Almost one third of the world's population live in conflict-affected low-income countries. Yet little is known about the effects of conflict on household welfare, behaviour and poverty. The Conflict, Violence and Development research cluster is developing new insights into how people live and interact in contexts of conflict and violence, and what institutions best support them.

We use our research findings to help develop policies and practices that strengthen people’s efforts to secure their own lives and livelihoods. Our research themes include:

1. Welfare and livelihood security in areas of violent conflict
   We advance theoretical and empirical analysis of violent conflict at three levels:(i) How do individuals and households adapt to the impacts of violence on their livelihoods, wellbeing and security? (ii) How are local institutions and social norms transformed through processes of violent conflict? and (iii) How do local economic, social and political change affect the persistence of armed conflict and the effectiveness of post-conflict interventions? 
2. Governance, institutional transformation and development outcomes in areas of violent conflict
   This research investigates the forms of local governance that emerge in the midst of violent conflict, and how these forms affect the livelihoods of individuals and communities living in contexts of violence. 
3. Long-term human capital outcomes in areas of violent conflict
   Recent research has shown that the effects of insecurity and conflict on unborn babies and young children may be irreversible and affect their welfare throughout their lives. Yet we know little about what people, communities and the international community can do to protect children and their mothers. Our work informs more effective long-term public health interventions and programming in fragile and conflict affected situations. It provides new ideas and evidence to give greater traction to policymakers and practitioners in improving the lives of the most vulnerable. 
4. Urban poverty and the rise of violence
   By 2030, 60% of people will live in cities. What’s more, 32% of the world’s urban population currently live in slums. These residents rely increasingly on non-state channels to access services including security and the provision of justice. In both low and middle income countries, poverty itself is also taking on an urban character, and cities are becoming sites of extreme and chronic vulnerability to poverty, crime and violence. 
5. The changing convergence between security and development
   In recent years development and security have been linked in new ways. We explore how the intertwining of development with security affects the spaces and actors for development action.