News
What Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Tells Us About the Perils of Violating International Law
One of the most anticipated films of the year, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, hit the big screen earlier this month. Based on ticket sales, the film was watched by approximately 15 to 18 million people around the world on its opening weekend alone. While not a policy piece, this latest retelling of Odysseus’ homecoming journey does offer a form of cultural policy reflection about the state of our world, in particular with regards to respect for international law.
Peace Mediation in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
This year’s Master of Advanced Studies ETH Mediation in Peace Processes (MAS ETH MPP) Biennial Policy Forum on Peace Mediation explored the future of mediation in a shifting geopolitical context. It highlighted the challenges mediation is facing today – but also came with calls for ambition. Inbal Ben-Ezer and Eemeli Isoaho from the MAS ETH MPP team share key takeaways from the forum.
Peace Mediation in Transition: ETH Forum Discusses Current Challenges and Opportunities
On 12 June 2026, the biennial Forum on Peace Mediation, organised by the Master of Advanced Studies ETH “Mediation in Peace Processes” (MAS ETH MPP) coordinated by the Center for Security Studies (CSS), took place in Zurich. Mediation experts from academia and practice, alongside policy-makers, highlighted the challenges facing peace mediation in today’s complex global landscape, how it is adapting, and why it remains indispensable.
Why Do States Name and Shame Non-State Armed Groups?
To address the challenges posed by non-state armed groups, states increasingly use diplomatic tools – including so-called “naming and shaming”. In this CSS Expert Spotlight, Dr. Jenniina Kotajoki shares insights from her recent article, “Naming and Shaming Nonstate Armed Groups at the United Nations Security Council”, co authored with Caroline M. Brandt in International Organization.
Ceasefires: Integrating Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies are changing the nature of warfare. Ceasefire agreements need to respond to the type of violence they seek to address, thus also to the impact of emerging technologies. Simon J. A. Mason, Ivan Zaccagnini, and Julian Th. Hottinger argue that aptations are needed during the preparation, negotiation, and implementation of ceasefires.