War Studies

Billions of dollars are spent every year on pacifying conflict zones by international organisations and NGOs. However, the past five years have seen the worst refugee crisis in the world since World War II, and conflicts continue to erupt despite unabated these massive peacekeeping missions. So why is the aid industry failing to deliver lasting peace and what can we instead? In a special episode of the podcast we talk to Professor Séverine Autesserre, professor of political science at Barnard College, Columbia University. An award-winning researcher and author, writing on conflict, peacebuilding and international aid, her research has helped shape the intervention strategies of several United Nations departments, foreign affairs ministries, and non-governmental organisations. Interviewed by guest host, MA student Gizem Yurtseven, Séverine discussed her latest book The Frontlines of Peace: An Insider’s Guide to Changing the World, which across 12 different conflict zones, shares her discovery that pockets