Climate & Food Security on Stage at the Munich Security Conference

Almost a year after the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine began, it was no surprise that the 2023 Munich Security Conference focused on the importance and implications of the ongoing conflict. This focus included a look at the second-order effects of the conflict, such as global food insecurity and the energy transition – a recognition that tackling such transnational challenges are integral to what the conference report identified as a need for “A re-envisioned liberal, rules-based international order…to strengthen democratic resilience in an era of fierce systemic competition with autocratic regimes.”

Yellow Card: Global Food Crisis Underscores Need for Systemic Security

By Brigitte Hugh In January 2022, food prices were already higher than normal. Pandemic-driven supply chain and labor complications combined with intensifying climate hazards had negatively affected global food availability. Then Russia invaded Ukraine, which has drastically reduced grain exports…

A Case Study in the Environmental Risks of War: Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant

Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant in Vyshgorod, Ukraine. Source: Kiyanka By Richard Marcantonio The risks of warfare are complex. Beyond the often-devastating immediate humanitarian implications of large-scale violence, warfare’s impact on the broader environment is multifaceted, posing environmental, social, political, economic,…

Nuclear Threats in Ukraine Today and Their Implications for Global Security Tomorrow

By Christine Parthemore and Andrea Rezzonico Amidst the mounting human toll of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its attacks are affecting nuclear energy sites as well. As of this writing, Russian forces have seized control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant –…

FACT SHEET: Russian Disinformation on U.S.-Supported Labs in Ukraine A Brief Overview & Links to Resources

Russia has increased its disinformation which falsely claims that Ukraine may have biological and chemical weapons. This effort from the Russian government, along with support from the Chinese government, is intended to erode trust in the United States and sow…

The Deeply Dangerous Spread of Russian Disinformation on Biological Weapons

On Friday, March 11, the U.N. Security Council met at the request of Russia to discuss unsubstantiated and spurious claims that the United States is supporting biological and chemical weapons laboratories in Ukraine—the latest action in a long-running Russian disinformation…

BRIEFER: Climate, Ecological Security and the Ukraine Crisis: Four Issues to Consider

By Erin Sikorsky, Elsa Barron and Brigitte Hugh In an analysis released early this year, the Center for Climate and Security (CCS) noted that climate change and climate security risks are not separate from other security challenges facing the United…

IMCCS and NATO at the Munich Security Conference on the Eve of Conflict: Addressing Catastrophic Risks

MSC, Munich Security Conference, Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Fürstensalon. Source: Elsa Barron, International Military Council on Climate and Security, Feb 18, 2022. By Elsa Barron The threat of a likely Russian invasion of Ukraine hung over the recent 2022 Munich Security…

The Council on Strategic Risks on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

As a non-partisan policy institute focused on security risks, peace, and stability, the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) acknowledges the extraordinarily dangerous situation facing the world. Despite significant efforts to avert this outcome by numerous nations and international organizations, Russia’s…