Programm: Peace & Conflict

Raw materials, rebellion, Rwanda: The multilateral crisis in eastern DR Congo and its global implications

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The ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is driven by a deadly interplay of armed rebellion, failed state institutions, and international complicity. The M23 militia’s recent takeover of Goma underscores the Congolese army’s systemic weakness, rooted in colonial legacies and decades of authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, over 7.8 million people are displaced, and international humanitarian aid has sharply declined. Rwanda’s renewed military backing of M23 reveals how ethnic narratives, security concerns, and economic interests – especially in mineral-rich areas – intertwine to perpetuate conflict. Despite evidence of illegal Rwandan involvement, European nations continue to invest in Rwanda’s mineral supply chains, effectively financing armed actors while underfunding the DRC. This double standard undermines the EU’s credibility and highlights broader geopolitical shifts that have accelerated since the U.S. scaled back its international commitments under the Trump administration. A sustainable solution requires Europe to align its values with its actions—through sanctions, supply chain oversight, military reform assistance, and robust civil society support. Only a coherent and value-driven EU policy can help break the cycle of exploitation and conflict in the Great Lakes region.

The Unfinished Breakaway: Why Somaliland Matters to Global Stability

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Until today, no government or international organisation has officially recognised the independence of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Fearing to fuel other secessionist movements on the Continent, the African Union and other actors are hesitant to take any action. However, Somaliland functions with greater political stability and democratic governance than Somalia itself.

The High Cost of Ignoring Nagorno-Karabakh: How Unresolved Grievances and Geopolitical Interests Fuel Future Conflict

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Nagorno-Karabakh may have fallen to Azerbaijan in 2023, but the conflict is far from over. Decades of ethnic tensions and geopolitical power plays have left deep scars that continue to unfold in regional and international courts today, while over 100,000 Karabakh-Armenians remain displaced. The EU’s failure to act decisively – prioritizing energy security over humanitarian responsibility – has only exacerbated the situation. This blog post explores how colonial decisions, geopolitical maneuvering, and international inaction led to today’s status quo. Looking ahead, the risk of renewed conflict, particularly over Azerbaijan’s ambitions for the Zangezur corridor, remains high, threatening further instability in the South Caucasus with lasting consequences for regional and European security.

Yemen beyond the Houthis

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In October 2023, when the Houthis launched missile strikes on Israel, Yemen briefly made headlines. Yet, the ongoing humanitarian disaster – 12 million children in urgent need of aid and over 20 million relying on international assistance – continues to be overlooked. This report dives into the complex web of actors driving Yemen’s protracted conflict, from foreign interventions to fractured governance and rising extremism.

Between Neocolonialism and Jihad: The Overlooked Conflict in Burkina Faso

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The ongoing crisis in Burkina Faso, which has been largely neglected by the international (western) community has deep roots in a combination of jihadist extremism, political instability and lasting colonial legacies. While deeply intertwined with the broader regional conflict in the Central Sahel, Burkina Faso grapples with a distinct internal crisis. Since the surge in violence from local and international jihadist groups in the country, millions of civilians have been displaced and exposed to extreme violence. The government has been unable to secure the country – neither with the support of former French nor the current Russian troops. The two military coups in 2022 further destabilised the country, while a geopolitical shift away from France and the West in general towards Russia highlighted the shifting political sentiment within the country and its ruling military junta. The developments paint the story and future of a country struggling for sovereignty and stability while constituting a geopolitical pawn of external powers and jihadist groups in the battle for power and resources. As armed jihadist groups and the Burkinabé military fight for supremacy at the expense of the civilian population, the crisis in Burkina Faso has become one of the most neglected conflicts in the world.

From Interests to Ignorance: How the Sudanese revolution fell into the hands of power politics

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When we talk about ‘forgotten’ or ‘ignored’ conflicts, we must recognize the bias entailed in this phrasing. It is a Eurocentric view, that considers a conflict or war to be ignored, unless ‘the West’ pays sufficient attention to it. The civil war in Sudan has neither been ignored by local populations and civil society groups in Sudan striving for civilian and democratic governance, nor by external actors who capitalize on the conflict to advance their own interests and power. In the case of Sudan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Russia are particularly eager to increase their diplomatic and military influence and wealth – on the backs of the Sudanese people.

Why Some Conflicts Are Ignored, Not Forgotten: The Legacy of Colonialism and Power Politics

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Conflicts like those in Sudan, Haiti, and Burkina Faso remain largely ignored, despite global access to information. These are not “forgotten” conflicts – they’re intentionally neglected due to colonial history shaping current political interests. As Germany approaches its election, it is critical to address these ignored crises. Our upcoming blog series on Ignored Conflicts explores why these issues remain sidelined and how the new government must act. Join us as we uncover these hidden narratives and rethink how the world engages with its most pressing challenges.

Finding Peaces III – Frieden und Mental Health

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Ein Veranstaltungsbericht von Lina-Marie Ludewig   09.09.23    Trigger-Warnung: In dem vorliegenden Beitrag werden Inhalte thematisiert, die einige Personen möglicherweise als verstörend oder belastend empfinden könnten (z.B. Thematisierung von Gewalt, sexualisierter Gewalt, Suizid, Rassismus und andere Formen von Diskriminierung).    Am 26. Januar 2023 veranstaltete die Polis180-Arbeitsgruppe “Frieden & Konflikt” das dritte Event ihrer Finding … Weiterlesen …

From the ashes of wishful thinking: Living up to the new world of power politics

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine has made one thing clear: power politics is back on the table. Unfortunately, we seem unprepared for it. The commitment to peaceful means, wishful thinking, and institutional complacency have made the German public largely ignorant to strategic considerations. That needs to change.

A comment by Christoph M. Abels, Maximilian Schranner, Cara Thielen, David Weyl

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