RSS

February 8, 2012 | Iran Standoff Should Spell End of Nuclear Hypocrisy

Jason Naselli: Demands that Iran (or anyone else) do not seek nuclear weapons are hard to swallow while the US clings to so many. The only real solution for solving problems like Iranian proliferation is a legitimate nuclear regime that treats all countries equally. This means getting more serious about disarmament.

February 1, 2012 | A New Approach to 21st Century Governance

Ashley Diane Herzovi: The United Nations should repurpose the Trusteeship Council to oversee states with long-term issues of self-governance due to conflict that are thus unable to provide basic human necessities to their constituents. This action would allow the UN to contribute to long-term governance solutions.

January 19, 2012 | A Conference for Security and Cooperation in the Middle East

Ali Fathollah-Nejad: With the war drums on Iran sounding and the Arab revolts following an arduous path, there still remains no sustainable perspective for a peaceful Middle East. The Conference for Security and Cooperation can bring the important civil society element to bear in a region where state-centric solutions have failed.

December 6, 2011 | ISAF: Beyond Afghanistan?

Jason Naselli: Could the structures of ISAF be transformed into a peacebuilding force for missions in other conflict zones when it leaves Afghanistan? Proponents say it could harness the operational ties forged over the past 10 years into an effective solution for peacekeeping and global governance problems, but detractors say it is unfeasible and unwise.

March 7, 2011 | UN Women: Remedy or Panacea?

Nicola Blackwood: With women’s participation in countries now hanging in the balance - Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya - to name a few, the issue must not be allowed to fall back off the security agenda at the Council. If UN Women can overcome the many challenges it faces, it could be the hopeful turning point in the fight against gender inequalities so entrenched in conflict scenarios.

February 28, 2011 | International Human Rights and State Sovereignty

Anush Hayrapetyan: This research focuses on human rights and state sovereignty issues which very often contradict one another in current international relations. Individual States need to pay attention to fulfil human rights duties in within their own borders for both to be considered equally.

January 11, 2011 | Into the Blue: Germany's Maritime Security Agenda

Sebastian Bruns: Germany’s presence on the UN Security Council from 2011 to 2012 is a golden opportunity to advance its maritime security agenda. Three key areas in which progress can be made are piracy, the UN presence in Lebanon and international law of the seas.

May 21, 2010 | International Peacebuilding: An Analysis of Peacemaking in Afghanistan

Timor Sharan: This paper is a critique of recent Liberal Peace inquiries on international peacebuilding. It shows how the failure of the Bonn political settlement in Afghanistan produced negative outcomes that have come to shape the nature of statebuilding in the country.

August 13, 2009 | Drivers of the UN Humanitarian Interventions

Bianca Sarbu: The failure of the UN to achieve consensus on humanitarian intervention has led to contradictory practices. A qualitative analysis is needed to establish how action is legally accepted by the international community and what factors legitimate it.

March 4, 2009 | UN Minimum Standards are Key to Global Governance Processes

Jörg Gundelfinger: In 2020 global governance will be increasingly non-institutionally driven and most actors in these processes will act for their own benefit. This is problematic and cannot solve the major problems of our world. We need the UN to control global governance concerning power imbalances.

December 2, 2008 | Comprehensive Approaches to International Crisis Management

Christian Mölling: International organizations aim to overcome inefficiencies in complex crisis management by adopting “comprehensive approaches”. However, the implementation is affected by diverging security cultures and the particular interests of the member states.

October 15, 2008 | Non-State Actors in a Westphalian World

Jesse Schwartz: The author seeks to explore the varying degrees of influence – both positive and negative – non-state actors have on their state counterparts and to what extent they have impacted traditional notions of international security.

September 25, 2008 | Private Wars: The Renaissance of Western Mercenary Warfare

Thomas Speckmann: To Western democracies, the idea of war privatization is still largely associated with the reign of warlords in Africa and Afghanistan. However, privatization is also sneaking into Western warfare. This new financial aspect of war needs to be regulated on a national and global scale.

June 30, 2008 | It's the Economy, Stupid!

Sonja Davidovic:

May 22, 2008 | UN Peacekeeping - Struggling to Define 'Business as Usual'

Ethan Christian Arrow: Raising the issue of UN legitimacy in matters of hard and soft power, a panel of speakers have recommended tailoring operations according to local needs. Perhaps running the UN more like a business and less like a Western power would produce better results for all concerned.

December 12, 2007 | Kosovo: It's Not as Bad as You Think

Elizabeth Pond: The EU and the UN can build on recent progress to resolve the last unfinished business from the 1990s’ Balkan wars. There is still a long way to go, though, to bring Kosovo under EU supervision and persuade Serbia to opt for a European future.

August 6, 2007 | Amnesty Prevents Darfur Violence When Governments Can't

Ariela Blätter: I chide the transatlantic partners for their continuing failure to stop the attacks in Sudan. The Eyes On Darfur initiative uses commercial innovation to achieve what governments have not, preventing further bloodshed by broadcasting satellite images of the most vulnerable areas.

February 6, 2012 | Russia and China: Warnings from the Arab Spring

Beijing is dismissive of Western interests in the UN, prioritizing stability, economic benefit and non-interference. ++ Russia is Syria’s largest arms supplier and is attempting to demonstrate an alternative to Western “belligerence”. ++ Domestically, Putin fears bloodshed if public resistance does not subside when he returns to power. ++ The West can do little in Syria since Assad has been

September 22, 2011 | Why Israel Needs An Independent Palestinian State

Since the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin, Israeli leaders have failed to embrace a far-sighted vision on the Israel-Palestine conflict. ++ To reinitiate the peace process, Israel should accept that only an independent Palestinian state will bring lasting peace to the region. ++ The UN vote on Palestinian statehood is an opportunity for Israel and its allies to improve relations with the

September 19, 2011 | "Ten Reasons for a European 'Yes'"

The UN vote on the status of the Palestinian state presents a unique opportunity for Europe to play a decisive role in global affairs. ++ The EU should put aside national differences and vote as a union for the recognition of the Palestinian state. ++ Voting “yes” on Palestinian statehood is in line with European values and reaffirms Europe’s commitment to a two-state solution. ++ By supporting

September 6, 2011 | Israel Should Apologize To Turkey

By refusing to apologize to Turkey for its disproportionate use of violence against the Gaza flotilla in May 2010, Israel is effectively isolating itself from the international community and its closest allies. ++ Israel’s defiant stance on the issue is a short term victory for the political far right, but it severely undermines the country’s long-term strategic goals in the region.

August 23, 2011 | Libya Needs International Boots on the Ground

With Libya on the verge of ousting Gaddafi, the rebels cannot allow tribal divisions to tear their leadership apart. ++ To support a peaceful transition of power, the outside world should be prepared to send, “at the very least”, military and police advisers and perhaps “several thousand” troops to Libya. ++ This would be “costly and risky”, but far less so

June 10, 2010 | More than a Million Still Homeless in Haiti

With the summer heat and the start of the hurricane season, the plight of those who are still without shelter in Haiti continues to worsen. ++ Tensions are escalating among Haitians in the camps without any hope of employment, “making security a growing concern.” ++ The Haitian government does not cooperate sufficiently with aid organizations. ++ Relief agencies are busy “trying

September 25, 2009 | Where's Harper?

Canadian PM Stephen Harper was absent from the UN General Assembly this week missing a “golden opportunity to give prominence to Canadian views on global issues.” ++ This has been attributed to both Canada’s failure to make progress on climate change and Harper’s disdain at the Saturday evening speaking slot offered. ++ His absence is further highlighted by the bold speech

September 24, 2009 | Weak Obama is UN Favourite

Although increasingly unpopular at home he is highly thought of internationally with 93% approval in Germany and 77% in India. ++ The concessions made to insure these favourable views ahead of yesterday’s speech at the UN is costing him. ++ The lack of legislative power is further leading to compromise internationally through “his appeasement of Iran, bullying of Israel, and surrender

August 3, 2009 | Nuclear Disarmament Is Possible

The UN is taking important steps to improve the treaties on which disarmament is based. ++ The NPT must be updated so that the disarmament process will be reliably verified, rooted in legal obligations, and visible to the public. ++ The new CTBT will help ensure that the process enhances security and limits dangers from other weapons. ++ Strategic stability, trust among nations, and the

July 20, 2009 | The World Cannot Keep Ignoring Somalia

The world cannot ignore the renewed violence in Somalia, which is not a classic civil war but an external attempt to overthrow a legitimate, recognized government. ++ “While the world focuses elsewhere, groups of foreign extremists are trying to take control of a strategically placed country.” ++ The international community must support President Ahmed and punish the perpetrators with travel

June 29, 2009 | Strong UN Agreement on Crisis a Step Forward

A landmark agreement by all 192 UN states on the financial crisis last week was a small but important step forward as it acknowledges our global interdependence. ++ The UN said “we have allowed economic globalisation to outpace political globalisation - we do not have the institutions or the mindset to respond collectively in ways that advance the wellbeing of all” in a communiqué more

June 2, 2009 | Women Must Have More Prominence in UN Forces

UN member states should contribute more female personnel to the peacekeeping forces in line with efforts made to involve more local women in peacebuilding. ++ These efforts are not made for the sake of gender parity, but rather to draw on the unique contribution women can make. ++ Often, they can better communicate with local women, generating a greater sense of security and are an example of

April 24, 2009 | Sri Lankan Crisis Must Not Be Ignored

Despite UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaking of the “tens of thousands” of lives at risk in Sri Lanka, the “international community has barely stirred”. ++ The situation in Sri Lanka is complicated, morally and legally, where both parties are acting in ways that endanger innocent civilians. ++ The US has engaged in quiet behind the scenes diplomacy, but the time for that has passed. ++ “The

March 3, 2009 | US - Africa Relations: Agenda 2009

Obama fever has also not escaped Africa.
The African population has been greatly anticipating the new US administration. However the
challenges are big: armed conflict, humanitarian crises, escalating food
prices, enormous problems in the world economy, the consequences of climate
change and so on. To cope with the high expectations, the US must focus on the following
areas:

January 26, 2009 | Meet UN Aid Target for an Age of Responsibility

This age may end up being the Age of Intolerance, Nationalism, or even Decline. ++ At best, it may become the Age of Responsibility that Obama is trying to usher in. ++ This requires completion of WTO negotiations in order to create enough growth to meet the Millennium Development Goals. ++ Carbon emissions will need to be cut, and anti-protectionist but disciplined fiscal policies will need to

January 14, 2009 | Ending US Unilateralism

With the changing Presidency comes new thinking on policy; how could the US shift away from Bush’s unilateralism towards cooperation with allies and multilateralism? ++ The policy of ‘going it alone’ is failing the US in Iraq and Afghanistan confirming the point that in a globalized, interdependent world unilateralism is insufficient. ++ In its military operations the US needs

January 6, 2009 | UN Must Condemn Palestinian Abuse of Civilians

Palestine’s exploitation of its refugees and use of children as human shields are among the most shameful practices in the Israel-Palestine conflict. ++ The international community has for years sustained these abuses: the UNRWA perpetuates the misery of Palestinian refugees, doing nothing to dismantle camps or help them rebuild their lives, acting as “facilitator for the

December 19, 2008 | One Year Left to Tackle Climate Change

Last week’s UN climate conference at Poznan made it clearer than ever that 2009 will be a crucial year in sealing the fate of the planet. ++ The participants showed an egoism and lack of generosity which is particularly incomprehensible in view of the enormous bail-outs which Western governments have granted their banks. ++ The Copenhagen conference in a year’s time will define the

December 16, 2008 | EU Must Intervene to Stop Mass Rapes in DR Congo

Last week Ban Ki-Moon asked European leaders to intervene in DR Congo, admitting the failure of the peacekeeping mission. ++ The collapse of the Congolese army has led to mass killings and rapes. ++ The EU must take action in Congo as there are “good political as well as human rights reasons why stopping mass rape should be the platform for this intervention.” ++ Immediate pressure

December 11, 2008 | Human Rights in Need of Overhaul

Yesterday marked the 60th anniversary of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ++ There is still much work to be done. ++ The UN Human Rights Council, established in 2006, has been hampered by America’s absence. ++ Compounding issues, “hapless Western governments have been consistently outmaneuvered and outvoted on the council” by nations with blatant human rights

December 9, 2008 | A Global European Union is Possible

We now have an opportunity for a world government - a global currency, supreme court, law, civil service, and military force, as in the EU, is possible. ++ Global warming, the financial crisis and the war on terror offer reasons for such global governance. ++ China and the US are becoming more open to global solutions. ++ Susan Rice, US ambassador to the UN, shows a commitment to international

December 4, 2008 | A New Strategy to Fight Piracy

A new strategy to tackle Somali piracy has become imperative. ++ A blockade with patrolling naval ships at each major port has the best hope of counteracting the pirates’ wealth and anonymity ++ Customary international law can be exercised to allow states to use force against pirates on the high seas. ++ A clear UNSC mandate would also facilitate cohesive action from EU and a multinational

November 24, 2008 | Human Rights Watch Praises Bush on Darfur Stance

Despite opposition to the ICC, President Bush is backing its prosecution of President Omar al-Bashir for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur. ++ Sudan is trying to both charm and blackmail members of the Security Council to postpone ICC action by promising the resignation of top officials and threatening foreign humanitarian and peace workers. ++ Prosecuting Bashir would

November 21, 2008 | Pirates of the Arabian - Sort of

Pirates – that ancient breed of scoundrel, romanticized and glorified, yet wretched and rotten – have made a name for themselves off Somali coasts. ++ Many, it turns out, are simply trying to make a living for themselves. ++ While their exploits have become renowned, drawing in over $30 million in ransom fees so far this year, a little known fact remains: over $300 million a year in

November 17, 2008 | The Security Council's Congo Shame

Congo’s civil war has rendered the eastern region of the nation a “humanitarian catastrophe.” ++ Over 250,000 people are displaced in a conflict that finds its roots in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. ++ Of the 17,000 UN peacekeepers in the country, only 5,400 are located in the east. ++ African leaders should step in to usher a power-sharing arrangement; that is unlikely given

October 31, 2008 | The UN: Obama's Money Pit

With its dubiously opaque financial practices, “chronic scandals and tyrant-friendly tilt,” the UN is in dire need of reform. ++ While McCain proposes a League of Democracies to provide competition, Obama wants to impose serious oversight on the UN, although previous attempts at such have fizzled. ++ Along with espousing the Millennium Development Goals, he wants the UN to play a

October 23, 2008 | Low-Carbon Growth: Financial Security's Best Chance

High-carbon growth must be limited to avoid a climate disaster and prevent a dangerous global transformation - population movements and conflicts. ++ World emissions must be cut by 50% by 2050. ++ Investments in low-carbon infrastructure will likely average $1 trillion a year over next century and allow for a safer environment. ++ The EU and the UN must “sustain a price for carbon, by use

October 21, 2008 | Bretton Woods II

Developing countries are cut off from global prosperity; climate change has decreased the world food supply; and energy shortages often promote environmentally damaging solutions. ++ A Bretton Woods II summit is needed. ++ First, the IMF should have global regulatory financial control; a global tax on carbon emissions can counter human induced climate change; the World Bank should help poor

October 1, 2008 | The End of US Arrogance

By talking about terrorism instead of the financial crises in front of the UN, Bush has staged himself as “yesterday’s man.” ++ Even Germany - one of America’s closest allies - is distancing itself from the US and blames the state for opposing tighter international market controls. ++ German politicians do not see the US as the “superpower of the global financial system” anymore. ++ The view

September 25, 2008 | UN Should Further One-State Solution

The peace process based on the two-state solution is stagnant and one alternative which is increasingly popular among Palestinians and some Israelis is an unitary state, providing both parties equal rights. ++ Abbas and Bush still support the two-state solution, but they are on the wrong track. ++ It is up to the UN to act, but the one-state proposal can only be discussed at the organisation if

September 25, 2008 | Iran Plays up Its Card as a Peacemaker

Ban Ki-moon lauded Tehran’s mediating role in the Caucasus, which surely is music to the ears’ of Iran’s president. ++ Ahmadinejad adopted the language of post-hegemony and portrayed Iran as the leader of a new global alliance for peace and, thereby, as an alternative to the US. ++ Some developing countries’ diplomats appreciate Tehran’s criticism of NATO’s role in Georgia and Afghanistan. ++ The

September 24, 2008 | The UN and the State of the World

Today’s challenges need to be faced with collaboration. ++ The UN is successfully fighting for democracy and human rights in various countries. ++ However, Darfur shows that mandates are empty if they are not backed by resources. ++ The foundation of the UN’s work is accountability, and that can only be maintained if the UN becomes faster, more flexible, and effective. ++ Member states should be

September 19, 2008 | World Hunger Increases Despite More Agriculture

The UN reports that the number of individuals around the world who go hungry has increased by 75 million in the past year to 923 million. ++ The UN attributes this to the rising price of food, fuel, and fertilizers. ++ Hunger has increased despite the fact that the last year witnessed more food production and more global wealth. ++ In response, the UN has begun a project to deliver $30 million

September 11, 2008 | EU and UN Should Lead International Reform

International organizations are stretched to their limits and need reform. ++ NATO struggles to produce an effective strategy in Afghanistan, UN peacekeepers are dispersed over the globe, and the EU can only offer fledgling military support in any operation. ++ Yet, the EU and UN are in the best position to lead the much-needed reform of international organizations. ++ The UN has a critical

September 9, 2008 | Why We Are Blind to the Somali Tragedy

The situation in Somalia has gradually become worse since the US and UN withdrew in the 1990s, but most people think otherwise, assuming they would have heard more if problems were escalating. ++ The suffering of nearly 10 million Somalis is publicized less than that of the Darfuris simply because the White House wants to protect its image. ++ The US record in Africa, in contrast to the Middle

September 1, 2008 | International Silence Costs Darfuri Lives

The regime in Khartoum threatens the UN humanitarian and peacekeeping presence in Darfur. ++ If UN Security Council does not take action in the face of such outrageous threats, humanitarian organizations will withdraw from the region, leaving millions without help. ++ Support from African, Arab, and Islamic countries makes Khartoum increasingly confident that it will not be held accountable for

August 27, 2008 | United Nation's Diplomatic Farce

It’s been almost a year since Burmese people were violently crushed as they publicly demanded freedom and the international community has still not achieved anything. ++ As Than Shwe intensifies the crackdown, the world looks towards Ban Ki-moon for leadership in dealing with the dictator but UN mission in Burma has been fruitless. ++ Flowery speeches about democracy aren’t enough –

August 26, 2008 | US Should Give up on Solving Georgia Crisis

There is little the United States can do to help Georgia. ++ Russia, with its nuclear weapons, oil, dollar reserves and seat on the UN Security Council, has too much leverage on US foreign policy, so banishing Russia from the G8 would be unwise. ++ The US should lessen their dependence on Russian energy and aim to get Russia to cooperate, not provoke obstinacy. ++ Russian troops should be

August 25, 2008 | Ukraine Will Not Cede to Russian Power

The conflict in Georgia has exposed the dangers of ignoring “frozen conflicts” as well as the UN’s lack of helpful precautionary tools. ++ The absence of democracy and free media in breakaway regions breeds corruption and human rights abuses, posing a threat to the development of adjacent nations. ++ Wider international representation is the only way to successful peacekeeping. ++ Ukraine

August 21, 2008 | Protect the Protectors

UN officials and aid workers are frequently killed - both on purpose and accidentally - in Iraq, Algeria, and Afghanistan. ++ In fact, al-Qaeda declared the UN to be a central target. ++ Facing this danger, the UN needs to “nationalize” field operations and replace foreign workers by local nationals. ++ It should also spend more money on security and as a last resort, if a local government

August 5, 2008 | Only UN Can Bring Peace to Iraq and Afghanistan

The recent escalation of violence in Afghanistan and the calls to divert the US troops from Iraq make the question of ending these long and costly wars even more urgent. ++ There is only one organisation that can provide the leadership necessary to defeat the insurgencies and bring peace and stability to both countries: the UN. ++ US and its allies can never achieve these goals alone. ++ Only the

August 5, 2008 | Chance for a New Momentum in the War Against AIDS

By denigrating the effectiveness of condoms and demonising sex workers, Bush administration inflicted deadly damage to the fight with AIDS both in the US and abroad. ++ Consequently, global policy-making on HIV prevention regresses just when it’s most needed. ++ Until now, UN has failed to challenge American influence. ++ 17th International Aids Conference which takes place in Mexico City this

July 22, 2008 | Why we Need Beijing

After the end of the cold war the world experienced a transition period of US dominance. ++ The new world order will be multipolar. ++ Therefore, we need Beijing to solve the global challenges
and it is up to Germany to promote an international integration of China. ++ The economic and the civil domain are the keys for the development of bilateral relations. ++ China’s internal liberalization

July 4, 2008 | Global Challenges Require Urgent Actions

Climate change and economic “stagflation” threaten the very future of our planet. ++ The only way to solve these challenges is to act globally. ++ Essentially, to resolve the food crisis, export restrictions need to be lifted and a second “green revolution,” - what once transformed Southeast Asia - needs to take place. ++ Climate change can be stopped if new limits are set

June 27, 2008 | Rape Constitutes a War Crime

The recently adopted UN resolution 1820 finally recognized rape as a threat to international peace and security. ++ It recognized emotional, physical, and financial damages not only to the individuals and but to the whole communities and underlined the link between the sexual violation and the persistence of conflicts. ++ Although it was accepted as a war crime before, rape was never treated

June 17, 2008 | Sudan Flouts its International Obligations

If the international community remains inactive regarding Sudan, its outrage could end up being regarded as hollow. ++ With the help of the International Criminal Court, France, Britain, and the US should pursue a strategy for concomitant peace and justice. ++ To avoid the country’s disintegration, leaders in Khartoum need to be threatened with ICC prosecution. ++ Since there is currently no

June 17, 2008 | US Deal Leads to Rising Resentment in Iraq

Iraq’s disparate ethnic groups are united in their opposition to the latest American political and military intentions for the country. ++ According to Bush’s plan, occupation of Iraq could be indefinite. ++ The president should leave the task of settling a deal with the Iraqi government to his successor and be content with an extension of the UN mandate, which is soon to expire. ++ His current

June 13, 2008 | EU and UN: Less Talking, More Action

Global issues, such as proliferation, energy security, diseases, and terrorism are not disparate and unconnected, and cannot be settled unilaterally. ++ “Practical multilateralism is a strategic necessity, not a liberal nicety.” ++ The UN Security Council needs to adopt permanent members such as India, Brazil, and South Africa. ++ “Treaty-based-action” should convert the UN into the legalizer

May 23, 2008 | Acting Responsibly is a Priority in Burma

Responsibility and emergency to act in Burma cannot be doubted but UN legitimacy is lacking and R2P stands for “responsibility to protect,” not “right to invade.” ++ Any action requires “a careful, informed calculation of the likely consequences.” ++ Now the junta has acquiesced to limited aid “under an Asian umbrella,” the West should drop plans for air and sea bridges that could entail the

May 7, 2008 | Pan-Africanism is the Voice of African Sovereignty

African leaders are less reluctant to grant China access to their markets and resources because its aid is not conditional on good governance, democracy, or human rights. ++ The West and the UN’s attempts to tackle conflict, disease, and hunger are perceived as dictatorial re-colonization strategies aiming at challenging the Chinese. ++ Resistance to the US Africa Command has led to calls

May 2, 2008 | The Children Will Pay for Climate Change

Since global warming – by causing “natural” disasters, disease, and conflict – is threatening the lives and livelihoods of ever more children in the third world, we need to increase our contribution to the cost of adapting to climate change so that it is more evenly shared. ++ Governments, the private sector, and individuals must take action and adapt aid to the level of

April 25, 2008 | UN Calls for Mobilization Against a "Relentless Killer"

Means to end malaria – a preventable and treatable disease – are today’s focus for the international community on the first ever World Malaria Day. ++ Malaria kills over a million people a year, costs billions, and slows economic growth and development in regions where it is endemic. ++ Since a globalized world knows no borders, international action is needed to ensure universal

April 21, 2008 | "International Rice Market Has Become a War Zone"

Cereal stocks have not been this low since 1980, but the food crisis can be explained by human greed. ++ To avoid mass hunger, climate change and trade protectionism must be addressed. ++ If international cooperation is brokered by the UN and World Bank, export embargoes on rice are removed, China lessens its demand for pork, and the US’s bioenergy policies are amended, then this crisis may be

March 24, 2008 | Success in Afghanistan Depends on Coordination

Most important task for the UN secretary general’s new special representative for Afghanistan, Kai Eide, is to form a relationship with President Karzai. ++ UN must be the primary coordinator for all organizations in Afghanistan. ++ Military and civilian efforts need to be coordinated, Afghanistan Compact needs to be supported, and Afghanistan’s neighbors need to help stabilize.

February 25, 2008 | Rethinking the Efficacy of International Organizations

Kosovo’s independence weakens international institutions, which have been waning in influence since end of Cold War. ++ UN and NATO unable to regulate international conflicts. ++ Weaker countries most likely to support international regulations, superpowers rely least upon international law. ++ Institutions can only function if set up to resolve concrete problems; standards can’t be created with

January 23, 2008 | Climate Change Threatens International Security

The geopolitical consequences of climate change are determined as much by political, social and economic factors as by the climatic shift itself. As a rule wealthier countries will be better prepared to cope with the effects of climate change whilst developing countries are least able to do so. For example, an increase in rainfall could be a blessing for a country that can capture, store, and use

August 1, 2007 | Lack of EU Solidarity Jeopardizes Kosovo Independence

Senior Fellow at the Century Foundation Morton Abramowitz calls on EU member states to take a united stand on Martii Ahitissari’s blueprint for Kosovo’s “supervised independence” from Serbia. Even though Ahitissari’s proposal complies with the official EU (as well as US) policy on the issue, a number of European nations were still openly skeptical of challenging a country’s territorial integrity.

July 23, 2007 | Time For a Transatlantic Consensus on International Law

William H. Taft and Frances G. Burwell from the Atlantic Council advise the EU and US to coordinate their positions before the ICC review conference in 2009. The transatlantic partners must set an example for the rest of the world.

With the review conference on the International Criminal Court (ICC) coming up in 2009, a concerted transatlantic effort to build global consensus on international