Peacebuilding Challenges in an Age of Religious Conflicts and Unconventional Warfare

Analysts assumed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine signalled a return to more traditional ways of waging war. However, covert operations, subversion, guerrilla fighting, religious violence, and so-called hybrid warfare remain persistent features of the contemporary conflict landscape in Ukraine and around the world.

On 15 June, 2023, experts from the University of Nottingham’s Centre for the Study of Subversion, Unconventional Interventions and Terrorism (SUIT) will offer a live, off-the-record conversation at the U.S. Institute of Peace about peacebuilding challenges in what remains to be an age of religious conflicts and unconventional warfare.

Professor Rory Cormac, an expert on secret intelligence and covert action, will speak on the role of covert operations in an era of “unsecrecy”. Professor Andrew Mumford, who specialises in counterinsurgency and the political management of contemporary warfare, will consider challenges to post-conflict disarmament caused by unconventional interventions. Dr Louise Kettle, an expert in British foreign and security policy in relation to the Middle East, will offer thoughts on the current opportunities and challenges for peacebuilding in the region. Dr Jason Klocek, whose research focuses on religious discrimination and conflict, will discuss the potential promises and pitfalls of policymakers’ growing interest in strategic religious engagement.

Please note that this event is part of the SUIT visit to Washington.