Given the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the world and researchers prospecting more events like this to happen in the future it is important to shed light on the impact which it have had on those especially vulnerable to these sorts of risks and disasters. Furthermore, the tourism industry is known for its vulnerability and volatility in the eye of global events. Thus, this paper aims to give a voice to those working on a grassroot level – with focus on Phuket, Thailand, also known as the Andaman pearl, in the tourism industry, and also look at how they have managed the effects of the pandemic. The study is qualitative and uses semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Relevant theoretical frameworks have been applied to understand the results of the interviews. It will also look at the prospects the respondents see for themselves and the tourism industry in Phuket in relation to the aftermath of the pandemic, and the war between Ukraine and Russia as a possible threat to the return of tourists to Phuket.

Twenty years has passed since the adopted of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which aims to strengthen the gender perspective in conflict settings as well as address inequalities related to sexually gender-based violence. Still, the concrete impact it has had on sexual violence in armed conflict, is questioned. Additionally, it is questioned if it reaches the grassroot level in armed conflict settings. Thus, this study has examined what factors that may have hindered a successful implementation on a grassroot level in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Furthermore, it has examined the concrete impact on the efforts against sexual violence in these areas. This was done by firstly, conducting a policy analysis using the “What’s the Problem Represented to be?” approach to identify underlying problematics within the resolution. Additionally, semi-structed interviews were conducted with respondents having experience in working with the resolution and/or sexual violence in armed conflict. The results showed, among other things, that the complex construction of the resolution have been a hindering factor for a successful implementation. Additionally, the concrete change for the efforts against sexual violence in conflict settings is lacking. However, the empowerment that the resolution has provided to those working with these issues, is still an important impact.