China and the Responsibility to Protect: From Opposition to Advocacy

China and the Responsibility to Protect: From Opposition to Advocacy

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

By: Courtney J. Fung

Initially opposed to the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), China has become a consistent advocate of the principle, endorsing its application in multiple countries while urging a constrained, multilateral approach to the use of force. This brief examines the trajectory and significance of China’s support for R2P. Given the country’s rising role in shaping the rules of global governance, continuing to gain its buy-in will be crucial in achieving the principle’s mandate.

Type: Peace Brief

Conflict Analysis & PreventionHuman Rights

Supporting Civil Society to Combat Violent Extremism in Pakistan

Supporting Civil Society to Combat Violent Extremism in Pakistan

Monday, June 6, 2016

By: Jumaina Siddiqui

In the past few years, there has been an increase in funding for civil society organizations for the goal of countering violent extremism (CVE). While donors are investing large sums for CVE efforts, in Pakistan, local organizations often lack the technical capacity to understand the nature of violent extremism as well as how to utilize such large amounts of money. This brief discusses the challenges to implementing CVE programs and provides recommendations for how stakeholders can overcome t...

Type: Peace Brief

Violent ExtremismGlobal PolicyDemocracy & Governance

Pakistan After the Lahore Bombing: Shaping the Security Response

Pakistan After the Lahore Bombing: Shaping the Security Response

Friday, April 8, 2016

By: Colin Cookman

Pakistan’s responses to terrorism affect both internal security and the overall balance of power. In light of the attack in Lahore, this brief discusses the implications of the current civil-military relationship and the continuing struggle over who has discretionary power to set and implement relevant policy.

Type: Peace Brief

Violent ExtremismJustice, Security & Rule of LawDemocracy & Governance

The Islamic State in Afghanistan: Assessing the Threat

The Islamic State in Afghanistan: Assessing the Threat

Thursday, April 7, 2016

By: Casey Garret Johnson;  Masood Karokhail;  Rahmatullah Amiri

While the Islamic State in “Khorasan” (IS-K) gained strength in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar Province starting in mid-2014, Taliban and private militia offensives, as well as U.S. drone strikes, have significantly reduced the total number of fighters as of March 2016. However, several factors could reverse this trend. This brief assesses the viability of IS in Afghanistan and whether it poses a long-term threat in the country.

Type: Peace Brief

Violent ExtremismJustice, Security & Rule of Law

Preventing Violent Extremism through Inclusive Politics in Bangladesh

Preventing Violent Extremism through Inclusive Politics in Bangladesh

Thursday, January 14, 2016

By: Geoffrey Macdonald

Bangladesh has a long history of political and electoral violence that has shaped its political culture. Since the early 2000s, it has experienced a renewal of violent extremism and an increasingly polarized political climate. By addressing the relationship between radicalization and institutional dysfunctions, this Peace Brief examines how Bangladesh can help undermine the issues that bolster radicalization efforts by strengthening political and social institutions and making them more inclu...

Type: Peace Brief

Violent ExtremismDemocracy & GovernanceReligion

The Forced Return of Afghan Refugees and Implications for Stability

The Forced Return of Afghan Refugees and Implications for Stability

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

By: Belquis Ahmadi;  Sadaf Lakhani

Afghan refugees have been returning home from Pakistan and Iran in growing numbers, and many of these returns have been involuntary. The situation is adding stress to an already challenging environment, characterized by insecurity, lack of access to employment and services, land and housing tensions, and rapid urbanization. This brief presents important considerations for developing a clear, well-coordinated strategy that addresses the impacts of large-scale returns and the specific needs of ...

Type: Peace Brief

Fragility & ResilienceViolent ExtremismJustice, Security & Rule of LawHuman Rights

Regional Security through Inclusive Reform in the Maghreb and the Sahel

Regional Security through Inclusive Reform in the Maghreb and the Sahel

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

By: Querine Hanlon;  Joyce A. Kasee

Throughout the Maghreb and the Sahel, governments are struggling to manage a security environment fundamentally transformed by the Arab Spring. Within this region, the efforts of governments to secure their territories and civil society organizations to create accountable and transparent security institutions have proceeded almost wholly divorced from each other. This Peace Brief shares key insights from the engagement between official and civil society actors both within and across borders t...

Type: Peace Brief

Justice, Security & Rule of LawDemocracy & Governance

Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations: The Prospect of Reviving Taliban Talks

Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations: The Prospect of Reviving Taliban Talks

Monday, December 21, 2015

There are few viable options for resolving Afghanistan’s conflict other than an inclusive peace process between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Momentum toward this goal must be maintained following the “Heart of Asia” Ministerial Conference on December 9, 2015, where Afghan, Pakistani, and U.S. officials renewed their commitment to resuming dialogue. This brief discusses three key concerns that need to be addressed to effectively move the peace process forward and achieve a near-term ...

Type: Peace Brief

Mediation, Negotiation & Dialogue

Security and Social Developments in Kunduz

Security and Social Developments in Kunduz

Thursday, December 17, 2015

By: Peyton Cooke;  Eliza Urwin

Long-standing social and political grievances, combined with an unresponsive, factionalized government and abusive militias, facilitated the Taliban’s capture of Kunduz in September 2015. The fall of Kunduz raised questions regarding future political and security implications across the northeast region of Afghanistan. This Peace Brief highlights findings from interviews with a range of actors comparing what the government’s political and security response should look like and what it’s expec...

Type: Peace Brief

Violent ExtremismJustice, Security & Rule of LawDemocracy & Governance