The research unit examines how conflict, militarization, and political violence shape societies and international relations in today’s world.

As geopolitical tensions rise in Europe and globally, questions of war and peace have returned to the center of international politics. Our research explores the implications of great-power rivalry and European rearmament for arms control and disarmament, as well as the evolving relationship between local conflicts and the global economy. We investigate how emerging technologies—such as drones and artificial intelligence—are transforming the character of war, and how science, technology, and mass media shape the use, experience, and consequences of violence. Across these themes, we also consider the possibilities for resistance, justice, and change.

Our work draws on extensive fieldwork in Europe, the United States, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, combining empirical depth with policy-relevant analysis.

Central themes

• Conflict, society, and change
• The political economy of conflict
• Nuclear weapons and disarmament
• The new arms race and the future of war