Conflict Research Society

🎓 CRS is accepting submissions for the Cedric Smith Prize 2026 — best paper by a grad student or recent PhD in conflict research.
🗓️ Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
🔗 buff.ly/er0QrBf
#CRSmembers #AcademicPrize

🗣️ Call for papers!
CRS 2026 Conference (8–10 Sept, Glasgow) is now open for submissions.

Theme: Disruption, Resilience & Adaptation in an Age of Crisis
🔗 buff.ly/8K2nrOa
#CRS2026 #ConflictResearch

Self-led peacebuilding as a collective action problem: evidence from Somaliland (1991–2001) This article posits that self-led peacebuilding in general – and large-scale self-led peacebuilding in particular – can be construed as a collective action problem. The latter, an area that has rec...

We are excited to share that Jamal Abdi published his paper "Self-led Peacebuilding as a Collective Action Problem: Evidence from Somaliland (1991-2001)" and analyses self-led peacebuilding through the lens of collective action and cooperation.
doi.org/10.1080/2164...

The Police, the State and the Congo Cop This open access book offers the first full-length, empirical deep-dive into everyday policework in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the same time, its find…

Congratulations to Michel Thill on the publication of his new book The Police, the State and the Congo Cop.
The book offers deep insights into everyday policing and reform in the DR Congo — and what this reveals about the state in conflict-affected contexts.
📖 Access the book:

The CRS is inviting expressions of interest for the 2026 Conference Programme Chair.

This role offers a chance to:
– Gain experience in academic leadership
– Help shape an international, interdisciplinary event

Send your expression of interest (1 page max) to crsconf@gmail.com by 24 November 2025.

We’re looking for a Programme Chair to lead panel selection and programme design for the 2026 event. Gain leadership experience and build your network in the peace and conflict community.

Apply by 24 November 2025 with a 1-page letter of interest to: crsconf@gmail.com

Dan Canon shares his thought-provoking article, “Radical Lawyering: A Plea for Conflict,” published earlier this year in the Rutgers University Law Review.
This powerful piece explores the role of conflict in legal advocacy and progressive lawyering.
🔗 Read the article:

The Conflict Research Society Book Of The Year – CRS

Have you or someone else published a great book within peace and conflict studies, broadly defined? Send your nomination directly to Corinne Bara (corinne.bara@sipo.gess.ethz.ch).
Deadline for nominations is 31 January 2026, self-nominations welcome!

We congratulate Zurab Bezhanishvili on the upcoming publication of his article, “From the Epoch of Total Lies to the Epoch of Total Distrust: Leadership Challenges and Doctrinal Shifts in Contemporary Hybrid Warfare,” in the Defence Forces Review 2025.
📍The journal launches on 7 November 2025.

We are seeking a Programme Chair for the 2026 Annual Conference. This is a great opportunity to shape one of the leading peace and conflict studies events.

Open to second-year PhD students and beyond.
Deadline: 24 November 2025
Apply by sending a 1-page expression of interest to: crsconf@gmail.com

⏳ Just a few days left!
Applications for the Sidney Bailey Peace Prize close on 1 November 2025.
The fund supports research and practical work aligned with the values of peace, justice, and conflict transformation.
🔗 Apply now: buff.ly/nyMhxsO
#CRSmembers #PeaceFunding #ConflictResearch

👏 We’re excited to share that Dr Ezenwa Olumba has been awarded a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship!
His project explores cognitive immobility, migration, and mental health in adolescent asylum seekers through an interdisciplinary lens.
#CRSmembers #Migration

Conference Spotlight & Free-to-view Articles: Legitimacy in Conflict and Peace - GLOBAL SOUTHS HUB Conflict Research Society (CRS) 2025 Annual Conference, themed “Legitimacy in Conflict and Peace,” took place, from the 17th to 19th of September, at the University of Kent, Canterbury. The Global…

📰 In case you missed it:
Several Global South journal articles were made free-to-view for the CRS 2025 Annual Conference on Legitimacy in Conflict and Peace.
Explore contributions that examine legitimacy through diverse global lenses.
🧠 Read them here: buff.ly/ZvVqtLq
#CRS2025 #Legitimacy

🌍 Are you engaged in peace and conflict research, practice, or policy?
Join the Conflict Research Society (CRS) to connect with a vibrant, global community of scholars and practitioners.
Learn more and become a member: buff.ly/ih5ZCs2
#CRSmembers #PeaceResearch

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

📚 Two new articles from Johanna Amaya-Panche shed light on peacebuilding in Colombia:
1️⃣ Foreign Aid for Peace and Civilian Victimisation – buff.ly/bWoTsHN
2️⃣ Religiosity and Reconciliation – buff.ly/S19Mnau

Functional Sovereignty in Contested Territories Abstract. Scholarship on international sovereignty generally adopts a binary conception: territories either have international recognition, or they lack it

New publication by Adrian Florea and Reyko Huang in International Studies Quarterly:
“Functional Sovereignty in Contested Territories” — originally presented at #CRS2024.
The article examines how governance operates in de facto states and contested areas.
🔓 Free access: buff.ly/A4D2cPX
#CRSmembers

🎓 A huge congratulations to Finn Klebe for successfully passing his viva at University College London (UCL)!
We’re delighted to celebrate this important academic achievement with him and wish him continued success in his research journey.
#CRSmembers #PhDsuccess #PeaceResearch

🌟 We were delighted to welcome participants from the CRS Emerging Scholars Initiative at last week’s Conflict Research Society Conference!

Their insights and enthusiasm brought fresh energy into our panels and conversations, reminding us how vital early-career voices are to the future of academia.

🎓 The Conflict Research Society is offering the Sydney Bailey Fund — small grants (up to £1,000) for PhD students conducting research in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and related fields.

🔗 Full details: buff.ly/qrIPZy3

That’s a wrap on the 62nd Annual #CRS2025 Conference! 🎉
A huge thank-you to our speakers, participants, panel chairs, volunteers, and organisers for making this year such a success. We’re leaving inspired, challenged, and energised.
Stay tuned for more updates in our newsletter. Until next year! 🌟

Thank you for joining us and giving an incredible keynote!

It was an honor to discuss my book at the @thecrs.bsky.social's annual conference, and I am grateful for "Guilt by Location" receiving this year's CRS book award. If you missed the keynote, don't worry, you can still order the book today!
cup.org/4gOE8Cy
www.amzn.com/1009523473

Global Society The Algorithmic Turn in Security and Warfare. Volume 38, Issue 1 of Global Society

On the final day of the @thecrs.bsky.social conference, we can also announce that we have made Global Society Special Issue 38(1), "The Algorithmic Turn in Security and Warfare", freely accessible until 31/10/25. Read the whole issue here:

#CRS2025

www.tandfonline.com/toc/cgsj20/3...

It’s the last day of the #CRS2025 Conference!
What’s been your favourite session, insight, or connection so far? ✨ Drop your thoughts below and keep tagging us—we love seeing the conversations continue online as much as in the hallways.

Live at #CRS2025 🎤 Adam Lichtenheld, winner of the CRS Book of the Year, is presenting his groundbreaking research on strategic displacement as part of military & political tactics.

Grateful to our judges — and especially Corinne Bara for guiding the award process.

How’s everyone finding Day 1 of the #CRS2025 Conference? 🌍
Whether you’re deep in panels, networking over lunch, or soaking up a keynote, we’d love to hear what’s stood out to you so far. Share your highlights and don’t forget to tag us so we can amplify your reflections!

Welcome Johanna!

🎉 The 62nd Annual Conflict Research Society Conference is officially underway!

We’re bringing together leading academics, practitioners, and students from across the world to share research, exchange ideas, and explore solutions to today’s most pressing conflicts.

We are off to a great start at #CRS2025! The workshop "The Research Flow" is exploring a framework for practicing scientific reflexivity in research. This afternoon we have more workshops on state formation and military responses.

From Vancouver to Canterbury. Really looking forward to our @thecrs.bsky.social conference at the University of Kent from 17-19 Sep. It's been a great pleasure to be on the organising team again and we look forward to 200+ papers, panels, workshops, and high-level research/policy keynotes! 🎉#CRS2025