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The World This Week
Return of the Normandy Format on Ukraine and a Thaw in China-Australia diplomatic rhetoric
GP Team
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The World This Week #155, Vol. 4, No. 04
Padmashree Anandhan and Avishka Ashok
The Normandy Format: Europe, Russia and Ukraine
What happened?
On 26 January, Germany, France, Ukraine, and Russia representatives held talks under the Normandy Format at the Elysee Palace in Paris. After the talks, Adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, said: "The very fact that the Normandy format has resumed work is already a very positive signal… a kind of audit of the implementation of both the Minsk agreements and the agreements of the leaders of the Normandy format from 2019."
On the same day, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Dmitry Kozak said: "We had a tough conversation, but maybe, the first straightforward conversation, in order to take inventory of all the problems connected to the implementation of the Minsk agreements."
What is the background?
First, failure of dialogues so far on Ukraine. To address the Ukraine crisis, a series of dialogues have taken place in January, including the following: US-Russia talks, NATO-Russia Council (NRC) meet, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) special plenary meeting and the recent Geneva talks held again between the US and Russia. All these discussions have failed to defuse the Ukraine crisis.
Second, Europe, Russia and the Normandy format. France and Germany's renewed attempts to negotiate with Russia under the Normandy format show their tactical approach. It has not only given a place for Ukraine to represent its views but has allowed Russia to be the host of the meeting and listen to its demands without the intrusion of any other powers. Although Russia did not follow both Minsk agreements in real-time, the previous talks held in 2014 and 2015reduced the intensity of the conflict.
Third, the Minsk Protocol and Ukraine. The protocol aimed to achieve three key objectives: Establishing peace in eastern Ukraine; achieving Ukraine autonomy, and ceasefire and withdrawal of weapons. None of the objectives was achieved; the Donbas region is still under the occupation of the Russian separatists. The only significant difference since 2014 is the support of the NATO military, which has strengthened Ukraine to have a stronger defense against Russia.
Fourth, Russia's acceptance of the Normandy format. Moscow views it as a favouring set-up due to various factors. Until now, the talks held by various parties from the US, NATO, and OSCE show no promise to Russia's demands, the Normandy format serves as a better possibility to get what it wants and escape sanctions. Even if the talks fail to address the demands of Russia, it can go back to doing what it was doing before, similar to how it reacted to the Minsk agreements. It can use the Nord Stream 2 as a trump card with Germany, which is stifling in the energy crisis. It is a no-loss situation.
What does this mean?
First, Europe is aware of Russia's stubborn stance on Ukraine, and Moscow never liking the West, especially the US. Therefore, letting the US be the prime mediator of the Ukraine crisis may be considered a bad option. For which Europe sees itself as an imminent player in de-escalating the tensions.
Second, Russia still opting for a diplomatic path to resolve the tensions with Ukraine shows the emphasis on diplomacy. It has made the US withdraw its military support from Ukraine and sees the talks with Europe as a scope to satisfy its demands.
China: New Ambassador to Australia encourages friendly bilateral relations
What happened?
On 26 January, the former Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia and a veteran diplomat Xiao Qian undertook his new assignment as the Ambassador to Australia. In his initial remarks, Ambassador Xiao urged Australia to rectify its wrongful policies toward China and hoped for friendlier relations between the countries.
He said: "A sound China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples. China and Australia differ in their history, culture, social systems and stages of development, but as long as we adopt a long-term and big-picture perspective, adhere to the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and stay firm in the right direction of bilateral relations, the China-Australia relationship will keep moving forward and make further progress."
Senior federal government ministers in Australia dismissed the message by Xiao and are sceptic of China's sudden change in behaviour. Defence Minister Peter Dutton referred to China's turbulent relations with the Philippines, Vietnam, India and other countries and called it aggressive and unacceptable. Other Australian diplomats remain highly doubtful of China's intentions and have expressed caution against expecting major changes in China's policies towards Australia.
What is the background?
First, recent deterioration in relations between China and Australia. China's relations with Australia began deteriorating in 2018 when the latter became concerned regarding the Chinese influence on Australian politics, universities, media and other facets of the society. Australia's decision and encouragement to the Five Eyes Alliance against employing Huawei for their 5G networks, the push to investigate the COVID origins in China, increased tariffs and trade bans, passing of bills that harm the Chinese interests in Australia further pushed the two countries away. In the past few decades, China also changed its foreign policy strategies to become more aggressive in drawing its redlines and taking action against countries for intervening in its internal issues.
Second, major bilateral issues. In the 21st century, the Chinese influence in Australia's trade posed a threat to the local products and markets in the country. Furthermore, China's increased tariffs on Australian barley, wine and coal greatly affected the country's trade relations. China also gained political support by funding development and infrastructural projects in the Pacific Island countries. In 2021, China initiated projects to develop the Kiribati island, thereby allowing the country to establish its military presence in the region. Taiwan is another issue that continues to tear the two countries apart. Australia has always extended its support to Taiwan and supported the US presence in the Taiwan strait, triggering harsh reactions from China.
Third, Australia building alliances after the fallout. The two countries have been unable to mend ties post their fall out because Australia considered the trade war as a wake-up call and decided to expand its relations with other countries in the Indo-Pacific. It also gave more importance to institutions such as the Five Eyes Alliance and Quad which are anti-China in its strategies. Australia also focused on improving its bilateral relations with other countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, India and more to make up for the lost trade opportunities after the fallout.
What does it mean?
Although, China has issued numerous warnings to the Pacific country, the statement made by Ambassador Xiao seems mellow and reflects a readiness within China to mend the sour relations with Australia. However, Australia continues to remain uncertain about China's intentions as they do not foresee a change in Chinese policies at least until the elections in 2022.
Also, in the news...
By Ashwin Dhanabalan, Angkuran Dey and Meghna Manoj
East and Southeast Asia This Week
China: White Paper on Beijing's space program
On 28 January, China released a White Paper titled "China's Space Program: A 2022 Perspective.". This is the fifth issue on China's space programme and it offers a better understanding of Beijing's progress and plans in the sector. As reported by Global Times: "China plans to launch the Wentian and Mengtian experimental modules, the Xuntian space station telescope, Shenzhou manned spacecraft and Tianzhou cargo spacecraft in the next five years." The paper also mentions that China's space station would be completed by 2022 and it would be pursuing new milestones in deep space exploration.
China: President Xi chairs virtual summit with Central Asian countries
On 25 January, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a virtual summit with the Central Asian countries, "to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations." Xi pledged USD 500 million in assistance to the region and to enhance trade between the countries. He also agreed to: "import more quality goods and agricultural products from countries in the region…strive to increase the trade between the two sides to $70 billion by 2030." Xi also spoke about the instability in Kazakhstan and reaffirmed China's support to the government to maintain stability and stop the violence.
China: Ambassador Zhang Jun raises concerns about Afghanistan in the UNSC
On 26 January, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun requested to increase humanitarian and economic assistance to Afghanistan in the Security Council meeting. The Chinese Ambassador commented: "After the hasty withdrawal of foreign troops last August, the Afghan economy has been in free fall and the Afghan population is experiencing a humanitarian crisis of the worst kind." He urged the international community to cancel the sanctions on Kabul and release the assets frozen by the US and the Western countries. Concerning the sanctions, he stated: "Unilateral sanctions are no less lethal than military intervention."
China: UNHCR in talks with Beijing to visit the Xinjiang region
On 28 January, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) Michelle Bachelet stated that they are engaged in talks with China about visiting the Xinjiang region. This comes at a point when the West had launched a diplomatic boycott against the upcoming Winter Olympics. A South China Morning Post report mentioned that the visit has been scheduled to take place after the end of the Winter Olympics, which has been scheduled between 4 and 20 February. UNHCR Spokesperson Rupert Colville, while addressing a UN briefing, said: "the parameters of that visit are still very much under discussion."
North Korea: Pyongyang tests upgraded long-range cruise missile
On 28 January, North Korea confirmed testing an upgraded version of the long-range cruise missile and a warhead of a tactical guided missile. Although the test was held to verify the power of its conventional warhead for a surface-to-surface tactical guided missile, the tests triggered a push for new sanctions by the US and received international condemnation. North Korean President Kim Jong Un visited an ammunition factory and said: "The factory holds a very important position and duty in modernising the country's armed forces and realising the national defence development strategy." However, North Korea has defended its missile testing as a sovereign right to self-defence.
Thailand: Oil spill in the Gulf
On 25 January, a leak from a pipeline owned by Star Petroleum Refining Plc is suspected to have released about 50,000 litres of oil into the Gulf of Thailand. The oil reached the shores of Rayong province on 28 January. Oil dispersants have lessened the spill's effects, but it could still impact the nearby Khao Laem Ya National Park, home to exotic coral reefs and sea life. The government has filed an official complaint against the company seeking compensation for the damages caused.
Myanmar: Woodside to exit
On 27 January, after Total and Chevron pulled out of Myanmar, Australia's Woodside Petroleum had announced to exit the country at the cost of USD 209 million. The company's Chief Executive Meg O'Neill said: "Given the ongoing situation in Myanmar, we can no longer contemplate Woodside's participation in the development of the A-6 gas resources, nor other future activities in-country." The company followed suit with Human Rights Groups mounting pressure on Multinational Companies to stop doing business with the military government.
Myanmar: Human Rights Watch on one year since the military coup
On 28 January, Human Rights Watch group released a report titled, "Myanmar: Year of Brutality in Coup's Wake." The report mentioned cutting off the funding to the military government by stopping the imports of oil, gas, and other extractives from Myanmar. The report also talked about the leadership of Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and how, under his watch, security forces have: "carried out mass killings, torture, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and other abuses against protesters, journalists, lawyers, health workers, and political opposition members amounting to crimes against humanity." In addition, the report highlighted the numerous war crimes that took place in the country's Southeast and Northwest regions.
South Asia This Week
India: BrahMos cruise missile deal signed with the Philippines
On 28 January, the Indian Director General of BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. Atul Dinkar Rane signed the deal with Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana on the supersonic cruise missile. The virtual ceremony marked the first export of the Indian and Russian joint venture and the deal was signed at a value of USD 375 million. The Philippine Marines will acquire three batteries of the Brahmos cruise missile, training for operators, and the necessary integrated logistics support package.
India: Prime Minister hosts the India-Central Asia summit
On 27 January, Prime Minister Modi at the virtual summit addressed the lack of land connectivity between India and Central Asia. This was the first summit that involved the President's of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. PM Modi also discussed the shared concerns "…about the developments in Afghanistan…In this context, our mutual cooperation has become even more important for regional security and stability." The India-Central Asia summit marked 30 years of diplomatic relations between India and Central Asia.
Afghanistan: UN's special conference
On 26 January, the UN convened a special conference to assess the situation of Afghanistan. Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons said: "It is in no one's interest to see a collapse of the current state in Afghanistan." Lyons further shared concerns about the restriction of girls to attend schools and the recent disappearances of Afghan women activists. The Afghan mission at the United Nations released a statement saying: "The de facto authorities have not been recognized by the international community as they fail to fulfil their commitments including forming an inclusive and accountable government to provide essential services to the Afghan people and respecting rights of women and girls and other minorities."
Afghanistan: Joint statement by the US and Europe on the Oslo talks
On 27 January, after the talks in Oslo, Norway, the US and Europe released a ten-point statement. The statement mentioned human rights violations, the need for a strong and inclusive representative system, and the need for the Islamic Emirate to maintain peace and stability in the region. It also stated how the meetings in Norway were not legitimising or recognizing the government in power. The statement cited: "Reaffirmed our expectation that the Taliban will uphold their commitments on counterterrorism and drug trafficking."
Sri Lanka: Amends the anti-terror law
On 28 January, the government of Sri Lanka announced its decision to amend an anti-terror law that gives the police sweeping powers to arrest suspects involved in terrorism without a trial. However, Sri Lanka was influenced to make the amendment as it had received increasing pressure from the EU and UN Human Rights Council(UNHRC) over concerns of human right violations. The amendment now makes it compulsory for magistrates to visit the place of detention to ensure due protocol is being followed and the suspect is protected from degrading treatment. The move comes before the UNHRC March 2022 session, where Sri Lanka's rights and progress accountability will be reviewed by the committee.
Central Asia, Middle East and Africa This Week
Saudi Arabia: Bangkok reaffirms its ties with Riyadh
On 25 January, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha landed in Riyadh as a part of his official visit to the country. He met with the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and talked about investment opportunities in their respective countries. The diplomatic interaction came after a 30-year long dip in Riyadh-Bangkok relations following the blue diamond affair. The Thai Premier commented: "I believe there will be an increase of exchanges and visits, to compensate for the last 30 years when we didn't have a chance to interact".
Iran: Qatari FM Sheikh Mohammed in Tehran
On 27 January, Qatari Foreign Minister met with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran. However, speculations have emerged saying the meeting has more significance as it could set up direct talks with the US. The Iranian news agency IRNA stated: "Although Doha and Tehran are experiencing good and close relations, this visit ... has fuelled some misconceptions. Some are fabricating it to facilitate direct talks with the United States." Qatar's ruling Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will be meeting the US President Joe Biden on 31 January in Washington.
Yemen: Probe announced on the prison attack
On 27 January, the Saudi-led coalition announced an investigation into the deadly prison attack that happened on 21 January in Yemen. The attack on the detention centre killed at least 70 people, and the air raid wounded about 200 others. The coalition's Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) set up said it had: "commitment to professionalism, transparency, impartiality and credibility,' concerning the investigation. The team further said they have been investigating the incident since it broke out, and relevant groups have begun procedures for collecting data and information about the attacks.
Armenia: President Sarkisian announces his resignation
On 23 January, Armenian President Armen Sarkisian submitted his resignation as he was undermined in the policymaking process during the country's current national crisis. Sarkisian stated: "The President does not have the necessary tools to influence the fundamental processes of domestic and foreign policy in the current difficult period for the country and the nation". The leader claimed that he was kept out of major discussions to end the war with Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. He also made clear his resentment with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan when the latter fired the military leaders in the middle of anti-government protests.
Burkina Faso: ECOWAS suspends Ouagadougou’s membership
On 28 January, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended Burkina Faso's membership after it had witnessed a military coup on 24 January. This follows the suspension of Mali and Guinea, and sanctions being placed on them by the bloc. But, unlike Mali and Guinea, no sanctions have yet been placed on Burkina Faso. The Ghanian President, Akufo-Addo who is also the acting Chairman of ECOWAS stated: "The happenings in the region tell us that nobody has accepted democracy as the preferred mode of governance."
Rwanda: Kigali and Kampala reopen borders after three years
On 28 January, Rwanda announced that it would open up its main border of Gatuna-Katuna with its East African neighbour Uganda from 31 January. As of now, only the two smaller border posts at Cyanika and Kagitumba are being used for transporting goods. The meeting between Lieutenant General, Muhoozi Kainerugaba with the Rwandan President Paul Kagame seemed to have diffused the tensions as of now. This meeting comes following the sacking of the Ugandan Military Intelligence Head, Major General Abel Kandiho on 25 January, who had been accused by Rwanda to have been working with its dissidents.
Report on Hunger Hotspots by the WFP-FAO
On 26 January, the World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) released a report called the "Hunger Hotspots" that stated: "where parts of the population are likely to face a significant deterioration of acute food insecurity in the coming months that will put their lives and livelihoods at risk." Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen were the countries recognized with the most severe concern. As a result, parts of their population could face significant deterioration of food security, and a targeted humanitarian action plan was needed to save lives and livelihoods. The report also provided a country-specific recommendation on: "emergency response and anticipatory action to address existing humanitarian needs and ensure short-term protective interventions before new needs materialize."
Sudan: Protests against the UN in Khartoum
On 26 January, pro-military protestors took to the streets of Khartoum and demanded the expulsion of the UN from Sudan. A protestor said: "We don't want external intervention in our country." The UN intervened in the region to resolve the political crisis that surfaced in the country after the military coup in October 2021. Thousands of angry protestors demonstrated outside the office of UNITAMS on 26 January as the UN launched talks with the Sudanese factions. UNITAMS director of political affairs Stephanie Khoury said: "Our role at this stage of consultations for a political process for #Sudan is to hear Sudanese stakeholders; ensure we actively listen to their views, document their visions & suggestions."
Europe and the Americas This Week
EU accuses China of illegal trade practises with Lithuania
On 27 January, the EU launched an official dispute on behalf of Lithuania with the World Trade Organisation(WTO). The EU accused China of boycotting Lithuanian goods, but Beijing refuted the allegations. European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said: "For the time being, we have not found a negotiated solution. That's why we are now exercising our WTO rights." China has denied all allegations and stated that it rejected goods due to customs issues. Since the case has been taken to the WTO, they will positively respond, but its intervention would impact regional trade.
Belarus: Lukashenko to back Russia in case of Ukraine invasion
On 28 January, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko declared his support for Russia if the situation escalates into a military conflict. He cited that he would have thousands of Russian soldiers move into his country in the face of an attack against Moscow or Minsk. The President commented: "If there is an aggression against Belarus, there will be hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers. Who, together with hundreds of thousands of Belorussians, will defend this land". However, the statement comes after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commented that the Kremlin would not be interested in a war.
Ukraine: Western countries advise families of embassy staff to withdraw
On 24 January, the US, UK, Australia, and Germany informed and advised the families of diplomatic staff to leave Kyiv as the situation at the Ukrainian border turned tense. Several other countries also announced caution against travelling to Ukraine due to the mounting tensions as Russia increases its buildup on the border with Kyiv. The UK also took measures even though its diplomatic staff were not in immediate threat and called back about half of the team working in Kyiv.
Ukraine: Russia-Ukraine tensions to cause high inflation for an extended period
On 25 January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a statement that the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine would lead to higher inflation levels. IMF's Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath said the situation was different from the Crimean annexation, which saw a fall in energy prices and a low demand for shale gas. However, Gopinath mentioned that: "if this conflict were to happen, you would see an increase in energy prices."
Finland: Helsinki expedites order of its F-35 stealth fighters from the US
On 27 January, the Finnish government requested the US government to expedite their order of 64 F-35s as tensions over Ukraine have threatened the country. Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said: "Geographically, Finland is a big country. We need a fleet of aircraft that guarantees security in all our airspace. We are going to upgrade old US fighters that we had, and this decision was made before the recent escalation with Russia." In December 2021, the Finnish government concluded its contract with the US defence company Lockheed Martin.
Germany: Navy Chief hands in resignation after controversial remarks on Russia, Ukraine
On 23 January, the German Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach handed in his resignation after his comments at a session organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA). The German Navy Chief stated: "Does Russia really want a small and tiny strip of Ukraine soil to integrate in their country? No, this is nonsense. Putin is probably putting pressure because he can do it and he splits EU opinion." This comment comes at a time when the Russia-Ukraine border tensions have escalated and the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz is trying to play a critical role in de-escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
US: Biden announces small deployment in Eastern Europe
On 29 January, US President Joe Biden announced that the US would maintain pressure on Russia by deploying a small regiment of troops in Eastern Europe. His comments contrast with the Pentagon's decisions as they backed a renewed push for diplomacy. Biden said he would only send a small regiment of troops and "not too many," Washington already has tens of thousands of troops stationed across Western Europe. But, he took the decision now as even the Pentagon said that Russia currently had stationed enough troops and equipment to threaten the whole of Ukraine.
US: America Competes Act of 2022 passed by the house of Representatives
On 26 January, a 2,912-page bill was passed by the House of Representatives to boost US' competition with China. The bill focuses on investing billions of dollars to develop the US semiconductor industry and provide new provisions for stronger US-Taiwan bilateral ties. The US has earmarked USD 100 million to counter Chinese government censorship and disinformation. In addition, a new special envoy will be created under the purview of the bill at the US State Department to coordinate its response to the violations and human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region of China. The bill also approves the change in the name of Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington, from Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office to Taiwan Representative Office in the United States.
Argentina: Buenos Aires strikes a deal with IMF
On 28 January, Argentina was able to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for refinancing its debt which amounted to more than USD 40 billion. Argentinian President Alberto Fernández on national television stated: "We had an unpayable debt that left us without a present or a future, and now we have a reasonable agreement that will allow us to grow and comply". This deal comes after a series of tense negotiations with the IMF regarding refinancing the debt contracted in 2018, during the currency crisis. The IMF in a statement said that they have come to an "understanding" about the key policies that would be underpinning the final deal.
About the Authors
Avishka Ashok is a Research Associate at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Padmashree Anandhan and Ashwin Dhanabalan are Research Assistants at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Angkuran Dey, and Meghna Manoj are Postgraduate scholars at the Center for South Asian Studies at Pondicherry University.
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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
China's response to the Ukraine crisis: Shaped by its relationship with Russia and EU under the US Shadow
Shreya Upadhyay | Assistant Professor, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore
Transatlantic Ties in the Wake of Ukraine-Russia War
Uma Purushothaman | Assistant Professor, Central University of Kerala, Kerala
Ukraine and beyond: The US Strategies towards Russia
Debangana Chatterjee | Assistant Professor, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore
Lessons from Ukraine War: Effectiveness of Sanctions
Himani Pant | Research Fellow, ICWA, Delhi
Ukraine and beyond: What next for Russia and Europe?
Sethuraman Nadarajan
Israel-Lebanon Maritime Border Deal
Avishka Ashok
G20 Summit: Four takeaways from Bali
NIAS Africa Team
China-Africa relations: Looking back and looking ahead
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Chad's political crisis
Sourina Bej
Elections in Sweden
Padmashree Anandhan
Italy's far-right wins 2022 elections
Padmashree Anandhan
Putin’s address in the Valdai Discussion: Six takeaways
Devjyoti Saha
Solomon Islands’ China card: Three reasons why
NIAS Africa Team
Floods in West Africa: Nigeria and beyond
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Famine in Somalia
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Kenya Elections 2022
IPRI Team
Protests in Iran
IPRI Team
Clashes between Armenia-Azerbaijan
Padmashree Anandhan
Queen Elizabeth: End of an era
Padmashree Anandhan
Russia and Eastern Economic Forum 2022: A sturdy Far East
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | The reinvention of Al Shabab
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Lavrov's visit to Africa
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Macron's visit to Africa
GP Team
Floods and Emergency in Pakistan
IPRI Team
Six months of War in Ukraine
GP Team
Regional round-ups
Padmashree Anandhan
Who will be the next UK prime minister: Liss Truss v. Rishi Sunak
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Tunisia's political crisis
NIAS Africa Team
Tunisia’s political crisis: Five questions
NIAS Africa Team
Tribal conflict in Blue Nile: Causes and Implications
STIR Team
Geopolitics of Semiconductors
Padmashree Anandhan
France: Uber files leak, and Macron’s trouble
Emmanuel Selva Royan
Italy: Three factors about its current political instability
NIAS Africa Team
Sudan-Ethiopia border tensions and a profile of Blaise Compaoré
NIAS Africa Team
Africa’s continuing migration problem: Three issues
STIR Team
China in Space: Shenzhou-13 and Tiangong
NIAS Africa Team
Africa’s displacement crises: Three key drivers
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Into the Sixth Decade of African Unity
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Communal Tensions in Ethiopia
Padmashree Anandhan
What does Macron's victory mean for France and the EU
Rishma Banerjee
The rise of Marine Le Pen
Sourina Bej
Four challenges ahead for President Macron
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Mali ends defence ties with France
GP Team
New US assistance for Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | UK-Rwanda asylum deal
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Africa, Russia, and the War in Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Political Crisis in Tunisia
GP Team
Russia's gas ultimatum to Europe
IPRI Team
30 days of War in Ukraine
NIAS Africa Team
60 years of Algerian independence
IPRI Team
Sri Lanka’s worsening economic crisis
NIAS Africa Team
In Focus: Libya
IPRI Team
The end of Denmark’s Inuit experiment
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS | Europe and Africa: Will AU and EU be equal partners?
Anu Maria Joseph
Europe and Africa: Will AU and EU be equal partners?
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Lecture report: Ukraine, Russia and Europe
Joeana Cera Matthews
Into History: Northern Ireland and Bloody Sunday, 50 years later
Nireekshan Bollimpalli
Africa’s slow COVID vaccination continues. Four reasons why
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS: Conflict over the Nile Dam
NIAS Africa Team
IN FOCUS: Instability in Burkina Faso
Padmashree Anandhan
Munich Security Report: Six takeaways
Joeana Cera Matthews
Europe and Africa: An elusive search for an equal partnership
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Femicides in Europe: The case of France
Padmashree Anandhan
Post Brexit: Three challenges in Northern Ireland
Porkkodi Ganeshpandian and Angkuran Dey
The return of the Left
Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
Lithuania and China: Vilnius has become Beijing’s Achilles heel. Four reasons why
Mohamad Aseel Ummer
Africa: The anti-France sentiments in Mali and beyond
Shalini Balaiah
The Middle East in 2021: Never-ending wars and conflicts
Angelin Archana
Russia in 2021: Expanding boundaries
Prakash Panneerselvam
East Asia in 2021: New era of hegemonic competition
Apoorva Sudhakar
Coup in Burkina Faso: Five things to know
Joeana Cera Matthews
In Europe, abortion rights are "a privilege." Four reasons why
Padmashree Anandhan
Mapping COVID-19 protests in Europe: Who and Why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Pakistan, US and Russia: Putin Online, Biden Offline
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The unrest in Kazakhstan: Look beyond the trigger
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Deepening Pakistan-Russia ties
D. Suba Chandran
Justice Ayesha: Breaking the Legal Ceiling
Ankit Singh
Pakistan's Judiciary in 2021
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Same Page Story: Civil-Military Relations in 2021
D. Suba Chandran
Pakistan's Foreign Policy in 2021
Ankit Singh
Pakistan’s economy in 2021: Major highlights
Ankit Singh
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank
Apoorva Sudhakar
The PDM is back, again
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Qureshi’s visit to Brussels: Three takeaways
GP Team
The Complete Compendium for 2021
GP Team
The Americas in 2021
GP Team
Europe in 2021
GP Team
Middle East and Africa in 2021
GP Team
South Asia in 2021
Apoorva Sudhakar
Protests in Gwadar: Four major highlights
Ankit Singh
Mini budget, IMF and a contemporary puzzle.
Ankit Singh
Pappu Sain bids adieu to the world
Apoorva Sudhakar
Smog, pollution and more: Deteriorating air quality in Pakistan
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
PTI’s secret dealing with the TTP and TLP
Vaishnavi Iyer
France, Algeria, and the politics over an apology
Joeana Cera Matthews
NATO-Russia relationship: Looking beyond the suspensions and expulsions
D. Suba Chandran
PTI’s TLP flip-flop and a secret deal
Apoorva Sudhakar
The increasing curbs on digital media freedom in Pakistan
Padmashree Anandhan
Facebook's Metaverse: Why it matters to Europe
Joeana Cera Matthews
Poland, EU and PolExit. It is complicated, for three reasons
Harini Madhusudhan
Europe's Energy Crisis and Gazprom
D. Suba Chandran
TLP: The government caves in again
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
TLP is back again
Apoorva Sudhakar | Project Associate, School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS
Pakistan’s transgender community: The long road ahead
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Since January 2021: Why the US President has not called Pakistan’s Prime Minister so far?
Apoorva Sudhakar
No honour in honour killing
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Military Reshuffle: A strategic or routine decision?
D. Suba Chandran
Dr AQ Khan: Between a national hero and a nuclear proliferator
Apoorva Sudhakar
Rising child abuse in Pakistan: Five reasons why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Hazara Persecution in Pakistan: No end in sight
D. Suba Chandran
Protests in Gwadar: Who and Why
Chetna Vinay Bhora
Europe's Energy Crisis: It could get worse. Five reasons why
STIR Team
Cover Story: War against Malaria
Aswathy Koonampilly
Japan: New Prime Minister, Old party
GP Team
Europe's Energy Crisis
STIR Team
The Science and Politics of Materials
Sourina Bej
France: Paris Terror Trial
Harini Madhusudan
Belarus: Weaponization of the Migrant Crisis
Juan Mary Joseph
Attacks on Chinese Investments in Pakistan: Who, Where And Why?
Joeana Cera Matthews
Haiti: Two months after the assassination, the storm is still brewing
Joeana Cera Matthews
From Crimea to Navalny: Putin's calibrated Europe strategy
Joeana Cera Matthews
Nord Stream-2: Why is the region unhappy about the pipeline?
Lokendra Sharma
Two months of Cuban protests: Is the ‘revolution’ ending?
GP Team
The New Afghanistan
STIR Team
Climate Change and Energy Options
Apoorva Sudhakar
Digital Pakistan: Idea, Potential and Challenges
Anu Maria Joseph
South Africa: What is behind the pro-Zuma protests?
Dincy Adlakha
China and Russia in Myanmar: The interests that bind
Sarthak Jain
Nord Stream 2 is Russia’s geopolitical victory
Jeshil J Samuel
REvil is dead. Long live REvil
STIR Team
Space Tourism
Keerthana Rajesh Nambiar
The EU Summit 2021: Five Takeaways
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Impending famine in Tigray, should make Ethiopia everyone's problem
Anu Maria Joseph
Too late and too little is Ethiopia's international problem
Sankalp Gurjar
Africa's Ethiopia Problem
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia's Tigray problem is Tigray's Ethiopia problem
Lokendra Sharma
The future of nuclear energy looks bleak
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Five reasons why Afghanistan is closer to a civil war
Mohamad Aseel Ummer
Migration in Africa: Origin, Drivers and Destinations
Dincy Adlakha
The new three-child policy is two decades too late
Dincy Adlakha
Loud Echoes of the National Security Law in China
Joeana Cera Matthews
Farfetched goals on pandemic recovery, climate action and economic revival
STIR Team
Rare Earths and the Global Resource Race
SDP Scholar
The Rise and Reign of Ransomware
Gurpreet Singh
India and the geopolitics of supply chains
Chetna Vinay Bhora
Spain, Morocco and the rise of rightwing politics in Europe over immigration
Vibha Venugopal
The return of Taliban will be bad news for women
Udbhav Krishna P
Revisiting the recent violence: Three takeaways
Joeana Cera Matthews
For the Economist, Taiwan is the most dangerous place. The argument is complicated
Apoorva Sudhakar
15 of the 23 global hunger hotspots are in Africa. Three reasons why
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The US decision to withdraw is a call made too early. Three reasons why
Lokendra Sharma
Learning from Cuba's vaccine development efforts
V S Ramamurthy and Dinesh K Srivastava
An energy mix of renewables and nuclear is the most viable option
Lokendra Sharma
Deadly second wave spirals into a humanitarian disaster
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The US-Taliban Deal: One Year Later
Akriti Sharma
The Quad Plus and the search beyond the four countries
Apoorva Sudhakar
India's Endgames, Roles and Limitations in Quad
Sukanya Bali
Tracing the Quad's evolution in the last two decades
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia: Five fallouts of the military offensive in Tigray
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Afghanistan: The recent surge in targeted killing vs the troops withdrawal
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
In Honduras, a move towards a permanent ban on abortion laws
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Civilian protests vs military: Three factors will decide the outcome in Myanmar
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Trump’s Climate Change legacy: Disruption and Denial
Apoorva Sudhakar
Trump’s Iran legacy: Maximum pressure, minimum results
N Manoharan and Drorima Chatterjee
Five ways India can detangle the fishermen issue with Sri Lanka
IPRI Team
Coup in Myanmar and Protests in Russia
D Suba Chandran
The PDM differences, Gwadar fencing, and Lakhvi's arrest
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Nagorno-Karabakh: Rekindled fighting, Causalities and a Ceasefire
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Thailand: For the pro-democracy protests, it is a long march ahead
Harini Madhusudan
Brexit: A year of the UK-EU transition talks and finally, a Deal
Apoorva Sudhakar
Ethiopia: The conflict in Tigray and the regional fallouts
Aparaajita Pandey
The Americas: Top Five Developments
Teiborlang T Kharsyntiew
Europe: Top five developments
Sandip Kumar Mishra
East Asia: Top Five developments in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
Outer Space in 2020: Missions, Privatization, and the Artemis Accords
Sukanya Bali
5G, Huawei and TikTok: Four trends in 2020
Sumedha Chatterjee
COVID-19: How the world fought in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
The Vaccine Rush: Expectations vs Realities
Harini Madhusudan
Open Skies Treaty: The US should not have withdrawn, for five reasons
Savithri Sellapperumage
Kamala Harris makes history
Mallika Devi
China is against the Quad. Five reasons why
Srikumar Pullat
Space of Tomorrow: The Need for Space Security
Tamanna Khosla
Japan: New Prime Minister, Old Challenges
Vaishali Handique
Not just regime change: Women and protest movements in Sudan
Sneha Tadkal
Technology in contemporary global protest movements
Chavindi Weerawansha
Students as agents of change: Protest movements in Zimbabwe
Anju Annie Mammen
“Unveiling”: Women and protest movements in the Middle East
Harini Madhusudan
‘The Revolution of Our Times’: Protests in Hong Kong
Samreen Wani
Lebanon: Can Macron's visit prevent the unravelling?
Harini Madhusudan
The Legacy of Shinzo Abe. It is Complicated.
Boa Wang
Two Sessions in Beijing
Boa Wang
How China fought the COVID-19
N. Manoharan
Is COVID-19 a Bio-weapon from China?
Prof PM Soundar Rajan
Is there an overlap of 5G Networks and COVID hotspots?
Rashmi Ramesh
Will COVID-19 provide a new agenda to the NAM?
Harini Madhusudan
Iran's New Military Satellite: Does it violate the UNSC 2231?
Jenice Jean Goveas
Epidemics through History
Sanduni Atapattu
Preventing hatred and suspicion would be a bigger struggle
Chavindi Weerawansha
A majority in the minority community suffers, for the action of a few
Chrishari de Alwis Gunasekare
The Cardinal sermons for peace, with a message to forgive
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Who and Why of the Perpetrators
Natasha Fernando
In retrospect, where did we go wrong?
Ruwanthi Jayasekara
Build the power of Co-existence, Trust, Gender and Awareness
N Manoharan
New ethnic faultlines at macro and micro levels
Asanga Abeyagoonasekera
A year has gone, but the pain has not vanished
Jenice Jean Goveas
In India, the glass is half full for the women
Fatemah Ghafori
In Afghanistan, there is no going back for the women
Lakshmi V Menon
The decline in terrorism in Pakistan in 2019
Rashmi Ramesh
The EU and the Arctic: The interest is not mutual. Why?
Rashmi Ramesh
Iceland, Denmark and Norway: Small is Big in the Arctic
Harini Madhusudan
The Non-Arctic powers: Interests of Japan and South Korea
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Malaysia: New PM, Old Challenges
Lakshmi V Menon
Pakistan to remain “Grey”; North Korea and Iran in “Black”
Rashmi Ramesh
Trump's India Visit: Optics, Substance and Rhetoric
Kabi Adhikari
The controversial MCC Nepal Compact
Malini Sethuraman
ISIS post Baghdadi: Will there be another Caliphate in 2020?
Aarathi Srinivasan
Climate Change: The Economy of the Indian Ocean Region in 2020
Prathiksha Ravi
Israel and the Middle East: The New Alliance Plans in 2020
Padmini Anilkumar
Middle East: The Return of Russia in 2020
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Sudan and Algeria: Road to Democracy in 2020
Lakshmi V Menon
Syria: ISIS Decline, US Retreat and the Return of Russia in 2020
Harini Madhusudan
The US-China Trade Dispute: Towards further disruptions in 2020
Parikshith Pradeep
The US under Donald Trump: The Fall of an Empire in 2020
Vivek Mishra
After Soleimani assassination: Options for the US
Sukanya Bali
Iran, Iraq and the US: Who wants what?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Old problems to persist with no solutions in the near term
Aashiyana Adhikari
Indian and Chinese investments in Nepal: Managing asymmetry
Shailesh Nayak | Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
Blue Economy and India: An Introduction
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
North Africa in 2019: A year of protests, with some positive results
Sukanya Bali
Hong Kong in 2019: China's New Achilles Heel
Harini Madhusudan
The US-China Trade Dispute in 2019: Towards a thaw in 2020?
Parikshith Pradeep
The US in 2019: Trump rollsout a template for a global American retreat
Rashmi Ramesh
The Arctic Littorals: Iceland and Greenland
Harini Madhusudan
The Polar Silk Route: China's ambitious search in the Arctic
GP Team
Syria: Who wants what?
Harini Madhusudan
Violence in Hong Kong: Will the protests end?
Rashmi Ramesh
Is Catalonia Spain’s Hong Kong?
D. Suba Chandran
Why an Arctic foray is essential for India
Parikshith Pradeep
Russia's Polar Military Edge
Nidhi Dalal
Protests rock Chile, Bolivia and Haiti
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Will prosecuting Suu Kyi resolve the Rohingya problem?
Lakshman Chakravarthy N & Rashmi Ramesh
Climate Change: Four Actors, No Action
Sukanya Bali
Brexit: Preparing for the Worst Case
Lakshman Chakravarthy N
5G: A Primer
Rashmi Ramesh
From Okjökull to OK: Death of a Glacier in Iceland
Sukanya Bali
Challenges before Boris Johnson
Parikshith Pradeep
The Hong Kong Protests: Who wants what
Harini Madhusudan
The Hong Kong Protests: Re-defining mass mobilization
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
ASEAN Outlook on the Indo Pacific: Worth all the Hype?
Mahesh Bhatta
Monsoons first, Floods next and the Blame Games follow
Titsala Sangtam
Counting Citizens: Manipur charts its own NRC
Vivek Mishra
Can Hedging be India’s Strategy?
Lakshmi V Menon
Amidst the US-Iran standoff, Saudi Arabia should be cautious
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
For Russia, it was big power projection
Harini Madhusudan
For China, it was trade and a temporary truce
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
For Japan, it was commerce and climate change
Sourina Bej
For the US, it was trade, tariff and talks
Titsala Sangtam
Iran, US and the Nuclear deal: Europe in the middle?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Modi's Colombo Visit: Four issues to watch
Raakhavee Ramesh
Higher than the Himalayas: Pakistan and China
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Across the Himalayas: Nepal and China
Mahath Mangal
The Russian Resurgence: Is the US supremacy waning?
Mahath Mangal
San Francisco wants to ban, Kashgar wants to expand
Jerin George
Espionage or Investigative Journalism?
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Huawei Controversy: Five things you need to know
Mahath Mangal
Why the world needs to look at Yemen
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
The Central Asia Connector
Harini Madhusudan
An Under-represented East Asia
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Africa Embraces the Belt and Road
Sourina Bej
It’s Europe vs EU on China
Abigail Miriam Fernandez
Sudan: Between Democracy and another military rule
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Responses and Inspiring Lessons
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Thailand: Between Elections and Instability
Sourina Bej
Two Sessions in 2019: Four Takeaways
Lakshmi V Menon
The End of ISIS Caliphate?
Harini Madhusudan
For China, its a sigh of relief
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
For Vietnam, its a big deal
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
For Japan, No Deal is Good Deal
Sourina Bej
For South Korea, a costly disappointment
Harini Madhusudan
No deal is better, but isn't it bad?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
The Other Conflict in Rakhine State
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
Yemen: Will Sa'nna fall?
Harini Madhusudan
Sinicizing the Minorities
GP Team
US, South Korea and Thailand
Lakshmi V Menon
The Qatar Blockade: Eighteen Months Later
GP Team
Yemen, Venezuela and US-China
Sourina Bej
Maghreb: What makes al Shahab Resilient?
Harini Madhusudan
US-China Trade War: No Clear Winners
Abhishrut Singh
Trump’s Shutdown: Five Things to Know
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: Will 2019 be better for the Rohingya?
D. Suba Chandran
Bangladesh: The Burden of Electoral History
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer
US and China: Between Confrontation and Competition
Mahesh Bhatta | Centre for South Asian Studies, Kathmandu
Nepal
Nasima Khatoon | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
The Maldives
Harini Madhusudan | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
India
Sourina Bej | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
Bangladesh
Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS
Afghanistan
Harini Madhusudan
China and Japan: Renewing relations at the right time
Sourina Bej
The INF Treaty: US withdraws to balance China?
Harini Madhusudan
The Khashoggi Killing: Unanswered Questions
Lakshmi V Menon
US and Israel: Trump's Deal of the Century
Nasima Khatoon
The New Maldives: Advantage India?
Harini Madhusudhan
To NAFTA or Not: Trump, Mexico and Canada
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Malaysia’s China Moment: The Mahathir Gamble
Sourina Bej
BIMSTEC: A Bay of Good Hope?
Young Scholars Debate
India, Imran Khan and Indo-Pak Relations
Siddhatti Mehta
Does Brexit mean Brexit?
Oishee Majumdar
Factsheet: China’s Investments in Africa
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
The 8888 Uprising: Thirty Years Later
Harini Madhusudhan
The Tariff War: 'Stick of Hegemony' vs Vital Interests
Druta Bhatt
FactSheet: Shangri La Dialogue 2018
Rahul Arockiaraj
Immigrants as the “Other”: The Social and Economic Factors in the US
Divyabharathi E
Is Trump-Putin Summit a setback for the US?
Apoorva Sudhakar
India and Bangladesh: The Long Haul
Divyabharathi E
Quad as an alternative to the BRI: Three Main Challenges
Oishee Majumdar
FactSheet: India-Bangladesh Relations
D. Suba Chandran
Trump meets Putin; will it cost NATO?
Sourina Bej
Trump and the NATO: One Block, Different Views
Gayan Gowramma KC
Now, the United States withdraws from the UNHRC
Siddhatti Mehta
Will China be able to sustain its Dominance?
Aparupa Bhattacherjee
Myanmar: Why won't they do anything for the Rohingya?
Harini Madhusudan
The Idea of an US Space Force: Strategic Calculations
Apoorva Sudhakar
Afghan Peace: Reality or Illusion?
Hely Desai
Looking beyond Trump: Is the US declining?
Manushi Kapadia
Is China using its soft power to become superpower?
Lakshmi. V. Menon
Middle East: Has Russia chosen Israel over Iran?
Miti Shah
G7: Why Trump wants Russia in?
Hely Desai
FactSheet: G7 Summit
Siddhatti Mehta
The Panmunjom Declaration: “Tip of the Iceberg”
Druta Bhatt
Iran N-Deal and the Trans-Atlantic Divide
Manushi Kapadia
US and China: Towards a Trade War
Miti Shah
Palestine: US triggers new tensions
Divyabharathi E
The "Indo-Pacific Command": What's in the name?
Harini Madhusudan
Trump’s Tariff Strategy: Targetting Adversaries and Allies
Hely Desai
Trump-Kim Summit: Three Likely Outcomes
Apoorva Sudhakar
The Lebanon Pawn: Will it change after elections?
Lakshmi V Menon
Israel, the Game Changer?
Samreen Wani
Deciphering Turkey's External Push
Divyabharathi E
China and Russia: The New Alignments
Ann Maria Shibu
Can India afford to lose Maldives to China?
Dhruv Ashok
Why Maldives is important to China?
Lakshmi V Menon
ISIS and the Yazidi victims: Why the World should stand up?
Harini Madhusudan
US- China Tariff Face-off : Five questions
Jamyang Dolma
Why is Free Tibet important for India
Divyabharathi E
Arctic: The Strategic Significance
Lakshmi V Menon
Do we need the Quad?
Samreen Wani
Why Trump’s Iran exit is a big mistake?
Jamyang Dolma
Inter Korean Summit: Will it work?
Dhruv Ashok
The Fishermen Issue between India and Sri Lanka
Apoorva Sudhakar
Bangladesh's Economy: Decoding a Success Story
Ann Maria Shibu
Why India should not pull out of the Indus water treaty?
Divyabharathi E