Law expert advises United Nations on future peace

Harmony and stability in the world may be proving hard to find but it is not for the want of trying.

Behind the warmongering headlines at this week’s UN General Assembly in New York, talks on future disarmament and respect for the rule of law are ongoing.

Professor Thompson Chengeta, of LJMU’s School of Law and Justice Studies, is part of a two-year programme of rebuilding trust via the diplomatic channels of the UN.

Thompson sits on the UN’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters along with a dozen or so other experts as far flung as Sao Paolo, Moscow, Hyderabad, Washington and Beijing.

To date, Professor Chengeta and his fellow advisors have been mapping the fractures in the rules-based order of international relations, caused in part by heightened nationalism, hyper-capitalism and surges in populist demagoguery.

Ongoing distrust

Their report: Confidence-building measures in international security and disarmament: rebuilding trust and enhancing transparency in a fragmented security landscape covers the Board’s eighty-fifth (Geneva) and eighty-sixth (New York) sessions and will be reported fully in October with a full set of recommendations in June 2027.

Explaining the motivation, Thompson says: “In view of the ongoing distrust among States, the erosion of confidence in the international system and the grave implications for peace and security, Mr Guterres (the UN Secretary-General) asked us to explore the drivers behind these events.”

The Secretary-General also asked Thompson and his peers to assess how AI and emerging technologies (both military and civil) were changing the landscape of tensions between nations and blocs.

“As the international law expert, my contribution focus on the intersection between international law and confidence-building measures, including violations of international law, and how international law should underpin and reaffirm confidence-building efforts between States,” added Thompson.

In a communication to the Board, Antion Guterres said: “At a time when trust among States is under considerable strain, and when long-standing arms control and disarmament frameworks face significant challenges, practical approaches to reducing tensions, enhancing transparency and promoting dialogue are more important than ever.”

Technological risk

The advisers also seek to ensure that technological advances contribute to human security and sustainable development rather than instability and conflict.

“As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies continue to transform societies and security environments alike, the United Nations has a critical role to play in fostering inclusive dialogue, international cooperation and effective governance,” added Mr Guterres.

Professor Keith George, LJMU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “I congratulate Thompson on his work at the highest level of international relations. His and his peers’ work is of the highest importance in ensuring future peace and stability for us all.”

The report is available for download in all 6 official UN languages.