Project Synopsis

In the contemporary human security landscape, militant violence by non-state armed groups often surpasses state-based violence. International community often tries to find ways to save civilian lives in conflict zones around the world. A variety of measures are employed, ranging from humanitarian engagement, mediation, peacekeeping, sanctions, judicial prosecutions, and/or military interventions. What saves lives, under what conditions? How do international actors tame and curb militant violence? What works and does not work? 

Synthesizing three decades of scientific research on violence and international interventions, Saving Lives, sets forth an argument that the efficacy of outsiders' actions depend on the target, i.e. militant groups.  The theory of tailoring to the target and the associated evidence will be useful for implementation of civilian protection in conflict zones, with grave implications for what outsiders can and can't do. The project aims to advance our understanding of how international actions affect the fate of civilians, women, and children in conflict zones around the world. 

Funding

The project is currently funded by the National Science Foundation (SES# 2049443), as well as the Arts & Humanities Fellowship by the Vice President for Research Office at TAMU. The germ of the idea was funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung via the Humboldt Fellowship for the Experienced Researchers.

Project Team 

Undergraduates: Hollie Polk, Sophie Friedman, Bryce Hann, Treyton Zanutto, Michael Rudolf, Jacey Neuberger, Kelsey Pormasdoro

Graudate students: Yohan Park, Devin Brown, Yewon Kwon, Niels Appeldorn, Joowon Yi