What are the Issues?
Peace and security are the foundations of states and societies. Whether we talk of state security or human security more broadly, countries need sustainable peace and legitimate forms of security to function and prosper. Too often, the foundations of peaceful social order are undermined by oppressive systems of power and unfair accumulation and distribution of resources. These generate varying forms of violent conflicts, domestically, regionally and globally. While violence directly undermines security, the absence of violence does not necessarily imply peace. In that sense, understanding the causes of conflicts and the nature of conflicts becomes critical to sustainable peace and security. Conflicts necessitate varying forms of conflict resolution and peacebuilding systems to restore order and foster sustainable peace. Our work focuses on these foundational issues to conflict, security and sustainable peace in African countries and the continent as whole. These issues stretch into the problems of governance and leadership, institutional and structural problems, and issues of resources and the environment.
How do we approach the issues?
We approach issues of peace and security through a multidisciplinary lens centered on evidence-based research that is cognizant of the need for policy solutions to the problems of peace and security. We lay a vision of evidence-based knowledge that is geared to solving human problems and we support academic research that fosters this vision. We understand peacebuilding and security as multidimensional issues that require solid evidence-based knowledge from academic research and insights from the policy world on the everyday issues of human security and state security. We integrate evidence-based research with policy questions and insights throughout our works, from the conception of research studies to the publication and dissemination of the knowledge acquired through evidence-based research.
What do we contribute?
Our contributions center on knowledge production and its use. Notably, we facilitate the production of evidence-based knowledge in formats that are accessible to policymakers and practitioners. We believe that evidence-based knowledge should be useful and accessible. By working with scholars and practitioners on Africa, especially those based in Africa, we contribute to the molding of research, publication of evidence-based knowledge in a variety of formats to be accessible to the academic and policy worlds, and dissemination of evidence-based knowledge through a variety of engagement activities directed at policy makers, stakeholders, and the public. In this way, we strive to be a catalyst for positive social change toward sustainable peace through the production of useful and accessible knowledge about the drivers, nature, and resolution of violent conflicts and insecurity in Africa.
How can you help us?
You can contribute as a scholar, policy experts, or a concerned person wanting to make a difference. Scholars and policy experts can join our network of fellows and be part of research teams. As a person who cares about issues of peace and security in Africa, you can support IRPIA by making a financial donation and/or contributing your skills. Please contact us to learn more about how you can contribute.