Our Research

We take a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to analysing the causes and consequences of violence and armed conflict and the sustainability of peace. We bring together a range of methodological approaches: quantitative, critical, applied qualitative, psychological, and area studies. 

What makes us distinctive:

• Our broad understanding of, and critical approach, to security threats.
• Our focus on sustainable peace and social justice, which puts local communities at the centre.
• Our emphasis on applied research.

Research streams

Our research falls into three interrelated streams: 

Conflict prevention and early warning

We examine the causes of conflict, violence, war and radicalisation, and ways to prevent it. We understand this broadly to include conflicts and violence both within and between states, and we analyse multiple and often interrelated causes, including climate change and food insecurity. See e.g. our project on nuclear disarmament and the new project Envisioning Vulnerability and Safety Otherwise: Artivist knowledge on gender-based violence in Mexico

Effects of war and violence

Our research on the effects of war and violence often crosses disciplinary boundaries and focuses on the everyday lived experiences of war and violence; the effects on local communities as well as on armed combatants. This includes research into the impact on health, sexual violence, migration and forced displacement. We examine the best ways to reduce civilian harm, and the facilitation of a broader protective environment in war. See e.g. the Beyond Compliance Consortium. 

Sustainable peace

Through our research, we develop better evidence for promoting social cohesion and moving towards lasting peace. We examine different strategies for sustainable peace and the conditions under which they are effective. We have significant expertise in peace processes and peacebuilding, including the transformation of former armed actors and transformative justice. Our research emphasises that lasting peace is about more than the absence of war; it requires attention to inclusion, human rights, sustainable development, and environmental sustainability. See e.g. the Politics After War Research Network 

This third research stream includes the planned creation of a Peace Data Hub: a unique data source of qualitative data that will support research and transitions from war to peace. 

We also examine the interconnection of these three streams, an example of which is the Civil War Paths project.