In India, many people, particularly men, view Donald Trump as a potential global peacemaker, believing he could prevent conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. This perception is influenced by Trump's rhetoric of "peace through strength" and his previous administration's strong ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Pew Research Center poll shows significant confidence in Trump among Indians, with 51% of men expressing support. Analysts suggest this belief is partly due to India's positive experience with the U.S. during Trump's first term and the narrative spread through social media.
The year 2024 is marked by escalating conflicts and a decline in effective peacemaking, with wars in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and other regions intensifying. Diplomatic efforts are increasingly sidelined as more leaders resort to military means, believing they can act with impunity. The global political landscape is contributing to this trend, with the weakening of international norms against aggression and the rise of assertive non-Western powers. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has entered a new, violent phase, with little hope for peace. The article underscores the need for renewed diplomatic efforts and pragmatic peacemaking to prevent further deterioration and spread of conflicts.
A report highlights the increasing use of sanctions by the U.S. government as a tool of statecraft, but also points out the negative effects they can have on peacemaking efforts. The report recommends that U.S. policymakers align sanctions policy with peacemaking by setting clear objectives, conducting regular reviews, expanding carveouts for peace activities, and addressing private-sector concerns about investment in previously sanctioned jurisdictions. While the Biden administration has taken some steps to address these issues, further reforms are needed to ensure that sanctions are used effectively and do not hinder peace and security goals.
The head of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, has called for a return to peacemaking to curb the growing flow of refugees, as there are now 110 million displaced people around the world. Grandi said that the UN Security Council is broken and needs to restore its capacity to lead and drive peace. He also highlighted the conflict in Sudan, where rival military factions are battling each other, and called for a more sustainable solution like a meaningful ceasefire. Additionally, challenges emanating from climate change are also forcing people to move, and Grandi called for a multilateral approach to tackling the climate crisis.
China's peace envoy, Li Hui, has been urged by the EU to press Russia to withdraw from Ukraine "immediately and unconditionally". Li has received a consistent message during his tour through Europe, which started with a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made a surprise visit to military-run Myanmar on behalf of The Elders, a group of elder statesmen that engages in peacemaking and human rights initiatives around the world. Ban met coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and former President Thein Sein, but did not see elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been jailed since the generals seized power in February 2021. The talks appeared certain to have dealt with Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis, which has led to mass protests and widespread armed resistance.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made a surprise visit to Myanmar on behalf of The Elders, a group of elder statesmen that engages in peacemaking and human rights initiatives around the world. Ban met with top leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and former President Thein Sein, but did not meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been imprisoned since her elected government was ousted by the army in February 2021. The visit appeared certain to have focused on Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis.
