Paix et sécurité

Some Western political strategists suggest a “Tech Cold War” is playing out in Africa between China and the U.S. Based on case studies from Ethiopia and Kenya, this perspective neglects the actual state of affairs. Instead of searching for “China-free” actors, the West should take the rationale of each project as a yardstick to stay engaged and relevant in the emerging African information and communications technology sector.

Afghanistan is at a crossroads. Will Afghan women modernize global practices of peacebuilding or are the negotiations sticking to the traditional male-dominated path merely focused on military security? The road towards sustainable peace requires solidarity networks and inclusiveness for marginalized groups, especially women.

Children dominate the visual representation of conflict in the media, but they are rarely consulted in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Since children play vital roles in conflicts and determine the chances for sustained peace in the long-term, successful peacebuilding should address their post-conflict needs. The UN, local, and international actors should give children a voice and meaningful ways to participate in the process.

Terrorists use the internet and social media to radicalize youth by exploiting general distrust in governments. African governments have responded to this threat by passing politically motivated internet limitation laws, which only exacerbate existing grievances and mistrust. Instead, African governments should build upon existing models of community policing and embrace an inclusive regional community online policing consortium through the leadership of the African Union.

A desire for quick and easy fixes has emerged among the Ukrainian population. This desire is in part the result of a discrepancy between slow but steady political change and the public perception of stagnation. If this gap is not closed by increased communication measures, popular support for reforms will break off and jeopardize future progress.

The escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran has made the breakdown of the Iran nuclear deal seem to be a foregone conclusion. Even at this late stage, however, the accord can still be saved if the EU is willing to abandon its policy of passivity.