In a world marked by increasing violence and strained multilateralism, innovative approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding are more critical than ever. The Europa-Kolleg Hamburg presents ten groundbreaking policy papers authored by early career professionals as part of the #FOTAR2024 Scholarship Programme.

These policy papers address pressing global challenges, including Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, and enduring conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, and Yemen. Against the backdrop of the 2024 US presidential election—a pivotal moment with global implications for peace and security—these young scholars explore bold solutions to some of the most urgent issues of our time.

Key Themes and Insights

The policy papers, written following an in-depth workshop held in Hamburg focus on three critical issue areas:

1. Prospects for Conflict Resolution Post-2024 US Election: How shifts in US foreign policy might influence global conflicts, particularly in Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond.
2. Gender Equality and Peacebuilding Futures: The international impact of US domestic policies on reproductive rights and the implications for feminist foreign policies.
3. Revitalizing the UN’s Role: Strategies to strengthen multilateral cooperation and peace operations in an era of geopolitical competition.

These policy papers underscore the necessity for innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approaches to international peacebuilding. The scholars’ work reflects a diversity of perspectives and a shared commitment to addressing complex global challenges.