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2552. Qatar Positions Itself as Washington’s Preferred Mediator
- Author:
- Ariel Admoni
- Publication Date:
- 08-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
- Abstract:
- From Congo to Gaza, Doha positions itself as indispensable to U.S. policy, even as it sustains ties to terrorist organizations
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Terrorism, and Mediation
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, North America, Qatar, and United States of America
2553. The Tehran–Moscow–Beijing Triangle
- Author:
- Yaakov Lappin
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
- Abstract:
- The revisionist bloc reshaping global power balances—and the dangers it poses for Israel and the West.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Arms Control and Proliferation, Diplomacy, Sanctions, and Weapons
- Political Geography:
- Russia, China, Iran, Middle East, Israel, Asia, and Palestine
2554. Diplomacy Has Never Prevented Nuclear Proliferation
- Author:
- Emmanuel Navon
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
- Abstract:
- Contrary to European conventional wisdom, only the use—or threat—of force has stopped states from going nuclear
- Topic:
- Arms Control and Proliferation, Diplomacy, and Nuclear Weapons
- Political Geography:
- Europe
2555. Women, Peace and Security Survey: Reflections from Women Peacebuilders
- Author:
- Kristine Baekgaard, Vanessa Rickenbrode, and Jessica M. Smith
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
- Abstract:
- The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) released results from a global survey of nearly 3,000 women in 121 countries—one of the largest samples of women peacebuilders to date. The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Survey highlights perspectives of women peacebuilders from around the world: where they find influence and meaning, the challenges they face, and how the international community can better support their critical work. Key findings from the Women, Peace and Security Survey include: Women drive change in their communities, but they have limited influence in formal spaces such as government and international organizations. 62 percent see themselves as able to create change in their households, and 51 percent in their workplaces, but 21 percent report no ability to create change in their national government. While women’s influence at the community level is crucial, we must continue to expand efforts to ensure women’s meaningful—rather than tokenistic—inclusion in all spaces where decisions are made, including formal institutions. Poverty is one of the most pressing challenges shaping women’s experiences of their peace and security work. Women are calling on the international community to provide long-term funding to support their peace and security work. One-third identify poverty as one of the biggest challenges in their work, highlighting deep interconnections between peace and development. 43 percent identify long-term funding as an urgent need to accomplish their peace and security goals; 40 percent also report a decrease in funding for their work over the past two years. Responding to this call requires donors to offer funding that is sustained, accessible, and flexible, empowering women-led organizations to respond to crises, build lasting peace, and strengthen their communities. The most challenging and urgent issues women identify differ by region. Key challenges include, education in South Asia (highlighted as a core challenge by 46 percent of respondents), women’s leadership in the Middle East and North Africa (42 percent), climate-related security concerns in East Asia and the Pacific (15 percent), and infrastructure deficits in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (26 percent). WPS implementation will be more successful if it is tailored to local needs and priorities, as identified by women in those contexts. Women report that their peace and security work is deeply meaningful, but it comes at great personal costs. 63 percent report gaining new skills through their peace and security work, but 46 percent experience fatigue, and one in four report burnout and worsening mental health as negative consequences of their peace and security efforts, underscoring the strain of sustaining these efforts with limited support. Migrant, refugee, and displaced women are more than twice as likely as women who are not in these groups to perceive more risks associated with their peace and security work. Addressing challenges that endanger women peacebuilders and jeopardize broader progress toward peace and security, such as burnout, financial strain, and exposure to risk, requires interventions that provide sustained protection, resources, and support to women doing this crucial work.
- Topic:
- Poverty, Women, Peacebuilding, Women, Peace, and and Security (WPS)
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2556. Democracy at a Crossroads: How Americans View Trump’s First 100 Days in Office
- Author:
- PRRI Staff
- Publication Date:
- 04-2025
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- PRRI: Public Religion Research Institute
- Abstract:
- Executive Summary Relatively few voters regret their decision in November; however, three in ten non-voters regret not turning out to vote last fall. Nearly all Americans who voted for Kamala Harris (95%) and Donald Trump (92%) are satisfied with their decision to vote or how they voted, as well as 85% of those who voted for another candidate. Thirty-one percent of non-voting Americans say they regret their decision not to vote, compared with 56% who say they are satisfied. Just around four in ten Americans (43%) approve of the job that Trump is doing as president. Roughly four in ten Americans (43%) approve of the job that Trump is doing as president, while a majority (54%) disapprove. White Christian groups are the most likely to approve of the job that Trump is doing as president, including three in four white evangelical Protestants (76%), compared with one-third or fewer of other religious Americans. While Trump gets slightly higher marks for his handling of immigration (48% of Americans approve), just four in ten approve of his handling of the economy (41%) and Russia’s war with Ukraine (40%). White Christian groups are significantly more likely than Christians of color, non-Christians, and unaffiliated Americans to approve of the job that Trump is doing handling immigration, including most white evangelical Protestants (78%), Latter-day Saints (65%), white mainline/non-evangelical Protestants (64%), and white Catholics (63%). While just four in ten Americans have favorable views of Trump, fewer view either Vice President JD Vance or presidential advisor Elon Musk favorably. Four in ten Americans (40%) express favorable views of Trump, including 83% of Republicans, 35% of independents, and 8% of Democrats. White Americans, men, older generations, and those who do not have a four-year degree hold significantly more favorable views of Trump than non-white Americans, women, millennials, Gen Zers, and those who are college-educated. Roughly one-third of Americans have a favorable view of Vance (35%), compared with half of those who hold an unfavorable opinion (50%). Most Americans (58%) view Musk unfavorably. Musk holds less favorable views among Republicans than Trump, 71% vs. 83%. Americans are more likely to view Trump as a dangerous dictator than a strong leader restoring America’s greatness, although such views are polarized along partisan and religious lines. A majority of Americans agree that “President Trump is a dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy” (52%), compared with 44% who agree that “President Trump is a strong leader who should be given the power he needs to restore America’s greatness.” Most Democrats (87%) agree with the first statement, while most Republicans (81%) agree with the second statement. Around seven in ten Christian nationalism Adherents (73%) and Sympathizers (70%) view Trump as a strong leader who should be given the power to restore America’s greatness, compared with 46% of Christian nationalism Skeptics and just 15% of Rejecters. Among Americans who voted for Trump and regret their decision, 55% agree that Trump is a dangerous dictator; agreement that Trump is a dangerous dictator is even higher among non-voters who regret their decision not to vote (68%).
- Topic:
- Public Opinion, Authoritarianism, Democracy, Domestic Politics, Voting, and Donald Trump
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
2557. Advancing Peace and Security: The Role of Gender Advisors
- Author:
- Rachel George, Jessica M. Smith, and Carla Koppell
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
- Abstract:
- Among the influential outcomes of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, which helped launch the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in 2000, has been the expansion of dedicated gender advisor positions in governments and multilateral institutions.1 Given women’s persistent underrepresentation in peace and security,2 the gendered impacts of conflict,3 and evidence that addressing these issues increases the likelihood and sustainability of peace and conflict resolution,4 gender advisors emerged as critical roles to help organizations better understand and address the needs of women and girls in their activities, policies, and programs. Sitting within a variety of institutions, these positions provide expert guidance on gender issues across peace and security policy and programming. Their proliferation within organizations that influence peace and development outcomes has been a hallmark of the 25 years since the start of the Agenda. The number of gender advisor positions in relevant national and multilateral fora, as well as within private foundations and civil society, has grown substantially over the past 25 years of multilateral commitments to WPS. But recent political changes have threatened some of these posts, as institutions slash offices, programs, and funds where gender advising was once featured,5 even as organizations increasingly recognize the centrality of gender equality for productive peace,6 sustainable development,7 and economic prosperity.8 With growing evidence of these benefits, many development and security institutions are seeking to maximize how institutional expertise on WPS contributes to effective policies and programs, especially those facing dramatic cuts in resources.
- Topic:
- Representation, Gender, Women, Peace, and and Security (WPS)
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2558. Funding for Women, Peace and Security: Reflections on 25 Years
- Author:
- Rachel George, Carla Koppell, Jessica Smith, and Ava Kawamura
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
- Abstract:
- Funding for the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda has expanded significantly since UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 was first adopted in 2000. By 2023, nearly half of official development assistance was tagged in part for gender equality, reflecting a partial focus on gender integrated across development efforts. • Yet even at its peak, less than 10 percent of aid made gender equality a primary focus. Funding for women’s organizations in fragile and conflict-affected settings remains especially low at less than one percent, underscoring the chronic under-resourcing of the WPS Agenda. • Current metrics indicate declining support for WPS in the face of rising need, though they fail to capture how funds actually reach women on the frontlines. Improved data collection is urgently needed to quantify the amount of gender-tagged resources that truly reach women in conflict contexts. • Severe cuts to development spending and multilateral financing in 2025 are likely to further erode already limited support for gender equality in conflict prevention and response. Without urgent efforts to close gaps and expand funding, funders risk under-realizing the promise of WPS as a demonstrated pathway for peace.
- Topic:
- Development, Funding, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), and Gender Equality
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2559. Women’s Representation in Security and Diplomacy: Reflections on 25 Years
- Author:
- Rachel George, Carla Koppell, Jessica Smith, and Ava Kawamura
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
- Abstract:
- Women’s representation in international peace and security has expanded substantially, with rates at least doubling in many leadership and staff roles since the adoption of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in 2000. • The number of women in UN leadership roles has nearly tripled since 2000, accounting for just over half of senior positions today; the number of women ambassadors and peacekeepers is nearly four times higher than in 2000. • Gender parity remains elusive, particularly in the security sector. While numbers have increased, women still represent only 24 percent of ambassadors, 13 percent of defense ministers, and less than 10 percent of peacekeepers. • Women’s persistent underrepresentation in security roles, alongside recent dips in representation in a number of UN and national political roles, warns that progress is fragile. Setbacks underscore the urgent need to invest in women’s participation, especially in the security sector, and to confront the economic, political, and cultural barriers that limit women’s full and meaningful inclusion—a key driver of sustainable peace.
- Topic:
- Security, Diplomacy, Representation, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), and Gender Equality
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2560. Implementing Women, Peace and Security: Reflections on 25 Years
- Author:
- Rachel George, Carla Koppell, Jessica Smith, and Ava Kawamura
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
- Abstract:
- The adoption of policy instruments to support women in conflict has grown substantially since the creation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in 2000. • The expansion of WPS National Action Plans and increased inclusion of gender provisions in peace agreements and peacekeeping mandates have been a hallmark of efforts to institutionalize the Agenda in national and multilateral policy forums. • Peace provisions that acknowledge the specific impact of conflict on women and support their protection and inclusion in peace processes have grown overall, but their frequency has dipped substantially since a peak in 2013, from nearly half of peace agreements to just one in three in 2023. • National Action Plans, which have been adopted by at least 112 UN Member States and some multilateral institutions, have helped develop concrete policies and actions in a number of settings in support of WPS. But paramount is the imperative to effectively resource, implement, and update these instruments, and to make them more responsive to emerging threats and opportunities in the face of reduced funding for the WPS Agenda worldwide.
- Topic:
- Peacekeeping, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), and Gender Equality
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2561. Abortion Views Across All 50 States: Key Insights from PRRI’s 2024 American Values Atlas
- Author:
- PRRI Staff
- Publication Date:
- 04-2025
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- PRRI: Public Religion Research Institute
- Abstract:
- In 2024, PRRI interviewed more than 22,000 adults as part of its American Values Atlas, offering a detailed analysis of Americans’ views on the legality of abortion. The report also explores the relationship between religiosity and abortion laws across states.
- Topic:
- Religion, Law, Public Opinion, Domestic Politics, and Abortion
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
2562. A Tale of Three Rights? Understanding How Republicans Are Changing under Trump
- Author:
- Thibault Muzergues
- Publication Date:
- 04-2025
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- Donald Trump has reshaped the Republican Party – and more generally US conservatism – to an extent and in ways that were unthinkable in 2015, when he first emerged as a serious candidate for the presidential primaries. To understand that, we only have to get back to 2012, when the Republican consensus on issues like free trade and immigration was literally opposite to what it is now. Back then, the party supported free trade without reservations and recognised a need for (controlled) immigration. Meanwhile, the Bush family held significant sway, with Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida and son and brother of the last two Republican presidents, considered a frontrunner for the 2016 presidential nomination. Fast forward to the present, and the Republican Party has undergone a dramatic shift under Trump’s influence. Today, being pro-free trade or pro-immigration is almost unthinkable for a Republican candidate in any primary. In the same way, the foreign-policy outlook of the party has drastically changed: dominated by hawks and neo-conservatives in the past, it is now much more influenced by isolationist and inward-looking imperialist elements (those have always existed within the party, but had been marginal in the past, in particular during the George W. Bush years in the early 2000s). Much like it previously did with the Bush family, the party now aligns more closely with Trump’s vision and family influence – exemplified by the personal loyalty tests that are now required for any would-be candidate for office to subscribe to in order to have the president’s support. This is not to say that everything has changed. The Republican Party remains socially conservative, advocating for example anti-abortion policies and low direct taxes. Seen from this angle, the litmus test of what makes (or does not make) one a conservative has not changed. However, Trump has reshaped the party’s priorities and values in significant ways, and will continue to do so. The Republican Party that emerged from the 2024 elections is distinct from the one that lost in 2020 or won the trifecta – presidency, Senate and House – in 2016. To outsiders, especially Europeans, Trumpism may appear as a monolithic structure, an image Trump has sometimes reinforced. However, the US president’s success (and popularity) lies in managing a coalition of diverse interests and ideologies. Trump’s coalition includes disparate groups like tech entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley looking forward to a bright future and former steel workers in Youngstown Ohio, looking back with nostalgia to a past that they would like to re-create. Some members of this coalition are organising and seek to apply an ideological lens to Trump’s instincts, in order to define the future of Trumpism beyond the current presidency. It is therefore extremely important to understand how the current Trumpian coalition functions – if we then want to understand where it is headed. Currently, the coalition ruling the party can be divided into three main groups: MAGA-World, the tech-libertarians, and the Country-Club Republicans.
- Topic:
- Donald Trump, Political Parties, Domestic Policy, and Republican Party
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
2563. China’s De-dollarisation Initiatives: Strategies and Constraints
- Author:
- Zongyuan Zoe Liu
- Publication Date:
- 08-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- A decade ago, renminbi internationalisation was a hot topic; today, it’s part of a broader, more strategic push toward de-dollarisation – accelerated by Western sanctions on Russia. While China’s efforts to globalise its currency began earlier, the risk of financial exclusion has intensified its urgency. Beijing’s approach is pragmatic and multi-pronged: it is deepening engagement with regional and non-Western partners developing renminbi-based infrastructure for cross-border payments, and leveraging its dominance in clean energy supply chains to promote renminbi pricing in key commodities. These strategies aim to enhance the renminbi’s role in trade and settlement while persistent structural factors – shallow capital markets and limited investor confidence – remain stumbling blocks for China’s currency becoming a global store of value. That may just be fine with Beijing, at least in the near to medium term. No evidence suggests China plans to dethrone the US dollar or replace the US dollar with the renminbi as the global dominant currency. China’s immediate goal is to insulate itself from financial sanctions in the dollar-based system. In a world where access to American banks and US dollar can be weaponised, China regards a functional alternative for cross-border settlement as a strategic necessity. With a trade-dependent economy and a leadership wary of volatility, China’s priority is currency stability, not supremacy.
- Topic:
- Political Economy, Governance, Currency, and Financial Services
- Political Geography:
- Russia, China, and Asia
2564. Austrian Hijab Ban Survey: What Muslim Women Think
- Author:
- Farid Hafez
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- The Bridge Initiative, Georgetown University
- Abstract:
- The Austrian Hijab Ban Survey sheds light on how Muslim women and girls in Austria view the government’s proposed legislation banning the hijab in schools up to the 8th grade. Conducted shortly after the bill’s announcement on 10 September 2025, the survey collected responses from almost 1,000 Muslim women in Austria, offering a rare insight into the voices most directly affected. The findings are striking: 93% of respondents oppose the ban. The results further challenge claims that the hijab negatively impacts education or personal development, with overwhelming majorities disputing such arguments. Also, Muslim women who do not wear the hijab expressed strong opposition to the law. Politically, most respondents supported the Social Democrats (SPÖ), despite the party’s participation in the coalition pushing the ban, while many also favored smaller parties, but clearly rejected the two most vocal parties supporting the bill, the Conservatives (ÖVP) and the Liberals (NEOS), polling with only 1 percent each. Overall, the survey highlights both the broad rejection of the hijab ban among Muslim women and the gap between political rhetoric and the lived experiences of Austria’s Muslim community.
- Topic:
- Women, Discrimination, Legislation, Survey, Muslims, and Hijab
- Political Geography:
- Australia
2565. The Italian Job: Navigating between the UK, the EU and Trump
- Author:
- Luca Cinciripini
- Publication Date:
- 05-2025
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- Amid the transatlantic rift in the first months of the second Trump administration, Italy and the United Kingdom are seeking to position themselves as ‘transatlantic bridges’, drawing either on long-standing alliances or ideological affinities, to keep channels of dialogue open on shared challenges. However, this balancing act carries significant risks, particularly for Italy. The UK, no longer bound by European Union membership, enjoys greater autonomy in its dealings with the United States, although it risks undermining efforts to reset its relationship with the EU. Rome’s more ambiguous positioning between Washington and Brussels, by contrast, could weaken the EU’s unity at the negotiating table, eroding the coherence of its external action and contributing to internal fragmentation. Ultimately, bilateral initiatives by London and Rome may well serve to reinforce transatlantic cohesion – or to deepen its divisions and weaken the foundations of the EU.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Foreign Policy, Bilateral Relations, European Union, and Transatlantic Relations
- Political Geography:
- United Kingdom, Europe, and Italy
2566. Can South Africa’s G20 Moment Consolidate Efforts on Just Mineral Supply Chains?
- Author:
- Margherita Bianchi
- Publication Date:
- 07-2025
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- To assert greater agency over its vast resources and critical minerals (CRMs) – crucial for the world’s energy and digital transitions – African countries look at the first African-led G20 as a big opportunity before the US takes over the presidency next year. In the words of its president Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa looks for a “grand bargain” that promotes value addition to critical minerals for inclusive growth and development.[1] Despite current global turbulences, the country offers a solid foundation for sustaining multifaceted diplomatic relationships across (very) diverse international partners,[2] thus hopes for a fruitful G20 are high. Canada’s parallel G7 presidency can be of help, as the strengthening of critical mineral supply chains is on top of the agenda[3] and likely one of the few topics where some progress is possible.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Natural Resources, G20, G7, Supply Chains, and Critical Minerals
- Political Geography:
- Africa and South Africa
2567. Europe’s Nuclear Alternatives: A Time of Reckoning Autori
- Author:
- Polina Sinovets and Adérito Vicente
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- Europe faces an increasingly urgent need to reconsider its dependence on US extended nuclear deterrence, particularly in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the United States’ strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific. Europe’s potential to build credible deterrent capabilities of its own is limited to three alternatives: the strengthening of France’s force de frappe as a European pillar, the creation of an Anglo-French nuclear umbrella and the establishment of a European Multilateral Nuclear Force within NATO. The best course of action for Europe is to follow a balanced approach that enhances European autonomy while safeguarding transatlantic cohesion, with NATO establishing a structured dialogue on Europe’s nuclear future.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, NATO, Nuclear Weapons, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Deterrence
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United Kingdom, Europe, Ukraine, France, United States of America, and Indo-Pacific
2568. China-EU@50: Assessing the Ups and Downs of the Relationship
- Author:
- Nicola Casarini
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- In Europe there co-exist concurrent, and often contradictory, images of China, which explains why Sino-European economic relations continue to thrive notwithstanding the political coldness of the last years. While the EU’s leadership views Xi Jinping’s China as a ‘systemic rival’ and the main enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Beijing continues to be seen also as an opportunity by EU companies, universities and civil society groups. China’s dual image – that of a daunting challenge and a formidable opportunity – has characterised the Sino-European relationship since the mid-1970s.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Bilateral Relations, European Union, and Economy
- Political Geography:
- China, Europe, and Asia
2569. The Tragic Irony of the E3’s Snapback Move on Iran
- Author:
- Riccardo Alcaro
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- Istituto Affari Internazionali
- Abstract:
- France, Germany and the UK have triggered the snapback mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, citing Tehran’s violations of the 2015 nuclear deal or JCPOA. Iran rejects their authority to do so, arguing that the Europeans themselves breached the JCPOA by adhering to US sanctions and all but supporting Israel’s June 2025 war. Lacking a diplomatic understanding by end September, Iran could leave the NPT, Israel resort to new strikes, and Russia and China refuse to recognise the sanctions, weakening the UNSC’s authority.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Nuclear Weapons, Sanctions, Disarmament, Nonproliferation, and JCPOA
- Political Geography:
- United Kingdom, Europe, Iran, Middle East, France, and Germany
2570. Birdwatchers on social media: The mediatisation of intelligence organisations
- Author:
- Peter Schrijver, Lotte Nietzman, and Peter B.M.J. Pijpers
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- War has always affected the physical and cognitive dimensions of life; however, recent developments in Ukraine and Gaza have increased the emphasis on warfare making use of the virtual realm. Military actions now extend beyond traditional battlefields, significantly impacting virtual and cognitive dimensions through cyberspace and social media. This study examines how intelligence and security services in Ukraine, Israel, and the United Kingdom employ mediatisation—the process whereby mass media shapes public discourse—to achieve their objectives in modern warfare. Through comparative analysis of these three intelligence landscapes, the research explores how these organisations, despite being part of larger national security systems, pursue their own organisational interests. The study reveals that intelligence services use mediatisation for multiple purposes: engaging citizens, justifying operations, and projecting strength to domestic and international audiences. The results show a marked shift from secretive practices to open, public-facing communication strategies. The UK Defence Intelligence provides daily situational updates, the Israel Defence Forces Spokesperson’s Unit releases sensitive intelligence to shape narratives, and Ukrainian military intelligence publishes intercepted communications to undermine adversaries. This selective disclosure via social media represents a significant departure from conventional secrecy, reflecting the growing importance of information warfare. While this approach offers benefits in shaping narratives and countering adversaries, it poses risks to operational security. The study underscores the complex balance that intelligence agencies must strike between transparency and protecting sources and methods in the digital age, highlighting how communication serves as a tool for informing the public, justifying actions and discrediting adversaries.
- Topic:
- Intelligence, International Security, Transparency, Russia-Ukraine War, and 2023 Gaza War
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United Kingdom, Europe, Ukraine, Middle East, and Israel
2571. The new power model and United States national defence agility
- Author:
- Stephen Willis
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This scholarly article provides a comprehensive analysis of how Heimans and Timms’s (Heimans, J. and Timms, H. (2018) New power: How power works in our hyperconnected world—and how to make it work for you. New York, NY: Doubleday) principles of “new power” can be applied to enhance the agility and effectiveness of United States national defence strategies and policies. The analysis underscores the critical importance of fostering collective intelligence, adaptability, flexibility, transparency, and inclusion within the operations and decision-making processes of the US military, emphasising transparency and inclusion is crucial in promoting open source and open information exchange that involves service members and defence leaders at all levels in decision-making. This study presents compelling examples of how embracing new power dynamics can improve the agility of US national security efforts in terms of strategies and policies. Improved agility will potentially save lives and provide a competitive advantage over our adversaries. Additionally, the article highlights the significance of adaptability and flexibility in navigating the rapidly changing global landscape, underscoring the need for the US military to adapt to shifting power dynamics and embrace agility as a critical element in achieving success in the face of modern security challenges. Finally, this research delves into two critical areas: First, we explore a new power model for enhancing the agility of US national defence. Second, we discuss how the new power model can facilitate agile decisionmaking for US intelligence, specifically through the practice of open-source Intelligence. We conclude that making American national defence agile in its policies and strategies requires not only the application of new power principles and concepts, as Heimans and Timms (2018) understand them, but also the ability to apply new power in nuanced, incremental, and thoughtful ways that will allow for transformation of the defence and policy-making apparatus in a way that will be accepted and understood by policymakers and service members and leaders themselves.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, Intelligence, International Security, and Artificial Intelligence
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
2572. Public intelligence as a strategic tool: The role of real-time intelligence disclosure in the Ukraine War
- Author:
- Alfred Marleku
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This paper aims to analyse the role of public intelligence as a strategic tool in modern conflicts, focusing on its use during the Russo- Ukrainian war. It employs a qualitative research design, combining comparative case analysis and document analysis to examine the role of public intelligence as a strategic tool in the Ukraine War. The primary data sources include declassified intelligence reports, official government statements, media coverage, and academic literature on intelligence disclosure and strategic communication. The findings of this study indicate that public intelligence disclosure in the Ukraine War has been highly effective in countering Russian disinformation and strengthening diplomatic cohesion among Western allies. Unlike previous conflicts, intelligence transparency played a crucial role in shaping global narratives and mobilising international support. However, its deterrence value remains uncertain, as intelligence disclosures did not prevent Russia’s full-scale invasion. The findings of this paper highlight how intelligence dissemination has shifted from classified circles to a public tool of strategic statecraft. The Ukraine War marked a departure from traditional intelligence practices, as the United States and the United Kingdom used real-time declassification to counter Russian disinformation, unify allies, and shape global opinion. This shift underscores both opportunities and limitations, as intelligence transparency did not deter Russia’s invasion. Public intelligence disclosures proved effective in neutralising misinformation and influencing diplomatic responses. Intelligence disclosure also had diplomatic ramifications. While it helped rally allies, initial scepticism from Germany and France revealed lingering distrust due to past intelligence failures.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Intelligence, International Security, Transparency, Russia-Ukraine War, and Strategic Disclosure
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, and Ukraine
2573. Experiences of Finnish Defence Forces personnel on equality related to remote work— Career development opportunities and remote work agreements
- Author:
- Tiina Kähkönen
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This study investigates equality issues related to remote work, career development, and remote work agreements within the Finnish Defence Forces. A total of 868 employees participated in the study. A quantitative approach was used, and t-tests (n = 868) were conducted to assess statistically significant differences in experiences of equality concerning personnel promotion opportunities, job rotation opportunities, and the ability to accept work regardless of location as well as suitable remote work agreements. The comparison groups were hybrid workers versus on-site workers, soldiers versus civilians, and men versus women. The study found that the personnel do not generally think that on-site workers have better promotion opportunities than hybrid workers. Remote work was seen as promoting equal job rotation opportunities among personnel. Remote workers agreed with this opinion more than on-site workers, and the difference in opinion between both groups was highly significant. The majority of respondents, particularly hybrid workers, agreed that equality would be better achieved through individual agreements on remote work. However, on-site women workers was the only group with the opinion that strictly limited remote workdays promoted equality better than individual agreements. Hybrid workers were less supportive of the current limits, and significant differences were found between them and on-site workers. This study highlights the need for more flexible, individualised remote work policies to enhance workplace equality. The findings can inform the development of management strategies and remote work practices in organisations. Future research could explore the international and organisational variation of these effects and provide deeper insights into employees’ perceptions of equality in remote work environments by integrating qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Topic:
- Armed Forces, Equality, Career, Remote Work, and Finnish Defence Forces
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Finland
2574. Future threat landscapes: The impact on intelligence and security services
- Author:
- Mikael Weissmann
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This article examines the evolving nature of antagonistic threats in the context of intelligence and security services, with a focus on small and medium-sized countries. It explores the impact of hybrid threats and non-linear warfare in an increasingly blurred security landscape between war and peace. The study aims to understand the emerging dynamics of the grey zone and the new challenges these evolving threats pose to intelligence and security services. The article adopts a qualitative methodology, drawing on global examples and including the strategic use of hybrid warfare by both state and non-state actors. In addition, the study examines technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to assess their role in shaping modern threats. The article argues that modern antagonistic threats differ from traditional ones in both intensity and complexity. Hybrid threats operate across multiple domains, blending military and non-military tactics while exploiting societal vulnerabilities. The article highlights the growing importance of AI and ML in both offensive and defensive strategies as well as the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements beyond state control. The article concludes that intelligence and security services must adapt to these multi-dimensional threats by embracing flexible integrated strategies. Enhanced international collaboration, advanced technological integration, and a focus on resilience will be the key to countering hybrid threats. The findings underscore the need for intelligence services to operate beyond traditional boundaries to effectively manage the complexities of future security environments.
- Topic:
- National Security, International Security, Borders, Artificial Intelligence, Hybrid Threats, and Counterintelligence
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2575. Humanitarian aspects of overcoming the social crisis caused by Russian military aggression in Ukraine
- Author:
- Aleksander Kuczabski
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This paper analyses the humanitarian aspects of social security restoration in Ukraine. The integral social security level indicator was developed for this study. The state of social welfare in Ukraine in the pre-war period was investigated according to the author’s methodology. The losses of the social sphere in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s military aggression were also assessed according to the author’s approach. Further, Ukraine’s need for emergency humanitarian aid was discussed. Finally, the mechanisms for ensuring the humanitarian component of social security during the war were analysed. The article’s hypothesis starts with the consideration that even though the war is not over yet, some lessons can be identified, and those lessons should be considered in response to social security issues in the conditions of war and in the future post-war social reconstruction of Ukraine. Analysis of open information sources enables claims that the situation in the field of social security is catastrophic in the Ukrainian society. This is due to the war-related damages caused to the residential stock and social infrastructure facilities, the environmental consequences of the damages, and the risk of starvation. This article launches a global discussion on the role and place of humanitarian aspects in the provision of social security in a state affected by armed aggression. The study promotes the idea of overcoming the humanitarian crisis jointly by the united international community. Therefore, this paper is vital for a better understanding of the actual level of social security and its prognostication in post-war Ukraine.
- Topic:
- Humanitarian Aid, International Cooperation, War, Social Security, and Russia-Ukraine War
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, and Ukraine
2576. Hellenic airspace violations: An updating note
- Author:
- Vasileios Symeonidis
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This is a note to update an earlier published paper, which focused on forecasting Hellenic flight information region violations by Turkish aircraft. The update became necessary following certain geopolitical and economic developments in the Mediterranean, mainly the Athens Agreement. The least-squares best fit model for the 2009–2019 data set for Hellenic airspace violations was used, accompanied by additional ordinary least squares estimates and forecasts. We showed that the pattern of pressure on the Hellenic sovereignty described in the above-mentioned paper is now different in terms of the methods exercised; it is also cheaper. However, it is equally, if not more, effective. We interpret this shift by arguing that Turkey is a Political Realism follower, focusing on the importance of power, security, and national interest in shaping its actions, regardless of the ideological or ethical implications of such actions. This explains its preference for exerting pressure in the form of sea border violations and massive forced emigration from Turkey to the European Union via Greece. This note concludes that the pattern of pressure on the Hellenic sovereignty in the Aegean involving Hellenic airspace violations by Turkish aircraft has been modified. Turkey now prefers cheaper but equally effective methods, such as sea border violations and, in most cases, hybrid warfare tactics, like massive forced emigration.
- Topic:
- Security, Migration, Borders, Emigration, and Airspace
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Turkey, and Greece
2577. Lethal empowerment and electronic crime: A focus on radio-frequency interference capabilities
- Author:
- Tegg Westbrook
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This article focuses on the capabilities of criminals in using radiofrequency interference (RFI) devices to target systems that use the Global Positioning System (GPS). Surveying over a 22-year period during which GPS has been widely used by many industries, it seeks to understand how the electronic threat has evolved and changed. Focusing on the accessibility, usability, effectiveness, versatility, transportability, and concealability of RFI devices, and utilising a number of sources from engineering disciplines, hacker events, and media pieces, it argues that the more reliant we are on GPS, the more threat actors’ target choices and means, ends, and, indeed, motivations for targeting systems will expand, elevating the risks to GPS users. This article finds that arguably some of the most disagreeable actors have elevated from unsophisticated to semi-sophisticated in the space of 20 years, and can target systems cheaply, easily, and effectively. In the space of two decades, the combination of war, the expansion of digitalisation, the commercialisation of military systems, and the demand and supply that feeds technological innovations, have left us with an entirely different threat picture.
- Topic:
- Crime, Terrorism, Cybersecurity, GPS, and Radiofrequency Interference (RFI)
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2578. China's Quiet Footprint: Mapping Chinese Influence on Local Politics and the Economic Landscape in Kosovo
- Author:
- Adelina Hasani
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
- Abstract:
- China’s strategy to exert influence in Kosovo primarily centers on economic engagement and disinformation campaigns. However, recently, China has also shown a tendency to organize meetings with local authorities and develop cooperation across various fields, including the economy, culture, and the arts. Despite not recognizing Kosovo’s independence and lacking formal diplomatic relations, China engages through indirect channels, particularly trade, with the tendency to create municipal partnerships and connections with local businesses. This approach aligns with the Tao Guang Yang Hui principle, China’s grand strategy emphasizing the pursuit of national interests while avoiding overt confrontation. In contrast to Russia’s aggressive approach, China quietly expands its influence through soft power mechanisms, minimizing political friction while steadily deepening its economic presence. This approach is rooted in the Tao Guang Yang Hui principle or China’s grand strategy that emphasizes maintaining a low profile while quietly pursuing national interests. Under this doctrine, China seeks incremental gains while avoiding actions that might draw suspicion, provoke resistance, or force political commitments that could undermine its domestic priorities. This stands in sharp contrast to Russia’s more overtly assertive and confrontational strategy. Although China and Russia are often grouped together as external or malign influences in Kosovo, their strategies and objectives differ significantly. Russia pursues a confrontational approach, seeking to maintain a network of allies and proxies across the Western Balkans to counterbalance Western and U.S. influence. Rather than engaging directly in Kosovo, Russia treats the country as a geopolitical flashpoint, advancing its interests through regional partnerships and political alignment. In contrast, China’s approach follows its Tao Guang Yang Hui grand strategy, emphasizing subtle, long-term influence. It utilizes tools such as foreign direct investment, trade, business partnerships, and municipal-level cooperation, depending on what is feasible. By bypassing national institutions and often engaging directly with local actors, China minimizes political pushback while gradually deepening its presence and influence. This paper examines the contrasting strategies of Russia and China in Kosovo, with a particular focus on China’s expanding role through economic cooperation and its growing engagement with local-level institutions. Drawing comparisons with China’s broader involvement across Western Balkan countries - where its presence is often more visible and influential, such as in Serbia - the analysis highlights how China adapts its global grand strategy to regional and local contexts. Although China does not maintain diplomatic relations with Kosovo, lacks investments, and Kosovo is not part of the Belt and Road Initiative’s 16+ framework, China remains active in trade cooperation and increasingly seeks partnerships at the local level, particularly in economic, cultural, and artistic fields. The paper explores how China builds relationships with municipalities and businesses, often operating discreetly, to expand its soft power and influence public perception, especially at the community level. China’s presence in the Western Balkans has increased steadily over the past decade, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, which serves as the primary vehicle for engaging countries in the region. Beyond economic motives, these investments are part of a broader geopolitical strategy that tends to shape global norms and institutions and secure support from smaller states such as those in the Western Balkans in international fora like the UN. This growing influence should also be seen in the context of rising global tensions, where a bifurcated world order, reminiscent of the Cold War, is taking shape. With the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, China has intensified efforts to challenge U.S. financial dominance. Western Balkans thus emerge not only as a strategic corridor into Europe but also as a critical region where China’s expanding influence may directly challenge the EU and broader Western presence. This research analyzes China’s soft influence in the Western Balkans through the lens of its grand strategy, with a particular focus on Kosovo. The analysis begins by exploring how China’s grand strategy is formulated at the global level and how it is adapted regionally, particularly in Kosovo, where China does not maintain diplomatic relations. A key objective is to shed light on China’s approach in the region, especially its efforts to build influence through business ties and local-level engagement. By unpacking China’s global strategy and examining its localized application, the study aims to inform the development of a clear, context-specific response by the government of Kosovo to mitigate China’s influence, particularly that which is pursued through non-transparent means.
- Topic:
- Grand Strategy, Disinformation, Foreign Influence, and Economic Engagement
- Political Geography:
- China, Europe, Asia, Kosovo, and Balkans
2579. Strengthening the role of Municipalies in Promotion of EU Rule of Law Values in Kosovo
- Author:
- Rozafa Ukimerja Çuni
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
- Abstract:
- The European Union’s Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Kosovo, establishes a contractual framework for aligning Kosovo’s legal and administrative systems with EU norms. Central to this alignment is the rule of law, encompassing legality, equality before the law, transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights. While national institutions lead the integration process, municipalities play a critical role in promoting and implementing these values at the local level, where citizens experience governance directly. This research explores the extent to which municipalities in Kosovo contribute to advancing EU rule of law principles. It analyzes institutional frameworks, central oversight mechanisms towards municipalities, and municipal performance systems established, alongside municipal practices, challenges, and stakeholder perceptions. According to the 2024 first semi-annual report on the implementation of EU-related obligations at the local level1, published by the Ministry of Local Government Administration, municipalities have achieved approximately 53% fulfillment of their commitments under the European Agenda that fall within the scope of local governance. Specifically, they have implemented 52% of the planned activities related to political criteria, 36% in the area of economic criteria, and 69% of activities on European standards. Key findings indicate significant institutional progress. The legality of municipal acts, a core rule of law indicator, has improved, with the proportion of illegal acts dropping from approximately 30% in 2016 to about 1% following reforms and implementation of the Regulation on Administrative Review of Municipal Acts (GRK No.10/2019) and the new Law on Administrative Review of Municipal Acts2. The MLGA’s oversight function, combined with the Municipal Performance Grant (MPG) scheme co-financed by donors such as Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and the EU, has embedded legal compliance and accountability into municipal performance assessments. Municipalities are increasingly motivated to improve transparency, accountability, and compliance due to tangible incentives tied to grant eligibility and public recognition. Performance-based competition among municipalities has fostered a positive culture of legality and institutional learning. Surveys of municipal officials indicate strong awareness, with 75% prioritizing the rule of law and 71% access to justice in daily operations. Key informant interviews validate this, highlighting the MPG’s, judicial reviews and monitoring system “extraordinary impact” on legal compliance. Additionally, while transparency mechanisms are improving, citizen participation and inclusivity, particularly in gender and youth engagement, remain imbalanced. Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Capacity gaps in municipal legal offices, political interference, and inconsistent coordination between central and local levels undermine the consistent application of the rule of law. Many municipal legal offices operate with limited capacity and depend on external support for complex legal reviews. Coordination between central and local institutions, especially on overlapping competencies such as property management, justice, and procurement, is often fragmented. The 2024 EU Kosovo Report highlights persistent challenges in the relationship between municipalities and central institutions, indicating ongoing issues with coordination and communication between these levels of government3. Furthermore, inter-ethnic relations, gender inclusion, and youth participation are not yet systematically integrated into local governance frameworks. Addressing these gaps is essential for Kosovo’s municipalities to fully embody and promote EU rule of law values. By advancing these reforms, municipalities will not only strengthen compliance with EU integration benchmarks but also deepen citizen trust, accountability, and democratic governance at the local level.
- Topic:
- Governance, European Union, Rule of Law, and Municipalities
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Kosovo, and Balkans
2580. What Can Kosovo Learn from Spain’s Transitional Justice Mechanisms in Shaping Collective Memory Post-Conflict?
- Author:
- Mrika Shala
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS)
- Abstract:
- Tension between truth and stability shapes how collective memory is constructed: whether through silence, selective narratives, or formal transitional justice policies. Kosovo’s post-conflict governance continues to be shaped by a central dilemma. Competing narratives of the war and its aftermath remain institutionally reinforced, and these divisions affect political legitimacy, minority participation, and security in ways that obstruct long-term integration. In the north of Kosovo in particular, cycles of disengagement, contested authority, and institutional crises show how memory politics and governance are intertwined, with consequences that extend beyond symbolism into day-to-day state functionality. This policy paper argues that truth-telling mechanisms do not automatically produce reconciliation. They only contribute to durable stabilisation when they are designed to survive political turnover, earn cross-community legitimacy, and connect credible documentation to public acknowledgement and institutional practice. Where these conditions are absent, truth initiatives can remain episodic, contested, or politically fragile, even when they involve serious institutional effort. Spain offers a practical comparator because it illustrates how a state can maintain stability while postponing full reckoning, and how delayed engagement with memory can generate long-run political and social costs. The point is not to treat Spain as a model to emulate, but to derive practical lessons on sequencing, institutional incentives, and the trade-offs between immediate governability and deeper reconciliation. The paper proceeds in four moves. First, it outlines the core features of Spain’s post-dictatorship approach to transitional justice and memory, focusing on the political logic of postponement and later reactivation. Second, it maps Kosovo’s truth-seeking and memorialisation landscape, including state initiatives, civil society documentation, and the constraints imposed by legitimacy contests. Third, it analyses how parallel governance, segregated information environments, and selective remembrance shape political participation and institutional trust, with particular attention to recent shifts in the north of Kosovo. Finally, it sets out recommendations that prioritise feasibility, institutional continuity, and cross-community legitimacy, aiming to strengthen Kosovo’s transitional justice architecture in ways that reduce the political rewards of denial and deepen incentives for participation. The discussion centres not on achieving complete consensus about the past, but on constructing a baseline of truth and mutual recognition and assessing Kosovo’s willingness to undertake this task at the present political juncture.
- Topic:
- Governance, Transitional Justice, Post-Conflict, and Collective Memory
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Kosovo, Balkans, and Spain
2581. Strategic analysis of cyber conflicts: A game-theoretic modelling of global cyber crises in the 2000s
- Author:
- Esra Merve Çalışkan
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- In the rapidly evolving landscape of international relations, cyberspace has emerged as a new battlefield for interstate competition and conflict. The increasing digitalisation of our world necessitates a thorough understanding of cybersecurity and the strategic dynamics of cyber warfare. The current level of understanding of these issues is limited. This study aims to bridge this gap by employing game theory to analyse significant cyber crises that occurred during the 2000s. By modelling the preferences and strategies of states that have extended their global power struggles into the cyber domain, we seek to develop a framework for predicting systematic crises and conflicts in this arena. Our research examines eight case studies drawn from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. For each case, we define the actors, their strategies, preferences, and potential outcomes, culminating in the identification of Nash equilibria. Through comparative analysis, we highlight the similarities and differences in cyber conflict dynamics across these diverse regions. This study contributes to the literature on cyber conflicts in international relations through its innovative application of game theory modelling and comparative case analysis. We developed a novel analytical framework for explaining state behaviour in cyberspace. Our findings suggest that game theory and strategic analysis can serve as powerful tools for predicting state preferences in the cyber domain. The results indicate that aggressor states often adopt denial strategies, while victim states tend to respond with harsh retaliation. Furthermore, we observed that cyber operations during election periods are attractive to both aggressor and victim countries, but this tendency contributes to global instability. In conclusion, this research argues in support of the utility of game theory and strategic analysis in modelling and forecasting state preferences and behaviours in cyberspace. Our study not only contributes to the existing literature but also proposes methodological approaches for future research. The insights gained from this analysis are valuable for policymakers in formulating effective cybersecurity strategies and for scholars seeking to deepen their understanding of the complex interplay between technology, strategy, and international relations in the digital age.
- Topic:
- Cybersecurity, Geopolitics, Armed Conflict, Game Theory, and Modeling
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2582. Artificial intelligence in financial security: Legal challenges in Japan’s AML/CFT regime and comparative insights from selected EU countries
- Author:
- Dawid Trela
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This study examines the legal and regulatory challenges in deploying artificial intelligence (AI) within anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing (AML/CFT) systems in Japan (focal case) and in Germany, France, and Poland (purposive comparators). It identifies intra- and cross-jurisdictional gaps; assesses alignment with FATF Recommendations 1 and 15, the GDPR, and the EU AI Act; and distils transferable best practices. Doctrinal legal analysis and normative comparative methodology were employed, with limited functional observations where supervisory practice is documented. Sources include statutes and regulations, supervisory guidance, and case law issued from May 2015–May 2025, notably the EU AML package (Reg. (EU) 2024/1624; Dir. (EU) 2024/1640; Reg. (EU) 2024/1620) and the AI Act (Reg. (EU) 2024/1689), as well as FATF materials and national guidance (BaFin, CNIL/Tracfin, JFSA). All jurisdictions permit AI in AML/CFT, yet frameworks remain fragmented and under-specified for algorithmic decision-making. Key gaps concern liability for algorithmic outcomes; tensions between transparency/explainability and tippingoff; and safeguards for automated decisions (GDPR Art. 22). Germany/France show higher supervisory maturity (explainability, auditability, DPIA, human-in-the-loop), whereas Japan/Poland rely chiefly on general data-protection duties with limited AML/AI-specific guidance, indicating the need for governance-heavy, auditable, human-in-the-loop designs. Better coordination of the AML, AI, and data-protection regimes is required to ensure both effectiveness and fundamental-rights protection. Japan could benefit from EU practices by formalising human-in-the-loop requirements for high-impact AML decisions, mandating DPIAs, enhancing auditability/reporting for high-risk models, and expanding regulatory sandboxing. The EU should continue aligning the AI Act with the AML Regulation (via AMLA guidance), clarifying oversight, documentation, and explainability expectations for AML use cases.
- Topic:
- European Union, Accountability, Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, and Financial Security
- Political Geography:
- Europe, France, Poland, Germany, Japan, and Asia
2583. Cybersecurity and incident response processes for maintaining operational security and continuity at vocational education institutions
- Author:
- Anna-Liisa Ojala
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- The presence of cybersecurity in educational institutions, including vocational education and training (VET), plays a vital role in ensuring the overall societal security in an increasing digital world. This study explores how staff of VET institutions respond to suspected cybersecurity incidents, focusing on reporting channels and methods used. The objective is to better understand incident response practices in the under-researched VET context, with special attention given to the human and organisational aspects of cybersecurity. VET institutions operate digital systems that mirror real workplace environments and often handle authentic customer data, exposing them to risks that differ from those of general education settings. A qualitative methodology was employed, consisting of thematic interviews with twenty-seven staff members across three Finnish vocational schools. The analysis was guided by the Situation Awareness in Cybersecurity Incident Response model and the Zone of Proximal Development framework, allowing for a deeper exploration of how staff perceive and act upon potential threats. Although formal reporting procedures exist, staff frequently rely on informal networks and direct contact with IT support. Urgent cases are often communicated via phone, a method perceived as efficient but lacking in documentation and structure, which can hinder post-incident analysis and learning. Improving cybersecurity incident response in VET institutions requires the integration of formal digital tools with flexible, human-centred communication methods. Strengthening these systems is essential, not only for protecting sensitive data, ensuring continuity, and creating safer learning environments, but also for reinforcing the digital resilience of society as a whole.
- Topic:
- Education, Cybersecurity, Social Security, and Vocational Education
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2584. Technological maturity for Jeune École: The case of Ukraine’s naval strategy
- Author:
- Guntis Skunstiņš
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This paper conducts an in-depth study on how Ukraine changed the balance of military power in the Black Sea. It conceptualises the idea that the development of modern military technology has reached a level of maturity, providing a new perspective for the Jeune École concept. The paper uses the process tracing method to establish a timeline from Russian full blockade to Ukrainian sea denial. The battlefield application of anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) in the early stages of the war created the necessary conditions for establishing sea denial, followed by the continued use of ASCM, aerial drones, and maritime drones to consolidate the initial successes. The international community observed Ukraine’s deployment of unmanned systems with great interest, heralding it as the dawn of a new era in naval warfare. However, when analysed in depth, it becomes clear that traditional weaponry played the decisive role in achieving sea denial initially. Only after the Russian Federation’s fleet had been forced from the coastal waters did naval drones begin to extend and solidify the denied area. The research further indicates that even a smaller state can produce significant strategic effects using anti-ship cruise missiles and swarming maritime drones—principles rooted in the historic Jeune École doctrine. Findings reveal that technological advances have significantly mitigated the traditional limitations of small platforms, especially in adverse conditions. As such, the combination of Jeune École’s asymmetric maritime strategy and modern unmanned systems offers a viable blueprint for smaller nations to challenge superior naval forces, dispute blockades, and achieve effective sea denial.
- Topic:
- Science and Technology, Military Strategy, Navy, Russia-Ukraine War, and Warfare
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Ukraine
2585. Enhancing maritime infrastructure security through AI-driven naval drone operations in the Southern Baltic Sea
- Author:
- Krzysztof Pająk
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Security and Defence Quarterly
- Institution:
- War Studies University
- Abstract:
- This study aims to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI)-supported drone operations as a proactive response to increasing maritime threats, particularly in the southern Baltic Sea, and to analyse the applicability of autonomous systems in protecting ports, offshore platforms, subsea cables, and pipelines under conditions of spatial congestion and geopolitical risk. This study adopts a qualitative analytical approach, grounded in the review of relevant literature, official reports, and statistical data from a variety of international and academic sources. The research process involves the analysis of existing materials to identify key patterns and trends related to maritime infrastructure and security in the southern Baltic Sea. Through inference, the study aims to draw reasoned conclusions from available data, particularly where direct evidence was limited due to the emerging nature of the subject matter. AI-enhanced naval drones can significantly improve the monitoring and protection of maritime infrastructure through continuous, real-time, and autonomous operations. The deployment of such systems enables faster threat detection and decision-making, thereby enhancing the resilience of critical assets, such as wind farms, subsea cables, and ports. Overall, this information should contribute to national defence and stability. In the face of rapid transformation in the southern Baltic Sea, driven by increasing maritime traffic, energy demands, and offshore development, the integration of AI and autonomous systems into maritime operations is essential in order to ensure effective spatial and security management. Unmanned vehicles, supported by AI, will become a cornerstone of maritime defence, enabling constant surveillance and rapid response to evolving hybrid threats.
- Topic:
- International Security, Biosecurity, Drones, Navy, Maritime, and Artificial Intelligence
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Baltic Sea
2586. When Citizen Action for Accountability Boosts Legislative Oversight: The Multiply-Ed Experience in the Philippines
- Author:
- Joy Aceron and Abrehet Gebremedhin
- Publication Date:
- 07-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Accountability Research Center (ARC), American University
- Abstract:
- The Philippines has long been confronting an education crisis. This was exacerbated by Covid-19, which prevented tens of millions of public school students from going to school. As a response, the national government developed a new education system to enable learners to continue learning amid the global health emergency. Such drastic changes in the education system and long-standing systemic problems in education governance prompted accountability checks to be undertaken in state and society to ensure responsiveness to learners and effectiveness in bringing forth education reforms. This Accountability Note on education reform in the Philippines presents an empirical pathway by which two distinct but complementary bodies have interfaced for a shared agenda of systemic education reform. These two parallel processes—an independent, citizen-led civil society organization, Multiply-Ed, and a congressional oversight committee, the Education Commission II (EDCOM II)—emerged with overlapping findings, actions, and agendas, showing the value of synergy between citizen-led action and government oversight. We demonstrate that accountability processes within the state and society can converge and reinforce each other even when there is no normalized collaboration. Common issues are tackled, institutional interfacing paves the way for information and knowledge to be shared, and commitment to the overarching shared goal of education reform is reaffirmed. However, even beyond converging findings, independent citizen-led monitoring like that conducted by Multiply-Ed has a distinct added value for the education sector. Through its movement-based approach to accountability, Multiply-Ed has identified an action-oriented reform agenda overlooked by legislative oversight mechanisms, that can help advance and sustain the reforms. This Accountability Note provides key takeaways for both social constituencies and government duty-bearers seeking to identify and address shared agendas through accountability. • Independent accountability efforts of state oversight bodies such as EDCOM II and citizen-led monitoring initiatives like Multiply-Ed can produce shared agendas and findings that are mutually reinforcing and may lead to progress towards common goals. • In the case of the interface between civil society accountability efforts and government oversight in the education sector in the Philippines, a shared agenda of enhancing the role of local governments, ensuring timely access to learning resources, ensuring teaching quality, and providing an adequate budget for education has been reinforced. • By bringing in the perspectives of citizens through platforms such as school governance councils, independent citizen-led monitoring provides a distinct added value beyond state oversight, offering solutions that are action-oriented and systemic, and sustain accountability amid the dynamics of political elites. • Mutually-reinforcing agendas and processes shared between civil society accountability actors and government oversight bodies can be key to harnessing state-society synergy, and pivotal in enabling progress towards power-shifting reforms.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Education, Governance, Reform, and Accountability
- Political Geography:
- Asia and Philippines
2587. Open Parliaments in Africa
- Author:
- Idah Knowles
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Accountability Research Center (ARC), American University
- Abstract:
- An open parliament is one that makes legislative work transparent, participatory, and accountable, fostering a two-way relationship between citizens and their representatives. Across Africa, advances towards parliamentary openness have been lauded as governance breakthroughs, but what difference have they made in practice? Openness can sometimes be reduced to dashboards, consultations, and scorecards, prioritizing visibility over influence. The risk is that open parliament initiatives create the illusion of participation rather than meaningful change. Accountability emerges only when openness makes parliaments more responsive to their people and, by extension, executives more responsive to their parliaments. This paper examines Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to assess whether open parliament reforms have resulted in institutional uptake and shifts in power dynamics, and where they have fallen short. Across cases, two conclusions stand out. Transparency has clearly expanded, and in some moments these tools have enabled civic actors to expose wrongdoing or shape reforms. At the same time, responsiveness is uneven, and executive dominance, partisan discipline, and structural exclusion continue to blunt accountability. Open parliament in Africa is less a finished reform than a contested process: progress is real but partial, and the challenge ahead is to link visibility to responsiveness so that citizens are not only seen and heard, but also heeded.
- Topic:
- Governance, Accountability, Transparency, and Pan-African Parliament (PAP)
- Political Geography:
- Kenya, Africa, South Africa, and Ghana
2588. Upwelling: Fishers Organizing for their Rights and Sustainable Fisheries
- Author:
- Judy Gearhart and Connor Moynihan
- Publication Date:
- 05-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Accountability Research Center (ARC), American University
- Abstract:
- Fishers face increased risks to their lives and livelihoods. Climate change and overfishing are sending fishers out to sea for longer periods of time or at distances beyond the capacity of their vessels. In response, fishers are pursuing new strategies to organize, build power, and defend their rights. This paper presents lessons from fisher organizing in diverse sectors. It aligns with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 188 (C 188) on Work in Fishing, which defines fishers as all those working in marine capture, from artisanal fisherfolk to workers on the distant water fleet (DWF). The research reviews organizing trends in six countries and identifies common challenges and factors contributing to fisher organizing. In all six countries—Ecuador, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, Taiwan, and Thailand—new organizing initiatives have recently emerged. This research considers a range of dynamics that affect fisher organizing and their ability to access information, seek remedy, and influence policy outcomes. It provides insights from interviews with organizers and other fishery experts. The findings highlight areas where more work and strategizing are needed to build stronger and more influential fisher organizations.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Sustainability, Labor Rights, and Fisheries
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Indonesia, Taiwan, Asia, Latin America, Mexico, Thailand, Ghana, and Ecuador
2589. Ten Dimensions of Network Strengthening: Lessons from Health Rights Advocates in Guatemala, Mexico, and the Philippines
- Author:
- Julia Fischer-Mackey, Joy Aceron, Hilda Argüello Avendaño, Benilda Batzín, Francisco Gómez Guillén, and Rosaura Medina
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Accountability Research Center (ARC), American University
- Abstract:
- Maintaining and strengthening networks of volunteers is central to the health rights advocacy work of four civil society organizations (CSOs) in Guatemala, Mexico, and the Philippines who have worked through networks to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent healthcare (RMNCAH) services for marginalized communities. Their experience shows that networks of volunteers that represent marginalized populations and have the skills to engage with public authorities at different levels of government can confront the political and policy issues necessary to improve RMNCAH care. This Accountability Note captures the reflections of these CSOs on ten dimensions of network strengthening that they consider critical to their efforts to strengthen volunteer networks.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Advocacy, Public Health, Marginalization, and Volunteers
- Political Geography:
- Asia, Philippines, Latin America, Mexico, and Guatemala
2590. Paraguayan consumer import choice for twenty products from four countries
- Author:
- Michael J. Pisani, Rubén Alderete, and Silvio Eduardo Becker
- Publication Date:
- 08-2025
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Centro de Análisis y Difusión de la Economía Paraguaya (CADEP)
- Abstract:
- Over the past few years, we have published several open access articles featuring Paraguayan consumer behavior with a focus on general attitudes toward imports and imports from specific countries. More specifically, we have studied the propensity, morality, and openness of Paraguayans to choose domestic versus imported goods. In this study, we preview a set of 20 products that were evaluated by 363 middle- and upperclass Paraguayans in 2022 as to their necessity, importance, and familiarity among Paraguayan consumers.
- Topic:
- Economy, Trade, Imports, Consumer Behavior, and Goods and Services
- Political Geography:
- South America and Paraguay
2591. The Scale and Policy Implications of Nonfinancial Business Rents
- Author:
- Marc Jarsulic
- Publication Date:
- 08-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Abstract:
- The behavior of monopolies has been in the news. A federal judge, for example, recently decided that Google’s monopolistic behavior with respect to its search engine violated antitrust law. The FTC has brought actions against other large businesses, challenging what they allege are illegal attempts to create or enhance monopoly power. Regardless of how these individual legal actions play out, there is abundant evidence that barriers to competition and the market power of firms have increased over time. Since market power allows firms to earn rents – i.e. supra-competitive profits – an empirical measure of aggregate rent can serve as an index of market power. Moreover, when rents are large enough, they affect the distribution of income. This paper estimates rent as a share of gross value added for the nonfinancial business sector (NFB), and for the nonfinancial corporate sector (NFC), using distinct estimation techniques. The results are remarkably similar, and the estimates indicate that rent extraction is an important mechanism by which the income distribution has been skewed upward. Estimated NFB rents, for example, were $1.7 trillion in 2023. The results point to an important policy option: a tax on rents to support important social programs such as Medicare/Medicaid, which will at the same reduce the economic and political power of the largest monopolies and their owners.
- Topic:
- Finance, Business, Monopoly, Rent, and Antitrust
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2592. “Bailouts as Far as the Eyes Can See: A Critique of the “Money View” in the Age of Trumpism”
- Author:
- Gerald Epstein and Aaron Medlin
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Abstract:
- Monetary and financial relations are changing rapidly around the globe under the contradictory forces of financial and digital globalization on the one hand, and geo-political disruption, disintegration, and re-ordering on the other. These tectonic forces pose enormous challenges for our economy and society in both the North and the Global South. Trump 2.0, his administration’s radical financial de-regulation agenda and their push for crypto asset mainstreaming are adding significantly to the likelihood of a great financial crash and consequent pressures on the Federal Reserve for financial bailouts. We argue that an increasingly popular set of financial analyses that go under the heading of the “Money View”, while extremely useful for understanding the nature and mechanics of global financial markets, is in danger of providing a “seal of approval” for these “lender of last resort” bail-outs that enable the expansion of this socially inefficient and dangerous monetary and financial system. We contend that Northern countries and especially those of the Global South should insulate themselves from these likely upheavals by resisting the siren calls for greater integration into this unregulated, U.S.- dominated global crypto ecosystem.
- Topic:
- Globalization, Finance, and Cryptocurrencies
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2593. Interstate Highways and Urban Blight: Evidence from Administrative Housing Data
- Author:
- Thomas Walter
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Abstract:
- This paper estimates the effects of the Interstate Highway System on proximate urban neighborhoods using detailed American Housing Survey data from the 35 most-populous US metropolitan areas. I begin by identifying seven adverse housing conditions and measuring their prevalence with respect to the observational housing units’ distance to the nearest Interstate. I then use weighted linear regressions to estimate the change in likelihood for the presence of each adverse condition when a housing unit is near an Interstate. I find that housing units within one kilometer of an Interstate are 50% more likely to report being near abandoned buildings, 43% more likely to report serious crime in their neighborhood, and 21% more likely to be deemed inadequate. Furthermore, residents of these Interstate-proximate units are 53% and 41% more likely to report dissatisfaction with their neighborhood and housing unit, respectively. To support these estimates by accounting for the fact that Interstates were often intentionally built through marginalized communities, I also employ an instrumental variable approach. My results provide new evidence and stylized facts on the Interstate system as a locus of urban blight.
- Topic:
- Transportation, Cities, Quality of Life, Housing, Neighborhoods, and Highway System
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
2594. Investing in Power: Unequal Exchange in Global Value Chains
- Author:
- James Heitz and William Milberg
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Abstract:
- The question of how value is distributed within global value chains (GVCs) is one of the central questions in contemporary research on trade and development and an analysis of power is central to understanding this issue. This paper extends existing research on distribution within global value chains by focusing on the issue of power in both product markets and supplier markets. We present a formal model in which lead firms capture a larger share of value-added, either through higher mark-ups – monopoly power – or lower unit costs goods purchased from suppliers – monopsony power. Maintaining or expanding this market power involves costly investments in intangible assets, with the nature of that investment depending on the characteristics of the GVC. This framework provides new insights into the distributive dynamics of value chains, including reputation effects tied to corporate social responsibility. In this way, the paper presents an innovative way of theorizing international trade, inspired by the unequal exchange tradition, that can be extended in future research.
- Topic:
- Economics, Human Rights, Finance, Macroeconomics, Global Value Chains, and Labor Market
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2595. Anchored Inflation With Differential Inflation Benchmarks
- Author:
- Thomas R. Michl
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Abstract:
- This paper presents a model of inflation and distribution that features a structural difference between the wage Phillips curve and the price Phillips curve. The wage Phillips curve revolves around conditions in the labor market represented by the employment rate while the price Phillips curve revolves around conditions in the product market represented by capacity utilization. Differences in the relative bargaining power of workers and capitalist firms give rise to stabilizing real wage dynamics that lead to normal capacity utilization. Wage and price setting are each benchmarked to a different reference rate of price inflation, and both are anchored by the central bank’s inflation target. Price-setting by capitalist firms requires accurate projections (inflation expectations) of their competitors’ prices while the wage-setting reference rate reflects the delay in keeping up with past inflation that firms impose on workers, so that more anchoring represents the loss of working class bargaining power. Greater anchoring of the wage-setting reference rate relative to the price-setting rate makes real wages vulnerable to erosion from inflation. Capacity constraints also generate inflation that erodes wages. The model sheds some light on the recent post-Covid inflation through these channels.
- Topic:
- Economics, Employment, Inflation, and Labor Market
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2596. Inequality of Opportunity and Stratification Economics: Different Paths, Shared Concerns
- Author:
- Luis Monroy-Gómez-Franco
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Abstract:
- This paper compares two approaches to the study of inequality that have recently consolidated as distinct fields: the economics of inequality of opportunity (IOp) and stratification economics (SE). IOp examines how circumstances beyond individual control shape inequalities, while SE emphasizes how institutions and group identities reproduce intergroup hierarchies. I argue that, despite distinct origins, the two frameworks can be viewed as complementary. To support this claim, I outline the main features of each theoretical framework and contrast them along several dimensions: their equalisandum, the role of social groups, primary unit of analysis, and their conception of how structural factors influence inequality. The analysis shows that the distance between the two approaches is less significant than often assumed. Their differences enhance their complementarity, positioning SE and IOp not as competitors but as mutually reinforcing frameworks for understanding inequality.
- Topic:
- Economics, Inequality, Equality of Opportunity, and Stratification Economics
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2597. For G20 Food Security Task Force: Food Price Stabilization in an Age of Overlapping Emergencies: The case for multilevel buffer stocks
- Author:
- Isabella M. Weber, Jayati Ghosh, Sophie van Huellen, Merle Schulken, and Sudeep Jain
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Abstract:
- Food price volatility is increasingly affected by overlapping emergencies including climate change, armed conflicts and trade wars. Buffer stocks can stabilize food prices and contribute towards long-term goals such as food sovereignty and sustainable farming. We propose a regional African food reserve comprising regionally grown and imported grain, to stabilize prices over time and across locations as well as to incentivize more sustainable food cultivation in the region. Additionally, we propose global virtual and physical reserves to stabilize the prices of globally traded commodities and support regional reserves.
- Topic:
- Agriculture, Food Security, Sustainability, Food Sovereignty, and Price Stabilization
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2598. Women, Peace and Security and Technology Futures: What World Are We Building?
- Author:
- Sahana Dharmapuri and Jolynn Shoemaker
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Our Secure Future
- Abstract:
- This report explores the links between technology, women's participation and security, and seeks to improve strategic decisions regarding technology norms and policies through the application of Women, Peace and Security principles. Technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and future innovations, is reshaping the world, with profound effects on peace and security. The preoccupation in policymaking on short-term, strategic advantages often leads to long-term, unintended consequences – especially for civilians and those disproportionately affected by instability, particularly women and girls. The growing intersection between government defense sector and the technology industry is, furthermore, squeezing out civil society voices and de-prioritizing human rights and humanitarian law. In this context, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda provides a necessary framework through which to assess the emerging technology landscape, identify existing policy blind spots and inform decision-making within both the defense and technology sectors. This white paper is a first step in integrating WPS into technology and security decisions. It explores the links between technology, women's participation and security, and seeks to improve strategic decisions regarding technology norms and policies by examining three critical blind spots in the development of technology and AI through the lens of the WPS framework.
- Topic:
- Security, Science and Technology, Women, Artificial Intelligence, Norms, Instability, Women, Peace, and and Security (WPS)
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2599. Shocks & Shifts: Impact of Major Donor Funding Cuts on LGBTI Intermediary Infrastructure – Summary Report
- Author:
- Global Philanthropy Project (GPP)
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Global Philanthropy Project (GPP)
- Abstract:
- Global LGBTI intermediary funders—key organizations that channel resources, strengthen local movements, and sustain essential infrastructure—are facing a period of acute instability. In July 2025, GPP surveyed 29 of the leading LGBTI intermediary funders. Their responses, combined with trends from the 2021–2022 Global Resources Report, reveal the profound and immediate effects of major donor withdrawals, particularly the rapid elimination of U.S. Government support. In the last Global Resources Report (for years 2021–2022), the 29 participating intermediary funders accounted for more than half (54%) of the number of grants awarded for work focused on LGBTI communities in the Global South and East (GSE). Given this, the key findings in this report map the tectonic shifts in ODA and philanthropy that are influencing the global LGBTI funding ecosystem. This report is a snapshot in time and provides the clearest picture yet of what intermediaries are experiencing in 2025, based on self-reported data. Through a range of upcoming research, GPP will continue to monitor and update on the shifting of the LGBTI funding landscape.
- Topic:
- Infrastructure, LGBT+, Donors, Funding, and Instability
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
2600. The Role of the Private Sector in Advancing Women, Peace and Security
- Author:
- Our Secure Future
- Publication Date:
- 05-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Our Secure Future
- Abstract:
- This policy brief examines the vital importance of the private sector's engagement with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Exploring the intersection of WPS and the private sector, this publication highlights policy frameworks for private sector engagement, women’s contributions to economic development, and the potential to achieve a greater global GDP when women fully participate in their nations' economies. The brief examines lessons learned and best practices for private sector participation and provides recommendations for private institutions on how to effectively collaborate with governments, civil society, and international organizations on an operational and strategic level to advance WPS.
- Topic:
- Economy, Private Sector, Participation, Women, Peace, and and Security (WPS)
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus