Research

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Areas of Inquiry

We believe that evidence-driven, field-based research must play a central role in addressing the suffering found in humanitarian crises, human rights failures, and war. Our work is focused on seven areas of inquiry that we believe are critical to understanding the changing nature of crises.

The Changing Nature of Crises and Crisis Response: The Promotion of Evidence-Based Practice

Aid policy and response must be evidence-driven — from needs assessments through response to rehabilitation and exit.

The Future of Pastoralism

Countries with large pastoral populations are usually found towards the bottom of international development indices; In some regions, pastoralists continue to be directly affected by large-scale, long-term conflict.

Humanitarianism and Politics

Humanitarian intervention is an essential safety net for the most vulnerable. However, politics and power always define the context in which humanitarian action takes place.

Livelihoods, Vulnerability, and Resilience

More than a decade of research and experience at the Center points to the importance of understanding the vulnerability of people’s livelihoods, the risks they face, and their adaptive strategies.

Nutrition and Food Security

Although hunger and malnutrition are back on the global agenda, nutritional risk in marginalized and crisis-affected communities is often overlooked.

People on the Move: Migration, Displacement, Refugees, and Urbanization

People displaced by armed conflict and other disasters are increasingly moving to urban areas, joining groups whose traditional livelihoods may no longer be viable.

Upholding Rights in the Face of Violence

Protection of human rights is a primary obligation of the state. However, during armed conflict, mass flight across borders, or transitions from conflict to post-conflict, the state may be unwilling or unable to fulfill that obligation.

Active Programs and Projects

Selected Previous Programs