Amber Bel | Authors | IPI Global Observatory

To Align Peacekeeping Mandates and Resources, Improve the Link Between the Security Council and Fifth Committee

December 9, 2019by Jake Sherman

The disconnect between Security Council decisions on UN peacekeeping mandates and budgetary agreements by the Fifth Committee is often cited as one of the main obstacles to effective mandate implementation.

The Positive Impacts and Challenges Facing the African Union Mission in Somalia

December 3, 2019by Paul D. Williams

Overall, AMISOM had made progress on its three current strategic objectives, however, the mission continues to face difficult challenges and limitations.

Key Global Events to Watch in December

December 2, 2019by the Global Observatory

At the start of every month, the Global Observatory posts a list of key upcoming meetings and events that have implications for global affairs.

The UN Peace Operation in Mali: A Troubled Yet Needed Mission

November 26, 2019by Jaïr van der Lijn

Whatever the path forward, security and stability in Mali requires reparation of the social contract, which is a much more complex need than a peace operation or the UN system can achieve.

Assessing the Effectiveness of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic

November 21, 2019by Lise Howard

Despite many challenges, MINUSCA has undoubtedly helped to protect civilians and extend state authority—two essential tasks of its current mandate.

Expanding Gendered Understandings Key to Protection Concerns

November 15, 2019by Gretchen Baldwin

If women’s participation is to actually be meaningful, pushes to increase women’s participation should move beyond gender stereotypes and “add women and stir” calls for parity.

Are UN Peace Operations Effective?

November 14, 2019by Cedric de Coning

Despite the positive conclusions of statistical studies, not enough is known about how peace operations contribute to reducing violence and sustaining peace in specific cases.

Mali Attack Demonstrates Growing Strength of the Islamic State in Africa

November 13, 2019by Philip Obaji Jr.

The attack shows that despite losing its founder and some of its top commanders in the Middle East last month, IS has fighters loyal to its cause and has strengthened in Africa.

China’s Complicated Relationship With Central Asia

November 8, 2019by Raffaello Pantucci

As the world watches the US–China confrontation play out on the international stage, few are paying attention to the heart of Eurasia where a sea change is happening.

The Dissolution of Congress and the Future of Peru’s Democracy

November 5, 2019by Ignazio De Ferrari

Over a month after the president dissolved congress, some fundamental questions about the future of Peru’s institutions and its politics remain unanswered.

Climate Change, Peacebuilding, and Sustaining Peace

September 13, 2019by Florian Krampe

Climate change is not just an issue of human security—it is transforming the entire security landscape.

Mandate Renewal of Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity At Risk

July 10, 2019by Rosa Freedman

Given the Human Rights Council’s current composition and priorities, there is a real risk that the independent expert’s mandate will not pass.

After Strategic Review, What Should Be Done With MONUSCO?

June 24, 2019by Yvan Yenda Ilunga

Taking into consideration the spirit of the March Security Council resolution and an evaluation of the state of MONUSCO makes clear the need for a controlled and sound plan for the mission’s exit from the DRC.

How Can the Security Council Engage on Climate Change, Peace, and Security?

June 20, 2019by Jake Sherman

In light of its mandate, the extent to which the United Nations Security Council can or should take steps on climate-related peace and security issues is an increasingly urgent question.

What Are China’s Cyber Capabilities and Intentions?

March 22, 2019by Lyu Jinghua

Exaggerated fears about growing Chinese power can become a cause of conflict. The same logic applies in cyberspace.

Political Crisis in Spain Forces General Election

February 26, 2019by Angel Smith

The current Spanish government has found itself under fire from all sides, including opposition leaders and Catalan nationalists.

Women’s Issues: What Are They?

December 21, 2018by Annie Rubin

Although a buzzword, the term “women’s issues” is regularly used without precise definition, and often has slighting, divisive undertones.

Navigating the Paradox and Complexity of Humanitarian Relief: Q&A with Fiona Terry

December 14, 2018by Annie Rubin

Dr. Terry discusses the complexities of humanitarian relief and key findings from her research on when, why, and how individuals and groups choose not to use violence.

Is “Human Rights” a Western Concept?

October 17, 2018Ahmed Shaheed and Rose Parris Richter

Critics of the notion that human rights are universal often assert that human rights originated in the West, reflect Western interests, and are a weapon of cultural hegemony or a new form of imperialism.

Peacekeeping Budget Approval and Cuts Leave Fundamental Questions Unaddressed

September 14, 2018by Fred Carver

The budget passed by the Fifth Committee and the peacekeeping reform proposals illuminate the conceptual issues at hand in peacekeeping.

Author: Amber Bel

Libya Talks Embody Missing Participation of Women in Peace Processes

This week

Impact of UN Mission in South Sudan Complicated by Dilemmas of Protection

The Situation in Libya Can, And May, Get Much Worse