Institutions that are trusted and accepted allow contests over resources, values and authority to be settled through political channels, instead of through violence.

While some conflicts are resolved or eased though global governance systems, the same institutions can fuel regional tensions and exacerbate conflict. For societies transitioning to democracy, governance can be a direct cause of conflict and unrest. In fact, there is a growing body of research looking at the links between democratisation, good governance and armed conflict.

In a world where globalisation continues, levels of poverty and insecurity are rising, and environmental change continues to pose threats, sound global governance is vital. Building peace and preventing conflict needs to be a key part of this structure.