Geneva Policy Outlook

Special Geneva Policy Outlook Report on Financing International Organisations: A 20-Year Analysis (2000-2020)

Editorial: The Geneva Policy Outlook 2024

Reversing the decline of diplomacy

Diplomacy as an instrument for dealing with the world’s biggest problems is in decline. David Harland underlines that the world must reverse this trend by accepting a hierarchy of interests, rediscovering compromise and pragmatism, and working through hybrid diplomacy.

Towards a new multilateralism: Lessons from the Global Refugee Forum

A dedicated movement, a cross-sector approach, and ongoing minilateralism are key features of a new multilateralism. Reflecting on the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, Filippo Grandi argues that pledges can be turned into action through adequate funding and a holistic and humane view of displacement.

BRICS: Towards a new era of global governance

The 2023 BRICS Johannesburg Summit could harbinger a new foundation for coalition diplomacy. Jamil Chade describes the implications of the Summit for UN Security Council reforms, breaking the dominance of the US dollar, and new negotiation alliances on key global governance issues.

Countering gender trade-offs in multilateral negotiations

The human rights of women, girls and gender minorities should never become trade-offs in geopolitical games. Clair Somerville argues that there is a need for leadership to prevent the instrumentalisation of gender to break consensus-based multilateralism.

Towards better rules to govern pandemics

Stakes are high in 2024 as the new rules to govern pandemics enter the second year of negotiations. Suerie Moon outlines three main obstacles to reaching an international agreement: finding common ground on substantive issues, the form of rules, and the process to get there.

Reimagining the World Trade Organisation: A blueprint for sustainable trade

As the WTO approaches its 30th anniversary, it faces a stark choice: evolve to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century or drift toward the periphery of global governance. The authors argue that WTO members should commit to regearing the global trade system for a sustainable future.

The lay of the stars: Space security today

Space governance is increasingly important worldwide. Ching Wei Sooi explains what drives this trend, and the importance of ensuring that space remains safe, secure, and sustainable. He also sets out the role that International Geneva can play on this emerging topic.

The variable geometry of AI governance

Global tensions, important elections and the growing call for checks and balances on powerful industry players will shape the context for AI governance in 2024. Roxana Radu argues for the importance of finding a common vocabulary, protecting non-digital knowledge and nurturing the voice of academia.

Human rights and war

The time has come for a serious discussion about war and human rights. Andrew Clapham highlights the role of human rights to set out the obligations of parties to the conflicts and how human rights can be an additional instrument to protect civilians in times of war.

Weaponising water in Gaza

This article looks at the war in Gaza through the lens of water. The authors highlight how the fluid nature of water emphasises the importance of territorial sharing mechanisms, and make a case for working towards a special protection of water systems in the rules of war.