Building peace and promoting just and effective institutions remains a significant challenge globally. Many countries struggle with weak governance structures, limited access to justice, and institutional capacity gaps that hinder sustainable development. These challenges are particularly pronounced in regions affected by conflict, political instability, or resource constraints.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions at every level. Progress toward this goal requires evidence-based leadership, governance, and institutional strengthening approaches.
In the following blog post, we highlight research from Open Research Europe authors that addresses key aspects of SDG 16.
Systems Leadership: a qualitative systematic review of advice for policymakers
Research on ‘systems leadership’ challenges the notion that solving complex policy issues depends solely on a few heroic leaders at the top of governments or organizations. Instead, it emphasizes that many individuals must work together, leveraging the skills of inside and outside actors across different sectors. Occasionally, this idea can seem unclear, making it hard to identify who needs to decide on policy changes and whether leadership changes are necessary.
This Systemic Review, authored by Prof. Paul Cairney and published as part of the Political Science Gateway, conducts a qualitative analysis of existing literature to identify effective strategies for collaborative policymaking, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration among various actors. It synthesizes advice from 86 texts, highlighting five main features essential for successful collaboration: planning, creating a collective purpose, fostering creative methods, establishing new forums, and clarifying roles and skills.
Read the full Systematic Review here.
Pro-democracy platform advocacy: Resisting Big Tech-mediated authoritarianism in Southeast Asia
Global platforms like Meta, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Telegram have faced criticism for enabling authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent, particularly in the Global South. In response, human rights advocates have stepped up their efforts to push these global platforms to support free speech. Although these transnational initiatives take different forms and have diverse impacts, there is a gap in research that systematically explores how they operate.
This Research Article, published as part of the Future of Democracy Collection, introduces the concept of pro-democracy platform advocacy, examining its potential to influence Big Tech practices and reduce platform-mediated repression in Southeast Asia, specifically in Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. The study finds that advocacy efforts are more effective when they align with issues important to Western democracies, leverage international allies for visibility, and engage marginalized dissidents.
Read the full Research Article here.
Comparative analysis of detention centres in Spain and Italy 2018-2023: Addressing systemic deficiencies and human rights compliance
Immigrant detention centres are facilities that hold individuals who are not citizens or legal residents while their immigration status is resolved. These centres detain people awaiting deportation, those who violate immigration laws, or asylum seekers. The practice of immigration detention sparks debate, balancing human rights concerns against national security and sovereignty. In Spain and Italy, immigration detention centres are vital parts of their migration management systems, as both countries serve as key entry points into the European Union. Political and legal debates about these centres have been especially intense in these nations.
The following Research Article, published as part of the Horizon 2020 Gateway, analyzes the conditions and management of immigration detention centres in Spain and Italy from 2018 to 2023, revealing systemic deficiencies in health care, staff training, legal care, hygiene, and transparency. It highlights the misuse of detention as a migration control measure and notes a significant difference in detention duration between the two countries. The study calls for reforms to enhance conditions and uphold fundamental rights in these centres.
Read the full Research Article here.
Discover further research from authors related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16, in the Political Science Community Gateway and Future of Democracy Collection
