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2911. Using Peace Operations to Help Prevent Mass Atrocities: Results from Interviews with Experienced Practitioners

Author:
Tallan Donine, Mohammad Khan, Ashleigh Landau, Daniel Solomon, and Lawerence Woocher
Publication Date:
05-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Abstract:
As part of our “Lessons Learned in Preventing and Responding to Mass Atrocities” project, the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals who have substantial experience working on peace operations in the US government, offices at UN headquarters in New York, in peacekeeping missions, and in UN field offices. Peace operations refer to missions of “military and/or civilian personnel deployed by one or more third-party states, frequently but not necessarily under the auspices of a global or regional organization” that deploy to mitigate hostilities, restore state authority, prevent the recurrence of civil war, and/or achieve humanitarian goals, including the protection of civilians.1 These interviews aimed to summarize experiential knowledge about the use of peace operations to help prevent mass atrocities, as a complement to our survey of the research literature. We interviewed 13 people, including officials with military or policy experience at the US Department of State, US Department of Defense, and several UN agencies, including the Office of the UN Secretary-General and Department of Peace Operations. Respondents had an average of 11 years of experience working on peace operations in the US government or at the United Nations and more than 5 years working on peace operations outside of these institutions. Collectively, participants with experience in the US government worked in every US presidential administration from George H.W. Bush through Joe Biden and in three US federal agencies. Participants with experience working in the United Nations worked under every SecretaryGeneral from Boutros Boutros-Ghali to António Guterres and in several UN departments and field missions
Topic:
United Nations, Peacekeeping, Interview, and Atrocity Prevention
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2912. Generative AI, Mass Atrocities, and Atrocity Prevention

Author:
Brittain Heller
Publication Date:
04-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Abstract:
This white paper investigates the complex role of GAI in mass atrocities and atrocity prevention, exploring how advancements in these technologies may both prevent and exacerbate risks in conflict-prone environments. With the capability to create persuasive, synthetic content at scale, GAI presents dual possibilities: while it holds potential to support early warning systems, counter misinformation, and enhance crisis response, it also bears risks of misinformation, incitement, and the spread of exclusionary ideologies that can destabilize regions. This duality requires careful consideration of GAI’s potential to aid atrocity prevention versus its capacity to intensify conflict. The white paper offers a roadmap for stakeholders, focusing on several core themes: 1. GAI’S TECHNICAL BACKGROUND AND RISKS. An overview of GAI’s fundamental technology and its specific risks in atrocity contexts, including misinformation, manipulation, and incitement. 2. OPPORTUNITIES FOR PREVENTION. An overview of atrocities prevention theory and an exploration of GAI’s potential applications in early warning systems, public education, counter-messaging, and humanitarian response. 3. RESEARCH AGENDA. Proposals for future studies to further understand GAI’s impact on atrocity prevention and to inform best practices. 4. POLICY AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS. A discussion on the need for regulatory frameworks that support ethical GAI use in sensitive environments. Through a structured analysis, this paper provides insights to help policymakers, academics, and human rights practitioners navigate the complexities of GAI’s role in atrocity prevention, encouraging collaboration to ensure GAI is responsibly harnessed for global stability and human rights protection.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Atrocity Prevention, and Generative Models
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2913. Major Developments and Worsening Risks for Mass Atrocities in Papua, Indonesia

Author:
Made Supriatma
Publication Date:
11-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Abstract:
This report provides an update to our 2022 assessment of the risk of mass atrocities (large-scale, systematic violence against civilian populations) against Indigenous Papuans in Papua, Indonesia. As outlined in the 2022 report, the risk of mass atrocities in Papua is based on structural factors—Indonesia’s history of mass violence, political exclusion, and militarization—and immediate drivers of violence, including protests, intra-Papuan divisions, and intensifying armed clashes. Over the past three years, Papua has undergone significant changes. The Indonesian government has rapidly expanded the region’s administrative structure, increased the military presence, and revived controversial transmigration and food estate development programs. Targeted inclusion policies have accelerated the representation of Indigenous Papuans in the military and local government. Despite these developments, the broader Indigenous population remains deeply marginalized, which has fueled Papuan nationalism. Political expressions of and mobilization around pro-independence sentiment have increased—as evidenced by the steadily rising demonstrations. In response, the Indonesian government has intensified repression and expanded military deployments. Armed clashes between guerrilla fighters and Indonesian forces have continued, with separatist groups expanding their areas of operation. As a result, the number of internally displaced persons has risen sharply. This report is based on research in Indonesia, including in Papua, from October 2024 to March 2025, as well as on consultations with experts outside of Indonesia and a literature review.
Topic:
Civil Society, Risk, Civilians, and Atrocities
Political Geography:
Indonesia and Southeast Asia

2914. Birth Control and Growth: The Role of Culture

Author:
Minhyeon Jeong, Nam Seok Kim, and Wongi Kim
Publication Date:
08-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP)
Abstract:
This paper examines how culture influences the success of fertility-control policies. In the 1970s, many developing countries implemented birth-control measures grounded in the quality-quantity trade-off, yet their outcomes diverged, e.g., Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea achieved rapid fertility declines, while Pakistan, India, and Brazil did not. We propose that societal conformity—the degree to which individuals adhere to norms such as a government-endorsed ideal family size— determines how effectively policy incentives translate into behavior. Using a unified theoretical framework, we show that higher conformity amplifies the impact of birth-control policies on both reducing fertility and increasing investment in children’s education. Under empirically plausible conditions, this strengthened quality-quantity trade-off not only boosts short-run economic growth but also accelerates the shift from agriculture to manufacturing—measured by manufacturing’s employment share—even when manufacturing is more capital-intensive and benefits from human-capital-driven, labor-saving technologies. Finally, we validate these predictions with cross-country empirical evidence, underscoring the pivotal role of culture in shaping demographic change and economic development.
Topic:
Development, Culture, Economic Growth, Human Capital, Industry, and Birth Control
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2915. “We need to live in peace”: Rohingya Civilians' Priorities for Mass Atrocity Prevention and Response in the Aftermath of Genocide

Author:
Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Abstract:
In September 2025, the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide published the report, “We need to live in peace”: Rohingya Civilians' Priorities for Mass Atrocity Prevention and Response in the Aftermath of Genocide. This report highlights the varied experiences of the Rohingya community and the multiple risks they continue to face in the aftermath of genocide. To complete this report, the Center worked with three Rohingya leaders—Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK; Wai Wai Nu, founder and executive director of Women’s Peace Network; and Yasmin Ullah, executive director of the Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network. The leaders consulted with a diverse group of Rohingya civilians in Burma, Bangladesh, the broader Southeast Asian region, and the global diaspora to understand their experiences and priorities and to share their recommendations for policymakers. This report summarizes the concerns and recommendations raised by members of the Rohingya community. The perspectives and recommendations summarized below do not necessarily represent those of the three leaders who conducted the research, nor those of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Topic:
Genocide, Civilians, Rohingya, and Atrocity Prevention
Political Geography:
Southeast Asia and Myanmar

2916. "Tremors of an Impending Explosion": Warning Signs of Mass Atrocities in South Sudan

Author:
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Abstract:
Political arrests and armed conflict have put South Sudan at heightened risk for a return to civil war and ethnic cleansing. Possible triggers for mass killing include the removal from power of key leaders and large-scale attacks on civilians based on ethnic identity. The situation requires urgent diplomatic pressure, scrutiny, and support for community-led mass atrocity prevention efforts to reverse this trajectory.
Topic:
Ethnicity, Atrocities, Armed Conflict, and Atrocity Prevention
Political Geography:
Africa and South Sudan

2917. To Leave or Stay? Examining the Role of Counseling and Reintegration Assistance in the Return Decision-Making of Migrants Ordered to Leave the Netherlands

Author:
Ravenna Sohst, Camille Le Coz, and Hanne Beirens
Publication Date:
12-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Abstract:
Across the European Union, only a small proportion of third-country nationals who are issued an order to leave by their host state comply and depart. Policymakers view enforcing these decisions as crucial to the integrity of their asylum and migration systems, and to maintaining (or at least, preventing the further erosion of) public trust in governments’ capacity to manage migration. As a result, countries have explored various ways to boost return rates. One area of growing policy interest, and the focus of this study, concerns the role return counseling and reintegration assistance could play in how migrants make decisions about return. The Netherlands offers a compelling case study because the Dutch government has experimented with counseling methodologies and collaborated with different partners to deliver counseling and reintegration support. This MPI Europe study explores how the timing, method, location, and actors involved in counseling and reintegration assistance shape their potential to influence migrants’ decision-making. Supported by a grant from the Research and Data Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, the research benefitted from access to nonpublic administrative data and to government officials and facilities. It draws on a mix of qualitative and quantitative data, including interviews with returnees, policymakers, and practitioners, to highlight the complexities of return decision-making. Insights gained from this analysis could help policymakers—in the Netherlands and beyond—improve the targeting of their investments and the selection of high-value methodologies for counseling and reintegration support.
Topic:
European Union, Borders, Migrants, and Return
Political Geography:
Europe and Netherlands

2918. Best Practices for Designing and Managing Labor Migration Corridors to Europe

Author:
Kate Hooper, María Belén Zanzuchi, Abigail Goldfarb, Ravenna Sohst, and Bertrand Steiner
Publication Date:
12-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Abstract:
Europe is facing a looming skills and labor crisis. As societies age, and as new types of skills are needed to support countries’ digital and green transitions, attracting workers from abroad will be one important means of meeting this demand—along with investments in the domestic workforce. Left unaddressed, these gaps pose risks to Europe’s competitiveness and economic growth. The key question is: What policies and practices can help ensure that labor migration benefits countries of destination and origin, employers, and migrant workers alike? Striving for this “quadruple win” may call for a rethink of how prospective workers and employers are matched, how visas are processed and credentials recognized, what training opportunities exist, and more. This report presents the findings of a study undertaken by MPI and MPI Europe researchers for the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. It examines best practices for designing and managing labor migration corridors between EU and non-EU countries, drawing on fieldwork in five corridors: Bangladesh–Portugal, India–Germany, Peru–Italy, Senegal–Spain, and Vietnam–Hungary. The analysis considers a range of issues, including how labor migration corridors emerge and grow, ways to support skills development, and tackling worker exploitation and brain drain.
Topic:
Economic Growth, Labor Market, Skills, Green Transition, and Digital Transition
Political Geography:
Europe

2919. Understanding, Deterring, and Preparing for a Great-Power War in the Twenty-First Century

Author:
Antulio J. Echevarria II, Larry P. Goodson, and Brennan Deveraux
Publication Date:
08-2025
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:
The US government and the US Army are unprepared for a great-power war. This integrated research project (IRP), sponsored by Vice Chief of Staff of the Army General James J. Mingus, is a critical first step in helping senior US Army leaders increase their knowledge of, and preparations for, deterring or fighting a great-power war in the twenty-first century. No one knows how long the US government and the US Army have to prepare for a future conflict. Consequently, the US Department of Defense faces difficult decisions as it balances preparing for a future war with maintaining readiness to address current challenges. The student research in this IRP only scratches the surface of what the US Department of Defense and the US Army should do to understand, deter, and prepare more effectively for the possibility of a great-power war in the twenty-first century. While the steps outlined here are preliminary, they are not tentative. Readers will find that each chapter offers concrete, actionable recommendations based on duly considered analysis. But more work lies ahead.
Topic:
Cybersecurity, Deterrence, Gray Zone, Defense Industry, Emerging Technology, and Russia-Ukraine War
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

2920. Maine’s Immigrant Communities: Diverse Origins, Characteristics, and Challenges

Author:
Valerie Lacarte and Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh
Publication Date:
10-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Migration Policy Institute (MPI)
Abstract:
Maine’s immigrant population, though small, is distinct in its origins and characteristics compared to immigrants in other states and the nation at large. Due to a long history of movement across a shared border, Canadians have a notable presence in the state. At the same time, immigrants in Maine come from many parts of the world, and nearly half have lived in the United States for 20 years or more. With the state working-age population projected to shrink in the coming years, immigrants are poised to play an increasingly important role in the state workforce. And in fact, foreign-born workers already contribute to many key industries in Maine—from health care and manufacturing to agriculture and aquaculture. This report presents a profile of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of Maine’s immigrants, based primarily on MPI analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. MPI researchers also interviewed staff of nine immigrant-serving organizations in Maine to better understand the types of services some immigrants need—some related to challenges shared with U.S.-born Mainers, while others are more specific to this population.
Topic:
Demographics, Employment, Immigrants, Integration, and Labor Market
Political Geography:
North America, United States of America, and Maine