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Latest Policy Briefs and Reports
Contemporary Peace Research and Practice
Israel and Gaza: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Policy Brief No.182 - January, 2024 • By Ramesh Thakur
This Policy Brief looks at the events of and since 7 October 2023 ‘in context’. The paper agrees with the Israeli claim that the destruction of the military threat posed by Hamas and the dismantling of the Hamas political structures are a necessary condition for re-establishing some sort of a peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, it argues that to move beyond yet another armed truce until the next incident that provokes yet another even more brutal round of fighting is unacceptable. Israelis too must rein in the ideological extremists in their midst who dehumanise and ‘Other’ all Palestinians. They must dismantle some settlements in occupied territory, and engage in good faith negotiations that will entail some painful sacrifices in order to create a substantial stake for Palestinians in preserving their own state rather than aiming to destroy the state of Israel.
Social Media, Technology and Peacebuilding
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Democracy
Policy Brief No.181 - December, 2023 • By Katerina Standish
This policy brief examines the way that women are disproportionately affected by online harassment, cyberstalking, and other forms of online abuse, and the effect this can have on democratic participation. Women play a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing democratic societies. Research shows that women’s political participation in fostering a cohesive and nonviolent community is integral to sustainable peace. However, women directly involved in social and political discourse are targeted and harassed both online and off. This policy brief details examples of misogyny on line and highlights targeted strategies for countering this phenomenon.
Social Media, Technology and Peacebuilding
Social Media Activism for Civilian Supremacy in Myanmar and Pakistan
Policy Brief No.180 - November, 2023 • By Qamar Jafri
This policy brief seeks answers to the question “How are activists using social media to bring political change in Myanmar and Pakistan?” It examines the activism of political and civil society activists on social media in countries where anti-democratic forces including an alliance of military and right-wing political factions are dominating political affairs. These forces have kept tight control over traditional media (television, print) by silencing the voices of common people using force and violence. However, social media has empowered pro-civilian rule activists to raise their voices and has helped to mobilise the public in favour of political change in their societies. The policy brief explains the methods, strategies, and their impact on political and social space in Pakistani and Myanmar societies.
Social Media, Technology and Peacebuilding
The Digital Battlefield: The Taliban’s Case of Co-opting Social Media for Warfare and Governance
Policy Brief No.179 - November, 2023 • By Zakira Rasooli
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.
How Should States Manage Climate Mobilities And Planned Relocations? Early Lessons From Fiji And Vanuatu
Policy Brief No.178 - November, 2023 • By Liam Moore
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.