Pragmatism and prevention - Five recommendations for how the UK can reduce conflict through diplomacy,

BRIEFING | JUNE 2023 Pragmatism and prevention Five recommendations for how the UK can reduce conflict through diplomacy, development and security policy The UK public can’t help but be keenly Where can the UK turn to for allies? aware of the need to tackle global Alongside the images in the media of crisis threats and prevent conflict. [...] The and conflict, there are positive stories media is full of images of the Russian about people – familiar to the UK public invasion of Ukraine, migration and – seeking to make positive changes: the pro-democracy activists in places like Hong displacement, or alarming narratives Kong; or the women demanding their rights about China, climate change and in Afghanistan or protesting for freedom othe. [...] To ensure peace and stability is sustainable, rights and women’s rights organisations arming dictators and abusive security forces the UK should continue to invest in alliances with a demonstrable impact in their own has been a disaster for global democracy, The UK should take an integrated approach of civic and civilian coalitions working for communities must be able to take control of ultimately. [...] The UK addressing the root causes of conflict and on 2021 which articulated addressing conflict and on the National Security Council. [...] The risk of UK-licensed arms ending up in the Too little data is published on the destination hands of dictators and armed groups has the of arms exports, and current parliamentary Benchmark progress within UK Fund women peacebuilders, women and potential to increase instability, not to mention oversight mechanisms barely function.