Abdullahi Abubakar | Authors | IPI Global Observatory

UN Peacekeeping Embraces the Digital World

September 17, 2021by Annika Hansen and Naomi Miyashita

For peacekeeping, there is no escaping the digital revolution and transformation that is heading its way.

Beyond Triple Invisibility: Do Submarine Data Cables Require Better Security?

September 15, 2021by Christian Bueger and Tobias Liebetrau

The global submarine cable network needs to be governed and protected, but it also has risks and vulnerabilities, and the potential to spur new forms of tensions and conflicts.

Key Global Events to Watch in September

September 7, 2021by the Global Observatory

A list of key upcoming meetings and events in September 2021 that have implications for global affairs compiled by the Global Observatory.

Should the UN Deploy a Peacekeeping Operation in Afghanistan? Wrong Question.

September 3, 2021by Adam Day

Rather than start with the supply side (what the UN can offer) the initial question should start with the demand side (what does Afghanistan need).

Addressing Humanitarian and Security Needs in Afghanistan

September 2, 2021by David Cortright and George A. Lopez

With the end of the withdrawal and evacuation from Afghanistan, two major issues confront US policy. First is how to meet mounting humanitarian needs and save the social development programs that have benefited Afghan women—one of the few positive outcomes of the intervention. The second is how…

The Pitfalls of UN Peacekeeping in Afghanistan

September 1, 2021by Paul D. Williams

Neither local nor international politics are currently right for a UN peacekeeping deployment in Afghanistan.

Does Maritime Security Require a New United Nations Structure?

August 26, 2021by Christian Bueger

On the 9th of August, the United Nations Security Council held a high-level open debate on maritime security amid increasing urgency at the Council toward issues such as piracy, maritime terrorism, and other incidents at sea.

The United Nations and Counterterrorism in the Post-Pandemic World

July 22, 2021by Raffi Gregorian

Member states still agree on the need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with the sort of reinvigorated, networked multilateralism the Secretary-General called for during the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly.

Engagement With Civil Society: The Missing Piece in UN Counterterrorism Efforts

June 23, 2021by Annabelle Bonnefont

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are often more knowledgeable, experienced, and trusted by local communities than governments, and their contributions have been well documented across various aspects of counterterrorism and prevention.

Reflecting on the UN’s Role in Counterterrorism Twenty Years After 9/11

June 1, 2021by Jake Sherman and Agathe Sarfati

As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, there is value in assessing the emergence of counterterrorism as the “fourth pillar” of the UN, its effectiveness to date, and the way ahead.

Scenarios for the Future of Peace Operations

May 12, 2021by Jaïr van der Lijn

Scenario planning is useful to better prepare for the unexpected. By looking at what is required, a variety of policy options can be thought through.

Impunity and Police Brutality Characterize Rise in Femicides in Mexico

April 7, 2021by Gema Kloppe-Santamaría

The recent murder of a woman refugee in Mexico sheds light on the violence experienced by women, undocumented migrants, and the economically disenfranchised.

Climate Change Must Be Tackled as a Global Security Risk

March 10, 2021Joshua Busby, Morgan Bazilian, and Florian Krampe

We live in an age where challenges to peace and security come not only from agents intentionally trying to do us harm, but also from climate change and pandemics.

Regional Special Forces Pose Threat to Peace and Security in Ethiopia

February 22, 2021by Bereket Tsegay

The peace and security arrangement between federal and regional states has allowed special forces to instigate conflicts in unique ways.

The Tigray Conflict in Ethiopia: Post-War Ramifications and International Response

January 25, 2021by Jon Abbink

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his government are wary of the interference, complaints, and demands made by the international community.

How Can Artificial Intelligence Help Curb Deforestation in the Amazon?

November 23, 2020by Adriana Erthal Abdenur

Some of the most promising innovations for enhancing the monitoring of forests involve artificial intelligence.

Youth and Climate Action: An Interview with Nisreen Elsaim

November 20, 2020by Jimena Leiva Roesch and Ahmed Gad

Nisreen Elsaim, a Sudanese climate activist and Chair of the Sudan Youth Organization on Climate Change, is a member of the secretary-general’s youth advisory group on climate change.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Peace and Conflict

October 23, 2020by Katariina Mustasilta

What happened to the pandemic being a catalyst for peaceful processes?

Sustaining Feminist Curiosity for the Future of Women, Peace, and Security: Q&A with Cynthia Enloe

October 6, 2020by Phoebe Donnelly

Dr. Enloe talks about the state of the WPS agenda, how to ensure it is not overly-simplified and narrowed, and how its advocates can continue to remain hopeful and curious feminists.

The Future of Peace Operations is African, and Demands Better Coordination

September 21, 2020by Gustavo de Carvalho

While the future of peace operations will be intrinsically linked to Africa’s future, this does not mean that the UN will lose its central role.

Author: Abdullahi Abubakar

In Nigeria, Boko Haram Attack Brings Devastation and Confusion

This week

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