Sep 27, 2019
Central American migrants are seen inside an enclosure where they are being held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in El Paso, Texas on March 27, 2019. Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters

Countering the Erosion of Human Rights

It is seventy-one years since nations came together to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with a vision to forge a more just world. However, previous champions of human rights are reneging on this common goal. These declining commitments globally will lead to more insecurity. Shortsighted actions—in response to concerns such as terrorism and surging migration—will cause far-reaching, long-term harm. To ensure our world is more secure, nations should renew their commitment to the centrality of human rights.

Central American migrants are seen inside an enclosure where they are being held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in El Paso, Texas on March 27, 2019. Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters

It is seventy-one years since nations came together to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with a vision to forge a more just world. However, previous champions of human rights are reneging on this common goal. These declining commitments globally will lead to more insecurity. Shortsighted actions—in response to concerns such as terrorism and surging migration—will cause far-reaching, long-term harm. To ensure our world is more secure, nations should renew their commitment to the centrality of human rights.

Berlin
Oct 30-Nov 1, 2016
SWP

The Council of Councils Ninth Regional Conference

On October 30–November 1, 2016, the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) and CFR convened the ninth Council of Councils regional conference, Regional Security in a Turbulent World, in Berlin, Germany.

SWP
Jun 10, 2022
U.S. President Joe Biden walks off the stage with his back to the camera after speaking during the opening plenary session at the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California on June 9, 2022.

A Region Divided: What Did the Summit of the Americas Accomplish?

Leaders of twenty-three Western Hemisphere countries attended the ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles on June 6–10, with a focus on“Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future.” The summit sought cooperation on shared challenges, including economic recovery, climate change, health, and migration.

U.S. President Joe Biden walks off the stage with his back to the camera after speaking during the opening plenary session at the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California on June 9, 2022.

Leaders of twenty-three Western Hemisphere countries attended the ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles on June 6–10, with a focus on“Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future.” The summit sought cooperation on shared challenges, including economic recovery, climate change, health, and migration.

Apr 23, 2018
A man walks past an official logo the Eighth Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru on April 14, 2018. MARCOS BRINDICCI/REUTERS

The 2018 Summit of the Americas: A Lost Opportunity

The eighth Summit of the Americas, which recently took place in Lima, will soon be forgotten. To many observers, that would be considered a success. Expectations prior to the gathering of thirty-three heads of state from the Western Hemisphere had been so low that an uneventful summit was the best possible outcome. When President Donald J. Trump announced that he would not attend—making him the first U.S.

A man walks past an official logo the Eighth Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru on April 14, 2018. MARCOS BRINDICCI/REUTERS

The eighth Summit of the Americas, which recently took place in Lima, will soon be forgotten. To many observers, that would be considered a success. Expectations prior to the gathering of thirty-three heads of state from the Western Hemisphere had been so low that an uneventful summit was the best possible outcome. When President Donald J. Trump announced that he would not attend—making him the first U.S.

Jun 20, 2017
"Pulse of Europe" supporters hold EU flags in front of the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany May 15, 2017. (Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters)

A Union at Risk: The Future of the European Project

Developments in the past six months have fed perceptions that, while the European Union is not perfect, it is no longer under threat of collapse. The election of the pro-EU French President Emmanuel Macron combined with other electoral setbacks for far-right anti-EU parties can be taken as a sign that the populist wave is now receding. However, this emerging perception could induce a dangerously complacent attitude that EU leaders can ill afford.

"Pulse of Europe" supporters hold EU flags in front of the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany May 15, 2017. (Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters)

Developments in the past six months have fed perceptions that, while the European Union is not perfect, it is no longer under threat of collapse. The election of the pro-EU French President Emmanuel Macron combined with other electoral setbacks for far-right anti-EU parties can be taken as a sign that the populist wave is now receding. However, this emerging perception could induce a dangerously complacent attitude that EU leaders can ill afford.

Jul 03, 2024
A girl plays with a ball decorated as globe in front of buildings during the Global Climate Strike of the Fridays for Future movement in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 20, 2019.

Shared Leadership: What the World Needs Now

Multiple challenges are causing instability and uncertainty around the world. Whether conflict, cyber security, artificial intelligence, climate change, migration, protectionism, financial instability, or terrorism, the challenges are more than any one country can tackle alone. The sensible thing for the world would be to act in concert to meet those challenges. However, countries are finding it difficult to connect with each other and agree on solutions. 

A girl plays with a ball decorated as globe in front of buildings during the Global Climate Strike of the Fridays for Future movement in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 20, 2019.

Multiple challenges are causing instability and uncertainty around the world. Whether conflict, cyber security, artificial intelligence, climate change, migration, protectionism, financial instability, or terrorism, the challenges are more than any one country can tackle alone. The sensible thing for the world would be to act in concert to meet those challenges. However, countries are finding it difficult to connect with each other and agree on solutions.