Erica Gaston

Dr Erica Gaston is the Head of the Conflict Prevention and Sustaining Peace Programme at United Nations University Centre for Policy Research, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Her most recent book, Illusions of Control: Dilemmas of Managing U.S. Proxy Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, was published with  Columbia University Press in July 2024. Her past legal research and journal articles have focused on changing norms and practice in conflict settings, including with respect to soldier self-defence, hostile intent, and mercenaries and private security companies. She recently co-authored the 2024 Digital Handbook on peace and security for the General Assembly.