Reports and articles
Time for Change: The Normalization of Corruption and Diversion in the Humanitarian Sector
Although the aid sector often treats corruption and diversion as an anomaly, they are pervasive, systemic and often unwittingly perpetuated by standard aid sector practices. Drawing primarily on evidence from Somalia and Afghanistan (with reference to other contexts), this paper explores the specific aid practices that enable and perpetuate corruption and diversion, and what donors and implementers should be doing differently.
Transferring climate funds to conflict zones
Conflict-ridden and fragile countries are among the most vulnerable to climate change and least prepared to deal with it. They are largely excluded from climate adaptation programmes and funding. This article charts a path forward on how to address climate adaptation in conflict zones.
Climate Adaptation in No-Man's Land
This paper examines climate change and armed groups, specifically the failure the address climate adaptation in areas beyond state control.
The Gaza effect:
How Will the Israel-Hamas War Shape Armed Group Behavior and Engagement with Armed Groups?
Playing the long game: Exploring the relationship between Al-Shabab and civilians in areas beyond state control
Based on extensive research in Al-Shabab controlled areas of Somalia, this paper explores dynamics between Al-Shabab and those who live under their control.
Taliban Arms Management Practices
This paper argues that we should not see ‘political’ and ‘criminal’ groups as separate categories. Instead, we should envision a spectrum of motives and practices across all armed groups, regardless of how they are labelled.
Crime and Communities: Life under criminal group control
This paper argues that we should not see ‘political’ and ‘criminal’ groups as separate categories. Instead, we should envision a spectrum of motives and practices across all armed groups, regardless of how they are labelled.
Understanding Agency in Civilian-Armed Group Interactions
This joint paper with ODI explores what we know (and what we don’t) about how ordinary people engage with armed groups.
Taliban Case Study - From Words to Deeds: ANSA Practice and Interpretation of IHL and Human Rights Norms
Part of a larger research programme hosted by the Geneva Graduate Institute, this study examines the Taliban insurgency’s practice and attitudes toward IHL rules and human rights norms.
Rethinking Armed Group Control
Prevailing understandings of control – which focus on territorial dividing lines and acts of violence – are incomplete. Our paper argues that armed group control should instead be broken down according to how armed groups seek to influence populations.