The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda institutionalized policies to increase women’s meaningful participation in peacekeeping operations. It also mandates a zero tolerance policy for sexual and gender-based violence (often referred to as sexual exploitation and abuse) by UN peacekeepers. This research explores when and how these changes occur and their effects. Much of this research is conducted via the Gender and Security Sector Lab and through prior funding from DCAF and current funding from Global Affairs Canada.

The literature shows that sex and/or gender equality have an effect on peace and conflict. This research explores these connections both by interrogating the difference between how sex inequality and gender inequality affect political violence as well as by understanding how political violence affects gendered outcomes. The research also seeks to understand why post-conflict countries that experience high levels of women’s inclusion and rights also experience high levels of violence against women.

Creating strong states means that the security forces of a country are capable and legitimate. To achieve capacity and legitimacy, states often seek help from international actors. These international actors directly help reform the security forces . This body of research explores the conditions under which these reforms occur, as well as the effects of them. In particular, it looks at the conditions under which public perceptions of the police change.

When international actors, such as United Nations peacekeepers, work in a country, they affect the local economy. This research explores the effect of UN peacekeepers on host country economies. Some of this research is a part of the Oxford University ESRC project: After Exit Assessing the Consequences of United Nations Peacekeeping Withdrawal

Many scholars engage in different types of field research, whether via surveys, randomized controlled trials, qualitative interviews, or focus groups, among other methods. This work explores the best way to conduct this kind of research in an ethical and rigorous way.