Researching Peace - en podd från Uppsala universitet Institutionen för freds- och konfliktforskning

In this episode of Researching Peace, we welcome Sabine Otto, who discusses her project focusing on the civilian aspects of UN peacekeeping operations and their role in promoting human rights. She explains the transition towards multi-dimensional peacekeeping operations and reflects on future steps to enhance the effectiveness of civilian components in peacekeeping missions.

In this episode of Researching Peace, we continue to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on peace research with Paola Vesco, a post-doctoral researcher at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research. Paola's research connects the dots between climate variability, food production, and conflict risk, providing essential insights in a world grappling with unprecedented environmental changes.

How does artificial intelligence (AI) affect peace and conflict research? Meet Jim Dale and Mert Can Yilmaz, who, in this episode, will explore the role of AI in peace and conflict research. Jim, a Programmer at the Violence & Impacts Early Warning System (VIEWS), explains the power of machine learning models in forecasting organized violence on a global scale. Mert, a Senior Analyst at Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), underscores the critical need to ensure AI systems are in sync with human values and intentions. Together, they navigate the complexities of explainable AI, its implications for peace studies, and the imperative for AI ethics. While they acknowledge the immense potential of AI in the realm of peace research, they stress that ethical considerations must guide its evolution to harness its benefits and curb potential risks.

In this episode, we welcome Stefan Döring, a researcher specializing in the intersection of water and conflict. Drawing from his interdisciplinary research, Stefan sheds light on the issue of water conflicts. He unpacks the spatial dynamics of communal violence and introduces a seemingly counter-intuitive argument: water scarcity can foster cooperation instead of conflict. As we explore the future interplay of water and climate, Stefan highlights potential strategies to curb water-related disputes and emphasizes the pivotal role of research in shaping this narrative.

In this episode, Associate Professor Nina von Uexkull talks about the intricate relationship between climate change and conflict. She explains how the two are interconnected and how resource scarcity plays a pivotal role. She emphasizes that environmental stressors can trigger competition for limited resources, leading to tensions and conflicts. She also touches on the challenges of accurately predicting these connections and the implications of taking early action to prevent climate-related conflicts.

Join us in this episode as we delve into the intricate relationship between water, climate, and conflict. Our guest, Professor Ashok Swain, a leading expert in international water cooperation, unravels the complexities of how these factors intersect and impact global dynamics. Discover the challenges of climate migrants, insights into regional water crises, and gain a glimpse into the future of peacebuilding amidst environmental changes.