The independent resource on global security

Essays

Beyond the peace agreement: How can civil society contribute to peace in Mali?

Civil society mobilized quickly in Mali after the 2012 crisis. SIPRI and its Malian partner CONASCIPAL have launched a new project in Mali to further support civil society on the road to sustainable peace.

Against all odds: using the Sustainable Development Goals to overcome fragility

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the first international policy to explicitly recognize peace, justice and inclusive institutions as the foundation for sustainable development.

The legacy of revolution and resistance in Burkina Faso

The revolution and resistance to the recent political crisis and terror attacks in Burkino Faso should not come as a surprise; they are part of the country's long socio-political history.

International responses to ISIS (and why they are failing)

Combatting ISIS needs to be part of broader and longer-term efforts to restore security, tackle political injustices, increase economic output and promote effective governance.

Cities and security

Terrorist attacks in Ankara, Beirut and Paris have triggered tremendous shock and sorrow, but also anxiety and insecurity in other cities in Europe and beyond.

Neglect of the Afghan private sector could further destabilize the country

The Afghan Government is largely preoccupied with the country's security situation. However, it cannot afford to neglect the economy, of which the private sector is a fundamental part.

Refugees: links in the chain of disaster and response

Refugees’ humanitarian needs have generated toxic politics in the EU, with yesterday’s uncertain summit the most recent evidence of that, and a response that is widely deemed inadequate. But the critics have not been able to offer a better alternative.

Mali Peace Accord: Actors, issues and their representation

After a long process of dialogue and negotiation, a new peace accord has finally been concluded between the Malian Government and two coalitions of armed groups: the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and the Platform of armed groups (the Platform).

Tensions in the South China Sea: the nuclear dimension

In the sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea, there is an often overlooked strategic interest pursued by China: the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) quest for a credible undersea nuclear deterrent.

The 2015 NPT Review Conference: setting the record straight

The lack of agreement at the 2015 Review Conference of the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weaponsis a big setback for nuclear disarmament.