Brookings: Topics - Caucasus

The Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since 2004 there have been encouraging trends related to internal displacement. Walter Kälin notes that the use of the Guiding Principles as the relevant framework for protecting IDPs and the development of national and regional laws and policies on internal displacement have been positive trends. However, despite such positive trends, the challenges presented by climate change, the disregard for civilian populations in conflict zones, a shrinking humanitarian space, and protracted displacement situations still remain unchanged.

Turkish-Armenian Traumas

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent reminders have shown Turkey and Armenia to be two traumatized regions in which reconciliation will be difficult. Ömer Taşpınar believes that in order for Armenia to have Western options, it will need Turkey's help, and external conditions between the nations will relieve the weight of historical issues.

Global Trends and Shocks in the National Security Environment: Russia and Eurasia

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this chapter of Fighting Chance, prepared for a September 2007 conference, Steven Pifer assesses potential challenges posed by a more assertive Russia. Pifer examines demographic, societal and economic trends in Russia that could create strategic shocks for the region and world over the next several decades.

Delivering Tough Love to Ukraine, Georgia

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer joined Bernard Gwertzman to discuss Vice President Joseph Biden's recent trip to Ukraine and Georgia and how it was meant to balance President Barack Obama's Moscow summit earlier in the month.

Ukraine’s Geopolitical Choice, 2009

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer analyzes the history of Ukraine’s relations with Russia and the West since the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Pifer also addresses Ukraine’s future geopolitical trajectory in the run-up to the country’s presidential elections in early 2010, and internal problems that will command urgent attention once the political situation in the country stabilizes.

Crisis Between Ukraine and Russia

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer writes that continuing political turmoil in Ukraine and tense relations between Kiev and Moscow have increased the potential for Ukraine to tumble into crisis with Russia. Pifer examines how a crisis may be triggered and offers suggestions how to reduce the chances as well has how to manage one should it occur.

Protracted Displacement in Europe

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over the last few years, the internal displacement situation in Europe has remained stagnant. Europe continues to have more than 2.5 million IDPs, over 99% of whom find themselves in situations of protracted displacement. In order to improve the situation of IDPs in Europe, Walter Kälin argues that both the adoption of the Draft Resolution before the Parliamentary Assembly as well as a national laws and policies "would radically change the fate of these forgotten people."

Mass Displacement Caused by Conflicts and One-Sided Violence

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Massive displacement of people within and across borders has become a defining feature of the post-cold war world. It is also a major feature of human insecurity in which genocide, terrorism, egregious human rights violations and appalling human degradation wreak havoc on civilians. Though there has been a critical shift in thinking at the international level with regards to forced displacement, Cohen and Deng argue that concepts of sovereignty as responsibility and the responsibility to protect remain far ahead of international willingness and capacity to enforce them.

Engaging Ukraine in 2009

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ukraine and Ukrainians will be tested over the course of 2009. Anders Åslund, Jonathan Elkind and Steven Pifer discuss U.S. interests in a successful Ukraine and describe four key challenges currently facing Kyiv. They also offer recommendations for strengthening U.S.-Ukrainian relations and for helping Ukraine to meet these challenges and continue its transformation into a modern, successful European democracy.

Averting Crisis in Ukraine

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer comprehensively analyzes Ukraine's difficulties, related to both domestic conditions and foreign policy, and recommends ways for the United States to encourage Ukraine on a path of stability and integration with the West.

The Future of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this article, Walter Kälin explains that while it is hard to take an objective view on an enterprise in which you have been closely involved, he thinks that it is fair to say that over the last ten years the Guiding Principles have demonstrated their utility and impact but also their limitations.

Frontiers of Europe

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 16, 2008, 9:00 AM to 6:00:00 PM
December 17, 2008, 9:00 AM to 1:45 PM

On December 16-17, 2008, the Brookings Center on the United States and Europe, Yalta European Strategy and the Victor Pinchuk Foundation hosted a high-level conference in Kyiv, Ukraine as part of the “Frontiers of Europe” project.

Protracted Displacement in Europe: Perspectives and Solutions

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While Africa could be considered the continent of internal displacement because it has more than 12 of the roughly 25 million displaced by armed conflict worldwide, Europe, with its estimated 2.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), could be called the continent of protracted displacement, since 99% of Europe's remaining displaced fled their homes some 15-25 years ago. In recent years, some governments have taken important steps to improve their situation, but overall the situation of most IDPs remains a cause for concern.

Disaster Risk Mitigation – Why Human Rights Matter

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Existing human rights obligations, according to Walter Kälin and Claudine Haenni Dale, already require states to take measures to mitigate the risks of natural or man-made disasters — including those due to climate change — and thus to prevent displacement.

Durable Solutions for IDPs in Protracted Situations: Three Case Studies

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though there are important similarities in the impact of prolonged displacement on the lives of IDPs and refugees, there are also significant differences in their situations -- particularly when it comes to solutions. While return is often the desired solution for both IDPs and political actors, Alex Mundt and Elizabeth Ferris argue that local integration and return should not be seen as mutually exclusive alternatives, as they can encourage IDPs to build new lives elsewhere without having to give up the possibility of an eventual return.

From Georgia to Taiwan

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In light of the recent conflict in Georgia, comparisons have been made between U.S. approaches toward Georgia and Taiwan. Richard Bush and Ken Lieberthal argue that the different outcomes illustrate the danger of sending mixed messages, and that American commitment should be carefully shaped around sober analysis of American capabilities and interest and the competing goals and interests of other major players.

What Does Russia Want? How Do We Respond?

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer spoke before the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M to outline Russia's ambitions in the world, and what the U.S. can do to respond. Pifer believes that U.S. policy must be firm and principled, but it must also treat Russia as more of a partner than a problem going forward.

Russia Moved Due to U.S. Weakness

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Benjamin writes that in addition to the regional consequences of the crisis between Georgia and Russia, the conflict presented challenges for U.S. foreign policy. Benjamin argues that Russia's invasion of Georgia is the result of U.S. and European failure to integrate Russia into the Western sphere and points to the lack of a coherent U.S. foreign policy toward Russia overall.

Securing Georgia

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The military conflict between Russia and Georgia over two breakaway regions has subsided, but continues on in strained relations between Russia and western powers, including the United States. Carlos Pascual and Steven Pifer propose a 10-point plan to monitor events on the ground in Georgia, mobilize NATO and the UN, and enforce international law.

Russia and the Future

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the aftermath of the conflict between Russia and Georgia continues to unfold, Michael O'Hanlon offers near-term solutions as well as a longer-term strategy for both countries and the region as a whole. He notes that while Russia's behavior has been inexcusable, the U.S. will still need cooperation on important issues like Iran and North Korea.

Russia's Ominous New Doctrine?

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Strobe Talbott asks whether Russian policy has changed with regard to the permanence of borders. Because of its "rampage" through Georgia, the next U.S. administration will have to reexamine the underlying basis for the whole idea of partnership with Russia and its continuing integration into a rule-based international community.

South Ossetia Conflict Holds Lessons for Kyiv

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the conflict between Russia and Georgia continues, Steve Pifer notes that Russia is playing a serious game within the former Soviet space, and that Ukraine must respond by preparing to deal with the issues. Pifer offers several suggestions for Kyiv to reduce its vulnerability to Russian pressure.

Ukraine and NATO Following Bucharest

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Pifer writes that even though the recent NATO summit in Bucharest did not deliver a memership action plan for Ukraine, the outcome of the meeting was positive because NATO leaders said Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance - something that NATO has never said about a country that had not already received an invitation to join.

Challenges of Stabilization and Reform in the Caucasus

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 07, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

The Center on the United States and Europe and the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies organized and hosted this event on April 6 - 7 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The 2008 Election: Whose Decision is It, Anyway?

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr discusses the rules and strategies behind the U.S. election process and what it means for 2008.

Legal Aspects of Return of Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees to Abkhazia, Georgia

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The conflict in Georgia has created 25 million IDPs living in a protracted displacement situation, particularly in Abkhazia. In exploring the legal aspects of their return, RSG Walter Kälin encourages the government of Georgia and the Abkhaz de facto authorities to implement a three-step strategy put forth in Security Council Resolution 1781 (2007).

Addressing Internal Displacement in Peace Processes, Peace Agreements and Peace-Building

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The displacement of people within their countries has become a defining characteristic of conflicts worldwide, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. Resolving internal displacement is inextricably linked to achieving peace, concludes a Brookings-Bern Project report.

When Displacement Ends: A Framework for Durable Solutions

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

There are at least 24 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world today. They do not have a special legal status that ends at a particular time and, as citizens of the countries where they are displaced, they have every right not to go home even once it is safe to do so. A Framework for Durable Solutions helps to define the situations when it can be said that displacement has ended and those formerly displaced no longer require the specific attention given to them as IDPs.

Developments in the Caucasus

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 04, 2006 at 12:00 AM

Dr. Charles King, associate professor at Georgetown Univerisity's School of Foreign Service and Department of Government, and Dr. Dmitri Trenin, deputy director and senior associate at the Carnegie Moscow Center, offered their insight on political developments throughout the Caucasus region in this forum.

Briefing on Internally Displaced Persons in Armenia and Azerbaijan

Tue, 16 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Roberta Cohen, Congressional Human Rights Caucus (5/16/06)

The World Fiddles as the North Caucasus Simmers

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Sarah Mendelson and Fiona Hill, Financial Times (8/29/05)

Uzbek Fury

Fri, 20 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Fiona Hill, The Wall Street Journal (5/20/05)

Central Asia's Failing State

Mon, 05 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Fiona Hill, The Wall Street Journal (4/5/04)

The Economic Outlook for Eurasia: From Transition to Sustained Growth and Integration?

Wed, 04 Feb 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Johannes F. Linn (2/4/04)

Business Opportunities in Eurasia

Tue, 14 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Speech by Johannes F. Linn, 2nd Annual Eurasia Summit on Economic Development, Energy & Regional Security

Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons

Fri, 10 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

The United States has repeatedly urged the OSCE to address the issue of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, as Cohen points out, OSCE commitments have been slow to develop wtih regard to IDPs.

The OSCE and Internal Displacement in the Caucasus

Tue, 10 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

In the Caucasus region and Turkey today there are more than 2 million persons forcibly uprooted from their homes by conflict and human rights violations, many for 10 years or more. Roberta Cohen argues that the OSCE can play a role in more effectively dealing with internal displacement in the European region.

International Conference on Internal Displacement in the Russian Federation

Fri, 26 Apr 2002 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 26, 2002, 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM

The Brookings-CUNY Project, in collaboration with the Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the NGO, "Partnership on Migration," held a seminar to examine internal displacement in the Russian Federation, discuss the applicability of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and promote more effective response by national, regional and international actors. Participants included representatives from the government, regional and international organizations, local and international NGOs and research institutions.

Roundtable Report, Azerbaijan

Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Report of Roundtable Meeting on GPs and Law in Azerbaijan

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and the Law of the South Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan

Thu, 21 Feb 2002 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 21, 2002, 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM

The South Caucasus are home to home to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons living in protracted situations. The Brookings Project, in collaboration with the Georgian Young Lawyers Association and OSCE/ODIHR, supported a monitoring process in the region by which teams of local lawyers examined the laws and administrative regulations in terms of the Guiding Principles.

Roundtable Report, Georgia

Mon, 18 Feb 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Report of Roundtable on compliance of the legislation of Georgia with the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

Compliance of Legislation of the Republic of Armenia with the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

Mon, 15 Oct 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Report from Round Table on the Compliance of Legislation of the Republic of Armenia with the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

Internal Displacement: A Global Overview

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Internal displacement is truly a global crisis, affecting an estimated 20-25 million people, of which 3-4 million are located in Europe. Though Europe has greater resources than other regions of the world, there is often considerable inconsistency in the extent to which internally displaced persons are provided with protection and assistance. In this statement, Francis Deng assesses the situation of IDPs in Europe and discusses solutions to their situation.

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement: Their Reception Internationally

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT

In the three years since their presentation to the UN Commission on Human Rights, the Guiding Principles have gained significant international recognition and standing. An increasing number of Governments, international organizations, regional bodies and NGOs are basing policies, programs, and legislation on the Guiding Principles. In this statement, Simon Bagshaw discusses why the Guiding Principles have been so well-received in the international community.

Internal Displacement in Europe

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 01, 2001, 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM

The Brookings-CUNY Project, in collaboration with the Council of Europe's Committee on Migration, Refugees and Demography and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, held a seminar in Geneva to examine internal displacement in Europe, discuss the applicability of the Guiding Principles, and consider the steps the Council of Europe could take to reinforce its own programs with regard to IDPs.

Statement of the Representative of the Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Statement by Francis Deng, Representative of the Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons

The Caucasus and Central Asia: How the United States and Its Allies Can Stave Off a Crisis

Tue, 01 May 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #80, by Fiona Hill (May 2001)

Letter to the Editor: Displaced in Azerbaijan

Fri, 28 Jul 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Though IDPs in Azerbaijan are in a dire situation, it is not one without hope.

Regional Workshop on Internal Displacement in the South Caucasus

Wed, 10 May 2000 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 10, 2000, 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM

The South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) is an area that has been affected by internal displacement. The Brookings Project on Internal Displacement convened a workshop to discuss the issues surrounding this displacement and to promote the use and application of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

Fifth Annual Conference of the Center on the United States and Europe

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

On May 20, 2008, the Center on the United States and Europe held its fifth annual conference. As is in previous years, the conference brought together leading scholars, officials and policy-makers from both sides of the Atlantic to examine issues shaping the transatlantic relationship and to assess the evolving roles of the United States and Europe in the global arena.