The deadly toll of the M23’s military escalation has presented an urgent call for international attention and support, including consideration of punitive measures against armed groups that attack civilians and peacekeepers. It also forced SADC member states to make a choice: showcase their commitment to regional conflict management under the SADC Mutual Defence Pact by reinforcing SAMIDRC or withdraw the mission. Their choice for withdrawal reflected waning political support for the mission, particularly among the three troop-contributing countries (TCCs), as the operating environment turned more hostile and the mission failed to show results.
Analysis
-
-
Governments worldwide have incorporated algorithmic decision-making into functions ranging from policing to welfare distribution, border control, and resource allocation. These political machines—AI systems used to support or automate government decision-making—are becoming central to contemporary governance while operating largely outside public scrutiny.
This transformation represents more than a technological upgrade to government operations; it marks a fundamental shift in the relationship between citizens and the state. As political machines increasingly make or inform decisions affecting people’s lives, questions of citizen participation will become an urgent concern for multilateral organizations, civil society, and institutional stakeholders.
-
How should we assess Trump’s peace diplomacy? And what can Europe and Ukraine do to position themselves strategically in the diplomatic battle over Ukraine’s and Europe’s future?
-
We know a lot about how to implement a ceasefire, as well as the factors that influence the likelihood that a ceasefire will be successful. In the case of the Russian war on Ukraine, the US has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, with the hope that it can start a process that can end the war. Ukraine […]
-
In late February, UN Secretary-General António Guterres recommended that the Security Council establish a UN-funded logistics support office to bolster the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. The proposal, prepared in response to the Council’s November request for a “full range of options” of assistance the UN could provide to the Haitian authorities […]
-
This year’s composition of the United Nations (UN) Security Council presents a unique opportunity to address global maritime security challenges. Five new additions to the council—Denmark, Greece, Panama, Pakistan, and Somalia—together with the five permanent members, effectively establishes a de facto Maritime Security Council, offering a chance to overcome the council’s gridlock and drive unified strategic responses.
-
The construction of a regional logistics depot for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Standby Force in Botswana is underway and set to be operational by 2030. The depot is expected to enhance SADC’s readiness, enabling rapid deployment and addressing logistical challenges in peace support operations in countries like Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite raising $15 million of the required $45 million, SADC continues to appeal for international support while emphasizing the need for self-financing.
-
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325 and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, presenting an opportunity to reenergize and recommit to the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. In this article, the authors look at last year’s advancements in WPS, and what’s ahead in 2025.
-
As climate threats escalate, the urgency of fostering genuine civil-military partnerships becomes clear. The challenge is to move beyond superficial collaboration to create genuine, sustained partnerships that transform both disaster response and the very concept of security.
-
The fourth UN peacebuilding architecture review (PBAR) takes place this year, providing UN member states, UN entities, civil society, and other stakeholders with an opportunity to strengthen UN peacebuilding institutions. This article looks at what the review entails, and points to the five key issues likely to be debated.
