Research Group Bonacker

Thematically, the research group deals with conflict dynamics located at the intersection of international organizations, state institutions, and societal actors. In doing so, we primarily study:

• security-related practices of international governance of post-colonial and post-war societies,
• the politics of victims' organizations in coming to terms with the legacy of mass violence,
• conflicts over gender-related international norms in the Global South,
• affective aspects of political violence, and
• the role of universities in religiously and ethnically divided and post-war societies.

Methodologically, the research uses mainly qualitative methods of comparative social science research. The empirical research is strongly theory-oriented and draws in particular on theoretical approaches from (international) political sociology.

Another focus of the research group is the further development of curricula in peace and conflict studies. In this context, we are involved in the project "Southeast Asian University Partnership for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation" with the Civil Peace Service in the GIZ and partner universities in Battambang (Cambodia), Dili (Timor Leste) and Marawi (Mindanao, Philippines).