Project: LSE: Conflict Resolution in Conflict-Affected Regions

Violent conflicts often have their roots in complex social, cultural and religious structures, which were not always taken into account by 'traditional' peacekeeping operations. Understanding these intricate structures may help to achieve the desired outcome. We therefore look at the effectiveness of initiatives that are rooted in existing structures. In particular, we investigate the involvement of non-state actors. Are there any informal agreements that have helped to assuage the conflict?

The series is part of a collaboration between VJ Movement and a research consortium led by the London School of Economics. The aim of the research is to find out which kind of policies can help to improve the lives of those living in conflict-affected situations. Rather than imposing normative ideas about governance, security or justice, the LSE consortium thinks it is more productive to look at existing structures and informal arrangements. As it is, communities are surviving in places where nothing or very little appears to be working. How do they do that?

In order to investigate the matter, the researchers have identified six themes. As part of the project, VJ Movement produces and publishes videos that address these research areas. Each theme has its own series on our website. The other series within the project are Security in Conflict-Affected Regions, Gender in Conflict-Affected Regions, Transitional Justice in Conflict-Affected Regions, Information in Conflict-Affected Regions, and Resources in Conflict-Affected Regions.