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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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News

From pedagogy to policy: 16 ways IDS shaped gender and development

The Institute of Development Studies has a long history of challenging traditional narratives. It has also led research initiatives aimed at addressing the systems of exclusion, violence, and oppression experienced by women and other gender minorities on a global scale. Through short courses,...

10 December 2024

Publication

Climate Related Fiscal Risk

This K4DD Rapid Evidence Review is the first in a series of three reports prepared in support of a Knowledge for Development and Diplomacy (K4DD) evidence and policy clinic on public financial management (PFM). The first part of the review addresses the proactive management of fiscal risks,...

10 December 2024

Opinion

A new land administration system for Zimbabwe

This blog was originally published in July 2017 and was followed by another one in The Conversation as part of a series on priorities for the Mnangagwa administration. As the previous blogs on ‘new entrants’ have highlighted the need for a low-cost, effective land administration system...

9 December 2024

Journal Article

The taxed informal economy: Fiscal burdens and inequality in Accra

We find that the majority of informal sector operators in this context pay a range of taxes and fees, which together amount to a significant burden, especially for low earners.

3 December 2024

Past Event

IDS Annual Lecture

IDS Annual Lecture with Mariana Mazzucato

The IDS Annual Lecture will be delivered by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, speaking on ‘Rethinking growth: making economies work for the common good’. Watch now https://www.youtube.com/live/ShK2gORuRsI In a time of rising global inequality, climate and water crises, and health pandemics,...

3 December 2024

Opinion

A new tenure regime for Zimbabwe’s land reform areas?

On 8th October, an unexpected cabinet announcement laid out plans for a completely new tenure regime in the land reform areas. This was to provide a secure form of tenure arrangement; not necessarily title but with an arrangement that was to be ‘bankable’,  allowing for collateral to...

2 December 2024

Publication

Cards Against Backlash: Forwards to a Feminist Future

This toolkit is produced by the IDS-hosted Countering Backlash programme. The programme carries out engaged research, generate new debates, and build capacity across networks and strategic partnerships with women’s, LGBTQ+ and other human rights organisations, activists, academics and...

Becky Faith
Becky Faith & 3 others

29 November 2024

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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