The podcast discusses the surge in violent conflicts worldwide, including conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ethiopia. It explores the breakdown of international trust and norms, the challenges of conflict resolution, and the role of major geopolitical tensions. The episodes also touch on the complexities of outside actors in conflict mediation and the importance of cohesive strategies for resolution.
Growing global conflicts highlight the failure of international norms and the rise of great power politics.
Sudan's conflict complexities pose strategic risks with potential for escalation and regional spillover effects.
Challenges in the Sahel region stem from governance issues, necessitating a holistic approach to prevent conflict.
Deep dives
Global Trends in Conflict
The podcast episode discusses the current global landscape of conflict, pointing out that more people died in fighting worldwide last year than in any year since the end of the Cold War. The guest, Comfort Arrow, highlights the breakdown in international norms and principles that were aimed at conflict resolution and mitigation. The episode emphasizes the impact of great power politics and the erosion of trust in the international rules-based order on the escalation of conflicts.
Conflict Analysis: Sudan
The conversation shifts focus to Sudan, highlighting the complex conflict dynamics in the region. The conflict in Sudan, often overshadowed by other global crises, is deemed concerning due to its strategic importance and potential spillover effects. The ongoing power struggle in Sudan following the revolution adds to the humanitarian crisis and raises fears of further escalation into a full-scale conflict.
Challenges in Sahel Region
The discussion delves into the challenges faced in the Sahel region, emphasizing the consequences of a securitized approach to governance issues. The lack of effective governance and disconnect between leadership and citizens contribute to the region's instability. The podcast highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address governance issues and prevent further escalation of conflicts in the Sahel.
Focus on Gaza and Ukraine
The episode shifts attention to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, examining the humanitarian crises and political complexities in both regions. The risk of famine in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscore the urgent need for diplomatic solutions. The conversation touches on the complexities of international responses to conflicts, emphasizing the importance of ceasefire agreements and long-term political strategies to achieve peace.
Prospects for Conflict Resolution
The podcast explores the challenges and prospects for resolving global conflicts amidst structural factors that contribute to instability. While acknowledging the complexities and tensions in multilateral efforts, there is optimism in the space for dialogue and cooperation on key issues like climate financing and multilateral reform. Despite the hurdles, the episode points to opportunities for constructive engagements and collective action to address conflict prevention and resolution.
More than any time in the last 75 years, we’re living in a world at war. Conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine dominate headlines. But that’s just part of it. Last year, Azerbaijan seized Nagorno-Karabakh, forcing thousands of ethnic Armenians to flee. There’s a full-scale civil war in Myanmar. In Africa, there is war in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Congo, and there have been seven coups on the continent since August 2020.
Comfort Ero, the head of the International Crisis Group, has been tracking these conflicts as closely as anyone. She has watched the international system grow more brittle and less effective at preventing war—and has been doing the hard political work of ending conflict once it breaks out.