About the cluster

Based jointly in the Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics and the Centre for Research in Memory, Narrative and Histories, this newly established interdisciplinary research cluster in the field of violent conflict brings together established expertise in humanities and social sciences across the University. Contributing disciplines and areas include: applied philosophy, critical theory, cultural geography, cultural and social history, literature, material culture, politics, psycho-social studies and social anthropology.

The cluster is led by Professor Bob Brecher (applied philosophy) and Professor Graham Dawson (historical cultural studies). It seeks to build a usable understanding of violent conflict and its human legacies by developing two areas of interdisciplinary investigation rooted in the recent work of the two centres. One is concerned with ethical and political justifications of violence. It starts from the position that intellectual study has to take on board people's experiences of living with, through and after violent conflict. The second area investigates cultural and historical constructions of past, present and future as experienced, understood and negotiated in cultures and societies undergoing violent conflict or dealing with 'post-conflict' legacies. 

The cluster aims to develop an interdisciplinary synthesis for understanding and engaging with the forms and legacies of recent and contemporary violent conflict. To succeed in this we need to:

• develop dialogue between historically and geographically situated studies and more abstract philosophical approaches. 
• collaborate with partners from outside the academy with lived experience and/or practical knowledge of conflict and its transformation.

Research in Arts and Humanities 

Students associated with this cluster will be based in the College of Arts and Humanities. Across the faculty, research is clustered to provide foci that reflect the richness of our research interests. We are also engaged in innovative interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with researchers in other schools and faculties, as well as the wider world.

Within the College of Arts and Humanities, research is overseen by the Centre for Research and Development. The CRD seeks to:

• foster and promote research excellence across the arts and humanities;
• support, encourage and develop staff and postgraduate students;
• enhance understanding of humanity, culture and creativity, both past and present.