Peace and Security

Africa continues to grapple with increasing conflict, and many of its nations are characterized as fragile and conflict prone. These conflicts have far-reaching consequences, as they erode institutions and human capital, leaving behind a legacy of mistrust that perpetuates future conflict. This cycle creates a conflict-poverty trap that hampers development. The African experience, particularly in East Africa, underscores the urgent necessity for comprehensive measures and a deeper scientific understanding to break the vicious cycle of underdevelopment and conflict. In response, Peace and Security is a key research area for AfDA. We focus on generating knowledge in several critical areas, including fragility and conflict, geopolitics, the role of regional and global actors in peace and conflict dynamics, justice and security reforms, governance and institutions, human security (addressing concerns such as the protection of civilians, gender-based violence, and food security), and research into elections, democratic practices, and civic engagement.