Rebuilding Democracy After Conflict: Evidence, Voices and Pathways to Sustainable Peace

Post-conflict societies face a fragile and decisive moment: the period in which violence has ceased, yet democratic institutions, trust and social cohesion remain deeply contested. Reconstruction processes that fail to address structural inequalities, historical grievances and social fragmentation risk producing fractured transitions, renewed instability and democratic backsliding. This opportunity seeks researchers who wish to contribute to a large-scale, transnational research initiative focused on understanding—and improving—the foundations of sustainable peace and democratic reconstruction in conflict and post-conflict areas.

The project aims to generate robust, interdisciplinary evidence on the complex relationships between conflict legacies, inequality, democratic governance and international cooperation. It adopts a broad understanding of post-conflict reconstruction, encompassing not only institutional rebuilding, but also reconciliation, accountability, social dialogue, and the ethical and transparent use of reconstruction aid. Particular attention is given to the role of democratic values, human rights and anticorruption measures in shaping long-term stability.

A central ambition is to strengthen evidence-based policymaking at EU, national and local levels. Through comparative research and context-sensitive analysis, the project will inform strategies for EU democracy support, international cooperation and civil society engagement in post-conflict settings. This includes examining how reconstruction policies interact with local power structures, cultural sensibilities and historical narratives, and how these interactions shape inclusion, equity and trust in public institutions.

The project places strong emphasis on the perspectives and roles of local actors. Civil society organisations, community groups and specialised service providers are not treated merely as stakeholders, but as key knowledge holders and co-producers of solutions. The research foregrounds the experiences of persons and groups in vulnerable situations—such as displaced populations, minorities, women, youth and veterans—and explores how tailored support mechanisms can promote reconciliation, democratic participation and successful reintegration into civilian life.

Methodologically, the initiative is explicitly interdisciplinary, integrating insights from sociology, political science, psychology, law, contemporary historiography and cultural studies. Historical and intergenerational perspectives are mobilised to understand how past conflicts and unresolved grievances continue to shape present dynamics and future risks. This includes examining transgenerational trauma, memory politics and the role of media, education and cultural institutions in either deepening divisions or fostering dialogue.

Researchers joining the consortium will contribute to a collaborative research design that combines comparative analysis with participatory and community-engaged methods. Innovative approaches—such as participatory governance models, community-led reconstruction practices and inclusive economic strategies—are explored not only as objects of study, but as potential pathways for policy learning and transfer across contexts. The role of women as peacebuilders and agents of democratic reconstruction is treated as a cross-cutting analytical priority.

International cooperation is a foundational element of the project. The consortium actively seeks partners with expertise or case knowledge from conflict and post-conflict regions, as well as researchers experienced in EU-funded projects on democracy support, peacebuilding and civil society engagement. Synergies with ongoing and completed EU projects are encouraged to maximise knowledge accumulation and policy impact.

For researchers, this opportunity offers a chance to engage in theoretically rich and societally relevant research with clear policy traction. Partners will contribute to high-quality scientific outputs while also shaping practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, media professionals, public administrators and service providers operating in challenging post-conflict environments. Together, the consortium aims to advance knowledge that supports not only the rebuilding of institutions, but the rebuilding of democratic futures.