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Author: Dion van den Berg

  • Acting Local: How Decentralized Government Can Help Build States

    September 16, 2015by Dion van den Berg and Michael James Warren

    Local government can play a vital role in supporting the development of social cohesion, the capacity for collective action that enables societies to mediate conflict before it turns violent.

    Analysispeacebuilding, syria

This week

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

    December 12, 2019by Adam Day

    As UNMISS now stands on the edge of another fragile peace process, it is worth briefly recalling the protection challenges it is facing.

    Analysispeacekeeping, south sudan
  • The Situation in Libya Can, And May, Get Much Worse

    December 10, 2019by Nate Mason

    Confident and assertive diplomacy offers the real possibility of determining a strategy for Libya that limits risk.

    Analysislibya, middle east

Trending

  • 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.

    Analysispeacekeeping, security counci…, united nations
  • 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.

    Analysisafrican union, somalia
  • 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.

    Key Events
  • The Importance of Inclusion and Human Rights to Building Sustainable Peace

    November 27, 2019by Sarah Taylor

    How do we ensure that we are moving towards better inclusion in peace efforts?

    Analysiswomen peace and…, wps19
  • 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.

    Analysispeacekeeping, united nations
  • 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.

    Analysispeacekeeping, united nations
  • 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.

    Analysiswomen peace and…, wps19
  • 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.

    Analysispeacekeeping, united nations
  • 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.

    Analysisafrica, terrorism
  • 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.

    AnalysisCentral Asia, China
  • 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.

    Analysisamericas
  • Local Peace Processes and the Protection of Civilians

    September 27, 2019by Allard Duursma

    There is broad consensus that POC requires not only a militarized response, but also resolution of the armed conflicts that provide the context for attacks on civilians.

    Analysispoc20, protection of…
  • 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.

    Analysisclimate change, climatepeace…
  • 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.

    Analysishuman rights, lgbti
  • 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.

    Analysispeacekeeping, security counci…
  • 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.

    Analysisclimate change, climatepeace…, security counci…
  • 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.

    Analysisasia, China
  • 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.

    Analysiseurope
  • 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.

    Analysiswomen peace and…
  • 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.

    Interviewshumanitarian…

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About the Global Observatory

The Global Observatory provides timely analysis on peace and security issues by experts, journalists, and policymakers. It is published by the International Peace Institute. The views expressed here represent those of the contributors and not IPI.

About the International Peace Institute

The International Peace Institute is an independent, international think tank located in New York, Vienna, and Manama, dedicated to the settlement and prevention of armed conflict.

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