Armed groups and violence prevention: a conceptual framework
204 million people live under armed group authority or influence. Our new paper sets out what that means for conflict prevention.
A fracturing order
How global systemic change is reshaping armed conflict and the possibilities for engagement and conflict resolution.
Armed group economies l Armed group governance
Checkpoint governance in South Sudan
Exploring the role of roadblocks and the collapse of state authority.
Afghanistan: the collapse of the roadblock state
How the country fell to the Taliban give years ago, one checkpoint at a time.
In focus
Armed Group Economies
Research report
Armed group economic policy
Towards a new research agenda
Our flagship paper on understanding how armed groups control and profit from economic activity – sometimes even more effectively than states.
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Research report
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Research report
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Our mission
The Centre on Armed Groups supports efforts to reduce violence and end armed conflict. We achieve this mission through conducting innovative research, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and providing practical advice.
Our reach
Made with Visme
Our network of experts focuses on conflict and violence focused in more than 30 countries and territories, with specialised expertise on over 50 different armed groups
Somalia
Our research focuses on the conflict with Al Shabab, examing the group's governance, taxation, and relationships with civilians. Our dialogue and advisory work supports engagement strategies grounded in evidence and local realities, with a focus on humanitarian access, protection and peacebuilding.
Myanmar
We provide research and advice on navigating the country's increasing complex conflict, with particular focus on understanding the armed opposition groups and understanding the war economy. We advise partners on conflict trends and access, focusing on protection, economic governance and negotiation.
Afghanistan
Our research tracks the Taliban’s governance practices and how civilians navigate life under Taliban rule, as well as the emergence of other armed actors in the region. We advise humanitarian, development, and diplomatic actors on access, programming, and principled engagement.
Sudan
Our work on the Sudan conflict has focused on understanding local protection arrangements and the political economy of armed groups. Our dialogue and advisory work has supported humanitarian access negotiations, cultural protection and violence reduction efforts.
Beyond compliance in conversation
What does everyday life during war and armed conflict look like? How do ordinary people engage with armed actors? And how can the law contribute to protecting civilians?
Expert commentary
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Ashley Jackson
“If the current trajectory continues, al-Shabaab’s position will only strengthen. But there is still an opportunity to avert the worst.”
Writing in War on the Rocks
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Jerome Drevon
“In a way, this is his Zelensky moment. Zelensky was criticized before the war in Ukraine, and then he became a statesman. The question is can Jolani make the same transformation.”
Discussing how HTS will govern in the New York Times -
Nadwa Dawsari
“The Houthis see themselves as a regional and global actor—their ambitions extend beyond Yemen’s borders.”
Speaking to the Washington Institute
Our donors and partners
