Religious violence is surely as old as both faith and fighting themselves. In the Russian Federation, as elsewhere in the world, religious teachings and philosophies are used both to justify and combat violence. While many, including Russian authorities, increasingly view religious conflict through the prism of violent radical Islamic jihadism, the full picture is much more complicated. It includes religious propaganda employed by violent right-wing groups, repression of religious communities and organizations by local and federal authorities, and conflict within religious confessions. Violence may be couched in the language of self-defense as modernity clashes with a multitude of perceived and real traditions. A better understanding of the dynamics at the heart of religious violence in Russia, in its many manifestations, is critical to the country’s future development and its security. The analyses collected in this volume aim to contribute to the body of knowledge on these topics and inform policy solutions to make Russia and Russians of all religions (and no religion) safer and more secure.
CENTER FOR STRATEGIC & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Confronting the Global Forced Migration Crisis. A Report of the CSIS Task Force on the Global Forced Migration Crisis
The size and scope of the global forced migration crisis are unprecedented. Almost 66 million people worldwide have been forced from home by conflict. If recent trends continue, this figure could increase to between 180 and 320 million people by 2030. This global crisis already poses serious challenges to economic growth and risks to stability and national security, as well as an enormous human toll affecting tens of millions of people. These issues are on track to get worse; without significant course correction soon, the forced migration issues confronted today will seem simple decades from now. Yet, efforts to confront the crisis continue to be reactive in addressing these and other core issues. The United States should broaden the scope of its efforts beyond the tactical and reactive to see the world through a more strategic lens colored by the challenges posed—and opportunities created—by the forced migration crisis at home and abroad. CSIS convened a diverse task force in 2017 to study the global forced migration crisis. This report is a result of those findings.
Whither U.S. Myanmar Policy after the Rohingya Crisis?
March 30 marked the second anniversary since the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi took office in Myanmar, an event marked by domestic and international jubilation after decades of struggle for democracy. But today, two years later, the view of much of the international community toward the Myanmar government has pivoted to near-pariah status after ruthless military operations prompted nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees to flee vicious abuses following an attack by Rohingya militants on August 25, 2017.
Destination Maghreb. Changing Migration Patterns in North Africa
For decades, the North African Maghreb has been both a source of irregular migration to Europe and a gateway for sub-Saharan Africans transiting to Europe. Now the Maghreb is also emerging as a destination for migration. While Europe remains the preferred destination for most African migrants, reaching Europe is becoming increasingly difficult at precisely the time that migration pressures in Africa are mounting.
Venezuela’s Postcrisis Recovery and Reform
Comprehensive “Day After” Framework for Venezuela, the United States, and the International Community to Promote Inclusive Stability, Security, and Prosperity.
Rethinking the Human Rights Business Model. New and Innovative Structures and Strategies for Local Impact
This report investigates opportunities to diversify and broaden support (financial and otherwise) for nongovernmental approaches to realizing human rights. Such analysis is essential in light of global trends, including the relative scarcity of human rights charitable funding from local sources and increasing governmental efforts to restrict the foreign flow of funds to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
