Conflict Studies Research Center

Overview

The Conflict Studies Research Center (CSRC) is based at the Arab American University’s Ramallah campus. It is a hub for scholarly activities centered on conflict studies.

Our center facilitates intellectual pursuits through research, conferences, collaborative projects, and partnerships with universities. Engaging in diverse fields related to conflict within the social sciences and beyond, we strive to disseminate knowledge through student training, meetings, and research publications. Here, students and academics are invited to actively contribute to the nuanced exploration of political conflict issues.

Vision

The Conflict Studies Research Center aspires to be a leading hub for critical thought, research, and dialogue on the Palestinian cause and broader issues of conflict. It envisions empowering scholars, policymakers, and communities with knowledge that promotes justice, strengthens resilience, and supports the pursuit of lasting peace both locally and globally.

Mission

Studying the political and social developments of the Palestinian cause in its local, regional and international contexts, producing policy papers specialized in conflict studies and related topics. The center provides a free and independent platform for intellectuals, thinkers, politicians, and academics.

Center objectives

Standing as a research institute provides a platform for researchers and students to produce and publish academic papers.

Act as a think tank to regularly produce political and strategic papers on sensitive Palestinian issues, in addition to conducting research and studies on conflict, peace, and development.

Providing practical policy insights and guidance to national decision makers.

Center projects

Erasmus+2018

In 2018, we proudly collaborated with Erasmus+ in the Capacity Building for Higher Education program, winning with our proposed project, "Strengthening of Research Capacity on Policy, Conflict Resolution, and Reconciliation." This initiative facilitated workshops and student-academic exchanges, significantly boosting our research capabilities and advancing insights into conflict-related topics.

Bridging Insights

Embarking on a collaborative journey with Bridging Insights, our primary research initiative centers around stakeholder mapping in Palestine. Beyond our research efforts, we actively host a series of regular lectures in partnership with Bridging Insights, featuring esteemed academics from abroad. These lectures serve as a dynamic forum for the exchange of diverse perspectives, enriching our collective understanding of conflict-related issues.

International Academic Lectures

With the assistance of our international partners, we have had the pleasure of welcoming prominent scholars to our center and giving lectures to our students, faculty, and members of our community. We have had the pleasure of hosting Noam Chomsky, Mark Tessler, Rashid Khalidi, and many more.

Women’s Empowerment
In cooperation with Forward Thinking, CSRC hosted many focus groups and roundtables including prominent female leaders from the Palestinian scene. The Women’s network has expanded to include Palestinian women from urban, rural and refugee setting as well as social, political and economic renowned positions. The network meets to discuss the issues affecting Palestinian women today within the conflict zones of Palestine.
Ireland Trip
As part of our commitment to academic exploration, CSRC's academic staff undertook a visit to universities in Northern Ireland. This trip aimed to explore the post-conflict context in Ireland after its resolution.