In this conversation, Dr Liam O’Shea examines one of the most overlooked challenges in security sector reform: the collusion between security forces, organised crime, and political elites. Drawing on research from Colombia, Georgia, and South Africa, the discussion explores why these dynamics persist, what has enabled reform in some contexts, and what this means for international support. The conversation highlights the need to move beyond technical fixes and confront the political realities at the heart of reform.

We speak to Moataz Ghaddar and Hannah Johnson from Global Partners Governance about their research and the Winning with Women project which supports women candidates in Lebanon. The conversation explores how the project combines monitoring and capacity-building for women with deliberate engagement of male allies i.e. influential family, community and political figures who can help open doors, mobilise networks and challenge norms that keep politics male-dominated. The discussion highlighted why addressing power, gatekeeping and social norms is essential for creating more inclusive local governance, offering useful lessons for the TWP community.

Rachel shares her thoughts on the current state of democratic politics around the world and shares ideas about how to respond to democratic backsliding in different contexts