Policy Briefs & Resources

This Policy Brief delves into the paramount significance of social media in contemporary warfare, shedding light on the critical need for effective measures to counter online radical narratives and prevent the spread of violent extremism. It explores how autocratic and repressive groups like the Taliban exploit social media platforms to their advantage and how these platforms have become a fertile ground for violent extremist groups to establish a novel front in warfare by allowing them to directly engage with civilians and the public, thus effectively closing civic space. This paper argues for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to counter misinformation, glorification of violence, and radicalisation online, ultimately safeguarding the integrity of information dissemination and societal well-being.

This Policy Brief addresses questions of how to manage situations of climate mobilities, both within and between respective states. Firstly, it looks at the guidance that exists in international law and principles and how this could apply to instances of climate mobilities. Secondly, it unpacks two examples of climate mobilities policies, in Fiji and Vanuatu, specifically the constitutive elements of the policies and what they say about their development. Finally, it draws out three lessons that can be learnt from these policies and attempts at their implementation: there must be adequate funding available, mobilities solutions must be community-led and these solutions must be forward-looking and pre-emptive.

This Policy Brief, the fourth of a series on matters related to climate change (im)mobility, addresses the prospective domestic consequences for Pacific Island Countries and Territories from which international climate change emigrants may depart. It outlines how emigration has affected PICTs not only in general socio-economic terms but also in terms of exposure and vulnerability to climate change effects and capacity to adapt to them. It will also consider the likely futures of those PICTs with high levels of (forced?) immobility. The Policy Brief concludes with a consideration of the key issues identified in this four-part series.

This Policy Brief expands the narratives of what is necessary at this moment in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, when too many simply say “there is no other way” or “ceasefire” which both leave many questions unanswered.  A just political solution is essential. This 5-point peace plan identifies a range of strategic principles and bridgebuilding processes to protect the safety and ensure the democratic freedoms of both Israelis and Palestinians. It emphasises the shared humanity and traumas of both Palestinians and Jewish Israelis. A sustainable peace will require that journalists and political leaders use their power to focus on protecting civilians, dismantling Hamas, ending occupation, addressing trauma, and investing in democracy.