Backgrounders

The impact of the Malian crisis on the Group of Five Sahel countries: Balancing security and development priorities

The so-called ‘Malian crisis’ has now become a regionally multidimensional crisis. Economic, social, political and human dimensions are fed by structural and continuing dissatisfaction of marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Importing the Malian conflict to the Group of Five Sahel countries: The case of the Ayorou refugee camp in Niger

Since the fall of the Libyan regime in 2011, multiple and multifaceted crises in the Sahel region have greatly destabilized the local states and weakened already vulnerable populations. Located at the crossroads of three crises axes (Libya–Mali axis, Liptako–Gourma region, Lake Chad basin), Niger is particularly affected by regional instability.

From grassroots to peace talks: Women in the inter-Korean peace process

Despite some hurdles, the last two years have seen hope return to the inter-Korean peace process. With the historic summit on 27 April 2018 following the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK, North Korea) participation in the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, inter-Korean relations became significantly warmer and perhaps closer than ever.

Russia’s military spending: Frequently asked questions

In recent years, Russia has embarked on a military modernization programme funded by rapidly increasing military spending and has pursued a more assertive foreign policy. This has attracted attention to the level of its military spending.

Ending off-budget military funding: Lessons from Chile

In September 2019, Chile enacted legislation to abolish its off-budget funding mechanism of arms acquisitions for its armed forces and replace it with a more transparent and accountable funding system.

Is the United Nations Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy on track to reach its goals?

Since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution1325 on women, peace and security in 2000, there have been several attempts to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping operations.

Connecting the dots on the triple nexus

The concept ‘triple nexus’ is used to capture the interlinkages between the humanitarian, development and peace sectors. Specifically, it refers to attempts in these fields to work together more coherently in order to more effectively meet peoples’ needs, mitigate vulnerabilities and move towards sustainable peace.

Gender training for police peacekeepers: Approaching two decades of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325

As Resolution 1325 approaches its 20th anniversary, it is a good time to take stock of how it has changed the way in which the UN acts by focusing on the training of police peacekeepers. 

Police Reform in Northern Ireland: Achievements and Future Challenges

Policing played a central role in the long sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.

Revising the EU Dual-use Regulation: Challenges and opportunities for the trilogue process