War, conflict, humanitarian crisis and management of violence

Contemporary conflicts and civil wars present a complex mix of political, ethnic, and economic challenges. From Syria and Yemen to Afghanistan or Ireland, these conflicts often involve state and non-state actors, fueling humanitarian crises and regional instability. The United Nations plays a pivotal role in conflict management, employing peacekeeping missions, mediation, and humanitarian efforts to deescalate violence and support transitions to peace. National and international efforts may complement UN. Regional organizations, such as the African Union and the European Union, work alongside global powers to mediate disputes and implement ceasefires. Diplomatic engagement and bureaucratic elites also underline role of regional and domestic actors in fostering de-escalation. Programs focused on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration help convert warring factions into productive societal roles, while transitional justice mechanisms address grievances fueling the conflict. However, these efforts face significant obstacles, including geopolitical rivalries, funding shortfalls, and difficulties in managing conflict and building peace. The papers in this panel address such difficulties and emphasize the need for strengthening multilateral cooperation, fostering local ownership of peace processes, and addressing root causes such as inequality and political exclusion.