Global Outlook

The legal status of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty remains in limbo. And its normative force may be at risk of being weakened by overenthusiastic champions.

The Ukraine war seems unending. Both sides continue to rely primarily on military means and, in addition, on economic measures. Diplomatic initiatives have so far failed. But in the long term, there is no way around negotiating with Russia about ending the war, but also about European security.

The post-WWII architecture centred around the UN Security Council is often inadequate to respond effectively to the dizzying array of modern, interconnected threats.

It is above all social conflicts that shape politics, its disputes and its effects on democracy. The effects can be positive or negative, depending on the degree of conflict and its substance.

Climate change will wreak havoc on small island developing states in the Pacific and elsewhere. Yet island states are resourceful. They are not only adapting to change but also seeking legal advice.

Now that Russia is a much-diminished power―an impoverished, geographically and demographically shrunken shell of its superpower glory―NATO’s purpose might be changing once again to kick the Russians while down, help the Americans out, and box the Chinese in.