Peace, Conflict and Security research group
Researching issues of international peace and conflict
The Peace, Conflict and Security (PSC) research group is an interdisciplinary forum for sharing research, knowledge and research practice focused on the intertwined fields of peace, security and conflict studies.
The group supports the University's cross-Faculty Security and risk theme, and our work exploring the changing character of security contributes to knowledge of these issues and produces policy-relevant research to address them.
We also organise events, offer opportunities for PhD students to present their research and engage with external partners through our work.
Our research
Our members focus on research areas including:
- Security and development
- War and film
- Religious extremism
- Insurgency and political violence
- War and the body
- The character of warfare
- International relations theory
- Emotion and terrorism
- African security
- Gender and security
- Multinational warfare and coalitions
- Cyber security
- Weapons of mass destruction
- Socio-technical Security
Publication highlights
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Beyond Françafrique — the state of relations between France and Africa
Chafer, T. (2021) "Beyond Françafrique — the state of relations between France and Africa", Africa South of the Sahara 2022
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ICC upholds jail term for Ugandan rebel commander Ongwen - why it matters for Africa
Kirabira, T. R., Jjuuko, D. (2022) "ICC upholds jail term for Ugandan rebel commander Ongwen - why it matters for Africa", The Conversation
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UK aid to Africa: ‘nationalisation’ and neoliberalism
Lazell, M. (2023) "UK aid to Africa: ‘nationalisation’ and neoliberalism", Canadian Journal of Development Studies
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Sahel insurgency: what policymakers need to do differently
Stoddard, E. (2022) "Sahel insurgency: what policymakers need to do differently", The New Humanitarian
Research projects
Our members have collaborated with Chatham House and FCO Research Analysts on insecurity and violent extremism in the Sahel. Our work has already generated input into policymaking in Nigeria and the UK, and has further potential for policy impact.
We have strong international links with organisations, such as the West Africa Peace and Security Network, University of Ibadan (Nigeria), Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium), and Scuola Superiore Sant Anna, Pisa.
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The Sahel Crisis in Historical Perspective: Supporting a Conflict-Sensitive Approach Through Interdisciplinary Research
This project employs a novel interdisciplinary, comparative approach to assess the interplay between local and transnational influences on these 'jihadist' groups in an effort to boost the conflict sensitivity of local and extra-regional actors.
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The West Africa Peace and Security Network (WAPSN): From Network Partnerships to Impact, Innovation and Income
The West African region remains beleaguered by conflict and is an increasingly pressing concern for the UK government. This project will develop ongoing research trajectories in this area and maintain partnerships with academics in West Africa and policy makers in the UK.
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Investigating the nationalist-turn in UK development policy through academic-practitioner collaboration
This project, which is funded by the Reid Research Fund, Royal Holloway University, will advance our understanding of the nationalist turn in UK policy by bringing together academics, policy makers, and practitioners.
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Educating 21st Century deterrence: Understanding the significance of attitudes in the shaping of policy
Interviews will be conducted with deterrence experts to unpack how their experiences and backgrounds have shaped deterrence policy. Greater understanding of this will build towards efforts to educate and promote 21st century deterrence.
PhD candidates
- Sorina Toltica: Remote Warfare in Nigeria
- Sophie Quintin Adali: Towards African Seapower? The Case of Senegal
We welcome PhD applications related to the themes of peace, conflict and security. Please contact Ed Stoddard to discuss PhD research opportunities with us.