Edition 2022 | peace report

statement

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pursues imperial objectives and has the hallmarks of a war of extermination, bringing suffering and destruction to the Ukrainian people. At the same time, the attack has shaken the European peace and security framework to the core, making its wholesale revision inevitable. The consequences of this war are being felt around the world, with crisis management in the conflict over Iran’s nuclear installations stalled, regional conflicts eclipsed by great-power rivalries, trade relations disrupted, and food security in many of the countries importing from Russia and Ukraine at risk.

Recommendations

Start planning now for when the war is over

The war in Ukraine could continue for some time yet. Now is the time to start planning for after the conflict. Europe needs strategies for how to make the transition from war to peace again.

Reduce the risk of nuclear escalation through a NATO no-first-use policy

The fact remains that a nuclear war can never be won and should not be waged in the first place. Germany must work toward preventing further nuclear proliferation and the expansion of nuclear arsenals.

Exert pressure on Russia to to make serious negotiations happen

Sanctions and military aid for Ukraine must serve the purpose of bringing Russia to the negotiating table to discuss a ceasefire and, in the longer term, a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Sanctions must be communicated clearly and the success and failure thereof monitored closely

The increasing use of sanctions in the context of value-based foreign policy can only be effective if there is the same commitment to monitoring compliance, humanitarian consequences, and the success and/or failure of any such sanctions.

Strengthen diplomacy and regional conflict resolution organizations

Besides the war in Ukraine, the world continues to be marked by other conflicts in the form of internationalized civil wars and jihadist violence. These call for diplomatic initiatives, restrictive arms export policy, and the strengthening of regional organizations.

Feminist foreign policy is more essential than ever

In Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, feminist foreign policy has offered fresh perspectives that go beyond the old playbook of deterrence, rearmament, and sanctions.

Germany’s National Security Strategy (NSS) must go beyond defensive capability

Far-sighted security policy must have global reach. It must counter the effects of climate change and provide the Global South with equitable development opportunities.

Need for control of security institutions that guarantees protection of basic rights

The evaluation of security laws must be conducted by independent bodies. In future, a commission for the protection of civil liberties should provide advice on legislative projects and a systematic and timely “overall monitoring report” should be drawn up.