The inaugural Vivekananda International Foundation’s (VIF) State of the World: Emerging Trends and Way Forward report offers an analytical and comprehensive analysis of global and regional developments, trends, and policy dynamics, through an Indian lens.

The report conducts a wide-ranging global scan, covering the major powers—namely the USA, China, and Russia—and examines the functioning of key global institutions, such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), United Nations Security Council (UNSC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and mechanisms related to nuclear and global disarmament. Additionally, it delves into multilateral platforms such as BRICS. Under the regional scan, the report provides detailed insights into India’s neighbourhood, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while also analysing developments across Central and West Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, the Indo-Pacific, Africa, North America, Latin America, and the Arctic.

Beyond geopolitics, the report takes a thematic approach, exploring critical areas such as climate change and the environment, along with advancements in technology and innovation. These include domains like cybersecurity, space exploration, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, hypersonic, drones, and autonomous weapon systems. It also scrutinises internal security issues such as Jammu & Kashmir, terrorism, radicalisation, narcotics, organised crime, and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). In addition, the report places emphasis on India’s rich civilisational heritage, arts, and culture, highlighting significant developments in these domains.