Each month we bring you a selection of reading material recommendations from our staff. Here are the selected readings for September. 

Dissolving conflict. Local peace agreements and armed conflict transitions

In recognising the “stuckness” of formal Track 1 peace negotiation processes, the article explores the various functions of local peace agreements and reflects on the potential for local peace agreements to provide alternate pathways to peacemaking.

Recommended by Alex Shoebridge

There Is Nothing for You Here by Fiona Hill

Fiona Hill’s book was the top recommendation of the FT’s Best Summer Books, and absolutely hit the spot. Hill picks up where JD Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy ended, offering a detailed and personal critique of socio-economic divides in Russia, the US and UK and explaining how these have shaped geopolitics the last 32 years. A chilling warning for politicians to heed and an opportunity to take impactful actions.

Recommended by Caroline Varin

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

This book has been waiting on my desk for some time now and I finally got to read it this summer. A fascinating and moving story about courage, dedication, resilience and willing power to end oppression and achieve political transition.

Recommended by Philip Poppelreuter