Richard Gowan
@richardgowan1.bsky.social
đ¤ 1969
đĽ 292
đ 333
Program Director, Global Issues and Institutions, at Crisis Group.
reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
about 6 hours ago
The world urgently needs the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. We explain how global economic consequences are mounting around the planet as diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran remains gridlocked.
www.crisisgroup.org/visual-expla...
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
1 day ago
The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz is a contentious element in negotiations to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and an issue of significant interest to countries worldwide. Get to grips with its role in the conflict so far with our new visual explainer.
www.crisisgroup.org/visual-expla...
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The State of the Strait: What Might Come Next in Hormuz
An interactive visual explainer from International Crisis Group on the Strait of Hormuz, its global importance, and what may come next.
https://www.crisisgroup.org/visual-explainers/hormuz/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
3 days ago
NEW VISUAL EXPLAINER | The State of the Strait: The Role of Hormuz in the Middle East War So Far Over three months of conflict, Iran and the U.S. have used the Strait of Hormuz to demonstrate resolve while inflicting economic pain.
www.crisisgroup.org/visual-expla...
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The State of the Strait: What Might Come Next in Hormuz
An interactive visual explainer from International Crisis Group on the Strait of Hormuz, its global importance, and what may come next.
https://www.crisisgroup.org/visual-explainers/hormuz/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
AliVaez.bsky.social
3 days ago
Spoke to @Freedland @guardian about why Trump keeps changing his mind on what to do to end the war.
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
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Trump: the boy who cried âpeaceâ in the Middle East â podcast
This week, as the US-Iran deal remains in a precarious state, Jonathan Freedland speaks to Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group about why Trump keeps changing his mind on what to do to end the war
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/may/29/trump-the-boy-who-cried-peace-in-the-middle-east-podcast
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Foreign Policy
6 days ago
The latest Ebola outbreak underscores a central flaw with the global preparedness model.
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The Next Pandemic Will Come From a Conflict Zone
The latest Ebola outbreak underscores a central flaw with the global preparedness model.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/05/22/ebola-outbreak-congo-uganda-pandemic-preparedness-conflict/
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Jeremy Cliffe
7 days ago
Congrats to my
@ecfr.eu
colleague (and world-renowned Iran expert) Ellie Geranmayeh on this important and timely new publication. The Iran Nuclear Monitor tracks Iranian nuclear activity and screens it against 6 possible scenarios, showing which is most likely. Check it out âŹď¸
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Judah Grunstein
6 days ago
The fact that this (by
@jacobjudah.bsky.social
citing well-regarded analysts like
@yguichaoua.bsky.social
and
@simnasr.bsky.social
) ran within days of our own piece by Corinne Dufka suggests to me that JNIM is strongly pushing the Syria/HTS parallel as a talking point.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
ECFR
6 days ago
đ¨ Weâre hiring in London! ECFR is looking for a Defence & Security Policy Fellow to join its London office and help help shape the debate on Europeâs security architecture in a changing geopolitical landscape. đď¸ Apply by 3 June 2026
https://bit.ly/440pyUN
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Help shape European foreign policy | Career opportunities at ECFR - European Council on Foreign Relations
Join the ECFR team and be part of the future of European foreign policy.
https://bit.ly/440pyUN
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
ECFR
7 days ago
đ¨ Weâre hiring in Berlin! đ Interested in public opinion, polling, and European foreign policy? ECFR is looking for a Data & Polling Working Student to join its Berlin office from September 2026 to June 2027. đď¸ Apply by 3 June 2026
https://bit.ly/440pyUN
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Help shape European foreign policy | Career opportunities at ECFR - European Council on Foreign Relations
Join the ECFR team and be part of the future of European foreign policy.
https://bit.ly/440pyUN
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
8 days ago
âI donât like the framing a lot of people use to say this is just a defeat for the U.S., or a win for Iran. This had really turned into a lose-lose dynamic for both sidesâ
@alivaez.bsky.social
speaks to
@nytimes.com
on the possibility of a deal to end the Iran war.
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/w...
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Iran Projects Victory in Potential Deal With Washington
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/world/europe/iran-projects-victory-in-potential-deal-with-washington.html?unlocked_article_code=1.k1A.Dbl1.WSEA2kScWr3B&smid=url-share
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I talk to
@theobserveruk.bsky.social
about the UN SG race. âIf we get a good energetic secretary general, thereâs just a glimmer of hope that they might be able to navigate the storm.â
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
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The Ecuadorian poet hoping to lead the UN â and win over ...
MarĂa Fernanda Espinosa is among five candidates vying to succeed AntĂłnio Guterres and make the organisation relevant again
https://observer.co.uk/news/international/article/the-ecuadorian-poet-hoping-to-lead-the-un-and-win-over-putin-xi-and-trump?utm_campaign=573501_TheObserverWeekend_260426&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dotdigital
15 days ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
19 days ago
NEW REPORT | Shielding the Amazon from Organised Crime The worldâs largest rainforest is under assault as criminal groups wreak havoc on the environment and society. Governments, residents and the private sector all have roles to play in protecting the Amazon.
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A Jungle Heist: Shielding the Amazon from Organised Crime | International Crisis Group
The worldâs largest rainforest is under assault by criminal groups. Seeking routes for drug trafficking and sites for illegal mining, these outfits are wreaking havoc on the environment and society. G...
https://www.crisisgroup.org/rpt/latin-america-caribbean/amazon-brazil-colombia-peru/111-jungle-heist-shielding-amazon-organised-crime?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
19 days ago
NEW COMMENTARY | The Struggle to Pacify Syriaâs Foreign Legions The new government has integrated thousands of foreigners who fought the Assad regime into its state forces. Many Syrians and international partners worry about keeping them under arms.
www.crisisgroup.org/cmt/middle-e...
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
The Dobson Family and Colin the Dalek
24 days ago
I still love the theory a Year 6 child proposed to me that David Attenborough is actually God and he got fed up with people not noticing the amazing things he'd created, so he made documentaries to show off.
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Operation Massive Tantrum.
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25 days ago
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I briefly worked for Louise at the UN. She's incredibly smart and incisive, but above all we finally have a Head of State who was mates with Leonard Cohen.
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27 days ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
I appear - sounding old and resentful of young people - at the start of this new
@foreignpolicy.com
/UNF podcast on the selection of the next UNSG.
open.spotify.com/episode/0DwU...
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What Kind of Leader Does the UN Need Right Now?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DwURRRQEUfsR7vyZzFFuy?si=fLlBzVNMS46NU-U6GJxQ9g&nd=1&dlsi=5a452b9f8c834ab5
about 1 month ago
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"China does not have to do much to gain more influence around the UN when the US is pulling back. Beijing gains credibility and influence by default." Me to
@passblue.bsky.social
.
passblue.com/2026/05/04/h...
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How China Is Winning at the UN Without Even Trying - PassBlue
How China Is Winning at the UN Without Even Trying - PassBlue
https://passblue.com/2026/05/04/how-china-is-winning-at-the-un-without-even-trying/
27 days ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group LatinoamĂŠrica
28 days ago
âLa ONU ha perdido mucha credibilidad como instituciĂłn de paz en un momento en que las guerras van en aumento y el Consejo de Seguridad se encuentra regularmente estancado sobre cĂłmo reaccionar ante conflictos importantesâ, dijo
@richardgowan1.bsky.social
a
@elpais.com
.
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Naciones Unidas busca pacificador en jefe ante un mundo plagado de conflictos
El prĂłximo secretario general de la ONU deberĂĄ desempeĂąar un papel mĂĄs proactivo en la resoluciĂłn de conflictos y las misiones de paz, segĂşn varios expertos
https://elpais.com/internacional/2026-05-04/naciones-unidas-busca-pacificador-en-jefe-ante-un-mundo-plagado-de-conflictos.html
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
28 days ago
đşđł đ As UN member states prepare to select the next Secretary-General, our Executive Director
@savitapawnday.bsky.social
writes that this moment demands bold, politically courageous leadership to restore the UNâs relevance and mobilize action. Read our new commentary âŹď¸
bit.ly/49q0IzY
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The UN's Next Secretary-General Must Choose Courage Over Irrelevance - Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Later this year, UN member states will choose the tenth Secretary-General of the United Nations. In todayâs fractured and volatile world, we need a Secretary-General who will fulfill the mandate with ...
https://bit.ly/49q0IzY
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
PassBlue
about 1 month ago
Washington Struggled to Narrow UN Peace Ops in Volatile South Sudan
passblue.com/2026/04/30/w...
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Washington Struggled to Narrow UN Peace Ops in Volatile South Sudan
https://passblue.com/2026/04/30/washington-struggled-to-narrow-un-peace-ops-in-volatile-south-sudan
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I appear - sounding old and resentful of young people - at the start of this new
@foreignpolicy.com
/UNF podcast on the selection of the next UNSG.
open.spotify.com/episode/0DwU...
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What Kind of Leader Does the UN Need Right Now?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DwURRRQEUfsR7vyZzFFuy?si=fLlBzVNMS46NU-U6GJxQ9g&nd=1&dlsi=5a452b9f8c834ab5
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Anna Mazzola
about 1 month ago
Some useful public speaking tips from Freud here.
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
NYU Center on International Cooperation (CIC)
about 1 month ago
#NewPodcastAlert đť As the #UN Secretary-General race kicks off into high gear this week, tune into the first episode of World Toughest Job, a new series from @foreignpolicy.com + United Nations Foundation. Listen:
regroupplaybook.org/p/what-kind-...
#NewPodcastAlert
#UN
#UNSG
#UN80
#UNReform
#UNSecretaryGeneral
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What Kind of Leader Does the UN Need Right Now?
Episode 1 of the World's Toughest Job podcast
https://regroupplaybook.org/p/what-kind-of-leader-does-the-un-need
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Don't always agree with
@nuclearban.bsky.social
but this is an absolutely key point.
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about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
about 1 month ago
đŠ The Month Ahead | The Xi-Trump Summit: Three Things to Watch
@comfortero.crisisgroup.org
explores the looming meeting in Beijing, and why Chinaâs leader enters talks with a strong hand.
mailchi.mp/crisisgroup....
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
about 1 month ago
đď¸NEW ANALYSTâS NOTEBOOK | Palestinian Authority Claims Success in Local Elections amid Spiralling Crises Amjad Iraqi explains the outcome of municipal elections in the West Bank and in one Gazan city, and why their impact is likely to be limited.
www.crisisgroup.org/anb/middle-e...
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Palestinian Authority Claims Success in Local Elections amid Spiralling Crises | International Crisis Group
Crisis Group expert Amjad Iraqi explains the outcome of municipal elections in the West Bank and in one Gazan city, and why their impact is likely to be limited
https://www.crisisgroup.org/anb/middle-east-north-africa/israelpalestine/palestinian-authority-claims-success-local-elections-amid-spiralling-crises?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
@ghoshworld
about 1 month ago
"External military interventions freeze conflicts instead of resolving them. Both France and Russia prolonged Maliâs agony by providing just enough support to keep dysfunctional governments in power, but never enough to address why people were fighting in the first place."
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And above all it's DAMP SQUIB.
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about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Switzerland UN
about 1 month ago
Farewell meeting between Amb. Pascale Baeriswyl and UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres last week. Thank you to SG Guterres for his collaboration, commitment to multilateralism & dedication to values that matter deeply to đ¨đ. Video recap of Amb. Baeriswylâs tenure in NYC here:
bit.ly/4vUQce0
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Nicholas Whyte ç˝ćç
about 1 month ago
Great
@crisisgroup.org
TĂźrkiye/Cyprus Project photo essay about a frozen conflict that people outside the immediate region tend to forget about. Well done
@dibanigar.bsky.social
and colleagues.
www.crisisgroup.org/phe/europe/c...
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Cyprus: Life on the Divide | International Crisis Group
The island of Cyprus has been divided between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities since 1974. In this photo essay, Crisis Groupâs Jorge GutiĂŠrrez Lucena, Nigar GĂśksel and Natalia Tuzovsk...
https://www.crisisgroup.org/phe/europe/cyprus/cyprus-life-divide?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Comfort Ero
about 1 month ago
Strait of Hormuz closure leading to disproportionate impact on poorer nations: âĄď¸fuel shortages spreading âĄď¸disruption to food supplies + fertiliser; ârisk of malnourishment where agricultural yields have already been hit by climate shocksâ âĄď¸weaker remittance flows
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
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The Iran war shock for developing nations
Poorer countries face a triple whammy of crises in fuel, food and remittances
https://giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/actions/redeem/9dd4c011-f6b3-41ea-8eff-709fe61560ff
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I had a good 10-minute chat with
@nickbryantoz.bsky.social
about the state of the UN Secretary-General race.
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
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Who wants 'the most impossible job in the world'? - ABC listen
It's been called "the most impossible job in the world". Amid wars, the threat of climate change, and other global crises, who wants to be the next Secretary-General of the United Nations? So far, ...
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/saturdayextra/united-nations-secretary-general-candidates/106601250
about 1 month ago
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I talk to
@foreignpolicy.com
about Latin America and the UN.
foreignpolicy.com/2026/04/24/u...
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Latin Americaâs Turn Atop the U.N.?
The next secretary-general is likely to hail from the region.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/04/24/united-nations-secretary-general-argentina-chile-costa-rica/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
PassBlue
about 1 month ago
Why Guterresâs UN Plan to Get Fertilizer Flowing in Hormuz Is Stalling
passblue.com/2026/04/22/w...
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Why Guterresâs UN Plan to Get Fertilizer Flowing in Hormuz Is Stalling
https://passblue.com/2026/04/22/why-guterress-un-plan-to-get-fertilizer-flowing-in-hormuz-is-stalling
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
about 1 month ago
đ¨ Zones de tensions | La nouvelle ĂŠdition de notre newsletter en français vient de sortir. Au menu : succession Ă la tĂŞte de lâONU et menaces jihadistes en Afrique de lâOuest.
us2.campaign-archive.com?e=[UNIQID]&u...
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Frederick Deknatel
about 1 month ago
Ali Vaez: âAt sea, neither Washington nor Tehran is de-escalating so much as testing the limits of coercion. As long as the double blockade stays in place, every interdiction, warning shot or ship seizure becomes a possible trigger for a wider relapse into conflict.â
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
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Air War in Iran Gives Way to Crippling Stalemate in Hormuz
President Trumpâs decision to extend a fragile cease-fire while maintaining his blockade of Iran ushers in a damaging new phase of the conflict.
https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/air-war-in-iran-gives-way-to-crippling-stalemate-in-hormuz-4f083808?st=B38nNC&reflink=article_copyURL_share
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
AliVaez.bsky.social
about 1 month ago
Told @WSJ: This cease-fire is inherently unstable. At sea, neither side is deescalating so much as testing the limits of coercion. As long as the double blockade stays in place, every interdiction, warning shot or ship seizure could trigger conflict.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
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https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/air-war-in-iran-gives-way-to-crippling-stalemate-in-hormuz-4f083808
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Fred Carver
about 1 month ago
In Devex alongside
@benaldson.bsky.social
and
@plataformacipo.bsky.social
teasing a report we've been working on which should be out shortly on the history of the backroom deals that underlie, and sometimes undermine, Secretary-General selections
www.devex.com/news/no-more...
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No more backroom deals at the UN
Opinion: The race for the next U.N. secretary-general must tackle the practice of national monopolies for top U.N. roles for certain member states.
https://www.devex.com/news/no-more-backroom-deals-at-the-un-112353
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I talk to
@afp.com
about the state of the UNSG race.
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
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UN leadership hopefuls stress need for peace and restoring confidence
Contenders for next UN secretary-general made their case this week for a United Nations more invested in peace, but avoided taking positions that could antagonize the member states who will choose the...
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260423-un-leadership-hopefuls-stress-need-for-peace-and-restoring-confidence
about 1 month ago
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Earlier this week I joined friends
@ecfr.eu
to talk about middle powers. The video is here đ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N67W...
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From rupture to re-ordering: Middle powers and Europeâs choices
YouTube video by ECFR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N67WIpvI85M
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Michael Hanna
about 1 month ago
From my colleague Lahib Higel on the political and economic effects of the Iran war on Iraq. The war will likely reshape US-Iraq relations and may hasten plans for downgrading US military and diplomatic engagement.
www.crisisgroup.org/qna/middle-e...
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Iraq in the Vice | International Crisis Group
Despite declaring neutrality in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, Baghdad has been unable to keep Iraq out of the fray. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Lahib Higel explains how the conflict is harming ...
https://www.crisisgroup.org/qna/middle-east-north-africa/iraq-iran-united-states-israelpalestine/iraq-vice
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Foreign Policy
about 1 month ago
The organization needs to once again show that it is serious about its founding mission of solving conflicts.
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Back to Basics at the U.N.
Rather than climate, disease, or artificial intelligence, the next secretary-general should stay focused on conflict resolution.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/04/20/united-nations-secretary-general-blue-helmets-peace-security/
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New from
@crisisgroup.org
's
@fortid.crisisgroup.org
@foreignpolicy.com
- the next UNSG will need to ficus on war and peace.
foreignpolicy.com/2026/04/20/u...
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Back to Basics at the U.N.
Rather than climate, disease, or artificial intelligence, the next secretary-general should stay focused on conflict resolution.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/04/20/united-nations-secretary-general-blue-helmets-peace-security/
about 1 month ago
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Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
about 1 month ago
NEW Q&A | Iraq in the Vice Despite declaring neutrality in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, Baghdad has been unable to keep Iraq out of the fray.
@lahibhigel.bsky.social
explains how the conflict is harming Iraq.
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Iraq in the Vice | International Crisis Group
Despite declaring neutrality in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, Baghdad has been unable to keep Iraq out of the fray. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Lahib Higel explains how the conflict is harming ...
https://www.crisisgroup.org/qna/middle-east-north-africa/iraq-iran-united-states-israelpalestine/iraq-vice?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social
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I tell
@apnews.com
why this year's UNSG race is different to 2016. "There was no real cost associated with losing [in 2016],â Gowan said. "This time around, potential candidates and the governments who sponsor them are much more cautious."
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
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Four candidates for UN secretary-general audition this week. That's far fewer than in 2016
Four candidates to be the next secretary-general of the United Nations will audition for the job this week, far fewer than there were 10 years ago when AntĂłnio Guterres was selected as U.N. chief
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/04/20/un-secretary-general-candidates-bachelet-grossi-grynspan/dedef24e-3c6d-11f1-bb46-ed564688d953_story.html
about 1 month ago
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This looks amazing, and the good news is lard is still available.
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Crisis Group
about 2 months ago
đď¸NEW ANALYSTâS NOTEBOOK | Latest Sudan Conference Shows Diplomacy is Backsliding Crisis Group President
@comfortero.crisisgroup.org
and Horn of Africa Director Alan Boswell reflect on this weekâs Sudan conference in Berlin.
www.crisisgroup.org/anb/africa/s...
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Latest Sudan Conference Shows Diplomacy is Backsliding | International Crisis Group
Crisis Group President Comfort Ero and Horn of Africa Director Alan Boswell reflect on this weekâs Sudan conference in Berlin, which revealed more divi-sion than unity among key external actors
https://www.crisisgroup.org/anb/africa/sudan-egypt-saudi-arabia-united-arab-emirates-united-states/latest-sudan-conference-shows-diplomacy-backsliding?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social
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reposted by
Richard Gowan
Required reading for UNSG candidates - and UN watchers - from
@fortid.crisisgroup.org
@crisisgroup.org
.
www.crisisgroup.org/cmt/global/p...
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Prioritising Peace: What the UN Should Ask of Its Next Secretary-General | International Crisis Group
The race to become the next UN Secretary-General is under way. Whoever gets the post will need to rebuild the organisationâs geopolitical standing on matters of war and peace.
https://www.crisisgroup.org/cmt/global/prioritising-peace-what-un-should-ask-its-next-secretary-general
about 2 months ago
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