This virtual event will discuss the findings of an upcoming Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) and the Peaceful Change Initiative (PCi) publication. The event and publication seek to re-examine the UK’s presence in fragile and conflict affected countries (FCACs) around the world at a time of continuing global geopolitical competition and added fragilities generated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change.

The publication will address the questions of ‘why’ and ‘how’ the UK is engaged in FCACs in light of the UK Government’s recent Integrated Review, cuts to foreign aid and the emergence of new policy tools such as the UK’s independent trade policy. It will centre on the UK’s commitment to be a ‘Force for Good’ in the world and examine how this approach works alongside the Government’s other economic and strategic priorities. The event will build on this and highlight the importance of an integrated, conflict sensitive approach to FCACs, which recognises the importance of promoting sustainable peace pursuing long-term stability rather than a short-termist understanding of the UK’s national interests.

The publication will be edited by Adam Hug (Director of the FPC) and Tim Molesworth (Senior Adviser, Conflict Sensitivity and Peace Technology at PCi). Essay contributors confirmed so far include: Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP (former International Development Secretary); Jonathan Cohen (Executive Director of Conciliation Resources); Dr Naho Mirumachi (Reader in Environmental Politics at Kings College London); Phil Bloomer (Executive Director at Business and Human Rights Resource Centre); Helen Kezie-Nwoha (Executive Director, Women’s International Peace Centre (WIPC)); Phil Vernon (Consultant and former Director of Programmes at International Alert); Richard Reeve (Coordinator of the Rethinking Security network); and Fred Carver (Consultant).

Watch the event here: