Institute of Development Studies
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Security and Conflict
Working in partnership with researchers, institutions and regional networks, IDS work on security and conflict aims to provide a nuanced and realistic understanding of security, conflict and development so that we may contribute to academic debate, and engage with policymakers, advocacy organisations and donors.
Insecurity and violent conflict are major causes of human misery in their own right. They are a major reason why many poor countries remain poor, and have massively adverse impacts on the livelihoods, entitlements and welfare of poor people. Research also suggests (although with perhaps less clarity) that deprivation and inequality are among the major causes of conflict.
International agencies and donors have gradually pushed forward the boundaries of international interventions in fragile and conflict-torn environments. However, these interventions have had insufficient tangible impact on conflict-prevention, peace-building or poverty-reduction. It is becoming increasingly evident that the security initiatives need to be supplemented by development policy, as well as the legitimacy that comes from national ownership and popular consent.
Key to our work is the recognition that analysis and action must come from below as well as from above. We seek to understand the motivations, livelihood strategies and relationships of poor people to political and household-level violence at grass roots, as well as in wider national, regional and global contexts.
News »»
20 Dec 11 What were the top moments in development research from 2011?
Watch IDS researchers share their key moments from 2011 and describe how they think these events and issues will impact on the development research community.
17 Nov 11 Disarmament is the kindest cut of all for development
In a keynote address, IDS Research Associate Richard Jolly argued that countries which cut military spending enjoy better development outcomes.
11 Nov 11 Riots: Understanding mindless criminality and the poverty impacts of civil violence?
Jaideep Gupte examines why and how riots occur and the impact that they have on local communities
Events
A Political Economy of Security – Two Kicks from Capoeira
Dates: 13 Feb 2012
Time: 13.00 - 14.30
Dr Zoe Marriage from the School of Oriental and African Studies discusses the political economy of security.
Disorganised Crime: Gangs, Youth and Order in Nairobi's Slums
Dates: 27 Feb 2012
Time: 13.00 - 14.30
Professor of African Politics at the University of Oxford presents his research on gangs, youth and order in Nairobi's slums.
Militias and the New Geography of Violence across African States
Dates: 12 Mar 2012
Time: 13:00 to 14:30
Dr Clionadh Raleigh from Trinity College Dublin discusses militias and the new geography of violence across African states.
Professor of African Politics at the University of Oxford presents his research on gangs, youth and order in Nairobi's slums.
Dr Clionadh Raleigh from Trinity College Dublin discusses militias and the new geography of violence across African states.
Latest Publications on Security and Conflict »
- Justino, P. and Shemyakina, O, N. (2012) 'Remittances and Labour Supply in Post-Conflict Tajikistan', IDS Working Paper 388, Brighton: IDS
- Nlandu, T.M. (2012) 'Mapping Police Services in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Institutional Interactions at Central, Provincial and Local Levels', IDS Research Report 71, Brighton: IDS
- Justino, P. (2011) 'The Impact of Armed Civil Conflict on Household Welfare and Policy', IDS Working Paper 384, Brighton: IDS
- Justino, P. (2011) 'Poverty and Violent Conflict: A Micro-Level Perspective on the Causes and Duration of Warfare', IDS Working Paper 385, Brighton: IDS
- Garfinkel, M. and Skaperdas, S. (2011) Oxford Handbook of the Economics of Peace and Conflict, Oxford: Oxford University Press