Panel Discussions - November 16, 2010

Famous Kant Essay on Peace Gets a New Read

What would it take to achieve a lasting international peace? 

Meeting Notes - September 20, 2010

Security Council Istanbul Retreat: At the Crossroads of Peacemaking, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding

This meeting note draws on the discussions held during the informal retreat of the UN Security Council in Istanbul, Turkey on June 25-26, 2010. The retreat was co-organized by the government of Turkey and the International Peace Institute. 

Policy Papers - September 15, 2010

Issue Brief: Reaching the OSCE Summit in Astana

In December 2010, Kazakhstan will host fifty-six countries for the first summit of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) since 1999. This issue brief looks at what it will take to “reach the summit” at Astana; examines the main issues at stake; and considers the relevance and future direction of the OSCE. 

Comment & Analysis - September 14, 2010

Democracy Day at the United Nations?

Three years ago the United Nations General Assembly declared September 15th the International Day of Democracy, an annual event to assess the progress of democracy around the world. 

Panel Discussions - September 14, 2010

UN Security Council Strategies for Managing Civil Wars Evolving

A policy discussion around a new IPI report on UN Security Council strategies for managing civil wars included comments by Ambassador Gert Rosenthal of Guatemala, who called the report "fascinating" and said that "it shows a Security Council which is continually evolving." 

Policy Papers - September 07, 2010

The UN Security Council and Civil War: Insights from New IPI Study

This new IPI report examines trends in how the Security Council has engaged with civil wars since 1989 and the gradual evolution of the Council’s civil-war response strategies, including where and when it chose to engage.  

Comment & Analysis - August 05, 2010

For These Founders, the Empire Mattered the Most

At a farewell reception two years ago for under secretary for peacekeeping operations, Jean-Marie Guéhenno, he was asked what had surprised him the most during his eight years in the post. “The importance of national sovereignty,” he answered. 

Comment & Analysis - August 04, 2010

The Shifting of Political Positions in Africa

Africa's leaders gathered at Speke Resort Munyonyo on the shores of Lake Victoria on the outskirts of the Ugandan capital Kampala on July 25th for the African Union bi-annual summit. This was the 15th meeting since the continental body was founded eight years ago. 

Panel Discussions - July 20, 2010

Compelling Non-State Armed Groups to Comply with Humanitarian Law

“All of today’s conflicts involve one or more non-state actors — groups whose political and military objectives are extensively analyzed but, if we are honest, we do not really know well,” said John Holmes, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, in his opening remarks at an IPI event on July 20th. 

Policy Papers - July 02, 2010

Election-Related Disputes and Political Violence in Africa

Elections are the hallmark of representative democracy, allowing the people’s regular input in choices about leaders and policy. Yet they are also competitive processes, unleashing conflict and tensions that, if not constructively managed, could potentially destabilize the fabric of states and societies.