Analysis

  • CSIS publishes daily, independent, bipartisan analysis — search our analysis below.
  • CSIS produces transcripts of selected events and multimedia.
  • For more of our interactive analysis and micro-websites, see Web Projects or visit CSIS’s iDeas Lab.
  • Sign up for updates and to subscribe.
  • Read CSIS’s reprint permissions.
Commentary
Spotlight on Civilian Harm in the Mariupol Theater Airstrike
March 21, 2022 | Jacob Kurtzer, ​Marti Flacks, Matthew P. Funaiole , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. A Russian airstrike destroyed the Mariupol Drama Theater on March 16, trapping hundreds of civilians who had taken refuge inside the building. Targeting of the theater is consistent with Russia’s pattern of attacking non-military objects and locations.

Commentary
The Humanitarian Toll of Russia’s Invasion
February 25, 2022 | Jacob Kurtzer Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has generated widespread humanitarian consequences. While uncertainty remains over the course of the conflict, donors and humanitarian actors should act now to prepare for all contingencies in Ukraine and beyond.

Commentary
Assessing Economic Crisis Response Options for Afghanistan
February 9, 2022 | Jacob Kurtzer As Afghanistan's economic and humanitarian conditions deteriorate, the U.S. government and international stakeholders should identify and implement new proposals to sustain Afghanistan’s economy and support the humanitarian response.

Critical Questions
The Civilian Impacts of a Possible Russian Invasion of Ukraine
February 2, 2022 | Jacob Kurtzer, Andrew Lohsen, Catherine Nzuki, Erol Yayboke Concerns are growing over the impact a Russian invasion could have on civilians in Ukraine. The humanitarian picture is alarming, and an invasion could precipitate a crisis, the severity of which would depend on the location, length, and lethality of military operations.

Critical Questions
The Global Humanitarian Overview 2022: Climate, Gender, and Humanitarian Response
January 27, 2022 | Jacob Kurtzer The climate crisis, Covid-19, and armed conflict put an estimated 274 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2022. The scope of needs necessitates a shift in aid architecture, including in gender equity and funding models.

Commentary
Deconstructing Disarmament and Reconciliation Programs in Northeast Nigeria
January 10, 2022 | Jacob Kurtzer, Obi Anyadike Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs aim to change the battlefield and bring peace to northeast Nigeria, but they raise serious questions about resource prioritization and justice and accountability for perpetrators of violence.

Commentary
Aspirations to Action: Making the Refugee Compact Work for the Rohingya
December 16, 2021 | Jacob Kurtzer The success of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) in countries like Bangladesh lies on host country engagement on refugee policies and shared international responsibility to provide consistent, flexible funding and create greater opportunities for resettlement.

Critical Questions
U.S. Sanctions Squeeze Humanitarian Assistance in Afghanistan
September 29, 2021 | Jacob Kurtzer As the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan deteriorates, the U.S. government should work with all stakeholders to establish a safe payment channel for humanitarian and organizations and financial institutions to move urgently needed funds into Afghanistan.

Critical Questions
What the Taliban Takeover Means for Food Security in Afghanistan
September 27, 2021 | Jamie Lutz, Jacob Kurtzer To address the growing hunger crisis in Afghanistan, the international community should quickly remove restrictive measures on humanitarian aid. Strengthening local agricultural systems and capacity is also imperative to stabilize the country’s long-term food security.

Commentary
Four Years On: An Update on the Rohingya Crisis
August 26, 2021 | Jacob Kurtzer Four years after being forcibly displaced, 900,000 Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh with an uncertain future. The humanitarian community, donors, and Bangladesh government should coordinate an evidence- and needs-based strategy for long-term support.

Critical Questions
Humanitarian Suspensions and the Politicization of Aid in Ethiopia
August 12, 2021 | Jacob Kurtzer The Ethiopian government recently suspended three humanitarian organizations. These suspensions are a substantial escalation in the government’s targeting of humanitarian operations and a continuation of a broader pattern of aid obstruction.

Critical Questions
Boko Haram’s Leader Is Dead: What Are the Humanitarian and Security Implications?
June 15, 2021 | Jacob Kurtzer After more than a decade of terror, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau is dead. While significant, the impact of Shekau’s death on security and humanitarian operations in northeast Nigeria is still unfolding.

Current search

Search Analysis

By Type

By Date

By Topic

By Region

By Program

By Author

By Tag