Blue Sky II: Progress and Opportunities in Implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

By Naureen Chowdhury Fink, Peter Romaniuk, Alistair Millar, Jason Ipe

Report — April 2014

The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted by the General Assembly in 2006, presented a watershed moment for the institution that has historically faced fundamental divisions on counterterrorism issues, which has limited cooperation among member states. This report reflects on the United Nations’ performance on counterterrorism issues since the adoption of the Strategy in 2006, and in particular, developments since the 2012 review. It offers a strategic analysis of the changing counterterrorism landscape since the last review. The report concludes with a set of practical recommendations for the UN and member states to strengthen UN counterterrorism capacities, particularly through internal coordination, responsive programming, improved reporting, and strategic communication.

Read More
Blue Sky II: Progress and Opportunities in Implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

Getting Back to Basics?: Renewing the Mandate of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for 2014-2016

By Alistair Millar, Naureen Chowdhury Fink

Policy brief — November 2013

The policy brief discusses the role of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and the opportunities presented by the renewal of its mandate before the end of this year to further strengthen and clarify its role in the multilateral counterterrorism framework. It explores recent changes in the multilateral counterterrorism architecture, including the establishment of new entities within and outside the United Nations with a focus on countering terrorism and violent extremism.

Read More
Getting Back to Basics?: Renewing the Mandate of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for 2014-2016

The G8’s Counterterrorism Action Group: Leaving Takes Leadership

By Alistair Millar

Newsletter article — June 2013

This article focuses on the role of the G8 as a global leader on countering terrorism, with the foresight to step away and let others, such as the Global Counter Terrorism Forum, take the lead on counterterrorism capacity building.

Read More
The G8’s Counterterrorism Action Group: Leaving Takes Leadership

Reshaping United Nations Counterterrorism Efforts: Blue-Sky Thinking for Global Counterterrorism Cooperation 10 Years After 9/11

By James Cockayne, Alistair Millar, David Cortright, Peter Romaniuk

Report — March 2012

This report provides concrete suggestions for strengthening international counterterrorism efforts over the next decade, including three specific, costed options for a single UN counterterrorism coordinator. The report details 22 recommendations aimed at helping the United Nations to better exploit its comparative advantages in countering terrorism and to enhance the productivity of its partnerships with other counterterrorism actors, including states, regional intergovernmental bodies, nongovernment experts, and civil society.

Read More
Reshaping United Nations Counterterrorism Efforts: Blue-Sky Thinking for Global Counterterrorism Cooperation 10 Years After 9/11

Multilateral Counterterrorism: Harmonizing Political Direction and Technical Expertise

By Alistair Millar

Newsletter article — December 2010

This brief, published by the Stanley Foundation, finds that input from technical experts is essential to keep those who set the agenda from putting all the attention on a narrow set of current hot spots and missing opportunities to prevent future hubs of terrorism from emerging.

Read More
Multilateral Counterterrorism: Harmonizing Political Direction and Technical Expertise

Integrating UN Sanctions for Peace and Security

By David Cortright, George A. Lopez, Linda Gerber-Stellingwerf, Eliot Fackler, Joshua Weaver

Report — October 2010

This study examines the challenges of integrating Security Council sanctions with other forms of international policymaking. It proposes options for the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council, and the Secretariat to enhance implementation and coordination capabilities. It proposes the creation of a UN Sanctions Implementation Task Force, greater staff support for sanctions coordination within the Secretariat, improved guidance for cooperation between panels of experts and UN missions in the field, and greater information sharing and dissemination across all UN agencies and offices.

Read More
Integrating UN Sanctions for Peace and Security