British Academy calls for fresh approach to conflict work

Social scientists need to re-think how they apply development research to peace-keeping and conflict resolution, a report from the British Academy claims.

In Navigating Inclusion in Peace Settlements, published on 6 June, the academy calls for a better dialogue between academics and those trying to establish peace on the ground in post-conflict environments.

There is a growing consensus among the development and peace-building communities of a need to “do things differently”, the academy says. This includes being more politically smart about establishing human rights in fragile and conflict-affected states, something that could be improved with better access to research knowledge.