Transforming Knowledge on Transcending Conflict in Syria

KnowWar (Phase 2) aims at developing transformative research capacities, strategies, and epistemologies by researching alternative pathways in conflict-affected countries, in particular in Syria and Lebanon.

It seeks to institutionalise a network of critical knowledge producers (TransKnow) to lay down the foundation for a sustainable node of knowledge production focused on transformative social research on the Arab region. This will ensure an independent and participatory research institution that engages with researchers and civil society actors in the region, builds on innovative methodologies and epistemologies, and researches alternative pathways to development and conflict transformation such as solidarity economy and inclusive political systems.

The project adopts critical social science perspectives that diagnose the roots and dynamics of armed conflict. It analyses key actors and their policies which affect institutions, societies, and foundation of development and reads the conflict from a social justice perspective. 

KnowWar builds on transformative research methods that don’t deal with people and societies as pure objects of research, it rather establishes an organic relation between researchers and community/society. This is done to exchange knowledge and experience, as well as to conduct social dialogue which can be used as foundations for policy alternatives and creative interventions that address the challenges and grievances of the people involved in the study. In this regard, the project also invests in building the capabilities of home-grown researchers and institutions as a key factor for fostering the active participation of society and being able to better determine their priorities.

KnowWar (Phase 2) is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

The research project is a cooperation between the Department of Development Studies (DDS), University of Vienna and the Syrian Center for Policy Research.