My research explores how urbanism is shaped by conflict and by peace efforts, and conversely how peacebuilding is informed by “urban problems” and solutions, including infrastructure. I am also interested to understand how the idea of peace is pursued in practice, and how peace itself – as idea and practice – is subject to change.
My first book project PEACE INFRASTRUCTURES: HOW UN PEACE OPERATIONS BUILD ROADS, BRIDGES, AND SOLAR FARMS IN THE PURSUIT OF SUSTAINABILITY focuses on UN peace operations’ past and present involvement in infrastructure building and forms of socio-spatial planning. I document how, over time, ideas about peace have evolved, just as the very practices of pursuing peace, the technologies, policies and knowledge, have changed.
In a second project, I explore the concept of climate-security in the context of urbanization, climate-induced risk and local conflict management capacities.
I am also involved in a variety of research projects exploring the role of climate change and disaster risk in conflict and peacebuilding efforts, with a special focus on urban areas and urbanization dynamics.