Publications

Can large-scale popular mobilizations undermine autocratic rule? And if so, what are the prospects of them subsequently transitioning to democratic governance? After looking at the mechanisms involved, the authors of this brief conclude that nonviolent dissent is...chevron_right

The United Nations believes in preventing violent conflict, but has it actually matched its words with deeds and have its prevention efforts actually been successful? This brief contends that the answer to these questions is yes, at least generally speaking.chevron_right

The 2016 UN Agenda for Humanity argues that minimizing human suffering and protecting civilians requires greater compliance with international law. In response to this claim, this brief provides a template for the protection of civilians (PoC), which it sees as...chevron_right

Why do the members of security forces sometimes fight tenaciously for an incumbent government and at other times defect? The author of this brief believes that defections are more likely to take place in regimes where the incumbent applies a broad set of coup-proofing...chevron_right

This brief acknowledges that extractive industry activity in the above municipality has increased per capita GDP levels and created skilled job opportunities. However, it also claims that the benefits have not percolated down to the local population. Worse yet...chevron_right

This paper 1) investigates the historical role women have played in the political life of India’s northeastern state of Manipur, and 2) describes how the past is shaping the present, particularly when it applies to women peace activists and agents of change...chevron_right

This brief discusses the huge challenges the Somaliland health care system faces while it tries to provide basic services for its citizens. The ‘why’ behind the problem is simple enough – the national budget is too limited, which has led to...chevron_right

This brief analyzes why self-determination movements between 1960 and 2005 employed different nonviolent strategies to achieve their aims. It concludes that resource requirements, the ‘diffusion’ phenomenon, and a desire for diversity were...chevron_right

This brief reviews Brazil’s increasingly proactive role in international peace and security affairs, to include its heightened participation in UN peace operations. The text’s author ultimately concludes that committing to the latter task...chevron_right

A large percentage of the Afghan fighters that participated in the 2001 US-led intervention in Afghanistan were returning exiles. Yet, as this brief discusses, prior to the assault there was no debate on the potential problems of staking an intervention, and subsequently a...chevron_right

This brief argues that the Footprints of Peace (FOP) project in Colombia is a shining example of how business-led peacebuilding initiatives can boost local economies and societal development. The text further asserts that the project...chevron_right

This brief argues that India’s cities, which will attract an additional 300 million people by 2030, will be better served in the long-term if they support policies that 1) limit the use of the city as a promotional tool for divisive identity politics, and...chevron_right

This brief discusses why Afghan President Ashraf Ghani wants to strengthen his relations with Russia. The text’s author also contemplates whether diminishing Western influence in Afghanistan will lead to a more proactive Russian role in the country.chevron_right

This brief discusses the problems facing the taxation system in Somaliland, to include its lack of transparency, public engagement, and absence of proper feedback and enforcement mechanisms. As the brief’s authors see it, these pathologies have undermined...chevron_right

Answering the above question is difficult, argues this brief’s author, because the socialization process takes place in a number of different settings, ranging from informal personal encounters to the media. What we do know is that insecurity, uncertainty and...chevron_right