On the Record

Drawing on more than a decade of experience researching emerging economies in Asia, Kalpana Kochhar will discuss gender equalities inhibiting economic growth, as well as strategies for removing structural barriers to women’s economic advancement. 

As civilians increasingly are targeted in armed conflict, more peace operations have been mandated to protect civilians from physical violence, including sexual violence. Peacekeeping forces around the world have struggled to meet these responsibilities. In one recent example, peacekeepers in South Sudan failed to respond when civilians in a refugee camp were subjected to gross human rights violations and aid workers at a hotel compound were raped. The independent special investigation led by Cammaert found that the peace operation failed to “respond effectively to the violence due to an overall lack of leadership, preparedness, and integration among the various components of the mission.” Drawing on lessons from South Sudan and beyond, Cammaert and Mahmoud will reflect on what’s needed to ensure that peace operations around the world are better able to protect civilians from violence.

Joyce S. Dubensky and Azza Karam discuss the role of peacemakers in conflict resolution.

Lisa O. Monaco joins Dina Temple-Raston to discuss domestic security, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity issues during her tenure as President Obama’s homeland security advisor.

Experts discuss potential reforms to the National Security Council.

Women’s economic advancement is a primary driver of economic growth and development. In this roundtable, Shauna Olney addresses gender inequalities across a variety of labor market indicators, including quantity and quality of jobs. She also discusses the policies that are necessary to improve women’s labor market participation.

Drawing on her recent trip to Nigeria and Chad, Undersecretary Sewall assesses the ongoing fight against Boko Haram and violent extremism more broadly. She evaluates related humanitarian and stabilization challenges and discusses the need to reintegrate women and girls previously captured by Boko Haram back into society.

Robert D. Blackwill and Philip H. Gordon discuss what the U.S. and Israeli governments can do to reframe and revive the countries’ relationship.

In this roundtable discussion, Admiral Tidd shares his insights on the role of women in building peace, preventing conflict, and countering violent extremism. His remarks address the growing body of research establishing that peace and security efforts are more successful and sustainable if women participate, as highlighted in our new report, “How Women’s Participation in Conflict Prevention and Resolution Advances U.S. Interests.”

Martha Chen addressed the overrepresentation of women in the informal economy and the challenges they face – including low earnings and lack of social protections, which reinforce the cycle of poverty. She also discussed the resources women need to overcome these challenges and the strategic imperative for more inclusive and equitable policy.