@namanhabtom
Foreign and Security Policy Researcher/Writer/Editor | Non-Resident Fellow at the Quincy Institute | PhD in History from Cambridge University Interests include: Neutrality, Diplomacy, Mercenaries, Warfare, & Military Coups
"An international treaty on neutrality that clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of neutral states, as well as how others should engage with them, could reduce inconsistencies in how neutrality is interpreted, lower the risk of conflict, and restore trust in international norms. "
My latest article on why a global treaty on neutrality is vital.
"Without a treaty, neutrality risks becoming merely an opportunistic tool. With one, neutrality can be revitalized and become a building block for global security in the 21st century."
responsiblestatecraft.org/neutrality-t...
Unpaywalled link: archive.ph/hByb1
"The ever-expanding BRICS+ group, alongside members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, now have a genuine opportunity to help define a new era of international security. The African Union, meanwhile, has gained decades of experience by conducting its own peacekeeping missions."
"Meanwhile, deploying a “NATO minus America” force near Russian troops would not only be unacceptable to the Kremlin but also potentially lead the Russian government to double down on its demands that Ukraine be excluded from any sort of Euro-Atlantic integration."
"In order for any international peacekeeping mission to be successful, it is necessary for parties to the conflict to have working relations with the countries that are sending blue helmets."
European leaders are still talking about sending troops to Ukraine as part of a "reassurance force" consisting of a "coalition of the willing." However, it is not credible. A better solution? Peacekeepers from the Global South, as I wrote for @foreignpolicy.com.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/13/t...
As I write on my blog, Russia's experience in recruiting soldiers and paying for their salaries suggests that the United States and its allies would be hard-pressed to be able to afford similar large-scale voluntary enlistment.
mercenarydiplomat.substack.com/p/can-strong...
As a Ukrainian battlefield victory becomes increasingly unlikely, Western policymakers are again revisiting seizing Russian assets held in Western financial institutions. However, as I wrote exactly one year ago, such efforts could "spark a global backlash."
tlblog.org/western-seiz...