“Why We Fight”

What’s behind the war in Ukraine, and what is next? Why did the Unites States remain so long in Afghanistan? What’s driving gun violence in so many US cities? Dr. Blattman will talk about how these disparate kinds of conflict have surprisingly many things in common, and will talk about what decades of social science can tell us about the answers.

“Rising Violent Crime in Mexico”

From crippled intelligence and investigative units to failing security policies, this discussion delved into what’s behind the rise in violence, what research questions can help us better understand it, and ultimately what should be done about it.

“Understanding the Drivers of Violent Extremism in Africa”

This conversation drew on the work and expertise of two HFG grantees and explored the dominant narratives of violent extremism on the African continent, the role of the state, and the dichotomy between victims and perpetrators of violence in Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique.

“Protectors or Predators: Understanding Urban Gang Violence Around the World”

Urban Gang Violence is widely synonymous with criminality and deviance. However, this conversation showcased examples from Pakistan, Brazil, Ecuador and DR Congo to complicate our understanding of gangs.

“Why Have Homicide Rates Gone up Since 2015? A Historical Perspective”

Scholars have been puzzled by the rise in homicides since 2015. Many theories that have been put forth have merit, but most take a short-term view of why the rate of violent crime has changed in recent years. 

“Beyond the Crisis: Reimagining Migrant Protection”

HFG’s June 29, 2023 Knowledge Against Violence Speaker Series event, “Beyond the Crisis: Reimagining Migrant Protection,” explored migrant rights and protections from the perspective of three scholars who study the issue from Europe, Africa and North and South America.

“Weapons of War: Examining Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones”

With examples from El Salvador and Ethiopia, this panel examines how government and non-state actors can formulate humanitarian responses to conflict-related sexual violence. The panel discussion is the first in a three-part, HFG series examining gender-based violence.

“Sex Work: Does Legitimization Mitigate Violence?”

In the third installment of HFG’s speaker series exploring Gender-based Violence, three experts discuss how sex workers make choices about their profession in conflict-affected regions and the opportunity to reduce violence against sex workers in places where their work is legalized.