Peace and security

Contemporary approaches for tackling international peace and security issues require not only a coherent global approach, but also mutually reinforcing responses involving an effective United Nations system in tandem with strong regional organizations. We focus on strengthening United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts and on enhancing the effectiveness of military and civilian approaches to the protection of civilians.

Publications
Commentary
Peace and Security
Bound to Fail? The Limits of Diplomacy in the Russia–Ukraine War and the Future of European Security
Vitalii Rishko
April 2025
Trump’s rushed-deal diplomacy enables Russian aggression, exposing its limits at Ukraine’s expense and highlighting Europe’s urgent need for credible deterrence and leadership to ensure continental security.
Commentary
Peace and Security
Normalizing Russia can become Trump’s biggest mistake, but it’s not too late to prevent it
Olena Lennon
January 2025
The potential normalization of Russia during a Trump presidency could undermine global security and U.S. strategic interests. This approach risks ignoring Russia’s history of aggression and its strengthening ties with adversarial nations like China, Iran, and North Korea. Sustained U.S. military support for Ukraine is vital for countering Russian threats, fostering defense innovation, and reinforcing American readiness. Prioritizing transatlantic cooperation and Ukraine’s defense capabilities is crucial for ensuring long-term stability.
Briefing
Peace and Security
Stabilizing Europe’s Security Architecture after the Russo-Ukraine War? The Future of Conventional Arms Control in Europe
William Lippert
November 2024
The current rivalry between NATO and Russia, most concretely expressed in the current Russo-Ukraine War, may need to be stabilized in part by a continental-wide, post-war conventional arms control (CAC) agreement. Whilst the duration and eventual outcome of the current war is of course far from predictable, such a future CAC agreement should improve diplomatic relations, reduce tensions, arms races, and the likelihood of conflict – as such agreements have done throughout Europe in the past 100 years.
Commentary
Peace and Security
INTERPOL: Challenges and Opportunities for the New Secretary General
William Lippert
November 2024
On 5 November 2024, INTERPOL elected Valdecy Urquiza of Brazil as its new Secretary General. Urquiza steps into a critical role, steering an organization that’s thrived amid global tensions but now faces fresh challenges from renewed power rivalries and complex war crime issues. As the first SG from the Global South, he must navigate INTERPOL’s commitment to neutrality in an increasingly polarized world.
Briefing
Peace and Security
A Fork in the Road? The Kazan Summit of the BRICS
Christian E. Rieck
October 2024
BRICS’ expansion with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE has heightened China’s influence, sparking tensions among members like Brazil and India wary of an anti-Western shift. This internal divide casts doubt on BRICS’ potential as an alternative global governance platform.
Analysis
Peace and Security
ECOWAS after the ‘Triple Withdrawal’ and the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States
Gerald Acho
October 2024
African nations have struggled for stability and growth amid political turmoil. While Regional Economic Communities (RECs) were designed to foster integration and security, challenges like limited funding persist. With Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger exiting ECOWAS over foreign influence concerns, the future of African alliances faces new uncertainty.
Commentary
Peace and Security
Rushing to Peace, Racing to War: The Challenge of a Just Settlement
Thaddée Toulouse
September 2024
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stresses the need for peace on Ukraine's terms, warning against rushed deals lacking robust security guarantees. Without such measures, Ukraine risks renewed Russian aggression, hindering reconstruction, stability, and European security, while strong international backing could ensure Ukraine's resilience and long-term deterrence.
Briefing
Peace and Security
Shattered Security: Gender And Coups In Guinea, Mali, And Burkina Faso
Gerald Acho
June 2024
Coups in West Africa, particularly in Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, exacerbate gender inequalities, increasing women’s vulnerability to violence and instability. This policy brief explores these impacts, highlighting the need for targeted international responses and actionable measures to protect women and girls during and after political upheavals.
Commentary
Peace and Security
Before the Peace Summit: Testing Multilateralism and Ukrainian Diplomacy
Vitalii Rishko
June 2024
The Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland (June 15–16) seeks global support for the Ukrainian Peace Formula addressing food security, nuclear safety, and POW release. Challenges include declining participation, geopolitical tensions, and threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty in final agreements. Upholding international law and justice remains crucial for sustainable peace.
Analysis
Peace and Security
The Ukrainian Peace Formula: content, evolution and diplomatic outreach
Vitalii Rishko
February 2024
Ukraine's "Peace Formula," developed by President Zelenskyy, outlines Ukraine's vision for a fair, enduring peace amid the ongoing war with Russia. It has evolved from a 5-point to a 10-point plan and seeks international support, aiming to reform global governance and address military aggression.
Projects
Team