Curious about what captivated our audience this year? Here’s your chance to revisit the most popular GCSP articles and publications of 2024 that sparked global discussions and engagement.

These topics not only resonated with our community but also reflect the key conversations that shaped 2024. Dive in to explore or catch up on what you might have missed:

1. Understanding the Crisis of Democracy in West Africa and the Sahel

There have been several coup d’états in West Africa and the Sahel in recent years, raising concerns about the future of democracy. The question is, why is democracy in crisis and military regimes on the rise in these regions? This article written by Dr Olayinka Ajala briefly explores some key issues affecting these processes.

2. Key skills for the five main diplomatic functions

A practical guide to mastering the essential skills that drive diplomacy, from negotiation to representation published by our Associate Fellow, within the Global Fellowship Initiative, Mr Marc Finaud. 

3. The War in Ukraine: Reality Check for Emerging Technologies and the Future of Warfare

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked the beginning of one of the most intense and brutal state-on-state conflicts opposing two modern militaries in recent memory. Through an analysis of the conflict, authors Dr Jean-Marc Rickli and Mr Federico Mantellassi explore how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence impact conflicts of this scale and how relevant they are to current modern warfare.

4. The Wagner Group, Russia’s Foreign Policy and Sub-Saharan Africa

Author Mr Kemal Mohamedou explores how a state is able to use a non-state actor in the projection of its foreign policy aims and the advancement of its international strategic goals, arguing that Russia has made use of the Wagner Group as a tool to further its foreign policy aims in sub-Saharan Africa.

5. Digital Authoritarianism: How Digital Technologies Can Empower Authoritarianism and Weaken Democracy

Safeguarding against the abuses of digital authoritarianism will be a key challenge for 21st-century democracy, as digital technologies have expanded how states can exert societal control. Join Mr Federico Mantellassi to learn more about AI-powered surveillance and the information ecosystem.

6. How Kurdish Women Are Transforming and Democratising the Middle East

Authored by Dr Shilan Fuad Hussain, this article highlights the transformative role of Kurdish women in the Middle East. From leading military forces like the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) to advancing gender equality and democracy, Kurdish women are reshaping societal norms and promoting peace and inclusivity in a historically patriarchal region.

7. Developing Anticipatory Governance Capacities in Ministries of Foreign Affairs

Using strategic foresight in ministries of foreign affairs (MFAs) involves employing a portfolio of approaches for anticipating futures across different time horizons, as part of what is institutionally becoming known as anticipatory governance. In "Developing Anticipatory Governance Capacities in Ministries of Foreign Affairs" by authors Oliver Jutersonke and Emily Munro, discover how MFAs can nurture an enabling environment for the pursuit of strategic foresight to prepare for what may lie ahead.

8. Delay, Detect, Defend: Preparing for a Future in which Thousands Can Release New Pandemics

This paper by Kevin Esvelt discusses ways to safeguard civilisation from the misuse of biotechnology, as current trends indicate the possibility of crucial information coming into the hands of individuals who could single-handedly cause new pandemics. 

9. The Chief Geopolitical Officer: Guiding Business in a Polarised Global Era

Decades of economic globalisation have often pushed geopolitical concerns to the margins of business strategy. In this latest Strategic Security Analysis, authors Jean-Marc Rickli and Richard Lukacs emphasise the critical need for businesses to integrate geopolitical considerations into boardroom discussions. They argue for creating a Chief Geopolitical Officer role to help organisations navigate an increasingly polarised and unpredictable global landscape effectively.

10. Perspectives for the War in Ukraine

The War in Ukraine has had far-reaching repercussions affecting practically every aspect of our lives and impacting far beyond the European continent. In this article, author Ambassador Thomas Greminger assesses the situation on the battlefield, before offering a few scenarios for how the conflict could evolve in the coming months. In addition, hear about what has been called “Plan B”-thinking in the expert community.
 

Thank you for making 2024 a year of impactful discussions and exploration. Stay engaged as we continue to deliver thought-provoking insights in 2025!