Publications

How much economic harm can the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement inflict on Israel through its delegitimization campaign? In response to this question, this text 1) reviews the academic literature on the utility of sanctions; 2) examines Israel's...chevron_right

This paper provides an analytical framework that assesses the systematic and defendable readiness of armed forces. The sad fact is that while policymakers generally agree on the importance of maintaining military readiness, they frequently fail to...chevron_right

This brief highlights what peacebuilders in Nigeria believe are the factors that influence individuals to join Boko Haram or adopt extremist views. (82% blame religious values as the main driver.) The text also explores...chevron_right

This paper examines 1) Liberia’s ongoing transition to a peaceful democracy; 2) its strategic and peacebuilding priorities; and 3) its engagement with external, peace-promoting actors. The text concludes that while the country has made significant progress towards...chevron_right

This policy brief looks at violent extremism in Northern Nigeria and why young people decide to join or associate themselves with Boko Haram. The brief concludes that 1) rather than religion, it is financial gain that plays...chevron_right

What should the African Union (AU) do to revitalize its maritime strategy, and thus enhance the security of Africa’s coasts? According to this text's author, the AU should 1) help define what makes up the continent’s ocean-born economy; 2) establish an office...chevron_right

This brief reviews the African Union’s (AU) normative framework on youth engagement in two areas – democracy and development. The text concludes that 1) the AU has made only limited progress in involving young people in these domains; 2) a major challenge facing...chevron_right

This paper examines the origins and effectiveness of the UN Support Office for the African Union in Somalia (UNSOA), which provides direct support to the AU mission in the country. The text’s author specifically focuses on the problems that have constrained...chevron_right

How well did the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) perform during the virus´ 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa. Indeed, was the mission needed, was it properly structured, and did it deliver on its promises? Here are Adam Lupel and Michael Snyder's answers, which include eight lessons learned from the UNMEER experience.chevron_right

This paper explores the factors that facilitated the November 2016 peace agreement between the FARC and Colombian government, and the stumbling blocks that made the negotiating process so difficult. In the first case, the deal’s success was ultimately attributable to...chevron_right

This text summarizes the results of a 19 January 2017 IAI conference where young scholars from the Middle East and North Africa spoke on Euro-Mediterranean relations and the current challenges facing Mediterranean countries. The topics covered...chevron_right

This paper evaluates the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative (NAPCI), which is a South Korean-sponsored attempt to promote limited, long-term cooperation in the region. More specifically, the text 1) evaluates the achievements of NAPCI and...chevron_right

This report speculates on how the Asian Development Bank (ADB) can remain an influential actor in Asia. More specifically, the text’s authors 1) highlight how financial norms and practices have evolved in the region over the last 50 years; 2) review the ADB’s design and...chevron_right

This study focuses on the 1994-1996 negotiations that led to the creation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which has yet to enter into force. The text's author specifically looks at 1) the impetus behind the negotiations; 2) how participating...chevron_right

This conference report, which focuses on the US-ROK-Japan Extended Deterrence Trilateral Dialogue staged by CSIS, assesses the threats posed by North Korea. The conference participants agreed that 1) the DPRK’s foreign policy is...chevron_right