Publications

In this numbers-providing paper, Mireille Widmer and Irene Pavesi analyze global, regional and national trends in violent deaths, specifically within the context of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Among other things, their results show 1) a marked increase in the annual number of direct conflict deaths, and 2) a continued high incidence of violence-related deaths in countries that are not affected by open conflict.chevron_right

This paper investigates the effectiveness of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) as a ‘benefit transfer tool’ for local communities that live with or near elephants. More specifically, the text’s authors 1) examine CBNRM’s success in improving...chevron_right

In light of America's ban on the commercial sale of ivory and China possibly following suit, this paper argues that what’s needed next is a re-examination of human values towards both elephants and ivory. The values, after all, act as arbitrators of meaning, sources of...chevron_right

This paper discusses the ways in which the Israeli government has pursued policies which seek to preserve and promote the country’s Jewish majority. The problem with these policies is that they discriminate against minorities living in Israel, who are perceived to be...chevron_right

This commentary explains how the Brexit vote is “making waves” in the Nordic countries, specifically by 1) raising the fortunes of Euro-skeptic political parties, and 2) depriving the area’s states of one of their key allies within the EU. Because of...chevron_right

This commentary looks at current law enforcement practices which are designed to counter the threats posed by organized crime (OC). It specifically analyzes three areas where the practices could be improved – 1) the targeting of ‘intensive offenders’ at the expense of...chevron_right

Diese Publikation befasst sich mit Thailands neuer Verfassung, welche Anfang August 2016 in einem nationalen Referendum angenommen wurde. Der Autor bietet eine detaillierte Analyse des langjährigen innenpolitischen Konflikts und dessen Einfluss auf die neue Verfassung. Der Autor...chevron_right

This commentary focuses on Vladimir Putin’s creation of a new Russian National Guard force, which is apparently designed to absorb the Interior Ministry’s troops and special police forces and place them directly under Putin’s control. The commentary’s author goes on to note...chevron_right

In this text, Klemens Büsch contextualizes the unresolved territorial conflicts listed in the above title. He also argues that the conditions for “constructive conflict regulation” in these areas have deteriorated since 2014. One reason why is that Russia, although it continues to instrumentalize all four conflicts for its own ends, isn’t in full control of their dynamics.chevron_right

This paper explores how domestic politics, especially as practiced by the deeply divided US Congress, shapes America’s strategic policy toward Asia. The divisions leave the pivot’s backers, including Australia, with few (but important) levers to influence Washington’s Asian security strategy.chevron_right

In this text, various experts examine the South China Sea imbroglio and the role middle powers might play in preventing future conflicts in the region. More specifically, the authors 1) argue that Australian policy-makers should explore an ‘Asia-first’ approach to the problem, primarily by...chevron_right

This report explores the concept of resilience, which is the ability of a state or society to first absorb a shock or a long-term source of stress, then adapt to it, and finally maximize the adaptation through self-transformation. As part of its inquiry, the...chevron_right

This paper, which is based on desk research, interviews with practitioners, and roundtable discussions, looks at how states can dialogue with violent extremist groups in order to prevent them from committing atrocities. After laying out...chevron_right

This brief first highlights how sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) threatens the ability of women to participate in political processes. The text then provides a number of recommendations on how the US government might address the SGBV problem, including...chevron_right

This paper proposes a "Four S Framework" that the incoming 2017 US administration could use to deliver a more disciplined, realistic and ultimately sound foreign policy approach to state fragility. The framework, which stresses...chevron_right