It is that time of the year again. World leaders are converging in New York for the launch of the 79th U.N. General Assembly. With every passing year, the global trends away from multilateral approaches and structures that ensure peace, security and global stability leave humanity in a growing state of precarity. That, however, should demand a penetrating call for less cynicism, not more.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

Lacking formal recognition from all member states, the Taliban will not be present at the U.N. General Assembly next week. Their absence speaks volumes about how the international community struggles to constrain a regime that has repeatedly defied U.N. treaties, sanctions and Security Council resolutions. Three years into Taliban rule, the Afghan people are beset by a host of human rights, economic and humanitarian challenges, with women and girls particularly impacted. Meanwhile, the international community still has no clear approach to dealing with the Taliban, with the regime rejecting a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a special envoy to develop a roadmap for normalizing Afghanistan’s relations with the international community.

Type: Question and Answer

Economics;  Gender;  Global Policy;  Human Rights

Over the past three years, the Sahel and West Africa have seen an alarming number of military coups. With the region’s stability and security hanging in the balance, the international community has promoted peaceful democratic transitions (and found early success in Gabon). Meanwhile, coup regimes in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — which recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — have sought closer cooperation with China and Russia, prompting concern and dismay from supporters of democracy. Often lost in all this tumult is Guinea, which saw its own coup d’état in September 2021. Unlike some of its counterparts, the Guinean military has managed to avoid the attention, engagement or scrutiny of the West as it continues to entrench itself in power.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance

Pope Francis wrapped up the largest, farthest trip of his pontificate last week, which encapsulated his position as a simultaneous spiritual and political figure.

Type: Analysis

Religion

Since the Taliban took power in August 2021, the situation for Afghan women and girls has dramatically deteriorated. Yet there has been little international action, as many in the international community lament the lack of legal, and other, avenues to hold the Taliban accountable for these draconian measures. However, a recent case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) may provide a legal roadmap to prosecute the Taliban.

Type: Analysis

Gender;  Human Rights;  Justice, Security & Rule of Law