The World this Week

The World this Week
The new Brexit crisis, India, China and the SCO meeting in Moscow, and the Wildfires in the US

GP Team
12 September 2020
Photo Source: New York Times

The World This Week # 84, 12 September 2020, Vol 2, No 37

Sourina Bej, Samreen Wani, Rashmi Ramesh

 

BREXIT: UK's new bill renews the tensions with the EU

What happened? 
On 10 September, the European Union demanded that the UK should reconsider its plans to change the Withdrawal Agreement "by the end of the month" or "risk jeopardising trade talks." The ultimatum by the EU comes as the BREXIT trade talks are in the process and after two key announcements by Boris Johnson's government that have challenged the divorce treaty agreed with the EU early this year. 

On 9 September Boris Johnson proposed a draft Internal Market bill that will allow the UK government to change the customs laws in Northern Ireland thereby allowing itself a stronger role over trade rules in Scotland and Wales as well. Secondly, the government said the UK would not follow the EU rules for state aid which is a key stumbling block in the negotiations with the bloc till date. Instead, it will apply state aid rules agreed at the WTO level, which is less strict. 

Johnson's bill has been criticised as "embarrassing for the UK" as Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Sir John Major urged the Parliament to reject the bill.

What is the background? 
First, the UK's attempt to revisit the Withdrawal Agreement. The proposed bill attempts to breach the binding withdrawal agreement which Westminster approved by majority votes in December 2019. The new bill allows the UK to unilaterally waive export controls and tariffs between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and withhold information on state aid from Brussels. With custom changes in Northern Ireland, the bill is likely to make the region the UK's only land border with the EU thereby also putting in question another agreement (the Good Friday Agreement) with the Republic of Ireland that aims to preserve the Irish identity and peace in the region. Under the withdrawal agreement, Northern Irish businesses would need to fill out customs forms when shipping goods to mainland Britain, but the new bill alters these custom rules and makes it uniform across the country, thus breaching the spirit, rules, and the trust agreed with the EU. 

Second, the bill questions the sanctity of the Good Friday Agreement. The new bill is also believed to breach the commitments made to protect the peace process and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. While this bill is seen as critical to ensure unfettered movement of goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK, it also challenges the principle of devolution and local institutions in the region. The draft bill undermines the Good Friday Agreement that upholds the devolution of power in Northern Ireland and in the process protects the Irish identity. In economic terms, the legislation will also see Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland give up powers in areas such as air quality regulated at the EU level to completely comply with the standards adopted in different parts of the UK.

Third, the EU runs out of patience ironing out differences with the UK. As the UK attempts to revert the Withdrawal treaty agreed after three years of negotiation, the EU has toughened its position not to allow another digression from the UK. EU's ultimatum on Johnson's plans to override elements of the BREXIT withdrawal agreement reveals that trust in the UK has been "seriously damaged" and eroded over the past four years. With multiple deadline extensions and several political quagmires, the BREXIT process has indeed tested the patience of the EU and the people who still await clarity on mundane civic laws.

What does it mean? 
In relooking the Brexit withdrawal agreement, Boris Johnson has risked dividing the domestic political discussion over the likely future of a trade deal. Instead of ironing out the differences over fishing rights or investment terms, the political parties will now either support the bill or challenge Johnson for his inability to stand by the agreement. Furthermore, the collateral damage to the Good Friday agreement will also reopen historical questions between two communities, further diverting the BREXIT trade talks. Johnson's bill is likely to be defeated in the House of Lords as many veteran Tory leaders call the bill a matter of "principle, that the UK keeps its word internationally." 

At the same time, the UK's decision to apply the WTO framework raises serious questions like whether a framework meant to solve trade issues between two different nations be adept within the UK's unique four-nation system. 
 


The SCO Foreign Ministers meet in Moscow; India and China reach a five points consensus

What happened?
On 9 and 10 September 2020, the meeting between the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation took place in Moscow under the chairmanship of the Russian Federation. 

The meeting at Moscow saw an exchange of views on various regional and international issues. The SCO summit is scheduled in November via videoconference after delays caused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The presidency of the SCO will then be passed over to Tajikistan.

From India, the meeting was attended by foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar, and it was the third time that India participated in the event as a full member of the SCO. This came just days after the meeting between Defence Ministers of the member states.

What is the background? 
First, the regional issues. Foreign Minister Dr Jaishankar held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on various bilateral and regional issues and reaffirmed belief in their strong partnerships. He also held an important meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that reflected India and Russia's Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. 

In the backdrop of the recent rise in border tensions, Foreign Minister Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the sidelines of the summit. Both the countries announced that they had reached a five-point consensus after a 'frank and constructive' discussion. The points included an agreement to quickly disengage, have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism on the India-China boundary question, conclude new confidence-building measures to maintain and enhance peace and tranquillity in the border areas, and prevent differences turning into disputes. However, there was no clear indication of de-escalation or restoration of status-quo ante. Wang Dehua, a South Asia expert at Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies appreciated the significance of the meeting and said that it might pave the way for a future meet between President Xi Jinping and PM Modi. As Russia pushed for a dialogue between the two countries during a RIC meeting, it explicitly stated that it doesn't want to be forced to take sides. 

Second, international issues. Several transnational issues of illegal drug trafficking, international terrorism, organized crime and cybercrime were discussed in addition to developments in Afghanistan, Syria, the Middle East and North Africa. Also, the member states unanimously affirmed their commitment to the JCPOA. 

The meeting also emphasized the necessity of the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation until 2035 for creating more favourable conditions for trade and investment and for stabilizing the world economy.

Noting the 75th anniversary of the founding of the UN, Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Chinese support to multilateralism and called the US the 'biggest destroyer' of international order often at the cost of other smaller country's rightful self-interest. He also affirmed support for the core position of the UN and warned against dragging the world back to the 'law of the jungle' while giving five suggestions for strengthening cooperation within the SCO.

What does it mean?
Firstly, while the SCO might not be a perfect platform to resolve bilateral disputes, it most certainly provides a space for addressing differences in national and strategic interests between various regional players. Secondly, given the economic uncertainties lying ahead in the aftermath of the global pandemic and with the disruption of international trade making smaller countries even more vulnerable, the SCO can show the way in regional economic cooperation. Lastly, for the SCO to truly emerge as a successful regional organization, it should adhere to the principles of equality and mutuality between its members and be capable of addressing security and economic challenges of the region.
 


California: Wildfire continues to rage
What happened?
On 10 September, officials confirmed that the wildfire in North California had claimed ten lives so far, and 16 people were yet to be traced. It is estimated that at least 20 people have been killed across the Californian state. 

Favourable atmospheric conditions caused approximately 14000 lightning in a span of two days, resulting in one of the worst fires. Scu Lightning Complex (396,624 acres burnt), Lnu Lightning Complex (363,220 acres burnt), North Complex (252,534 acres burnt), Claremont-bear (252,178 acres burnt), Creek (175,893 acres burnt) are the five largest active fires in the state at present. Alongside California, states of Oregon and Washington are also battling massive wildfires. 

What is the background?
First, the cause of wildfires. An intense clockwise high-pressure system that was responsible for high temperature and dry conditions in the Western parts of the US drew moisture from the Pacific tropical storm Fausto. This atmospheric condition resulted in thunderstorms and intense lightning activity. According to a Los Angeles Times report, the heat in the lower levels of troposphere evaporated the rain from thunderstorms before it could reach the surface, a phenomenon known as 'virga'. Therefore, an exceptionally dry season, coupled with thunderstorms and lightning with negligible rains is said to be the major cause of the wildfire.

Second, the spread across the world. 2019-20, has witnessed record-breaking temperatures during summers, unusually warm winter and relentless warming of oceans. Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Arctic, Canada, US, Sahel, southern parts of Africa recorded wildfires at a large scale. Most of them occur in Africa and South America; they go unnoticed, probably because it is common to practise slash and burn technique. 

Third, the link to climate change. Warmer temperatures cause excessive dryness. A rise in temperature implies a rise in the rate of evaporation, leading to more moisture drawn from soil and plants. Dry vegetation is usually more prone to fire. Dry weather also creates conditions conducive for the thriving of bark beetles which feed on and kill trees from within. Such dead trees are prone to fires. Climate change has resulted in an increase in the population of the beetles that destroy vegetation. While dry weather may be applicable to all the situations, there are region specific causes. For instance, wildfires in Southeast Asia are mostly caused by El-nino. 

What does it mean?
First, the response of the State. Governor of Oregon opined that "this could be the greatest loss of human life and property due to wildfire in our state's history." The priority of the state is to evacuate the population living dangerously close to the areas affected, rescuing people from towns and villages which have been burned down, and most importantly control the fire. Though the scale of preparedness does not match the scale of the disaster, the terrain for the troops has been the biggest challenge. The mere size of the disaster has humbled any disaster management operation. 

Second, the failure to learn from the past experiences. There is a need to learn from previous disasters and rebuild in a better and resilient manner. As more population in the US moves out of the urban areas, close to wilderness, it is important to implement stringent regulations for building/rebuilding infrastructure. In 2008, California laid down rules for building homes in fire-prone areas, including a "defensible space" with the absence of vegetation around the structure, access for water as an emergency measure and other minimum standards for fire-resistant construction. Such policies must be adopted in other states as well. 

Third, implementation of environmental-friendly policies is the only way forward. Leviathan-like disasters are causing irreparable damage across the world. As climate change narrows in, the level of disasters will also increase. The ability of the cope up with it will reduce. Therefore, sustainable development and eco-friendly policies are the need of the hour.

 


Also this week…

by Harini Madhusudan, Rashmi Ramesh and Vibhav Kandlur 

East and South-East Asia
China: Two Australian journalists flee  
On 8 September 2020, two Australian journalists Bill Birtles and Michael Smith, after being interrogated by the authorities in Beijing and Shanghai, immediately sought the help of Australian Diplomats and flew out of China. They were made to consent to questioning before they were allowed to leave. Amid the increasing tensions between China and Australia, the detainment of Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist, has gained importance in the past weeks. 

China: Beijing highlights an earlier Australian raid on Chinese Journalists 
After the two Australian journalists made a dramatic escape from China, the Foreign Ministry of China revealed that four Chinese journalists were interrogated by Australia in June 2020. Australia responded to this and confirmed that the raids were conducted on "suspicion of foreign interference" which they believed to be an attempt by the CCP to infiltrate the Parliament of New South Wales. 

South Asia This Week
India and China: Talks at the political level
External Affairs Ministers of India and China held talks in Moscow over the military standoff at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. They agreed on a five-point action plan to disengage quickly and restore peace. The plan includes: "following the consensus between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping not to allow differences to become disputes; disengage quickly to ease tensions; abiding by the existing India-China border protocols and avoiding escalatory action; continuing the dialogue between the Special Representatives, National Security Advisors, as well as the other mechanisms; and working towards new confidence-building measures." This was the second high-level talks at the political level, the first one being the talks between the defence ministers of both countries. 

Afghanistan: Intra-Afghan negotiations begin at Doha
The much-awaited talks between Afghanistan government and Taliban representatives began on 12 September in Doha, Qatar. The opening remarks were made by the chairperson of Afghanistan High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani. Foreign ministers of Qatar, Pakistan, India and Turkey welcomed the beginning of talks between the warring parties and called for a political solution for a conflict of over two decades. 

India: Discussions during in SCO meeting
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the SCO meet at Moscow. It laid the foundation for the forthcoming SCO Summit and discussed certain important regional and global issues. On the sidelines of the SCO meet, Indian and Chinese Defence and Foreign Ministers held talks with an aim to reduce tensions at the LAC. Russia-India-China meet and talks between India and Tajikistan were also held. 

Pakistan: The Foreign Minister attends SCO meet, reiterates Pakistan's One China approach.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi attended the SCO's Council of Foreign Minister in Moscow. He separately held talks with his Chinese and Russian counterparts on the sidelines of the SCO meet. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to One China Policy and to China's core interests. Pakistan and Russia discussed COVID-19, matters of bilateral relations and regional issues. Islamabad is likely to participate in the forthcoming Kavkaz military exercise that is scheduled to be held in Russia. 

The Middle East and Africa This Week
Bahrain: Resetting bilateral relations with Israel
Bahrain has agreed to normalize its relationship with Israel, in a deal brokered by the United States. A joint statement was made where the US, Israel and Bahrain said: "opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security, and prosperity in the region." On 3 September 2020, Bahrain announced that its airspace would permit all flights flying to Abu Dhabi, indirectly signalling to open doors for Israeli flights to operate. Palestine has expressed its displeasure as a result. 

Ethiopia: Tigray holds elections in defiance of the Prime Minister 
Despite the PM of Ethiopia dismissing Tigray polls as a 'shanty election', and federal officials saying the polls have 'no legal basis,' the governing party in the Northern Tigray region has won all the seats in elections, thickening an already hostile relationship with the federal government. This election marks a low point in the bitter dispute between the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Tigray, which dominated Ethiopian politics for 30 years after which Abiy came to power in 2018. 

Europe and the Americas 
Greece: Fire in Lesbos leaves thousands of asylum seekers shelter less 
A series of fires in the Moria Camp in Lesbos, with a capacity of 2,750, but held over 12,000 people was damaged by fire earlier this week. The camp was put under a lockdown until mid-September after 35 people from the camp tested positive in the camp. With the camp gutted, thousands of people were seen sleeping under makeshift roofs with authorities scrambling to set up a temporary shelter on the island. There were also signs of protest among a group of the residents who demanded to be moved outside the island. The incident brings to light the management of the migrant crisis in Europe. 

Belarus: Opposition figures arrested for "security probe"
Maxim Znak and Maria Kolesnikova were detained this week and are being held in custody on suspicion of 'destabilizing the country and harming national security.' Belarus' investigative committee stated that the arrests were part of an ongoing "national security" probe. Majority of the members of the Coordination Council has been detained or arrested on similar grounds. Over 600 people have been arrested throughout the week, among the people who have been protesting against the results of the elections in Belarus for almost a month now. 

Columbia: Riots in Bogota after an unarmed man was killed by the police
An unarmed man was killed during an encounter after repeatedly being hit by a stun gun by the police. Violent protests erupted in Bogota against the police action and have left five more people dead and up to 50 people severely injured. Protesters took to the social media to allege that the police had tried to run over the protestors and had used excessive force, including shooting people dead. Thirty police officers are also reported to be injured, and the protests have spread to the other cities in Columbia. 

The US: New book says Trump played down the COVID threat
According to a new book by veteran journalist Bob Woodward, Trump knew the intensity of the virus by February 2020 itself, but deliberately underplayed the threat. According to Woodward, Trump said in early February: "This is deadly stuff... It's also more deadly than even your strenuous flu." Trump, in his response to the above, has said: "I don't want people to be frightened, I don't want to create panic, as you say, and certainly I'm not going to drive this country or the world into a frenzy...We want to show confidence; we want to show strength. Joe Biden, in his tweet, has accused Donald Trump of failing to do his job. He has remarked: "He lied to us for months. And while a deadly disease ripped through our nation, he failed to do his job — on purpose. It was a life or death betrayal of the American people."

The US: Remembering the 9/11, after 19 years and during a pandemic
On 11 September, the US remembered the killing of more than 3000 people in the terrorist attacks in 2001. Family members, political leaders and others remembered the day at the Ground Zero, and also in other places. Vice President of the US, and Joe Biden took part in the memorial in New York, while the Congress leaders observed a moment of silence at Washington DC. President Trump took part in the anniversary at Pennsylvania.
 


About the Authors 
Sourina Bej is a Project Associate at NIAS. Samreen Wani is a MA in International Studies from Stella Maris College. Rashmi BR is a PhD scholar at the School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS. 


PREVIOUS COMMENTS

July 2026 | CWA # 2182

Anu Maria Joseph

Africa This Week
JNIM-FLA coordinated attacks in Mali and the RSF siege in Sudan
July 2026 | CWA # 2181

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine: 
Deep strikes, NATO diplomacy and the Expanding air warfare
July 2026 | CWA # 2180

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

Iran after Ali Khamenei
Institutional resilience, Anti-American sentiment and an Unresolved conflict
July 2026 | CWA # 2172

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran negotiations:
Tenuous Ceasefire, Renewed Threats and the Contest over the Strait of Hormuz 
June 2026 | CWA # 2169

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (Apr–Jun 2026):
Growing External Engagement, Enduring Internal Constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2166

Ramya B 

Russia (April-June 2026)
Unsuccessful Offensive, Drone Attacks and Economic Challenges
June 2026 | CWA # 2165

Himani Pant

Europe (April-June 2026)
End of the Orban Era, Political Fragmentation, Tightening of Migration Rules and Continuing Economic Slowdown
June 2026 | CWA # 2160

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ukraine's Crimea Campaign, The Belarus Standoff, and Russia's Aerial Bombardment
June 2026 | CWA # 2159

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The US-Iran MoU
Renewed strikes, Persistent disagreements, and a Fragile Agreement
June 2026 | CWA # 2157

Global Politics Team

The G7 Summit 2026
President Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit I Myanmar President’s China visit
June 2026 | CWA # 2154

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The G7 Summit 2026
Four Takeaways on Economic security, Critical minerals, and Consensus on Ukraine and Iran
June 2026 | CWA # 2153

Global Politics Team

The US-Iran MoU
The War in Ukraine I Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa I Ultra Orthodox Jews' protests in Israel
June 2026 | CWA # 2150

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella

The War in Ukraine:
Massive drone attacks, Europe's support for Ukraine, and a Distant ceasefire
June 2026 | CWA # 2149

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran MoU:
Asymmetric Gains and Implementation Challenges
June 2026 | CWA # 2145

Glynnis Winona B

Myanmar and Press Freedom: 
Four Takeaways on Legal repression, Institutional collapse, Violence, and Digital control 
June 2026 | CWA # 2144

Nithin V

Bangladesh and Press Freedom: 
Four Takeaways on Digital security laws, Political polarisation, Journalist safety, and Media vulnerability 
June 2026 | CWA # 2143

Aishal Hab Yousuf 

Sri Lanka and Press Freedom: 
Five Takeaways on Political influence, Legal mechanisms to control, Ethnic sensitivities and History of State intimidation
June 2026 | CWA # 2142

Glynnis Winona B

Bhutan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on Regulatory control, Economic fragility, and Social constraints
June 2026 | CWA # 2141

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Maldives and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on the influence of democracy, legislation, and state funding
June 2026 | CWA # 2140

Nithin V

Pakistan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways Military influence, cyber laws, political instability, and youth-driven digital journalism
June 2026 | CWA # 2139

Siddhi Halyur

Afghanistan and Press Freedom:
Four takeaways on political control, religious restrictions and economic vulnerabilities 
June 2026 | CWA # 2138

Siddhi Halyur

Nepal and Press Freedom:
Three takeaways on Political constraints, Missing legal protection and Funding issues
June 2026 | CWA # 2136

Acsah H

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:
Does this leave Jeff Bezos grounded, Elon Musk unchallenged, and NASA’s lunar timeline in jeopardy?
June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:
New Deal amidst Israeli incursion and Hezbollah’s retaliation
June 2026 | CWA # 2130

Akshath Kaimal

The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal: 
Why did the Permanent Court of Arbitration reject Rwanda’s claims? What was Rwanda’s complaint? Why did the UK cancel the deal?
June 2026 | CWA # 2129

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa This Week:
The Ebola fear in DR Congo and the Elections in Ethiopia amidst conflicts
May 2026 | CWA # 2126

Aparna A Nair

The Shenzhou-23 Mission:
China’s Space Missions, Technology, and Infrastructure
May 2026 | CWA # 2124

Glynnis Winona B

The Crisis in Cuba:
The US Sanctions, Energy Crisis, and Economic Instability
May 2026 | CWA # 2123

Akshath Kaimal

The Ebola and the DR Congo:
Multiple Outbreaks, Fragile Healthcare System, and Ineffective Global Responses
May 2026 | CWA # 2122

Radhika M Agarwal

The War in Ukraine:
Ballistic missiles, Nuclear drills with Belarus, and the Czech ammunition initiative
May 2026 | CWA # 2120

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East
The US-Iran War Week Thirteen: Escalating Hostilities, Tenuous Ceasefire and Tense Negotiations
May 2026 | CWA # 2119

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
The Ebola spread in DR Congo, The Faye-Sonko split in Senegal, and the Deepening US military involvement in Nigeria
May 2026 | CWA # 2115

Aparna A Nair

The Putin-Xi Summit
Trade, Technology, Security, and Pipeline
May 2026 | CWA # 2114

Glynnis Winona B

What makes the UAE a global player?
Explaining the Governance, Economy, People, and Strategic Influence of a Small Middle Eastern State
May 2026 | CWA # 2113

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Sri Lanka and the US-Iran War 
Rising oil imports, Austerity measures and State capacity
May 2026 | CWA # 2111

NIAS Global Politics Team

The Trump-Xi Summit
The Africa Forward Summit 2026 I North Korea's Constitutional Amendment 2026
May 2026 | CWA # 2110

Aishal Hab Yousuf

The Trump-Xi Summit:
Managing Strategic Competition through Trade, Technology, and Diplomacy
May 2026 | CWA # 2092

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War, Week Ten
CW Column on Middle East: Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAE's Covert Manoeuvres
May 2026 | CWA # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah

Conflicts in the Middle East:
Escalating Israeli Aggression in Lebanon I UAEs Covert Manoeuvres
May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:
Fraying Ceasefire, Renewed Negotiations and the Risk of a Stalemate
May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V

King Charles's US Visit:
Emphasis on strong bilateral relations, democratic values and security cooperation
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf

UAEs Exit from OPEC:
Implications for the Middle East and the Energy Market
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:
Deadlocked Negotiations, Competing Agendas and Domestic Pressure
May 2026 | CWA # 2082

Akshath Kaimal

Escalating Violence in Mali:
Between Ethnic Insurgencies, Jihadist Attacks, and Military Coups
April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf

Japans New Defence Posture:
From Post-War Pacifism to Strategic Recalibration and Autonomy
April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
Asymmetric Terms, Fragile Truce and Israeli Occupation
April 2026 | CWA # 2073

Akshath Kaimal

The US-Iran War, Week Eight:
A Fragile Ceasefire, Attempts to Control Hormuz and the Stalled Talks in Islamabad
April 2026 | CWA # 2072

Anu Maria Joseph

Three Years of War in Sudan
Prolonged Stalemate, Humanitarian Cost, External Interventions and Regional Fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2069

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Femy Francis

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

Anu Maria Joseph

Conflicts in Africa
Continuing Conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan and DR Congo, Security issues in Nigeria, and Political Instability in Madagascar
April 2026 | CWA # 2066

Akshath Kaimal

The Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Recurrent Clashes, Defiant Taliban, Contesting Narratives and Emerging Chinas Role
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

The Middle East (JanMar 2026):
The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts
April 2026 | CWA # 2064

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (JanMar 2026):
Gender Repression, Leadership Rifts, Regional Realignments and Clashes with Pakistan
April 2026 | CWA # 2063

Ramya B

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

Himani Pant

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

S Shaji

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)
Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives
April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

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

Bibhu Prasad Routray

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

Ashik J Bonofer

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
April 2026 | CWA # 2055

Haans J Freddy

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

Amrita Jash

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

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States(Jan-Mar2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trumps World Order
March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Femy Francis

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Mahesh Bhatta

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

Sreemaya Nair

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

Akshath Kaimal

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

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel
From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
March 2026 | CWA # 2001

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Abhimanyu Solanki

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

Anu Maria Joseph

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

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

Yesasvi Koganti

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

Preetha Renganarayanan

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

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

R Preetha

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

GP Team

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

Chittrothu Vaihali

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

IPRI Team

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

GP Team

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

Ananya Dinesh

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

M Kejia

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

GP Team

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

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

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

IPRI Team

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

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

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

Lekshmi MK

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

J Yamini  

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

J Yamini

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

Femy Francis

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

GP Team

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

IPRI Team

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

GP Team

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

R Preetha

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

GP Team

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

GP Team

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

Ayan Datta

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

Aparna A Nair

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Aashish Ganeshan

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

Gauri Gupta

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

GP Team

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

Lekshmi MK

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

D Suba Chandran

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

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

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

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

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

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

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

Padmashree Anandhan

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

R Preetha

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

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan