The European maritime surveillance mission is now finally operational in the Persian Gulf. While its goal is to contribute to the safety and freedom of navigation in the busy international chokepoint, the initiative is also an example of how internal institutional challenges can be overcome by pragmatism and creativity.
As the 50th Anniversary of the NPT approaches, the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV) is demonstrating that verifiable dismantlement of nuclear warheads, whilst challenging, is possible.
After the collapse of the INF Treaty what potential solutions exist to avoid an unconstrained arms race in intermediate-range missiles?
Next week as the IAEA’s board of governors meet in Vienna member states of the IAEA have an opportunity to de-escalate rising international tension over Iran’s refusal to provide the IAEA information about its nuclear activities. Success may depend on the agency’s Board of Governors ability to transcend polarisation.
The outcome of investigations into chemical weapons use in Syria could drive another wedge between the P3 and the Assad regime’s diplomatic allies: Russia, China and Iran.
Iranian public opinion data over the course of 2019 stresses the need for European officials to double down efforts to save the JCPOA.
At a time when constructive diplomatic relations between Europe and Iran may prove instrumental in efforts to stave off a regional conflict, the operationalisation of INSTEX remains an imperative.
Little can be done at the moment to resolve fully grown differences between major international actors, but a number of measures could be adopted to reduce unnecessary military risk.
At present, current institutions underpinning the global nuclear order are not fit for purpose. New forums, such as CEND and “stepping stones”, serve a practical purpose of generating new ideas for promoting nuclear disarmament and reducing nuclear risk.