Mr. Hallaj Joins the Advisory Board of the Conflict Research Programme at LSE

30 October 2018 - London School of Economics, United Kingdom

In a recent development in our work for conflict research, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj has joined the advisory board of the Conflict Research Programme (CRP) at the London School of Economics (LSE). This appointment, which took effect in late 2018, marks a noteworthy addition to the programme’s already distinguished board. Mr. Hallaj will attend his first board meeting on 29-30 November 2018, bringing his extensive experience and insights to the table.

The CRP, a four-year research initiative running from October 2017 to March 2021, is hosted by LSE and supported by a £6.68m grant from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Its primary goal is to delve deep into the nature of contemporary conflict, particularly focusing on why current forms of violence are so persistent and hard to resolve. By analyzing the underlying political economy of violence, the programme aimed to offer valuable insights to inform and shape policy decisions.

The research conducted by the CRP spanned various conflict zones, including Iraq, Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, it extends its reach to the broader regions of the Horn of Africa/Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf/Middle East. Employing a comparative politics approach, the CRP examined the specifics of these areas, simultaneously shedding light on local political idioms to better understand the complex economic and social factors underpinning politics and conflict. This approach is instrumental in unraveling the challenges associated with state-building efforts in these regions.

One of the key objectives of the CRP is to identify international interventions that effectively reduce violence or contribute to the security of individuals and communities affected by conflict. The programme challenges the prevalent assumption that contemporary conflicts primarily stem from ‘fragile’, ‘failed’, or ‘collapsed’ states. Instead, it focuses on the concept of public authority, which encompasses various forms of socio-political institutions, and investigated how these different forms function and influence levels of violence and insecurity.

The CRP's advisory board, consisting of LSE academics and external professionals, plays a crucial role in guiding and providing feedback on the programme’s research. With the addition of Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj, the board is poised to further enhance its impact in the realm of international development and conflict resolution.

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