Prevention, Resilience and Cohesion

We examine how societies can prevent violence and harmful influences, strengthen resilience and protect social cohesion and democratic values.

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Programme Introduction

We examine how violence, extremism and other threats to social and democratic stability can be prevented, and how societies can build resilience against polarisation, information manipulation, cognitive warfare, foreign interference and transnational repression.

Combining research with practical experience, we investigate what works in prevention and resilience-building, and support the development and delivery of effective policies and programmes. Our work draws on experience implementing initiatives in diverse and challenging environments, helping to translate evidence into practical approaches with lasting impact.

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Programme Themes

Intersectional Gender Mainstreaming

We examine how gender and other aspects of identity can be better reflected in policies and programmes to make them more inclusive and effective. Our work focuses on putting intersectional gender mainstreaming into practice, demonstrating its value and embedding Women, Peace and Security (WPS) priorities and commitments in policy development.

Training and Capacity Building

We combine research and practical expertise to strengthen the skills and capabilities of government departments, practitioners, law enforcement and security professionals. Through tailored training, workshops and advisory support, we help organisations apply best practice and develop and deliver more effective prevention and resilience programmes.

Prevention of Violence and Violent Extremism

We investigate what works to prevent violence and violent extremism, examining the drivers of radicalisation and the effectiveness of prevention and countering violent extremism (PCVE) initiatives. Drawing on extensive research and practical experience delivering large-scale programmes in regions including the Horn of Africa and Afghanistan, we explore how locally informed approaches can address the conditions that enable violent extremism to take hold.

Preparedness and Resilience

We examine how societies can prepare for, withstand and recover from increasingly complex threats. Our research explores the role of media literacy, critical thinking, crisis management and emergency preparedness in strengthening societal resilience. We also consider how governments, civil society, emergency services and the military can work together to develop effective, whole-of-society responses to crises.

Community Cohesion

We explore the threats to community cohesion and the ways in which polarisation, discrimination and harmful narratives can undermine social and democratic resilience. Our research examines how hostile state and non-state actors, as well as individuals and groups, exploit divisions through online and offline harassment, hate and information manipulation. We focus on how inclusive values, mutual understanding and respect for diversity can strengthen communities and protect against division.

Current Projects

View active projects associated with this research programme.

Projects

Building UK Strategic Capacity to Counter the Weaponisation of Gender

Uncovering how transnational gendered and identity-based threats undermine UK and Euro-Atlantic security and what national security actors can do about it.

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