This new study by Dr. Rob Geist Pinfold challenges common misconceptions about Syria’s post-Assad landscape, highlighting the complex power dynamics at play. It reveals that the opposition is highly fragmented and that Assad’s fall was as much a political shift as a military defeat. Despite claims of their diminished influence, Russia and Iran remain deeply embedded in Syria. The study warns against oversimplifications in policymaking and advocates for cautious international engagement.

We are delighted to invite you to the screening of the movie “I’m not your Negro”, organised by the PRCP and the Department of North American Studies, FSV UK. The event will take place on March 20th, 17:30 at Hollar (FSV UK building), room no. 014. Register here.

We are happy to present our Annual Review of 2024! The document summarizes all of our highlights from last year, including publications, policy briefs, research grants, events and public outreach.

Matouš Horčička’s new policy brief analyzes Iran's shifting geopolitical strategy following a turbulent 2024 marked by domestic instability and international setbacks. He highlights how Iran's weakened position opens a strategic window for Western diplomats to influence Tehran’s future direction and reduce its reliance on Russia and China. The brief explores potential diplomatic approaches to engage Iran and prevent further regional escalation.

This working paper written by Robin E. Möser and Michal Onderco examines how African civil society can strengthen its role in global nuclear disarmament debates. It identifies three main barriers: restrictive visa policies, exclusionary expert language, and lack of funding. The authors propose hosting events in accessible locations, simplifying technical jargon, and providing financial support to enhance inclusivity and amplify African voices in nuclear policy discussions​.

The PRCP will play a key role in the project “Foreign Interference by External Powers in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical and Technological Changes” (INTERFER). Launching in January 2025, the project received the highest national evaluation score and is funded by the Jan Amos Comenius Operational Programme until 2028. PRCP will contribute its interdisciplinary expertise and international network to advance research on foreign interference, ensuring the project’s scientific and policy relevance.

This study, published in the Journal for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, explores growing nuclear anxieties in East Asia. Researchers Lauren Sukin and Woohyeok Seo investigate how citizens of U.S.-aligned countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and Indonesia view nuclear threats. The study finds a delicate balance between fears of abandonment (being left undefended) and entrapment (being pulled into nuclear conflict) shaping public opinion.

We are pleased to announce that the PRCP has joined the prestigious European research consortium under the Horizon Europe programme for the project entitled TWIN4DEM: Strengthening Democratic Resilience Through Digital Twins. Our team, alongside with the Centre for Digital Humanities Integration (C4DHI) is one of 11 partners from across Europe collaborating on this transdisciplinary initiative.