Dennis Besedic

This book provides a comprehensive and much-needed examination of modern conflict, with a particular focus on small states navigating the grey zone. Modern War and Grey Zones: Design for Small States is essential reading for anyone involved in crisis response and strategic planning. Its practical approaches to managing hybrid threats and fostering institutional resilience make it an invaluable resource for security professionals across Europe and beyond. Edited by Marzena Zakowska, PhD and David Last #ModernWar #GreyZones #SecurityStudies #SmallStates #HybridThreats #StrategicDesign #Routledge #ISMS

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When countries work together, supported by strong coalitions and partnerships, we can turn shared risks into shared progress. In the Western Balkans, support from the Adaptation Fund has enabled Albania, Montenegro & North Macedonia to join forces in tackling floods in the Drin River Basin – a challenge that knows no borders. With UNDP and partners, and building on earlier efforts supported by the Global Environment Facility, this initiative truly highlights the power of partnerships to meet transboundary climate challenges and advance shared climate goals. The results speak for themselves: More than 30 new or upgraded hydrometeorological stations are improving flood forecasting and early warning. Thousands of hectares of farmland and communities are better protected through rehabilitated embankments and drainage systems. And for the first time, Albania, North Macedonia & Montenegro have a joint flood risk management strategy, backed by shared data, aligned with EU standards, shaped by community voices, and paired with a five-year action plan to reduce vulnerability across borders. See the work in photos: https://lnkd.in/e-hgzK9C This is proof that partnerships are one of the most powerful defenses we have against climate change. UNDP in Europe and Central Asia UNDP Albania UNDP Montenegro UNDP North Macedonia

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Our team, together with partner organizations at FIMI-ISAC, just released a new Country Risk Assessment on Moldova, focused on threats to its election integrity. From foreign influence and disinformation campaigns to institutional vulnerabilities, the report outlines key risks - and what can be done to address them. Moldova stands at the frontline of regional tension and democratic fragility. The strength of its electoral system matters - not just for Moldova, but for the stability of the region. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/dJWBWgzV

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🌐 New UNODC Publication: Asset Recovery Across the Indo-Pacific 🌏 #Corruption diverts billions of dollars every year — funds that could support essential services, drive development and foster public trust. Effective #AssetRecovery is key to reversing these losses and delivering justice. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (#IPEF) represents economies accounting for approximately 40% of global GDP and 28% of global goods and services trade — making strong anti-corruption and asset recovery efforts critical to sustainable and fair growth across the region. We’re proud to launch our latest publication today: 📘 Implementation of UNCAC Chapter V: Asset Recovery among IPEF Partners. This report explores how IPEF partners are implementing Chapter V of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (#UNCAC), drawing on findings from the second cycle of the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism and voluntary updates on steps taken at the national level. 🔍 Key insights include: – Legal and practical challenges in confiscating and returning stolen assets – Gaps in mutual legal assistance and enforcement of foreign judgments – Fragmented roles and limited inter-agency coordination – Emerging good practices to improve cross-border cooperation and proactive enforcement 📌 Key Recommendations for IPEF Partners to Accelerate Asset Recovery Implementation: • Strengthen legislative and procedural frameworks by: – Updating laws to expand tools like non-conviction-based forfeiture (#NCBF) and clarify asset return procedures – Enhancing mutual legal assistance (#MLA) frameworks to improve speed and effectiveness • Reinforce measures to prevent and detect illicit asset transfers by: – Strengthening oversight of #DNFBPs and politically exposed persons (#PEPs) – Mandating asset disclosures for public officials, with enforcement – Using technology to verify beneficial ownership and financial declarations • Enhance institutional tools and capacities by: – Developing clear guidelines for managing seized and confiscated assets – Streamlining MLA processes with practical tools and templates • Invest in capacity-building by: – Providing targeted training for authorities across the asset recovery chain – Using simulations and mock case exercises to build skills – Encouraging peer learning through mentoring and joint workshops • Deepen international cooperation by: – Engaging with networks like #StAR, #ARINAP, Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, GlobE Network, APG, #SEAJust – Expanding both formal and informal channels for cross-border coordination 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebEhbgFr 🙏 support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 🙏 Anne L., Tanja Santucci, Tugs-Ochir Jantsan #UnitedAgainstCorruption #UNCAC #IPEF #AssetRecovery Delphine Schantz

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