Pugwash Conferences: Dialogue Across Divides for a Safer World
At a time when global tensions continue to evolve and the risks surrounding nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction remain pressing, the work of Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs stands as a reminder of the power of dialogue, science, and cooperation.
Founded with the mission of creating a world free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, Pugwash has, for decades, brought together scientists, policymakers, and experts to engage in meaningful discussions across political and ideological divides.
A Legacy of Peace and Dialogue
Pugwash is widely recognized for its long-standing tradition of “dialogue across divides”—a principle that earned the organization the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995. Its work is rooted in the belief that complex global challenges, particularly those involving security and disarmament, require evidence-based, cooperative solutions.
Through its conferences and initiatives, Pugwash promotes scientific, evidence-driven policymaking, especially in areas where nuclear and WMD risks are most significant.
How Pugwash Works
A distinctive feature of Pugwash is its use of Track 1.5 and Track II diplomacy, which brings together individuals from different countries in informal yet impactful settings. These dialogues allow for open, creative discussions that may not be possible in formal diplomatic channels.
By fostering these conversations, Pugwash aims to:
Enhance mutual understanding between nations
Develop forward-looking and cooperative policy ideas
Reduce global security risks related to nuclear and other weapons
Key Areas of Engagement
Pugwash’s work spans several critical geopolitical and security issues, including:
Nuclear weapons and non-proliferation
Chemical and biological weapons
Regional security challenges in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia
Relations between Europe, Russia, and NATO
Ongoing discussions around the Iran nuclear issue
These areas reflect the organization’s commitment to addressing both longstanding and emerging threats through informed dialogue.
Recent Initiatives and Global Engagement
In recent months, Pugwash has continued to play an active role in global discourse:
The 63rd Pugwash Conference in Hiroshima (November 2025) marked 80 years since the atomic bombings, emphasizing peace, dialogue, and nuclear disarmament.
Leadership statements in 2026 have addressed escalating geopolitical tensions, including military actions involving Iran, calling for diplomacy and restraint.
Articles and public engagements have highlighted the responsibility of scientists in preventing nuclear escalation and promoting global security.
Workshops and collaborations, such as those on Nordic security and risk reduction, continue to expand the organization’s impact.
These efforts demonstrate Pugwash’s ongoing relevance in navigating contemporary global challenges.
Why It Matters Today
In an increasingly fragmented world, where geopolitical tensions and technological advancements intersect, the role of independent, science-driven dialogue platforms is more important than ever.
Pugwash’s approach—grounded in collaboration rather than confrontation—offers a model for how complex international issues can be addressed constructively. By bridging gaps between nations and disciplines, it continues to contribute to a more secure and cooperative global future.
Learn More: https://pugwash.org/
Maduro Is Gone. The Mafia State Remains
The capture of Nicolás Maduro in early January 2026 marked what many hoped would be a turning point for Venezuela—a country that was once among the wealthiest in South America but has endured years of political repression, economic collapse, and mass migration.
Yet, as highlighted in a recent discussion by Coleman Hughes featuring Venezuelan human rights advocate Thor Halvorssen, the fall of a leader does not necessarily mean the fall of the system he represented.
Beyond One Leader
Maduro’s removal has created a rare moment of optimism. However, the deeper concern lies in what remains: a network of power embedded within Venezuela’s military, intelligence agencies, and political institutions.
According to the discussion, the Venezuelan regime functioned less like a conventional government and more like a criminal enterprise, sustained through control over oil revenues, illicit financial flows, and strategic alliances.
This system, built over years, does not disappear with the capture of a single individual.
The “Mafia State” Structure
The term “mafia state” reflects a system where political authority and organized crime become intertwined. In Venezuela’s case, this meant:
Control of state institutions by loyalists
Economic systems tied to illicit activities such as narcotics and corruption
Security forces aligned with regime survival rather than public accountability
Even after Maduro’s capture, many of these structures remain intact, raising concerns about whether meaningful reform can occur without broader institutional change.
Experts warn that transitions of this kind often face a difficult path. Power does not simply vanish—it is redistributed, resisted, or reshaped by those still embedded within the system.
A Human Rights Perspective
For Thor Halvorssen, founder of the Human Rights Foundation, the crisis in Venezuela is deeply personal. His activism began after his family directly experienced state repression, shaping a lifelong commitment to exposing abuses of power.
In the conversation, Halvorssen emphasizes that Venezuela’s situation is not just political—it is humanitarian. Millions have fled the country, and those who remain continue to face shortages, instability, and limited freedoms.
The discussion also challenges common misconceptions, noting that external observers have often underestimated the resilience of the regime and misunderstood the complexity of its collapse.
What Comes Next?
The central question now is whether Venezuela can transition toward democracy—or whether the existing system will simply evolve into another form of authoritarian control.
Possible outcomes include:
Democratic transition, driven by reform and international support
Authoritarian rebalancing, where the same power structures persist under new leadership
Instability or fragmentation, if competing factions struggle for control
As analysts note, even after leadership change, “the people with the guns” often remain the same—making transformation far more complex than it appears.
Why This Matters
The situation in Venezuela serves as a broader reminder: removing a leader is only the first step. Real change requires dismantling entrenched systems of power, rebuilding institutions, and restoring public trust.
For communities and organizations focused on governance, human rights, and anti-corruption—such as The Trebuchet and initiatives like the Human Rights Foundation—this moment represents both an opportunity and a challenge.
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Preliminary 3D Analysis Raises Questions in ICE Shooting Case in Minneapolis
A preliminary digital investigation has introduced new scrutiny into the fatal shooting of 37-year-old motorist Renée Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis.
The incident occurred on January 7, 2026, when an ICE agent fired three shots into Good’s vehicle, resulting in her death. Federal authorities initially stated that the shooting was an act of self-defense, alleging that the vehicle had been used to ram the agent.
However, a preliminary 3D reconstruction conducted by Index Investigation presents a contrasting account based on available visual evidence.
Key Findings from the Reconstruction
Using photogrammetry, audiovisual analysis, and spatial modeling, the investigation examined footage from the scene to reconstruct the sequence of events. The findings challenge the official narrative on multiple grounds:
Trajectory Analysis: The reconstructed model indicates that the agent was not positioned in the path of the vehicle at the time shots were fired.
Physical Contact: There is no indication from the analysis that the agent was struck by the vehicle.
Use of Force: The shots were directed at lethal areas of the victim’s body from a position where the agent was not in immediate danger.
These conclusions suggest that the circumstances surrounding the use of force may differ from initial claims made by authorities.
Updated Analysis Incorporates New Evidence
On January 21, 2026, the investigation was updated following the release of footage from the agent’s phone. This additional material enabled further refinement of the 3D model, particularly regarding the positioning of the agent relative to the moving vehicle.
According to Index Investigation, the updated reconstruction reinforces the initial findings, maintaining that the agent was neither in the vehicle’s trajectory nor facing immediate threat at the time of the shooting.
Scope and Limitations
The analysis is described as preliminary and based on currently available footage. Index Investigation clarified that the reconstruction should not be considered a finalized expert report, but rather an evidence-based assessment intended to contribute to public understanding of the incident.
The organization, based in Paris, specializes in digital investigations that combine open-source intelligence with advanced visualization techniques to reconstruct real-world events.
Broader Implications
The case highlights the growing role of digital forensics and 3D reconstruction in evaluating use-of-force incidents. As such tools become more widely used, they are increasingly shaping public discourse and contributing to independent accountability in law enforcement investigations.
The findings may prompt further review of the incident as additional evidence and official inquiries continue.
Source: https://www.index.ngo/en/investigations/ice-shooting-of-renee-good-preliminary-3d-analysis/
A Global Recognition for Integrity: Nikos Passas Receives International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award
With his wife Healy and the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in hand last week in Doha. Nikos Passas dedicated the distinction to his three children and to Greece.
In a significant moment for global anti-corruption efforts, Nikos Passas, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University, has been honored with the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award. The recognition celebrates decades of impactful work dedicated to advancing transparency, accountability, and justice across borders.
The award was presented during the ninth Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award ceremony in Doha, attended by global leaders, policymakers, and representatives from major international institutions.
Sherman Teichman and Niko Passas at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy of the Harvard Kennedy School in 2017.
He has been actively involved in the Confronting Corruption initiative of The Trebuchet. As part of his engagement with The Trebuchet, Passas has led several professional workshops addressing systemic corruption. These included sessions connected to the publication “It’s Legal but it Ain’t Right,” co-authored by Neva Goodwin, as well as more recent discussions focusing on corruption in Russia. His contributions have played a key role in shaping dialogue within the initiative.
A Career Dedicated to Combating Corruption
For more than 35 years, Professor Passas has been at the forefront of anti-corruption research and policy development. His work has significantly shaped global frameworks addressing financial crime, governance, and institutional integrity.
He has contributed to foundational international instruments, including the legislative guides for the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. His contributions extend further into developing global tools such as the UN TRACK legal database and the UNCAC Implementation Review Checklist, used by over 190 countries.
With over 300 publications translated into multiple languages and collaborations with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the European Commission, his influence spans academia, policy, and practice.
The Philosophy Behind the Work
In a recent interview, Professor Passas emphasized a core principle that has guided his lifelong work: integrity over convenience.
He traces this philosophy back to his upbringing, highlighting the moral example set by his father, who chose ethical conduct over financial gain despite opportunities to do otherwise. This foundation shaped his understanding of corruption—not merely as illegal activity, but as a systemic issue tied to power, incentives, and institutional weaknesses.
Passas defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, noting that its forms evolve depending on context. In modern systems, corruption often manifests not just through bribery, but through deeper structural influence—such as placing aligned individuals within decision-making roles, thereby undermining institutional integrity.
From Research to Real-World Impact
Throughout his career, Professor Passas has investigated complex financial crimes, including money laundering networks, informal transfer systems such as hawala, and large-scale international scandals. His work has informed regulatory frameworks, enforcement strategies, and prevention mechanisms across multiple jurisdictions.
Beyond research, he has delivered lectures and training programs in over 25 countries, equipping practitioners, policymakers, and academics with tools to better understand and combat corruption.
He has also proposed forward-looking ideas, such as the creation of observatories to systematically monitor corruption-related trials and generate data-driven insights. According to Passas, strengthening democratic processes requires informed public dialogue supported by credible evidence.
Central to his message is the concept of “eunomia”—a Greek term referring to good governance and the rule of law. His call is simple yet profound: not only to understand such principles, but to actively apply them.
The Award Ceremony in Doha
The award ceremony, held at Katara Hall in Doha, brought together distinguished global figures, including Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, senior government officials, and representatives from international organizations.
Professor Passas was honored in the Academic Research and Educational Materials category, alongside other global leaders recognized for innovation, journalism, youth engagement, and lifetime achievements in anti-corruption efforts.
The event highlighted the growing global commitment to integrity and showcased the diverse ways in which individuals and institutions are addressing corruption worldwide.
A Personal Dedication and a Continuing Mission
In his acceptance speech, Professor Passas reflected on the journey that led to this recognition, expressing gratitude to his family and mentors. He dedicated the award to his children and to Greece, his home country, emphasizing a vision for a future grounded in accountability, transparency, and justice.
He described the award not as a culmination, but as a renewed commitment:
“This award is not an endpoint, but a beacon… a nation built on integrity, accountability, the rule of law, good governance, and independent justice.”
Looking Forward
The recognition of Nikos Passas underscores the importance of sustained, research-driven approaches to combating corruption. His work continues to bridge theory and practice, influencing both global policy frameworks and local governance systems.
As corruption evolves in complexity, contributions such as his highlight the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, institutional reform, and a shared commitment to ethical governance.
Further Reading and Resources
Oleander Initiative Highlights Global Peacebuilding Efforts in 2025
Lebanese Students at the Resilience, Rebuilding and Peace Program in Hiroshima
The Oleander Initiative has released its 2025 year-end update, outlining a series of international programs and outreach efforts focused on promoting peace, resilience, and cross-cultural understanding.
Now in its 28th year, the organization continues to engage peacebuilders through workshops, study tours, and educational initiatives centered in Hiroshima, Japan, a city globally recognized for its message of peace and post-conflict recovery.
International Programs and Participation
During 2025, the initiative conducted two major programs in Hiroshima, bringing together 21 participants from seven countries. Notably, the programs included participants from Russia for the first time, reflecting an expanding global reach.
One of the key initiatives, the Lebanon Resilience, Rebuilding and Peace Program, brought eight students and educators from Lebanon to Hiroshima in February. The program was designed to explore how Hiroshima rebuilt after devastation and how those lessons could inform recovery and resilience in other regions experiencing conflict.
Participants engaged with local institutions, including Jogakuin High School, and studied survivor testimonies such as that of hibakusha Sadae Kasaoka. Upon returning to Lebanon, participants conducted school-wide presentations and established initiatives such as a Hiroshima Origami Peace Club, extending the program’s impact within their communities.
Global Outreach and Educational Engagement
In April 2025, Oleander Initiative representatives conducted a speaking tour across the United Kingdom. The tour included engagements at institutions such as Essex University, London South Bank University, and Battersea Arts Center, reaching more than 500 students, educators, and NGO professionals.
The sessions focused on the intersection of peace culture, psychological resilience, and mental health recovery, particularly through narratives of Hiroshima survivors.
Additionally, the initiative’s work was featured on four television programs in Lebanon, further amplifying its outreach and transmitting Hiroshima’s peace message to a broader audience.
Rotary Study Tour and Continued Partnerships
In October 2025, the initiative hosted a study tour in Hiroshima for eleven members of Rotary International, including participants from multiple countries. The program emphasized themes such as resilience, optimism, and peacebuilding, encouraging participants to integrate these principles into their service initiatives.
Rotary International, with over 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries, remains a significant partner in advancing global peace and service-oriented programs.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Oleander Initiative has announced plans to expand its programming in 2026, continuing its focus on equipping individuals and communities with tools for peacebuilding and recovery.
Support for upcoming initiatives is being sought through donations and partnerships, as the organization aims to extend its global impact in the coming year.
To learn more about the Oleander Initiative click here.
Remembering Professor Richard H. Shultz, Jr.
We share with deep sadness the passing of Professor Richard H. Shultz, Jr., Senior Advisor to LEADx and longtime Director of the International Security Studies Program at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.
Professor Shultz was a defining figure in the field of security studies, and a foundational supporter of the leadership mission that LEADx has carried forward from its earliest days.
A Foundational Presence in the LEADx Community
From the first conversations in 2019, when LEADx was still only an ambitious idea, Professor Shultz believed deeply in its purpose. He recognized the need for a space dedicated to cultivating leaders with clarity, integrity, and courage.
He helped shape LEADx’s founding vision, traveled to Tbilisi for its inauguration, and continued to strengthen each edition that followed. Many within the LEADx network learned directly from his mentorship, wisdom, and guidance. Even when he was not physically present, he remained a steady advocate for the mission and the community.
LEADx mementos held a proud place in his history-filled office, reflecting how personally he valued this project and the people within it.
A Lasting Legacy in Security Studies
Over more than four decades at Fletcher, Professor Shultz helped define the discipline of security studies and shaped generations of scholars and practitioners. His influence continues through the institutions he built and the individuals he mentored, many of whom now serve in governments, universities, organizations, and missions around the world.
Carrying Forward His Example
When words fall short, LEADx often speaks in jazz. In that spirit, Professor Shultz has been described as the community’s John Coltrane: disciplined, foundational, and defining. Through rigor, depth, and clarity, he elevated those around him and made complexity feel purposeful and alive.
As LEADx continues its mission to rethink leadership for a rapidly changing 21st century, we carry forward the baton he placed in so many hands.
Professor Richard H. Shultz, Jr. will be remembered as a mentor, scholar, ally, and enduring presence in the communities he served.
Choosing Courage: Honouring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Through Nonviolence
On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a powerful message resurfaces—one that continues to shape movements, communities, and individuals across generations: nonviolence is not passive; it is courageous.
In a message shared by Teny Gross, Chief Executive Officer of Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, this idea is brought to life through both reflection and action. Drawing from Dr. King’s philosophy, Gross emphasizes that nonviolence is an active and hopeful way of life—one that calls on individuals to respond to conflict without anger, to replace hatred with understanding, and to build community even in the face of difficulty.
At its core, courage is defined not just by grand gestures, but by the refusal to remain a bystander.
Today, that courage is visible in communities across Chicago. Through programs and services led by the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, individuals—young and old—are choosing peace in tangible ways. They are working with purpose to transform their own lives, while strengthening their families and neighbourhoods. The impact extends beyond individual change; it reflects a collective effort to reshape communities through empathy, accountability, and support.
What stands out is the breadth of this courage. It is seen in participants who commit to change, in outreach workers who engage directly with communities, in those providing victim support, and in workforce development initiatives that create pathways forward. It is equally present in donors, partners, and everyday individuals who stand up for peace and justice in their own environments.
As the Institute marks a decade of service, there is a sense of both reflection and forward momentum. The past ten years have demonstrated what is possible when courage and community intersect. Looking ahead, the vision remains rooted in the same principles—building safer, more connected communities through sustained engagement and shared responsibility.
Chicago has long been known as a city of resilience. In this vision, it is also a city of possibility—a place where “Big Shoulders” are matched with “Big Dreams.” The invitation is clear: everyone has a role to play, whether through support, learning, partnership, or everyday actions that foster connection and safety.
In remembering Dr. King’s words, the message is not only about reflection, but participation. Nonviolence requires effort, intention, and above all, courage.
Choose peace.
To learn more: https://www.nonviolencechicago.org/ourvalues
Closing a Game-Changing 2025 | PollyLabs Community update
In its year-end community update, PollyLabs reflects on what 2025 revealed about its core thesis: that proven technology, applied thoughtfully and with the right frontline partners, can generate outsized social impact. Early ventures spun out independently, unlocked critical funding, and translated research into practical tools already reaching families at scale—offering early proof of a system-focused approach to impact.
Looking ahead, PollyLabs positions 2026 as a year of scaling what has been built, taking on larger challenges, and inviting others to engage, while maintaining the rigor that made these outcomes possible. The update also recognizes the partners, donors, and team members whose support underpins a broader vision of technology used to reduce avoidable suffering and strengthen resilience.
Click here to read the full report: Polly Labs Community Update
William Ury: Making Peace "Possible"
William Ury is one of the world’s most respected voices in negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding. A co-founder of Harvard’s Program on Negotiation and author of the bestselling Getting to Yes, Ury has spent decades helping leaders, communities, and nations move beyond conflict toward constructive agreement. His work has ranged from advising on peace processes in Colombia to helping reduce nuclear tensions and teaching negotiation principles that apply anywhere—from the United Nations to everyday life. On Making Peace Visible, Ury shares ideas about how we can understand conflict more deeply and highlight efforts for peace more broadly.
Click here to listen to the podcast: https://www.makingpeacevisible.org/bill-ury
Our Annus Horribilis
In this year-end reflection, veteran foreign correspondent Mort Rosenblum looks back on a difficult and unsettling year in global and U.S. affairs. Drawing on decades of reporting experience, he considers how political choices, diplomatic breakdowns, and shifts in American leadership have affected both international stability and democratic norms at home. The essay situates recent events in a broader historical context, asking what responsibility the United States bears when its actions—and inaction—shape outcomes far beyond its borders.
Read article here: https://www.mortreport.org/reports/our-annus
Clarifying the Idea of the Balance of Power - Michael Poulshock
The idea of the balance of power is central to how scholars and policymakers think about international politics, but what does it really mean in practice? In this essay, Michael Poulshock argues that the conventional concept is vague and often conflates observation with prescription. He highlights three core issues: uncertainty about what actions actually constitute balancing, the lack of a clear definition of equilibrium in global politics, and the tendency of the literature to blur descriptive analysis with advice. By reframing the balance of power through a systematic framework grounded in power structure theory, this piece offers a fresh lens on how states form coalitions, deter dominance, and manage competition in the international system.
Click here for the full article: Michael Poulshock Substack
10 Conflicts to Watch in 2026 - Foreign Policy
War, instability, and political ruptures aren’t fading as the new year begins—they’re multiplying. In its annual forecast of global hotspots, Foreign Policy and the International Crisis Group highlight the conflicts most likely to shape geopolitics in 2026. From the grinding full-scale war in Ukraine and the fragile aftermath of the Gaza fighting to renewed tensions in Africa, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere, these are not distant troubles: they are flashpoints with worldwide implications, affecting diplomacy, humanitarian crises, and world order. If 2025 was defined by violent confrontation and shifting alliances, 2026 may prove even more consequential.
Read more on their website: Foreign Policy