Terrorism and Conflict

We identify and analyse the complex challenges of conflict, violent extremism and terrorism in the UK, the rest of Europe and globally.


The Terrorism and Conflict Studies team utilises evidence-based research that is sensitive to gender and broader conflict considerations to inform policymaking and practices related to conflict assessment and resolution. This includes efforts to ensure counterterrorism measures and initiatives aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism are inclusive and adhere to human rights standards.

The team operates from RUSI’s offices in London, Brussels, and Nairobi. Our multidisciplinary research methodologies are enhanced by our capacity to engage and bring together a broad global network of distinguished experts. We promote policy discussions on current issues and provide recommendations, emphasising that the effectiveness of defence and security policies depends on a comprehensive understanding of the broader conflict ecosystems, which encompass terrorism, developmental needs, and state threats, among other factors.

We aim to:

  • Conduct world-class research addressing essential issues related to security ecosystems and the effects of conflict and terrorism.
  • Promote international best practices, emphasising our dedication to integrating gender and human rights considerations.
  • Build the evidence base for effective monitoring and evaluation approaches.
  • Provide capacity building and technical training tailored to a range of regions and countries.
  • Increase public understanding by hosting conferences, workshops and meetings.
  • Support greater collaboration between public and private sectors.

Our range of ongoing research and implementation projects is focused on helping drive more effective, inclusive and impactful policy and programming to address the ever-shifting landscape of conflict, extremism and terrorism.

Terrorism and Conflict Studies - 2024 in Review

Explore our project progress throughout 2024 and forthcoming research for 2025


Podcast series


Decoding Counterterrorism Podcasts

Terrorism & Conflict Newsletter

Programmes

View the research programmes and projects by the Terrorism and Conflict research team, across their RUSI UK, RUSI Nairobi and RUSI Europe offices and Associate Fellow network.

European Parliament Framework Contract to Provide Foreign Policy Expertise

This consortium project examines key European foreign and security policy questions and provides the European Parliament with evidence-based research recommendations.

Our team


Dr Jessica White

Acting Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies

Terrorism and Conflict

View profile

Emily Winterbotham

Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies

Terrorism and Conflict

View profile

Dr Joana de Deus Pereira

Senior Research Fellow

RUSI Europe

View profile

Dr Antonio Giustozzi

Senior Research Fellow

Terrorism and Conflict

View profile

Christopher Hockey

Senior Research Fellow

RUSI Nairobi

View profile

Michael Jones

Senior Research Fellow

Terrorism and Conflict

View profile

Claudia Wallner

Research Fellow

View profile

Petra Regeni

Research Analyst and Project Officer

RUSI Europe

View profile

Chris Goodenough

Programme Manager

Terrorism and Conflict

View profile

Isabella Vogel

Programme Manager

Terrorism and Conflict

View profile

Rose Chelangat

Threat Analyst | RUSI Consultant

View profile

Timothy Kimaiyo

Threat Analyst | RUSI Consultant

RUSI Nairobi

View profile

Dennis Okemwa

Threat Analyst | RUSI Consultant

View profile

Latest publications

Access our latest publications and filter by topic, region and by project.

Loading results...


    Fellows


    Professor Sultan Barakat

    Senior Associate Fellow - Expert in post-war reconstruction and state-building

    View profile

    Dr Tina Wilchen Christensen

    Associate Fellow - Expert in mentorship-based approaches to reintegration, radicalisation and risk assessment

    View profile

    Jennifer Cole

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Simon Copeland

    RUSI Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Stephanie Daher

    RUSI Associate Fellow, Terrorism and Conflict

    View profile

    Professor Zaid Eyadat

    RUSI Senior Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Tom Fisher FRSA

    RUSI Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Matt Freear

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Adam Hadley CBE

    RUSI Senior Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Professor Stig Jarle Hansen

    Senior Associate Fellow - Expert in Islamism in the Horn of Africa and the Al-Shabaab group

    View profile

    Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Mike Hart CBE

    Senior Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Georgia Holmer

    Senior Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr James Khalil

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Daniel Koehler

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Suraj Lakhani

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Galen Lamphere-Englund

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Reinoud Leenders

    RUSI Associate Fellow, Terrorism and Conflict

    View profile

    Dr Sarah Marsden

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Luniya Msuku

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Orzala Nemat

    Senior Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Professor Peter Neumann

    Senior Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Elizabeth Pearson

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Nicola Pedde

    RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, Terrorism and Conflict

    View profile

    Dr Alexandra Phelan

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Alastair Reed

    Senior Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Eric Rosand

    Senior Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Gayatri Sahgal

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Simon Staffell

    Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Dr Ian Westerman

    RUSI Associate Fellow

    View profile

    Martine Zeuthen

    RUSI Associate Fellow

    View profile