Prannavan Surendran

Russia’s war against Ukraine is being fought not only with missiles and artillery, but also in the cognitive and psychological domains, where fear, exhaustion and social fragmentation can be weaponised deliberately. In this context, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) are not secondary humanitarian concerns, but core components of national resilience, civil defence, and long-term recovery.

Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs embarked on a widely acclaimed journey to the Indo-Pacific. On the one hand, the visits may seem to be a part of traditional German diplomacy. On the other hand, Berlin’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific have now become interconnected with balancing China, deterring Russia, and enhancing Europe’s security posture.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi won a sweeping victory in Japan’s general election, delivering the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) a commanding two-thirds majority in the Lower House. Her decision to dissolve the chamber in mid-January—just three months into her tenure—and call a snap election proved to be a highly successful gamble. She now holds a robust mandate to advance her domestic reforms and pursue her foreign policy agenda.