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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 11/09/2026

18 months in, the structural reform workstream of #UN80 has failed to meet expectations. What went wrong and why? And how should a serious attempt at #UN structural reorganization be approached? casquebleu.substack.com/p/all-of-the...

casquebleu.substack.com

All the structural reform discussions are backwards

Start with problems and functions, not mergers

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Reposted by Eugene Chen

Pew Research Center @pewresearch.org · 02/09/2026

How do countries view the #UnitedNations? 🇺🇳 🌐 Ahead of the opening of United Nations General Assembly, people across 37 countries view the UN more favorably than unfavorably. However, views in some countries have turned more negative in recent years.

Views of the UN across 37 countries tend to be more positive than negative

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 21/08/2026

The peace operations review report is out at long last. TL;DR: it effectively argues for the status quo. In this reaction piece, I highlight the areas I thought the report got wrong, the items that are missing entirely, and what member states should do now. casquebleu.substack.com/p/nothing-ne...

casquebleu.substack.com

Nothing new in the peace operations review

Just entities protecting their interests and passing the buck

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 07/08/2026

Over the past few decades, UN peace operations have been subverted from their original purpose of promoting liberal peace towards becoming tools of authoritarian conflict management. This week, I look at how this happened and ways to counter the trend. casquebleu.substack.com/p/peace-oper...

casquebleu.substack.com

Are peace operations enabling authoritarian conflict management?

It's not too late to do something about this

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 24/07/2026

My recent Substack piece was a response to some of the recommendations from a report on backroom deals by 1 for 8 Billion. It's definitely worth reading in full: 1for8billion.org/backroom-deals @arbeider4fred.bsky.social wrote a thoughtful response to my criticism which is also worth reading.

1for8billion.org

Backroom deals — 1 for 8 Billion

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 24/07/2026

Backroom deals between candidates for Secretary-General and the permanent members of the Security Council are an unavoidable part of the selection process. But there are ways to mitigate the political pressure, and even potential silver linings to such deals. casquebleu.substack.com/p/living-wit...

casquebleu.substack.com

Living with backroom deals in the Secretary-General selection process

Can't wish them away

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 09/07/2026

On 1 July, the US announced that it would not accept continuation of the #UN Support Office in Somalia #UNSOS beyond the end of the year. In this post, I highlight three takeaways from this saga that should inform future thinking on peace ops and partnership. casquebleu.substack.com/p/the-end-of...

casquebleu.substack.com

The end of UNSOS? Takeaways from the U.S. announcement

The writing was already on the wall

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 26/06/2026

This week, #UN Secretariat staff were told that there is only enough cash on hand to pay salaries through August, but it's not clear that leadership is ready to take the decisions necessary to keep the Organization running through the end of the year. casquebleu.substack.com/p/quick-thou...

casquebleu.substack.com

Quick thoughts on the financial situation

Plus, looking back on a year on Substack

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 19/06/2026

This week, I examine why and when countries fail to pay their #UN dues to show that the weaponization of assessed contributions isn't going away anytime soon. The UN needs to reduce its financial reliance on a small number of countries, and soon. casquebleu.substack.com/p/a-la-carte...

casquebleu.substack.com

À la carte financing is here to stay

Understanding why and when UN member states withhold assessed contributions

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 12/06/2026

Policymakers don't seem to understand comparative advantage. Although embracing the concept should help improve coherence and collective impact of #UN response, misunderstanding it exacerbates existing turf wars and fragmentation. casquebleu.substack.com/p/the-perils...

casquebleu.substack.com

The perils of misunderstanding comparative advantage

Policymakers are getting it wrong

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 14/05/2026

There has been a dramatic increase in the use of gratis personnel in the #UN Secretariat, particularly for #peacekeeping. This week, I examine why this is happening and whether it is a positive development. casquebleu.substack.com/p/gratis-per...

casquebleu.substack.com

Gratis personnel and the pay to play problem

Personnel can be earmarked contributions too

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 30/04/2026

The #UN needs to accept that U.S. non-payment is the new normal. Many of the reforms that the U.S. is now demanding should be implemented not because of the possibility that the U.S. will pay up, but because those reforms are, in fact, necessary. casquebleu.substack.com/p/reforms-wo...

casquebleu.substack.com

Reforms won’t get the United States to pay up

…but that doesn’t mean the United Nations shouldn’t reform

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 28/04/2026

The fact that the Falklands is back in the news complicates Rafael Grossi’s run for #UN Secretary-General as the dispute may make support for an Argentine candidate a non-starter for the UK, which retains a veto in the selection process.

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 23/04/2026

The interactive dialogues marked a new phase in the race for #UN Secretary-General, but the shape of the race remains much the same as it was beforehand. The race is still open, and more candidates are likely to emerge in the months ahead. casquebleu.substack.com/p/secretary-...

casquebleu.substack.com

Secretary-General selection: state of play after the interactive dialogues

The race is far from over

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 26/03/2026

Reimbursement underpins the form and function of troops and police in #UN #peacekeeping. Without a fit-for-purpose framework, efforts to improve the relevance and effectiveness of peace operations will be doomed to failure. casquebleu.substack.com/p/burning-di...

casquebleu.substack.com

Burning diesel and driving in circles

Mismatched incentives in UN peacekeeping operations

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 19/03/2026

Reimbursements to troop-contributing countries are the largest expense in #peacekeeping, and rates are artificially inflated by inclusion of pass-thru payments. Reducing rates would allow more troops to be deployed and more TCCs to benefit from participation. casquebleu.substack.com/p/what-drive...

casquebleu.substack.com

What drives the largest cost driver in peacekeeping?

Troop reimbursement and the pass-through problem

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 13/03/2026

I had the pleasure of speaking on a panel this week during which I shared my thoughts on the à la carte financing approach of the Trump administration, the rise of non-UN alternatives to #peacekeeping, and what we need from the next Secretary-General. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK7h...

youtube.com

The UN Without the United States:  UN Peacekeeping

YouTube video by Carnegie Endowment

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 12/03/2026

Improving the security of peacekeepers is not something that can be solved through more training or better equipment. It's a doctrinal issue tied to the fact that peacekeepers have become parties to conflict. Has the shift to stabilization been worth it? casquebleu.substack.com/p/improving-...

casquebleu.substack.com

Improving the security of peacekeepers is not a technical exercise

Missing the forest for the trees

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 05/03/2026

We've been talking about the importance of local ownership in #peacebuilding for years now, with little effect. Part of the problem is the basic setup of the international civil service. This week, I look at measures that can help overcome these barriers. casquebleu.substack.com/p/walking-th...

casquebleu.substack.com

Walking the talk on local ownership

Another argument for rethinking UN compensation arrangements

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 27/02/2026

Accelerated #UN transitions are here to stay, and long-standing problems—including mission-centric mindsets, administrative and budgetary obstacles, and planning deficiencies—need to be fixed to avoid jeopardizing hard-won peacebuilding gains. casquebleu.substack.com/p/un-transit...

casquebleu.substack.com

UN transitions in a changed geopolitical context

More lessons not learned

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Reposted by Eugene Chen

NYU Center on International Cooperation (CIC) @nyucic.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

🔍 Le dernier rapport politique d'Eugene Chen (@casquebleu.org) examine quatre défis persistants qui affectent aujourd'hui les #opérations de paix des #NationsUnies.

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 12/02/2026

The #UN is developing a new vision for police in #peacekeeping. How can we make sure this exercise doesn't exacerbate internal turf wars but instead helps peace operations meet the moment and address unintended negative consequences of existing approaches? casquebleu.substack.com/p/considerat...

casquebleu.substack.com

Considerations for a new vision for peace operations

Remarks to the Strategic Police Advisory Group

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 11/02/2026

A French translation of my report setting out a new vision for #UN peace operations is now available, thanks to the support of @dgris.bsky.social (French Ministry of Armed Forces).

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 05/02/2026

The #UN is in dire financial straits because of non-payment by the United States. But instead of taking the necessary steps needed to keep the organization afloat, the Secretary-General is more interested in playing the blame game and avoiding responsibility. casquebleu.substack.com/p/whether-th...

casquebleu.substack.com

Whether the UN faces imminent financial collapse is up to the Secretary-General

Stop admiring the problem—do something

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 26/01/2026

The working methods that emerged after the Cold War at the #UN do not suffice when the U.S. no longer pretends to adhere to a rules-based order. In the absence of leadership from the Secretary-General, member states need to think—and act—outside the box. casquebleu.substack.com/p/leadership...

casquebleu.substack.com

Leadership at the UN in a time of monsters

Waiting for Godot

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 16/01/2026

Following approval of major budget cuts proposed by the Secretary-General, the #UN enters 2026 with a dramatically worsened financial position. Unless something major changes, U.S. non-payment means the organization is slipping into a budgetary death spiral. casquebleu.substack.com/p/fifth-comm...

casquebleu.substack.com

Fifth Committee post-mortem

The death spiral begins

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 08/01/2026

We finally have the long-awaited outcome of the Trump administration review of U.S. participation in international organizations. TL;DR—it's not nearly as bad as it could have been, at least where the UN is concerned. theglobalobservatory.org/2026/01/the-...

theglobalobservatory.org

The US Memo on Withdrawing from UN Organizations Is More Bark Than Bite - IPI Global Observatory

Last night, the Trump administration finally announced the long-awaited results of its 180-day review of US membership in international organizations, conventions, and treaties. It announced that it w...

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 03/01/2026

Back in July, I wrote this piece on how the Trump administration treats international law and norms opportunistically, using them as justification when useful and ignoring them when not convenient. Although the piece was about the #UN, it applies to U.S. foreign policy more broadly. #Venezuela.

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 18/12/2025

The race for the next #UN Secretary-General has begun. This week, I make five predictions based on the process agreed and the interests of key Member States on: 1️⃣ Profile of candidates 2️⃣ Gender 3️⃣ Regional representation 4️⃣ What the P5 will demand 5️⃣ Timeline casquebleu.substack.com/p/prediction...

casquebleu.substack.com

Predictions for the Secretary-General selection process

The perils of wishful thinking

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 11/12/2025

Are #UN staff overpaid? Maybe. But short-sighted cuts pushed in the #FifthCommittee are counterproductive. We need a broader rethink of compensation to make the int'l civil service affordable while also being able to effectively respond to today's challenges. casquebleu.substack.com/p/are-un-sta...

casquebleu.substack.com

Are UN staff actually overpaid?

Noblemaire is in the eye of the beholder

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 04/12/2025

Reimbursement for troops and equipment in #UN #peacekeeping is not just a financial matter. How reimbursement is paid—and for what—helps shape Member State behavior and Secretariat processes, with under-appreciated implications for performance and effectiveness. open.substack.com/pub/casquebl...

open.substack.com

Reimbursement: A missing piece in discussions on the effectiveness of UN peace operations

Amateurs talk about doctrine; professionals talk about money

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 25/11/2025

Unfortunately, the #FifthCommittee failed to meet the moment on this. Instead of protecting the budgetary prerogatives of the General Assembly, it rolled over by agreeing on a rubber-stamp draft resolution on the implementation or resolution 2719. undocs.org/en/A/80/527

undocs.org

Document Viewer

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 24/11/2025

Member States should use the peace operations review to rethink the scope and working methods of the Special Committee on #Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) to reposition the C-34 as a body that can productively shape #UN peace operations moving forward. casquebleu.substack.com/p/re-imagini...

casquebleu.substack.com

Re-imagining the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations

Making the C-34 relevant again

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 13/11/2025

Reducing the U.S. share of the #UN budget would help mitigate the cash shortfall, but it is unlikely to happen due to the zero-sum nature of negotiations over the scales of assessments and the consensus-based decision making process in the #FifthCommittee. casquebleu.substack.com/p/can-changi...

casquebleu.substack.com

Can changing the scales of assessments help mitigate the liquidity crisis?

More wishful thinking

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 06/11/2025

It's been over 10 years since the last large-scale UN mission start-up. This week, I provide a refresher on start-up funding arrangements, explain the Secretary-General's request for the UN Support Office in #Haiti, and point out some issues with the request. casquebleu.substack.com/p/getting-th...

casquebleu.substack.com

Getting the UN Support Office in Haiti off the ground

A refresher on mission start-up financing

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 30/10/2025

The #UN80 mandate review highlights the use of the phrase "within existing resources" by delegates wishing to handwave away pesky budgetary issues. But the way it's currently being used goes against the Charter and decisions of the General Assembly. casquebleu.substack.com/p/how-do-you...

casquebleu.substack.com

How do you solve a problem like "within existing resources"?

You're doing it wrong

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 24/10/2025

The UN has been forced to repatriate 25% of troops and police in #peacekeeping missions to deal with cash shortages stemming primarily from U.S. non-payment. I explain why existing liquidity mechanisms were insufficient and what this means going forward. casquebleu.substack.com/p/the-contin...

casquebleu.substack.com

The contingency plan for peacekeeping financing, explained

Not a budget cut

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 17/10/2025

U.S. arrears at the #UN are mounting, and it is at risk of losing its vote in the General Assembly. This week, I dive into when this might happen and what the consequences might be. casquebleu.substack.com/p/is-the-us-...

casquebleu.substack.com

Is the U.S. at risk of losing its vote at the UN?

Skirting the edge of Article 19

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 09/10/2025

Talk of modular approaches in peace operations is in the air, but there are many different interpretations and uses of the concept. What are the different schools of thought and which should be the focus of #UN80 and the peace operations review? casquebleu.substack.com/p/what-do-we...

casquebleu.substack.com

What do we mean by modular approaches to UN peace operations?

Building blocks versus networked operations

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 02/10/2025

The Security Council never needed resolution 2719 to be able to provide assessed contributions to non-UN forces, and the likelihood of 2719 application seems more remote than ever. It's time to look beyond 2719 in designing effective partnership arrangements. casquebleu.substack.com/p/what-now-f...

casquebleu.substack.com

What now for Security Council resolution 2719?

Full of sound and fury

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 25/09/2025

In my latest piece, I examine the #UN80 revised estimates and explain how the initiative risks exacerbating the liquidity crisis, precipitating a loss of talent, and undermining the ability of the next Secretary-General to define a path forward for the #UN. casquebleu.substack.com/p/nobody-wan...

casquebleu.substack.com

UN80: Nobody wants this

Reflections on the 2026 revised estimates, part 2 of 2

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 23/09/2025

This is the one week of the year where I can say things like: Sorry I’m late to this meeting; I was stuck behind the Spanish and Swedish kings while waiting for the elevator.

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 22/09/2025

Do we actually know if Waltz is a member of the Cabinet? The U.S. Representative to the UN is not automatically a Cabinet-rank position, and although Stefanik was nominated as a Cabinet-level official, I haven't yet seen anything to that effect for Waltz.

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Reposted by Eugene Chen

Just Security @justsecurity.org · 18/09/2025

On UNGA's one-year deadline for Israel to comply with its legal obligations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Erica Gaston writes that Member States have ample options for responding to the situation in Gaza, drawing from 80 years of practice: www.justsecurity.org/120901/from-...

justsecurity.org

Weighing the Options on UNGA Action on Gaza

With no end in sight for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, could the General Assembly support humanitarian or peacekeeping intervention?

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 18/09/2025

The #UN80 revised estimates were released this week. In this week's post, I look at the cuts and changes proposed for the peace and security pillar (DPPA and DPO), assessing the likely motivations behind the changes proposed and why these fall short. casquebleu.substack.com/p/restructur...

casquebleu.substack.com

Restructuring the UN peace and security pillar redux

Too little, too late

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 04/09/2025

The U.S. wants a Gang Suppression Force in #Haiti with a UN support office. In this piece, I examine how the support office model went from being the option of last resort to the default option for UN peace and security engagement in complex settings. casquebleu.substack.com/p/un-support...

casquebleu.substack.com

UN support offices and the primacy of the military

How the option of last resort became the preferred model

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 28/08/2025

The simplistic narratives underpinning the #UN80 mandate review do not help us understand and address the problems underpinning ineffective and inefficient delivery. open.substack.com/pub/casquebl...

open.substack.com

In defense of unread UN reports

Beware of simple narratives

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Eugene Chen @casquebleu.org · 21/08/2025

For an organization with so many plans and planners, the UN is surprisingly bad at planning. In my latest commentary, I argue that this is driven by several factors and has pernicious effects for relevance, effectiveness and adaptability of UN peace ops. casquebleu.substack.com/p/dont-feed-...

casquebleu.substack.com

Closing the planning gap in the Secretariat

Stop feeding the beast

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