023: Crises of Constitutionality
Richa Chandola | Richa Chandola is an independent scholar.
Peru in 2023: Political Tensions, Civil Unrest, and Governance Issues
Aprajita Kashyap | Aprajita Kashyap is a faculty of Latin American Studies, School of International Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi.
Haiti in 2023: The Humanitarian Crisis
Shreya Pandey | Shreya Pandey is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Xavier’s College, Ranchi. Her research interests include EU-India relations, and current trends in international relations.
Russian Invasion on Ukraine: An assessment of its impact upon unity, economy and enlargement of the EU
Binod Khanal | Binod Khanal is a Doctoral candidate at the Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi.
The Baltic: Energy, Russia, NATO and China
Rishika Yadav | Rishika Yadav is a Research Assistant at NIAS.
Finland in 2023: Challenges at Russia's border
Padmashree Anandhan | Padmashree Anandhan is a Research Associate at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangaluru.
Germany in 2023: Defence, Economy and Energy Triangle
Anu Maria Joseph | Anu Maria Joseph is a Research Assistant at NIAS.
Ethiopia and Sudan in 2023: Governance in deadlock
Nuha Aamina | Nuha Aamina is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy, St Joseph's University.
Thailand: Economic stability despite political instability
Alka Bala | Alka Bala is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy, St Joseph's University.
Myanmar in 2023: Extended Emergency, Political Instability and State-led violence
Sayani Rana | Sayani Rana is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace, and Public Policy, St Joseph's University, Bangalore.
Australia in 2023: Challenges of Economy, Employment and Immigration
Ashok Alex Luke | Ashok Alex Luke is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science at CMS College, Kottayam.
China and South Asia in 2023: Advantage Beijing?
Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri | Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Madras, Chennai.
China and East Asia
Femy Francis | Femy Francis is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies.
China in 2023: Cracks in the Great Wall
Amit Gupta | Dr Amit Gupta is an international security and economics analyst based in the USA
The US: The Year of Living Dangerously?
Kuri Sravan Kumar | Kuri Sravan Kumar is a PhD scholar at the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi.
North Korea in 2023: Military buildups and Close Connections with Russia
Yogeshwari S | Yogeswari S is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Madras, Chennai.
South Korea in 2023: Addressing Climate Change and the Global Supply Chains
Abhishek Ranjan | Abhishek Ranjan is a PhD student at the Korean Studies, Centre for East Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
East Asia in 2023: Big Power Politics and New Defence Strategies
IPRI Team
Special Edition: Conflicts in 2023
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #92&93 | COP 28 and Africa
Nithyashree RB
COP28 and Africa: Priorities and Initiatives
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #91 | Failed coup in Sierra Leone
Anu Maria Joseph
Sierra Leone: A failed coup
GP Team
Henry Kissinger: A profile
NIAS Africa Team
NIAS Africa Weekly #90 | Floods in East Africa
Jerry Franklin A
Floods in East Africa
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