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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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Showing 217–228 of 15404 results

Past Event

Clean energy transition in fragile contexts

Progressing clean energy transitions in fragile contexts—marked by conflict, political instability, economic crises, and climate related uncertainty —poses significant challenges. Watch now https://youtu.be/GrNiHLAn9Tw How can ambitious climate action and inclusive, just energy...

18 March 2025

Working Paper

Towards Transformative Change: Grass-roots Innovations for Food Security During Crises in Brighton & Hove, UK

IDS Working Paper 617

This Working Paper analyses the emergence and evolution of three community-led initiatives focused on food insecurity, with the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the ensuing cost-of-living crisis as the backdrop.

13 March 2025

Past Event

Achieving equitable wellbeing for all – introducing the NOURISH initiative

Watch now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgw2B1ErNwk Understanding how we achieve equitable wellbeing for all can be daunting in a world of rapidly shifting geopolitics, democratic systems failures, and gaping wealth inequalities. In this event we introduce the NOURISH initiative which...

13 March 2025

Past Event

Powering change: Women, youth, and the clean energy revolution

Women and youth face systemic barriers to accessing clean energy opportunities. This panel explores evidence-based policies and business strategies from Africa and MENA to ensure a gender-inclusive energy transition. Experts will discuss skills development, finance, and social policies needed to...

13 March 2025

News

IDS and Sussex ranked first for development studies for ninth year running

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS), in partnership with the University of Sussex, has been ranked first in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for the ninth consecutive year. The consistent number one ranking for Development...

12 March 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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