In this episode of Researching Peace, we welcome Sabine Otto, who discusses her project focusing on the civilian aspects of UN peacekeeping operations and their role in promoting human rights. She explains the transition towards multi-dimensional peacekeeping operations and reflects on future steps to enhance the effectiveness of civilian components in peacekeeping missions.

In this episode of Researching Peace, we continue to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on peace research with Paola Vesco, a post-doctoral researcher at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research. Paola's research connects the dots between climate variability, food production, and conflict risk, providing essential insights in a world grappling with unprecedented environmental changes.

How does artificial intelligence (AI) affect peace and conflict research? Meet Jim Dale and Mert Can Yilmaz, who, in this episode, will explore the role of AI in peace and conflict research. Jim, a Programmer at the Violence & Impacts Early Warning System (VIEWS), explains the power of machine learning models in forecasting organized violence on a global scale. Mert, a Senior Analyst at Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), underscores the critical need to ensure AI systems are in sync with human values and intentions. Together, they navigate the complexities of explainable AI, its implications for peace studies, and the imperative for AI ethics. While they acknowledge the immense potential of AI in the realm of peace research, they stress that ethical considerations must guide its evolution to harness its benefits and curb potential risks.