Number of results to display per page
Search Results
222. From Integration to Inclusion: Empowering Immigrant Women in the EU
- Author:
- Justine Staelens
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- EGMONT - The Royal Institute for International Relations
- Abstract:
- This policy brief examines the socioeconomic integration of immigrant women with a particular focus on their occupational integration and the labor market opportunities available to them. It explores the challenges encountered by immigrant women in Western European countries and critically assesses the current policy responses to these issues. The study highlights significant shortcomings in employment integration programs, showing their inadequacies in achieving the comprehensive societal inclusion of immigrant women. It offers a series of recommendations aimed at reorienting the concept of integration toward an intersectional lens that fosters the genuine inclusion of immigrant women within the EU.
- Topic:
- European Union, Women, Immigrants, Integration, and Inclusion
- Political Geography:
- Europe
223. Fostering regional cooperation on natural disasters and crisis management in the Mediterranean
- Author:
- Talal Soud Deifallah Alghrair, Laurent Alfonso, Celine Yazbek, Jean-Claude Al Khalil, and Sonia Chabane
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- IEMed/EuroMeSCo
- Abstract:
- This Joint Policy Study explores how countries across the region can strengthen cooperation, enhance preparedness, and build resilience through innovation, inclusivity, and shared governance. The Mediterranean region stands at a critical crossroads, as the frequency and intensity of natural disasters and climate-related crises continue to grow. By analysing national approaches to disaster risk management (DRM) in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, the study highlights the Mediterranean’s multidimensional vulnerabilities — from water scarcity and urbanisation to conflict and governance fragility. It examines the role of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in fostering cross-border cooperation and advancing a shared framework for prevention, preparedness, and recovery. Particular attention is given to the integration of technology and early warning systems, including artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems (GIS), to enhance forecasting, risk assessment, and decision-making. At the same time, the study underscores the importance of inclusive strategies that involve marginalised communities, refugees, and displaced populations in disaster planning and recovery. Ultimately, the study argues that regional cooperation, technological innovation, and inclusive governance are essential to safeguarding communities and achieving long-term resilience. It calls for a renewed EU–Southern Neighbourhood partnership, leveraging mechanisms like the UCPM and the Pact for the Mediterranean to build a more cohesive and people-centred approach to crisis management.
- Topic:
- Regional Cooperation, Natural Disasters, Crisis Management, Innovation, and Resilience
- Political Geography:
- Mediterranean and Europe
224. Preventing Corruption in Africa’s Transition Mineral Supply Chains
- Author:
- Susannah Fitzgerald, Aaron Sayne, Mohamed Cisse, and Moise Liboto Makuta
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)
- Abstract:
- The current increasing attention to Africa’s mineral resources could attract much needed investment to the continent or power broader development goals, but many citizens view the prospect of a new mining boom with suspicion. The sector has become synonymous with harmful and costly corruption, often perpetrated by wealthy elites and foreign companies who are able to avoid its worst impacts. At the same time, anticorruption actors should be alert to new or shifting dynamics, such as the greater emphasis on value addition, or challenges around access to financing. They should also devote more attention to issues that have long been overlooked, such as the intersection between corruption and other types of harm in the mining sector. Failure to properly address corruption and its causes and consequences will only lead to more harm and instability, both for African countries and across the mineral supply chains needed to power the green transition. Tackling these issues effectively requires a deep understanding of the specific nature of corruption in each country, yet the drivers of corruption often have global roots. Long-lasting solutions to corruption must therefore be a shared responsibility between African leaders, decision-makers in major market jurisdictions, multilateral actors such as the African Union and the African Development Bank, companies across the supply chain, investors and the donor community. Addressing this corruption is therefore crucial, to avoid the injustices of the past. Many of the risks are well known, surrounding political access and civic space, licensing and contracting processes for mining projects, the role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and processes for collecting revenues from the sector. This means that there are important lessons to learn from the efforts of reformers across the continent and beyond to tackle these harms.
- Topic:
- Corruption, Accountability, Transparency, Supply Chains, Energy Transition, and Critical Minerals
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa
225. Measure to Manage MENA National Oil Companies’ Methane Emissions Reduction Commitments
- Author:
- National Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)
- Abstract:
- As methane emissions gain greater global attention and financing becomes increasingly tied to climate performance, the participation of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) national oil companies (NOCs) in global frameworks and initiatives is expected to grow. However, this will likely be at a different pace due to differing capacity and objectives of each NOC in the region. NOCs integrated into global financial markets are more likely to participate in multiple international climate initiatives and adopt ambitious. In contrast, isolated NOCs are slower to act unless driven by government mandates or policy priorities. NOCs’ methane abatement strategies can differ significantly than those of international oil companies (IOCs) due to differences in their ownership structures, regulatory environments, operational priorities and access to capital and technology. Most MENA NOCs operate largely within domestic regulatory frameworks which may be less stringent on methane emissions, especially in developing countries. Often, these NOCs prioritize economic growth and energy security over environmental or climate concerns. The lack of consistent and reliable methane emissions data from some NOCs presents a significant barrier to effective abatement. Without accurate baseline measurements, it is difficult to identify priority sources, track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation efforts. Such data gaps can undermine transparency, making it challenging for stakeholders—including regulators, investors and international partners—to assess performance or offer targeted support.
- Topic:
- Fossil Fuels, Methane, Carbon Emissions, and National Oil Companies
- Political Geography:
- Middle East and North Africa
226. Amid global challenges and the need for strong governance: JETP as a potential driver of Senegal’s energy transition
- Author:
- Aida Diop, Abdoulaye Ba, Papa Daouda Diene, and Elimane Haby Kane
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)
- Abstract:
- In an uncertain global context and facing urgent challenges in electricity access, the deployment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) offers Senegal a unique opportunity to build a clear and coherent public policy for its energy transition. To meet these challenges and succeed in its energy transition, Senegal must establish a robust, inclusive, and cross-sector governance framework to guide the JETP’s deployment. This governance effort should be supported by effective public communication that reaches the most affected communities, providing the initiative with visibility and legitimacy. Repositioned strategic coordination, backed by strengthened interministerial leadership and an expanded, sustained steering committee (COPIL), is essential for an effective and inclusive energy transition.
- Topic:
- Gas, Renewable Energy, Fossil Fuels, and Energy Transition
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Senegal, and Sub-Saharan Africa
227. From Mine to Market: Using Traceability to Fight Mineral Sector Corruption
- Author:
- National Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)
- Abstract:
- In the global rush for transition minerals, the path from mine to market may become a corridor of corruption. It’s a journey where smuggled minerals vanish, illicit funds are laundered, and communities are left behind. Traceability, then, isn’t just about tracking a product for commercial reasons; it’s about how it can be used to build responsible and resilient value chains. This two-page briefing explains how traceability systems can help identify corruption risks in mineral supply chains and support stronger due diligence. It outlines practical ways companies, governments and civil society can use traceability data to detect red flags, strengthen transparency and promote accountability—from mine to market.
- Topic:
- Corruption, Markets, Mining, Energy Transition, and Traceability
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
228. Hague Summit Series: Recalibrating Relations with Russia
- Author:
- Katarzyna Zysk
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
- Abstract:
- At their 2024 Summit in Washington, NATO leaders reiterated that Russia “remains the most significant and direct threat” and that “the possibility of an attack against Allies’ sovereignty and territorial integrity” could not be excluded. They committed to reassess and overhaul NATO’s strategy and policy towards Russia in the light of the radically altered security environment.[1] In the run-up to the Hague Summit, debates have intensified over whether to declare the 1997 NATO–Russia Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security (NRFA) void.[2] Russia’s blatant violations of the act, including repeated acts of military aggression, extensive nuclear coercion and escalation in the grey-zone, large-scale military build-up, and, in particular, its brutal war against Ukraine have made the document increasingly untenable as a foundation for mutual relations. Moscow has openly declared itself at war with the west for years, yet it has simultaneously exploited the reassurance measures embedded in the document to undermine NATO’s security and cohesion.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Defense Policy, NATO, and Russia-Ukraine War
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, and United States of America
229. Russia and the Red Sea since 2022: Militarised Foreign Policy or Strategy of Conflict?
- Author:
- Ivan Ulises Klyszcz
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
- Abstract:
- Accounting for over 10% of world trade, the Red Sea is an essential waterway and a chokepoint for international shipping. Piracy, instability, and inter-state conflict are long-term challenges that have kept regional and extra-regional powers engaged in contributing to the security of the area. Since 19 October 2023, the Red Sea attacks on commercial shipping by the Yemen-based Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) have only raised the stakes. In this context, Russian engagements with the region deserve scrutiny. Crucially, between January 2022 and August 2024, Russia’s share of the total oil transit through the Suez Canal jumped from just above 0% to almost 70%.[1] Moscow’s reported support for the Houthi movement, its search for a naval base on the Red Sea shores, and its broader military diplomacy raise questions about the Kremlin’s intentions in the area. What is Russia’s approach to the Red Sea? How does it fit into Moscow’s broader aggressive foreign policy?
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Piracy, Conflict, Houthis, and Shipping
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Yemen, and Red Sea
230. Hague Summit Series: NATO-Ukraine
- Author:
- Tony Lawrence
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
- Abstract:
- Russia's war in Ukraine shows few signs of ending. Across Europe, there is a widely held view that the outcome of the war will be critically important to determining the continent's future security: Ukraine must prevail. This view, however, does not appear to be shared by the second Trump administration which, after a brief attempt to negotiate a (unjust) solution, seems unable to deliver on the president's campaign promise to bring peace, in particular if this involves being tough on Russia. Differences between the US and most European Allies regarding both the conditions for ending the war and Ukraine's longer-term integration into Euro-Atlantic security structures present one of the greatest dangers to the transatlantic relationship in the years ahead. More immediately, uncertainty about how to handle these differences presents the greatest risk that NATO's forthcoming summit in The Hague will not be seen as a success.
- Topic:
- NATO, European Union, Peace, Armed Conflict, Military Aid, and Russia-Ukraine War
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Ukraine, and United States of America
231. Hague Summit Series: The Central Issue. Defence Spending
- Author:
- Felix Gasper
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
- Abstract:
- In 2014, the NATO Allies agreed that within a decade, they would spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence. Following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and war in the Donbas, and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Allies have focused more on strengthening their military posture. Donald Trump's insistence that Europe should take larger responsibility for its own security and the doubts he has sown regarding America’s commitment to its NATO obligations have strengthened European resolve and emphasised the need for the continent to foster greater military independence, including from the US. Trump’s vigorous return to these ideas at the start of his second term will make defence spending, in particular the Secretary General’s proposal for a new NATO target, the key agenda item for The Hague Summit.
- Topic:
- Security, Defense Policy, NATO, and Defense Spending
- Political Geography:
- Europe, North America, and United States of America
232. Hague Summit Series: Trump and the Rebalancing of NATO
- Author:
- Joshua C. Huminski
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
- Abstract:
- The perception that the US has turned its back on or is in the process of separating from Europe and continental defence and security is certainly understandable. Naturally, there is a focus on the noise of President Donald Trump’s rhetoric rather than the signal of his policy intentions. While there remains and will remain significant transatlanticism at nearly every level of government, Congress, and across the ecosystem of policy institutions and industry, there is a growing appreciation of the drivers of the president’s policies within these circles. In many ways, the Trump agenda towards NATO is a practical recognition of new realities, and more a long overdue re-balancing of the transatlantic relationship to reflect the administration’s geostrategic worldview and domestic priorities.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, NATO, European Union, and Donald Trump
- Political Geography:
- Europe and United States of America
233. Hague Summit Series: The EU-NATO Relationship
- Author:
- Marianne Paire
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
- Abstract:
- The return of great power competition and the weakening of the international order have produced significant threats to Europe's security. Most urgently, Russia's aggression has brought large-scale war to Ukraine and Russia into a hybrid confrontation with Ukraine's western allies. At the same time, the US seems ready to reduce its commitment to Europe's security and even to be hostile towards its long-standing partners and the values they defend.[1] This deteriorating geopolitical situation should encourage greater synergies between NATO and the EU, the two main organisations that deal with security and defence in Europe.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, NATO, European Union, Strategic Competition, Russia-Ukraine War, and Great Powers
- Political Geography:
- Europe
234. Francophonie: A Subtle Response to Revisionist Powers
- Author:
- Arthur Leveque and Justin Leveque
- Publication Date:
- 05-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- International Centre for Defence and Security - ICDS
- Abstract:
- The Organisation de la Francophonie (OIF) has long been a platform where France can reach out to its partners outside Europe. President Emmanuel Macron’s appearance at the latest 2024 Villers-Cotterêts OIF summit testifies to his willingness to defend a French concept of globalisation based on “a diplomacy that stands for sovereignty and territorial integrity” without “double standards.”[1] President Macron reiterated the outward vision of his government, extending his foreign policy to that of the entire Francophonie—seen as a French “area of influence.” The French president declaimed his resolute support for nations whose sovereignty and territorial integrity are in jeopardy, such as Ukraine, Armenia, Lebanon, and the Indo-Pacific countries. Undoubtedly, his speech was addressed to both his non-European partners tempted to apply double standards when Ukraine is mentioned and to revisionist powers like Russia and China.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Globalization, and Partnerships
- Political Geography:
- Europe and France
235. Parameters to Assess Escalation Risks in Space
- Author:
- Nivedita Raju
- Publication Date:
- 02-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
- Abstract:
- Space-enabled services are critical for various civilian and military purposes. Current military uses of space—for example, in the Russia–Ukraine War—indicate several avenues for unpredictability and ambiguity, which can increase potential for escalation, both in space and on earth. Yet, there is no common understanding of escalation risks in the international community. This SIPRI Research Policy Paper identifies four parameters to assess escalation risks in the space domain: the target, the capability used, the effect and the consequences. These parameters can help establish a standardized approach to assess whether an attack is escalatory. Based on current trends that undermine predictability and transparency in space activities, these parameters inform recommendations to minimize escalation risks. These recommendations include proposals to limit attacks on high-value strategically significant space systems; undertake exchanges on critical infrastructure; characterize acts that are especially escalatory; to enhance resilience of space-based services for civilians; and to build a typology that identifies potential harms. The recommendations also demand further action from states to implement and enforce international law governing space activities and to engage with commercial actors to raise awareness and clearly establish their accountability.
- Topic:
- Security, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Disarmament, Space, Risk Assessment, and Nuclear Security
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
236. From Silos to Synergies: Partnering for Social Cohesion in the Sahel
- Author:
- Simone Bunse, Caroline Delgado, and Rachel Blair
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
- Abstract:
- The Sahel Resilience Partnership (SRP) is a German government-funded initiative that unites two United Nations entities and Germany’s international development agency to address converging crises in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The SRP is an example of the operationalization of the humanitarian–development–peace (HDP) nexus. The partners use coordinated, multisectoral programming covering food and nutrition security, climate-resilient ecosystems, social services and conflict resolution to enhance resilience to shocks and foster social cohesion. Key strengths include a multilevel steering structure and an adaptable joint regional plan. However, the SRP faces persistent operational challenges, notably navigating political instability and governance issues in the Sahel. Additionally, coordinating across agencies with different mandates, budgets, timelines and set-ups complicates efforts to achieve thorough geographical and programmatic convergence. The SRP and other organizations at the HDP nexus need to deepen complementarity, proactively share data and—where possible—seek operational convergence at the village level.
- Topic:
- Security, Governance, International Development, Peace, Social Cohesion, and Resilience
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Germany, and Sahel
237. Solar Power and Environmental Peacebuilding in South-central Somalia
- Author:
- Ann-Sophie Böhle and Kheira Tarif
- Publication Date:
- 02-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
- Abstract:
- In Somalia, widespread energy poverty and a heavy reliance on conventional energy sources are deeply linked to ongoing conflict dynamics. Dependence on firewood and charcoal worsens environmental degradation and intensifies competition over natural resources. These challenges are further exacerbated by the effects of climate change and limited access to basic services. To address these interconnected challenges, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia is advancing rural electrification through solar power as part of a broader environmental peacebuilding strategy. This SIPRI Policy Brief explores how the IOM’s approach to solar power and the facilitation of local public–private partnerships (PPPs) can support environmental peacebuilding at three levels: the community level, the local business level and the district council level. By creating local PPP agreements to implement solar power projects, the initiatives aim to foster cooperation, reduce resource-based tensions and strengthen government legitimacy in south-central Somalia. The brief shares learnings from early implementation stages and provides recommendations for donors and implementing organizations seeking to enhance the peacebuilding potential of solar energy projects.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Development, Environment, Solar Power, and Peacebuilding
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Somalia
238. Strengthening the OSCE’s Climate Security Agenda
- Author:
- Emma Hakala and Florian Krampe
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
- Abstract:
- Despite a clear mandate from the December 2021 Stockholm Ministerial Council Decision on Strengthening Co-operation to Address the Challenges Caused by Climate Change, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE) approach is yet to reach its full potential. An analysis of the current strategy shows that while the OSCE has strengths, such as a comprehensive security mandate and a grassroots presence through its field operations, its effectiveness is undermined by weaknesses, such as geopolitical distractions, a tendency to focus on general environmental work rather than security and poor integration between headquarters and field missions. To strengthen its work, the OSCE should frame climate change as a cross-dimensional security risk, create an annual integrated climate and environmental security assessment and improve internal cooperation. These actions would better prepare the organization for a changing security landscape.
- Topic:
- Security, Climate Change, Development, and OSCE
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
239. Security Cooperation between Japan and the Nordic States in Uncertain Times
- Author:
- Fei Su, Jingdong Yuan, and Jiayi Zhou
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
- Abstract:
- Amid rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty, security dynamics between Japan and the Nordic states are evolving. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Japanese and Nordic security concerns have increasingly converged. Security cooperation between the two regions has expanded through bilateral initiatives and within broader frameworks such as the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Despite limitations in states’ resources and political will to operate beyond their immediate neighbourhood, there is mutual recognition of the need to engage more actively, individually and collectively, on security matters. This shared awareness provides a foundation for deeper cooperation in support of both regional and global security.
- Topic:
- Bilateral Relations, Threat Perception, and Security Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Japan, Europe, Asia, and Nordic Nations
240. Climate Change, Human Mobility and Security
- Author:
- Kheira Tarif
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
- Abstract:
- This SIPRI Policy Brief explores the connected challenges of climate change, human mobility and security, highlighting how fragmented policies and misconceptions—such as the myth of mass climate migration—hinder effective responses. The brief contributes to addressing this gap by presenting findings on three underexplored dynamics across the mobility spectrum. It finds that urban migration can support adaptation but also strain urban conditions, involuntary immobility can heighten people’s vulnerabilities, and poorly designed climate action can lead to displacement, inequality or unrest. These dynamics show that governance determines the security outcomes of human mobility. To address this, the policy brief calls for safe, rights-based migration that facilitates climate adaptation; support for the most vulnerable, immobile populations; and people-led, democratic climate action.
- Topic:
- Security, Climate Change, Governance, and Mobility
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus