The World This Week

CWA # 794
The World This Week
UN deems Russia’s referendums illegal

GP Team
16 October 2022
Photo Source: Reuters

TWTW#186, 16 October 2022, Vol. 4, No. 35
 

Rishma Banerjee

Ukraine: UN deems Russia’s referendums illegal

What happened?
On 12 October, the UN General Assembly voted on a resolution to deem the recent referendums conducted by Russia as illegal. 143 member states voted in favour of the resolution, 5 voted against and 35 members abstained. The countries supporting Russia were North Korea, Nicaragua, Syria and Belarus. South Africa, Vietnam, Thailand, Cuba, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India and China were among the countries that abstained. This has been the biggest show of support by the UNGA to Ukraine so far. 

Ahead of the vote, Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia told the General Assembly that the resolution was "politicized and openly provocative," and "could destroy any and all efforts in favor of a diplomatic solution to the crisis."

In a statement following the vote, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratefulness to the countries that supported the “historic UNGA resolution” and said: “The world had its say – [Russia’s] attempt at annexation is worthless and will never be recognized by free nations.” The US President Joe Biden said: “The stakes of this conflict are clear to all, and the world has sent a clear message in response – Russia cannot erase a sovereign state from the map.” 

What is the background?
First, Russia’s referendum in Ukraine. From 23 to 27 September, Russia held referendums in four regions in Ukraine-Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR). Ukrainians from these regions reported that Russian soldiers were going door-to-door to collect votes. In some parts, mobile voting units in buses were set up. Russia said that these measures were for ‘security.’ Amidst concerns about the validity of the referendum, the Russian Central Election Commission released their report soon after, saying that 99.23 percent in DPR, 98.42 per cent in LPR, 87.05 per cent in Kherson and 93.11 per cent in Zaporizhzhia favoured joining Russia. On 30 September 2022 President Vladimir Putin officially announced the annexation of these regions to Russia, which Ukraine and the international community deemed as illegal.

Second, rejection of Russia’s plea for secret ballot. On 11 October, the UNGA responded to Albania’s call and voted against Russia’s proposal to hold secret ballots on the constitutionality of Russia’s annexation of four regions of Ukraine. With 107 votes in favor, the UNGA decided that the vote deciding on the "illegal so-called referenda" and the "attempted illegal annexation” of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, LPR, and DPR will be public. 13 countries voted for a secret ballot and 39 countries including Russia and China abstained from voting.

Third, Russia’s strong-arming in the UNSC. Following the referendums, the US and Albania had tabled a UN Security Council resolution condemning Moscow’s “illegal referenda”. 10 out of the 15-member council voted for the resolution, and China, Gabon, India, and Brazil abstained. However, the resolution failed to get adopted as Russia as a permanent member vetoed it. As a response to the Veto in the UNSC, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield promised to pursue accountability for Russia at the UNGA. Thus, on 10 October a special emergency session of the UNGA was convened, culminating in the vote. 

Fourth, a similar strategy to that of Crimea. In February 2014, Russia invaded Crimea, captured strategic sites in the region, and eventually annexed it into Russia. A pro-Russian government was installed and Crimea’s independence was declared by the same government in March 2014. This annexation had also initiated a UNGA vote rejecting Russia’s referendum, which Russia disregards.  

What does it mean?
First increasing support for Ukraine. Several countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE which have been seen trying to maintain good relations with Russia on bilateral levels even amidst the war voted for the resolution, thus indicating their support for Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty. From the BRICS grouping, even though only Brazil voted for the resolution and the other three states abstained, both India and China criticized Russia’s recent escalation in Ukraine and Russia’s targeting of civilian infrastructure, marking a shift in their neutral stances. 

Second, the legitimacy of the referendum and resolution. The annexation of Crimea can serve as the perfect precedence for the 2022 annexations done by Russia. Like in the case of Crimea, the international community does not recognize Crimea as Russia’s part, but in the Russian consciousness, Crimea is an extension of their territory. Since a UNGA resolution is not legally binding, it remains to be seen whether Russia will accept the UNGA’s vote or continue to claim the four territories as rightful parts of Russia and continue.

Also in the news .. 
Regional round-ups

East and Southeast Asia This Week
China: UN representative calls for an investigation of human rights violation in the US
On 14 October, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dai Bing took part in a participative dialogue with the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. While addressing the institution, he called on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate the US for its violation of human rights in the country. Dai listed out “the genocide of Native Americans, systemic racial discrimination and police brutality against ethnic minorities, and unilateral coercive measures against developing countries” as the crimes of the US and a few other states. 

China: World Bank report says USD 17 trillion needed to achieve climate goals
On 13 October, the Strait Times referred to the Country Climate and Development Report by the World Bank and reported that China would require over USD 17 trillion in additional investments to meets its climate goals. The report observed that China would need private investments to meet the price of the green transition and fund the research to make its goals possible. The report also stressed that China is a crucial part of the global climate goals as it contributes 27 per cent of the global carbon dioxide emission and accounts for a third of the world’s greenhouse gases. The report said: “This transition will require a massive shift in resources, innovation and new technologies to enhance energy efficiency and resource productivity.”

South Korea: Russian immigrants denied entry into Korea
On 12 October, four yachts carrying 23 Russians were denied entry into South Korea. Out of 23, 21 were rejected by the Korean coast Guard. Two out of the 23 Russians were allowed access into the country due to prior travel. The others were denied because they couldn't provide any travel documents. Their reason for the visit was ambiguous. The first yacht was sighted on 01 October near Busan port. The migration resulted from Putin's decree of partial mobilization of 300,000 reservists. There is a high possibility that South Korea would send off any Russians entering the country on diplomatic and human rights issues. 

Japan: JAXA fails its launch of Epsilon-6 rocket
On 12 October, the Epsilon-6 rocket of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency was made to self-destruct due to a malfunction during liftoff. This was the first launch of an Epsilon rocket that failed. The rocket was launched at the Uchinoura Space Center in Kimotsuki, Kagoshima prefecture. Eight satellites were destroyed, out of which two were commercial. Their mission was abandoned due to their deviating from the calculated access so that it could not be placed into orbit around the Earth. Their launch date was postponed from 07 October due to issues with the positioning of the satellite's location. 

Japan: Travel restriction lifted in Japan
On 11 October, the ban on visas to Japan was lifted. The ban was placed due to COVID-19 restrictions, which were recently taken off. People were allowed to travel for short-term business visits and tourism in Kyoto, Fukui, Osaka and Tokyo. People were also travelling to visit festivals in Japan. The ban on visas restricted travellers from entering Japan for two years. This measure drastically reduced the count of COVID-19 infections. 

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi gets imprisonment for another three years
On 12 October, A court in Myanmar sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to three years additional in jail for corruption, extending her total prison term to 26 years. Suu Kyi was found guilty of receiving 500,000USD in bribes from a local businessman, a charge which was denied. It’s the first time she has been sentenced to hard labor since the 2021 coup. She was given the same punishment in a separate trial in 2009 but that sentence was commuted. 

The Philippines: Indian Army agrees to provide cyber security and operational training to Army
On 11 October, the Indian Army agreed to sign with the Philippines to provide cyber security and operational training to the Philippines Army as the two nations further deepen their defense engagements. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambu Kumaran extended this offer during his courtesy call on the department of national defense meeting. He highlighted the importance of sustaining defense engagement between the two countries, particularly the high-level dialogue, education, and training exchanges.

South Asia This Week 
Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets President Ilham Aliyev in Kazakhstan
On 12 October, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev along the sidelines of the sixth Summit of Conference for Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, the two sides decided to hold fast-track discussions on energy collaboration, renewed their commitment to deepen bilateral engagement in several areas of cooperation and reviewed the progress of various ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting connectivity, trade and investment. Additionally, the two leaders emphasised the significance of the trilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiye.

Afghanistan: Will ensure Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorist attacks, says President Biden; President Putin calls for working with the Taliban government. 
On 12 October, the Biden Administration in its National Security Strategy said: “We will ensure Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorist attacks on the United States or our allies and we will hold the Taliban accountable for its public commitments on counterterrorism.”

Separately, President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, stated that Moscow will work with the current Afghan government to fight terrorism in the region. He said: “Cross-border relations of jihadists is a threat for all of us. Of course, we need to work with the current authorities of Afghanistan.”

Nepal: Nepali delegation votes in favour of resolution criticizing ‘illegal annexation of Ukraine’ by Russia 
On 12 October, Nepal voted in favour of a resolution criticising Russia’s attempted annexation of four Ukrainian territories through a referendum within Ukraine, at the UNGA. Adopting a resolution that condemns Russia’s “illegal so-called referendums”, the UNGA demands the country reverses its declaration of annexation, which Nepal supported. The Western bloc had previously put pressure on the Nepali government, about which the Permanent Representative to the UN said that they are “deeply distressed” and that Nepal’s position remains within its principles. Nepal also iterated for the cessation of hostility in Ukraine.

Bangladesh: Brunei’s Sultan on a first bilateral visit to country
On 14 October, Bangladesh will see the arrival of Brunei’s Sultan Haji Bolkiah for the first time to discuss bilateral cooperation signages. The visit would last for two days, where meetings between the two would indicate the singing will include an agreement for introducing direct flights between the two countries. Citing that this would be a “successful and productive” visit, the two countries would also discuss energy cooperation and “exploring all available options”. This visit entails legal support for around 150,00 Bangladeshi workers in Brunei, along with facilitating air and shipping connectivity for boosting bilateral trade and investment.

Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week
Central Asia: CIS heads of state reaffirm commitment to strengthening cooperation
On 14 October, the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) met in Kazakhstan. The meeting was attended by the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. During the meeting, member states reaffirmed the importance of the CIS and expressed readiness to strengthen multilateral cooperation. Additionally, the CIS heads of state agreed to increase work on the draft agreement on free trade in services, organizations, and investment activities to deepen trade and economic cooperation. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan also hosted the sixth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Israel-Lebanon: Maritime border dispute reaches cessation after historic deal
On 12 October, Lebanon’s deputy speaker revealed that Lebanon and Israel have reached a “historic” deal to end a long-running maritime border dispute in the gas-rich Mediterranean Sea. The United States-brokered final draft of the deal which resolve a territorial dispute in the eastern tip of the Mediterranean Sea in an area where Lebanon aims to explore for natural gas, and near waters where Israel has already found commercially viable quantities of hydrocarbons. The US text has not been made public but under terms leaked to the press all of the Karish field would fall under Israeli control, while Qana would be divided but its exploitation would be under Lebanon’s control. Total would be licensed to search for gas in the Qana field, and Israel would receive a share of future revenues.

Iraq: Parliament elects new president after a year of deadlock
On 13 October, lawmakers in parliament elected Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid as the country’s new president and Shia politician Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was quickly named prime minister-designate, assuming the task of reconciling feuding Shia factions and forming a government after a year of deadlock. Rashid was the minister of water resources from 2003 to 2010 and has since served as a presidential adviser. Al-Sudani rose to prominence within the Shia political leadership following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. In advance of the much-anticipated session, at least nine rockets targeted the parliament building inside the Green Zone, wounding at least five people. The attack was swiftly condemned by the US and UK ambassadors to the country, with UK envoy Mark Bryson-Richardson tweeting the “violence has no part in the political process and state institutions must be allowed to operate.”

Palestine: Rival factions sign reconciliation through mediation by Algeria
On 13 October, Palestinian factions signed a reconciliation deal in Algiers, vowing to hold elections by next October in their latest attempt to end a rift that has now lasted more than 15 years. The deal was signed by a leading figure from the Fatah party of President Mahmud Abbas and by the chief of Islamist movement Hamas, which rules Gaza. There had been discussion of forming a unity government but it was not mentioned in the final document. Fatah and Hamas have signed several similar deals in the past but none has led to elections actually taking place. Algerian President Abdelaziz Tebboune, who mediated the deal, noted in a speech at the signing ceremony in the Algerian capital's Palace of Nations that Yasser Arafat had used the same building to announce the independence of the State of Palestine in 1988. 

Chad: General Deby sworn in as president
On 10 October, General Mahamat Deby was sworn in as the president after a new 24-month transition period was approved in a national dialogue with various rebel groups. Deby would remain in power until October 2024 and will also contest the next elections. The deputy leader of opposition party Les Transformateurs, threatening to establish a parallel government, said the development was a case of democratic regression. On 12 October, Deby appointed former opposition figure Saleh Kebzabo as the prime minister. Kebzabo defended his decision to accept the appointment and said he believes that Deby is "a young man who believes in democracy."

Lesotho: Newly formed party wins legislative election
On 10 October, the electoral commission of Lesotho published the final results of the parliamentary elections which said the Revolution for Prosperity, a new political party, set up only six months ago by a millionaire businessman Sam Matekane won the elections. The party secured 56 out of 120 seats but fell short of securing a parliamentary majority. For a decade, Lesotho’s politics have been marred by coup attempts, infighting within political parties and defection which has often led to fragile coalitions.

Europe and The Americas This Week
Czech Republic: Russian tourists banned from entering country
On 12 October, following Russia’s continuous missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, the Czech Republic decided to reject Russian tourists with Schengen visa from entering the country. With the decision, it joins Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states- Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in tightening entry rules for Russia. On this issue, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said: “While Russian rockets fall on a children's playground and on people in Ukraine, up to 200 Russian Federation citizens travel to the Czech Republic via international airports every day.” The ban will be instituted from 25 October.

Greece-Turkey: First maritime link set up between the Aegean neighbors
On 10 October, a “friendship line” was inaugurated between Thessalonika in northern Greece and the western Turkish port of Izmir. The development is noteworthy given Greece and Turkey’s long-standing territorial dispute in the Aegean Sea. Greece-based shipping company Levante Ferries announced that the MV “Smyrna di Levante” vessel had started passenger and freight services between the two countries, marking the first maritime link between the regional rivals. The company also said that the vessel carrying up to 948 passengers and as many as 300 vehicles mark the first steps to promoting mutual interests and deepening commercial ties among the neighbors.

Turkey: Mine blast kills 41 people in Turkey, many trapped 
On 14 October, a severe blast at a mine in Northern Turkey killed 41 people. Additionally, the Interior Ministry had earlier informed that 58 people working in the mine had managed to get out when the blast occurred and 10 people were hospitalized. Approximately 110 people were in the mine during the blast, of which half were below more than 300 meters. Turkey’s prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion but initial indicators point towards firedamp which is a phenomenon in mines due to which methane forms an explosive mixture in coal mines. 

Europe: European Commissions recommends Bosnia and Herzegovina for candidate status
On 12 October European Commission released its annual enlargement report recommending candidate status for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country has been a potential candidate for the EU since 2003 and formally applied for membership in 2016. In 2019, the Commission provided 14 key priorities for the country to fulfill before the EU accession negotiations could be facilitated. While the Commission's recommendation will not immediately change the country's chances of getting candidacy, it could catalyze the reforms necessary for the country to begin its accession process. However, despite the Commission's recommendation, Bosnia and Herzegovina would have to get affirmation from the EU member states before it is granted candidate status.

Europe: EU and US to increase collaboration on sustainable energy in Africa
On 14 October, the US and EU signed an agreement to boost collaboration on green energy in Sub-Saharan Africa. This includes helping the region availing affordable modern energy and supporting the energy transition. This is aimed to bring down poverty, increase inclusiveness, fight climate change and promote sustainable economic growth. European Commission’s International Partnerships Commissioner in charge Jutta Urpilainen, said, “Together, we can electrify even more schools and health centres, and fight even more efficiently the inequalities linked to energy poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Sweden: The Moderates forms coalition along with the Christian Democrats and the Liberals
On 14 September, the Swedish Moderates leader, Ulf Kristersson, said that his party would form a minor coalition government with the Christian Democrats and the Liberals. He would be the next Prime Minister heading the coalition government if the Swedish Parliament, the Riksdag does not vote against his appointment. The far-right, anti-immigration Sweden Democrats are not part of the coalition, however, it said that it will support the government. The Sweden Democrats are the second-largest party elected in the recent election. Even though the current Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson lost by a tiny margin, she remains in Office as a caretaker until the new government is formed. 

The US: Gamma ray bust confirmed by NASA, scientists think the it signals birth-cry of a blackhole
On 13 October, NASA released a press release confirming that an unusually bright and long-lasting pulse of high energy radiation swept over the entire earth on 9 October. The gamma ray burst (GRB) travelled 1.9 billion years to reach earth and came from the direction of constellation Sagitta. The GRB were recorder by NASA SWIFT and FERMI telescopes recorded the exceptional cosmic blast on 8 October.

The US: IMF director calls for urgency and unity in dealing with financial risks looming across the globe
On 13 October, during her press briefing, IMF managing director, Kristalina Georgieva recalled shocks to world economy, from covid 19 to Russian invasion of Ukraine and climate disasters on every continent and posed question on whether the world economy is moving through fundamental shifts and from predictability to uncertainty and volatility. She gave example of India as a remaining hope and said: “India deserves to be called a bright spot on this otherwise dark horizon because it has been a fast-growing economy, even during these difficult times, but most importantly, this growth is underpinned by structural reforms.” Separately, as part of IMF and World Bank annual meetings, Maldivian president infirmed the meeting that twenty countries most vulnerable to climate change are considering halting their repayment of USD 685 billion in collective debt, loans that they say are an “injustice.” The finance ministers are calling instead for a debt-for-nature swap, in which part of a nation’s debt is forgiven and invested in conservation.

Brazil: Pre-election polling companies under federal scan for showing incorrect polls outcome
On 14 October, Brazilian Polling companies are being threatened by Bolsonaro supporters. This is due to Bolsonaro being shown trailing in opinion polls. The Justice Ministry also intervened by requesting the Federal police to also investigate the matter. Allies in Congress are pushing for criminal punishment for the companies. According to Bolsonaro supporters, the polls are not accurately representing his popularity and the support he has. This was further supported by early polls where there was a difference of five votes between the two main candidates. 

Puerto Rico: Luma Energy is being investigated by Energy Bureau 
On 13 October, Puerto Rico’s Energy Bureau announced that they would be investigating how Luma Energy handled energy complaints. Places that do not have access to power after Hurricane Fiona saw a surge in energy bills. The consumers faced difficulties in filing complaints with the company. This led to the Bureau looking into this matter and asking the company to provide evidence that they are fixing the issue. The company on their part have said that complaints were directed to email to prioritise emergency calls and are looking into resolving this as soon as possible. 

Mexico: US and Mexico announce the plan for Venezuelan migrants 
On 12 October, the US and Mexico governments together announced a plan to deal with the increasing number of Venezuelan migrants at the border. The plan outlines the eligibility of migrants who can enter the US. They need to have a sponsor in the US for their stay and they should not be at the border. They also said that any undocumented migrants will be deported to Mexico. This is a Trump-era policy known as Title 24. Right after the announcement 24,000 migrants were brought to the US by air and offered asylum. This will be for two years after which they will either be asked to go back or have to apply for citizenship. 

About the Authors
Ankit Singh and Akriti Sharma are PhD Scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Avishka Ashok, Abigail Miriam Fernandes, Apoorva Sudhakar, Padmashree Anandhan Rishma Banerjee, Sai Pranav, Joel Jacob, Anu Maria are Research Associates at NIAS. Sethuraman Nadarajan, Bhoomika Sesharaj, and Madhura Mahesh are research interns at NIAS.


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Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
PR Commentary
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

R Preetha

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

D Suba Chandran

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Rishma Banerjee

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

NIAS Africa Team

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

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

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

STIR Team

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

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Nasima Khatoon

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

Harini Madhusudan

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

Sourina Bej

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

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan