Tracking the Evolution of Our Past Analyses

THE RAPE AND MURDER CASE OF A KOLKATA DOCTOR GOES TO TRIAL:
In our first analysis (Kolkata Doctor's Death: A Catalyst for National Outrage), we explored the nationwide protests and strikes across India following the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024.

Update:

This past week, the trial of the accused, Sanjay Roy, began in a special West Bengal court. If convicted, Roy faces either life imprisonment or the death penalty. He alleges that the government has framed and intimidated him. The trial is expected to feature testimony from 128 witnesses. Read more here and here.

RUSSIA’S INFLUENCE IN WEST AFRICA CONTINUES

Our second analysis (Russia in West Africa) examined Russia’s growing influence in West Africa, driven by anti-Western campaigns and the provision of hard power to fragile regimes like those in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, in exchange for access to resources and geopolitical leverage.

Update:

Russia recently signed an agreement with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to supply telecommunications and surveillance satellites, bolstering their efforts against ongoing Islamist insurgencies (read more here). In addition, Russia has deepened its involvement in West Africa by deploying up to 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency—a regime that came to power in a coup in 1979 (read more here).

THE AFTERMATH OF THE VENEZUELAN ELECTION

In another analysis (The 2024 Venezuelan Election), we covered the 2024 Venezuelan election, where incumbent President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory amid allegations of election fraud by the opposition and international observers. The fallout led to widespread protests, arrests, and the exile of opposition leader María Corina Machado to Spain.

Update:

President Maduro has since managed to maintain his grip on power. Over time, his regime has released at least 60 individuals detained during protests against the election (Read more here and here). On the international stage, Venezuela faced a significant setback when Brazil’s President Lula rejected its bid to join BRICS, despite support from China and Russia (Read more here).

BUSINESS BOOMS FOR THE HOUTHIS BUT SO DO AIRSTRIKES

In another analysis (The Global Houthis), we detailed the rise of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, their attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, and their alleged use of hypersonic missiles against Israel.

Updates:

The U.S. and U.K. recently carried out airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, targeting Houthi infrastructure, including advanced weapon storage facilities and a rebel-run television station (Read more here). Shortly afterward, the Houthis launched a prolonged missile and drone assault on two U.S. warships in the Red Sea (Read more here). Additionally, an unpublished report from the U.N. Security Council estimates the Houthis are extorting $180 million monthly from shipping companies in exchange for not attacking their vessels (Read more here).

The events we initially covered are still evolving, and we believe it’s important to continue tracking their developments. To ensure we're meeting your needs and providing the most relevant updates, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out our survey so we can tailor our future coverage accordingly: