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Conflict and Violence

Our work provides a nuanced and realistic understanding of the relationship between violence, conflict, security and development. It aims to help policymakers, practitioners and citizens to develop policies and practices that strengthen people’s efforts to secure their own lives and livelihoods and improve the functioning of political institutions responsible for security and the management and prevention of conflict, and for the development of peace.

We examine the multiple layers and contexts in which violence manifests – from household to state and global level – and pinpoint the links and overlaps between these layers. This includes exploring the nature of, and responses to conflict and violence in rapidly expanding urban areas.  We have a done pioneering work on the dynamics of micro-level conflict, violence and development as well as on citizen action in violent contexts. Our research on gender, men and masculinities and gender-based violence has provided new insights on how to change attitudes, norms and behaviours for equality, peace and justice.

Another focal area is the dynamics of policy processes around conflict, violence and security examining the key framing and narratives. We explore non-traditional forms of security, especially linked to water, energy, food and health as well as post conflict and state building issues affecting service delivery and livelihoods, and are also developing new participatory approaches to peacebuilding. 

People

Patricia Justino

Professorial Fellow

Rebecca Mitchell

Postgraduate Researcher and Programme Manager

Gauthier Marchais

Research Fellow

Jeremy Allouche

Professorial Fellow

Jeremy Lind

Professorial Fellow

Juan Carlos Muñoz-Mora

Post Doctoral Researcher

Marinella Leone

Research Fellow

Robin Luckham

Emeritus Fellow

Programmes and centres

Recent work

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Upcoming Event

Food Equity Centre

Power relationships and aquaculture livelihoods in Vietnam

Join the Food Equity Centre for this seminar that explores different kinds of power relationships that influence people’s access to resources, livelihood options and sustainability outcomes. This seminar looks at a case study of aquaculture production systems in northern Vietnam and the...

15 July 2025

Upcoming Event

AI in tax administration: Opportunities, risks and emerging practice

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way governments manage data, detect fraud, and engage with citizens—and tax administrations are no exception. From chatbots and risk scores to automated audits and predictive analytics, AI holds the promise of smarter, faster, and more efficient...

25 June 2025

Opinion

The power of communities during civic space closure in Central America

Lea la versión en español de esta opinión. Every time a community organises, learns, and cares for its members, it is exercising power. That power doesn’t always make the headlines, but it is still there. We see it when someone speaks out, when one person defends another against...

Rocío Elizabeth Ramírez Argueta, Oficial de programas y proyectos, COMCAVIS TRANS

& 3 others

24 June 2025

Opinion

El poder de las comunidades frente al cierre del espacio cívico en Centroamérica

Read the English version of this opinion. Cada vez que una comunidad se organiza, aprende y cuida de los suyos, está ejerciendo poder. Ese poder no siempre aparece en los titulares, pero allí está. Lo vemos cuando una persona alza la voz, cuando alguien defiende a otra frente a la...

Rocío Elizabeth Ramírez Argueta, Oficial de programas y proyectos, COMCAVIS TRANS

& 3 others

24 June 2025

News

IDS researchers at DSA 2025

IDS researchers are out in force this year presenting at this years Development Studies Association (DSA) conference – the biggest of its kind in Europe – and which takes place at the University of Bath from the 25 to 27 June. The theme of the conference this year is Navigating crisis:...

23 June 2025

Opinion

Shaping the future of AI: The role of non-binding agreements

The UK Government set out in January 2025 a ‘blueprint to turbocharge’ AI use. But the principles that guide international and state actors’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) have – and continue to be – at the centre of global conversations. International organisations and...

23 June 2025

Past Event

Taxing wealth in lower income countries

In the face of declining aid volumes and mounting debt and climate crises, lower income countries are under increasing pressure to raise more domestic revenue. With these countries already experiencing higher levels of wealth and income inequality than high-income nations, there is a compelling...

19 June 2025

Past Event

Dignity in development: Evidence and gaps in respecting people worldwide

The development sector proclaims that it values dignity. Yet it often breaks this promise, with people leaving encounters with charities feeling bruised and unseen. In this seminar, Tom Wein examines dignity as a core value around the world, drawing on his in-progress research for the future...

19 June 2025

Why learn with us.

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use more than 50 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. The University of Sussex has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past five years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).

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