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Begin New Search Content Type Policy Brief Publishing Institution United Nations University Author Vesselin Popovski

1. Comparing the Effectiveness of Accountability Mechanisms in Eastern Europe and Latin America

Author:
Vesselin Popovski, Johanna Stratton, and Kalle Huebner
Publication Date:
10-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
A society emerging from war or authoritarianism seeks to reckon with past human rights atrocities that, if not addressed, can threaten the state's legitimacy and democratic foundations. It is in the interests of sustainable peacebuilding and democratic consolidation to promote reconciliation and healing, and foster human rights and the rule of law. In order to achieve such a transformation over the long term, the organizational strategies, political styles and mechanisms used to consolidate democracy are of critical importance and deserve closer comparative analysis with the aim to provide valuable lessons for newly democratizing societies.
Topic:
Human Rights and Law
Political Geography:
Eastern Europe and Latin America

2. The Human Rights Regime in the Americas

Author:
Vesselin Popovski, Nicholas Turner, Thomas Karl Wagner, and Greg Lowden
Publication Date:
01-2008
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
This policy brief examines the context, development and future of the human rights regime in the Americas —a region where people in many states have suffered brutal repression on a massive scale. It argues that the changing nature of human rights violations in Latin America demands a refocusing of international and domestic policies, building state capacity and improving the implementation of judicial reforms. The significant progress achieved in protection of civil and political rights should inspire and guide strategies to promote economic, social and cultural rights.
Topic:
Democratization, Human Rights, and International Cooperation
Political Geography:
Latin America

3. Legality and Legitimacy in International Order

Author:
Vesselin Popovski and Nicholas Turner
Publication Date:
05-2008
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
The 1999 NATO armed intervention over Kosovo was illegal under international law, but widely regarded as legitimate. The 2003 US invasion of Iraq was both illegal and illegitimate, though unilateral attempts were made to legitimize it, using the Kosovo precedent. The sanctions against Iraq, preceding the 2003 invasion, were legal, but seen by many as illegitimate. These examples are symptomatic of a wider disconnect between legality and legitimacy which affects many areas of international life. Legality is not the only criteria for determining acceptable state behaviour. Other criteria—humanitarian, ethical and political—play a significant role in modern international relations. Ignorance of international law has serious negative consequences, but so has the blind reliance on international law, detached from human aspirations and actual circumstances.
Topic:
International Law
Political Geography:
United States, Iraq, and Kosovo

4. Post-Conflict Countries and Foreign Investment

Author:
Vesselin Popovski, Nicholas Turner, and Obijiofor Aginam
Publication Date:
08-2008
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
Economic development is essential for every country but it is especially crucial for those countries in the aftermath of protracted armed confl ict, needing peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction. Development aid alone cannot transform damaged economies, and it is here that foreign direct investment (FDI) can be a valuable tool to revitalize industries, rebuild infrastructures and eventually even eliminate the need for aid.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Development, International Cooperation, International Trade and Finance, Markets, Political Economy, and Third World

5. Governance through Civil Society Engagement in Asia

Author:
Vesselin Popovski, G Shabbir Cheema, Cameron Lowry, and Mark Notaras
Publication Date:
07-2008
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
Scholars and development practitioners recognize the centrality of governance capacity to achieve sustainable peace and development objectives, including the eradication of extreme poverty, access to services and livelihoods, promotion of economic growth, environmental protection and gender equality among others. With these in view, developing countries are emphasizing the need to improve governance systems and processes to promote people-centered sustainability. The United Nations, development banks, bilateral donors and private sector foundations have been supporting these efforts through governance assistance programs.
Topic:
Civil Society, Government, and Political Theory
Political Geography:
Asia

6. Governance through Civil Society Engagement in Asia

Author:
Vesselin Popovski, G Shabbir Cheema, Cameron Lowry, and Mark Notaras
Publication Date:
10-2008
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
Scholars and development practitioners recognize the centrality of governance capacity to achieve sustainable peace and development objectives, including the eradication of extreme poverty, access to services and livelihoods, promotion of economic growth, environmental protection and gender equality among others. With these in view, developing countries are emphasizing the need to improve governance systems and processes to promote people-centered sustainability. The United Nations, development banks, bilateral donors and private sector foundations have been supporting these efforts through governance assistance programs.
Topic:
Civil Society, Politics, United Nations, Non State Actors, and Governance
Political Geography:
Asia

7. Post-Conflict Countries and Foreign Investment

Author:
Vesselin Popovski, Nicholas Turner, and Obijiofor Aginam
Publication Date:
11-2008
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
It has become increasingly clear that economic development and poverty reduction can significantly reduce the incidence of conflict. This is of particular importance for countries recovering from violent conflicts, considering they are often among the poorest even compared with other developing countries, and are extremely vulnerable to slipping back into violence.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Development, Third World, Foreign Aid, Infrastructure, and Foreign Direct Investment

8. Religious Perspectives on the Use of Force

Author:
Vesselin Popovski and Nicholas Turner
Publication Date:
01-2007
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
Decisions over the use of force are the most significant and dangerous that leaders must take, both morally and in terms of achieving their goals. Consideration of the reasons that can justify behaviour resulting in the elimination of human life is as philosophical and ethical as it is political and legal. In the context of exponential increases in the destructiveness of war, particularly with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, such consideration assumes an even greater significance.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Security, Peace Studies, and Religion
Political Geography:
Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo

9. International Criminal Accountability and Children's Rights

Author:
Vesselin Popovski and Karen Arts
Publication Date:
07-2006
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
It is common knowledge that children suffer from armed conflicts—both directly, as victims of atrocities, and indirectly, as their childhood, education, family life and expectations are ruined. According to UNICEF, during the last decade more than two million children died as a direct result of armed conflicts, and more than three times that number of children were permanently disabled or seriously injured. An estimated 20 million children have been forced to flee their homes and more than one million have been orphaned or separated from their families. Some 300,000 child soldiers, boys and girls under the age of 18, are involved in more than 30 conflicts worldwide.
Topic:
Crime, Human Rights, and International Law
Political Geography:
United Nations