Tuesday, May 14, 2024
The Latest @ USIP: Where Does NATO Go From Here?
Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s rise as a strategic competitor, NATO is faced with a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Moving forward, the alliance’s greatest challenge might come from within, as democratic backsliding continues to plague some member states. Ambassador Douglas Lute, a former U.S. permanent representative to NATO, discusses NATO’s efforts to deter further Russian aggression, how China’s differing view of world order makes it a competitor to NATO’s mission and why shared democratic values are the glue that holds the consensus-based NATO structure together.
The Latest @ USIP: The Role of Poetry in Conflict Resolution
So often, language can seem flimsy in the face of violence and conflict — but poetry as an art form reminds us that language can help people heal from conflict and build lasting peace. Pádraig Ó Tuama, poet-in-residence at Columbia University's International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, discusses how poetry can help unlock ways to reframe and reimagine peace, how he’s used poetry in his own conflict resolution work in Ireland, and where he sees signs of hope in today’s conflict environment.
The Latest @ USIP: Venezuela’s Road to Free and Fair Elections
As the Venezuelan regime and opposition cautiously return to the negotiating table, the focus is on creating an environment for free, fair and democratic elections in 2024. Mark Wells, deputy assistant secretary for the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, discusses the on-the-ground role of Venezuelan civil society, pairing U.S. sanctions relief with progress in negotiations, and what regional allies are doing to help guide Venezuela toward a democratic solution.
The Latest @ USIP: What’s at Stake in Nigeria’s Elections? (Part 2)
Nigeria’s national elections later this month will have major implications not only for Nigeria, but for West Africa and the continent more broadly. Ibrahim Gambari, chief of staff to the term-limited President Muhammadu Buhari, says the outgoing president has made organizing a peaceful, free and fair election process a cornerstone of the legacy he hopes to hand to his successor — and that he hopes civil society, political leaders and international partners like the United States can rally behind Nigerians as they exercise their right to vote.
The Latest @ USIP: The Future of Ukraine’s Democracy
At the moment, the priority for Ukrainians is to win the war against Russia. But to ensure victory in what comes next, Ukraine must strengthen its democratic practices so that it emerges from this conflict prepared for critical elections. Peter Erben, principal advisor and senior country director for Ukraine at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, discusses how an improved democracy is the key for Ukraine’s possible ascension to the EU, the importance of ensuring Ukrainians forced to leave their homes are able to vote in the next elections, and what the international community can do to help.
The Latest @ USIP: Religious Inclusion in Afghanistan
The Taliban often use religious arguments to justify their claim to authority. But the Taliban are just one aspect of Afghanistan, and the caretaker government has failed to justify many of its more draconian policies — especially those against women and girls. Charles Ramsey, a resident scholar at Baylor University's Institute for the Studies of Religion and a senior fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute, discusses the role that other religious actors in Afghanistan can play in shaping the country’s future and how positively engaging with these religious leaders can contribute to building peace.
The Latest @ USIP: Threats to Peace and Security in the Sahel
From coups and climate change to food insecurity and a rise in violent extremism, the Sahel region of Africa is facing a number of complex and interconnected threats to regional security. Emanuela Del Re, the EU special representative for the Sahel, discusses how Africa’s partners can help address these issues, the importance of international collaboration that’s rooted in equality, and the roles of the EU-Africa Summit and U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in developing a path toward peace and stability in the Sahel.
How Do Israeli and Palestinian Youth View the Prospects for Peace?
Amid this year’s rising tide of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, a new poll released last week by Khalil Shikaki and Dahlia Scheindlin brings more sobering news. In the study, pollsters found that in Israel, for the first time, support for a nondemocratic regime (unequal rights between Israelis and Palestinians) is stronger than a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trends among young people are especially striking — only 20 percent Israeli Jews aged 18-34 are in favor a two-state solution to the conflict.
The Latest: Three Things to Know About the U.S.-Africa Partnership
Following the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit (USALS) in December 2022, African leaders are preparing to gather for the African Union’s own summit in February. The USALS saw $55 billion in U.S. commitments to Africa for everything from security to democracy promotion on the continent. As African leaders gather next month to discuss the critical issues facing the continent, it’s important to consider the steps needed to put these commitments into action. USIP’s Joseph Sany explains what was accomplished at the USALS, what steps will be needed to further the summit’s objectives and the critical issues to be discussed at the forthcoming African Union Summit.
The Latest: Three Things to Know About Conflict Flashpoints in Southern Asia
As the United States deepens its partnership with India and focuses on the Indo-Pacific strategy, New Delhi’s troubled relationships with both Pakistan and China continue to threaten strategic stability in Southern Asia. Last year, a USIP senior study group released a report examining potential trigger events that could lead to escalation in the region, offering recommendations on how to enhance strategic stability. USIP’s Tamanna Salikuddin provides an update on the state of strategic stability in the region, discusses what upcoming events we should be watching and looks at how India-Chinese tensions have impacted Southern Asia.