A data-driven analysis of institutional effectiveness and pathways to better global cooperatioN
The international system established after World War II was built for a different world. As we face unprecedented global challenges, from climate change to economic inequality to persistent conflicts, it's worth examining whether our current institutions are equipped to address 21st-century problems effectively.
The numbers tell a sobering story about institutional performance, accountability gaps, and the urgent need for innovative approaches to global governance.
The Accountability Gap: When Institutions Fall Short
Consider the mathematical reality of institutional effectiveness. Since 1945, despite massive investments in international organizations, civilian casualties in conflicts involving major powers have remained consistently high.
Vietnam saw approximately 2 million civilian deaths. The Iraq conflict led to documented civilian casualties in the hundreds of thousands. Afghanistan recorded over 46,000 civilian deaths across two decades. Yet remarkably few senior officials from any major power have faced meaningful accountability through international judicial processes.