Koen Vlassenroot

Koen Vlassenroot investigates armed groups and civil wars and has carried out extensive fieldwork in eastern DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda and the Philippines. His major contribution to the field of conflict research is to understand the social embeddedness of rural armed groups, the mobility of combatants, public authority and non-state forms of governance in conflict zones, and the social transformations induced by long-term violence. He has published numerous peer–reviewed articles and book chapters, has been Co-Principal Investigator of several five-year international research consortia, has directed large international research grants, and has conducted research and consulting activities for international donor agencies and non-governmental organizations. At UGent, he is the director of the Conflict Research Group and of the Governance in Conflict International Thematic Network.

Conference: “neglected crisis, not forgotten’: Democratic Republic of Congo

Conference in collaboration with MSF on the humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC.

New Publication: Collaborative research

This contribution to the virtual encyclopedia on postcolonial hierarchies in peace and conflict provides perspectives on North–South collaborative conflict research.

New Publication: Collaborative Research: Perspectives on North–South Collaborative Conflict Research: A Conversation between Two Research Partners

This contribution is a dialogue between two Conflict Studies academics, who have both invested in close research collaboration.

Book Launch: Nasser Road: Political posters in Uganda by Kristof Titeca

In this book talk on 6 February (11:30am), Kristof Titeca will discuss his book on political posters in Uganda with Koen Vlassenroot.

New Publication: The Congolese Elections and International Observers

As Congo prepares for elections, international observers express concerns over the electoral process. However, a closer look reveals a shift in dynamics, with the absence of external control and funding for the first time in the country's history.

Launch: Insecure Livelihoods Fellowships

The Insecure Livelihoods Programme offers early and mid-career Congolese researchers the opportunity to plan, conduct and publish their own, original research.

Promotion of Peace and Stability in Eastern DRC (Pro Paix II)

This project seeks to inform policy about security conditions and opportunities for programming through independent, regular and field-driven analysis in areas and topics of concern in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Insecure Livelihoods Series

If we can draw one overarching policy implication from the Congo wars, it is the growing disconnect between the existing international conflict response toolkit and the complexity of violent conflict on the ground.

Centre for Public Authority and International Development (CPAID)

CRG is a key member of the Centre for Public Authority and International Development (CPAID), which conducts interdisciplinary research to strengthen knowledge about how the governance of societies in impoverished, marginal and/or conflict-affected places actually functions.

Current research projects:

Promotion of Peace and Stability in Eastern DRC (Pro Paix II)

This project seeks to inform policy about security conditions and opportunities for programming through independent, regular and field-driven analysis in areas and topics of concern in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Insecure Livelihoods Series

If we can draw one overarching policy implication from the Congo wars, it is the growing disconnect between the existing international conflict response toolkit and the complexity of violent conflict on the ground.

Centre for Public Authority and International Development (CPAID)

CRG is a key member of the Centre for Public Authority and International Development (CPAID), which conducts interdisciplinary research to strengthen knowledge about how the governance of societies in impoverished, marginal and/or conflict-affected places actually functions.

Research Projects under Supervision:

Publications: