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.

A discussion with young Pacific climate activists Sulu-Danielle Joseph, Iemaima Vaai and Bedi Racule, who have grown up in diaspora communities. They discuss the impact of growing up away from the Pacific communities they call home, and their advocacy work for the Pacific as activists, particularly in relation to the effects of climate change. They are in conversation with Kevin Clements and Volker Boege.