Modern Conflict, Transnational Threats and Non-Tate Actors Project: Engaging with Proscribed Groups

• Research unit: DIS
• Project number: 2016EDA04

Key words (English)

conflicts
warzones
non-state actors
al-Qaeda
Islamic State

Short description (English)

Evolution in warzones
Building on the analysis of the Exploiting Disorder report and drawing on the ongoing granular research we conduct in-country, this project would monitor the evolution of IS or al-Qaeda-affiliatd groups in areas where they have exploited local conditions of war and state collapse to expand and seize territory. Case studies from local areas, in 3 or 4 countries would explore the local dynamics that have facilitated the seizure of territory by al-Qaeda-linked groups and the IS and assess their relations with communities under their control. Options for case studies include Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria and Yemen; countries covered can be decided in discussion with HSD.

Engaging with proscribed groups
Notwithstanding the difficulty of engaging with IS, al-Quada and other transnational non-state movements, some contact does - and should - take place, often for humanitarian purposes. Humanitarian groups and regional intelligence services have negotiated with representatives of al-Qaeda affiliates in Mali, Yemen and Syria. Negotiations with the Taliban have continues fitfully for years; there have been attempts to talk to some al-Shabaab leaders; and radical movements in Libya regularly interact with other armed movements and foreign mediators. Rethinking how to engage such groups is ever more vital given their increasing prominences in warzones. This project will, through the convening of key stakeholders, generate new policy thinking on how to engage productively with proscribed groups.

Project aims (English)

Evolution in warzones
- A published report
- Focussed advocacy
- Small events

Engaging with proscribed groups
-Two workshops
-A private summary document
-A public outcomes document