International missions that aim to support stability, peace- and state-building in crisis areas are often unsure of how to move forward. The idea is gaining ground that a ‘revisioning’ of such interventions is needed. Hybrid is the new buzzword.   Read more>>

Violent conflicts in states such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan and the Balkans are at the centre of global politics. Big battles have been fought, enormous sums of money have been spent and troops have been deployed to end these conflicts. But is trying to defeat the supposed enemies – be they ‘freedom fighters’, ‘terrorists’ or state armies – the right approach? Or do these conflicts require other policy solutions?   Read more...>>

Since the end of the civil wars in Central America in the 1990s there has been considerable fear of violent street gangs, or maras. The countries in the region have implemented various anti-gang policies and approaches, with mixed results.   Read more>>

The phrase ‘fragile states’ has gradually become part of the vocabulary of international donors in recent years. The concept of fragile states seeks to marry development and security issues. But it has led to a variety of fragile state agendas of international donors, and a lack of consensus on priorities and strategies. Fragile states are countries where there is overt or latent insecurity and/or bad governance, and low levels of social and economic development. It is a typical ‘donor label’ that is not always appreciated by the countries to which it is applied.   Read more>>

Eight years of UN administration in Kosovo have brought stability, but not reconciliation or consensus on the country’s status. The international administration had sufficient manpower, money and time, but has suffered from the lack of international agreement on Kosovo.   Read more>>