|
Striking a peace deal is a tough task. The first challenge is to get the warring parties round the table. That in itself is often impossible. Three current conflicts - in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan - are cases in point. Next is securing a deal. And then the uncertainty of whether it will hold.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda recently signed a landmark peace agreement to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo. But does the deal have the key ingredients needed for lasting peace? Peace scholar Philipp Kastner unpacks the deal’s strengths and weaknesses, and explains why inclusive processes matter more than ever.
Zohran Mamdani has been capturing headlines after he beat former New York governor Andrew Cuomo - a pillar of the party establishment - in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. Given the copious coverage of his campaign and victory, what more is there to know about him? Iqbal Akhtar takes a deep dive into the Mamdani surname which he says tells a story of migration, resilience and community that spans centuries and continents.
|
Philipp Kastner, The University of Western Australia
A lasting resolution should not be expected when only a few conflict parties have concluded an agreement.
|
Iqbal Akhtar, Florida International University
Mamdanis belong to the Khoja community, who were categorized by the British in the early 19th century as “Hindoo Mussalman” because their traditions spanned both religions.
|
|
|
-
Laura Wilcox, University of Reading; Bjørn H. Samset, Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo
A new study shows how polluted air could have been masking the full effects of global warming.
-
Rafael R. Ioris, University of Denver
US president’s letter to Brazilian counterpart mentioned trade deficit. But don’t be fooled, these tariffs are political rather than economic.
-
Brian P. McCullough, University of Michigan
Big sports events face a sustainability conundrum: They’re under pressure to grow bigger, but at the same time, their athletes are dealing with increasingly dangerous heat and shorter snow seasons.
|
|
Michael J. Socolow, University of Maine
Will costly settlements over news stories the president sued about influence network journalists when deciding whether to pursue investigative stories involving the Trump administration?
|
Johann van Niekerk, University of South Africa
Guineafowl don’t rely on cuddling for warmth like other species. They rely on flexible behavioural responses to survive harsh climates.
|
