FBA's International Research Working Groups form an important part of the agency's evidence-based approach. From left: Mathilda Lindgren, FBA; Corinne Bara, researcher; Sara Lindberg Bromley, researcher.
Between Resilience and Fragmentation: Social Cohesion in Conflict Areas (2025-2028)
As Ukraine commemorates three years of war sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion, this research project investigates the evolving dynamics of social cohesion within the country amidst the ongoing conflict. It specifically examines how the duration and intensity of the war affect social cohesion and explores the role that organized criminal activity plays in shaping social ties during periods of conflict.While the concept of social cohesion has garnered increasing attention in conflict studies since the 1990s, fewer studies have focused on the influence of organized criminal groups on social cohesion. Additionally, little research has been conducted on how the length and intensity of conflict, coupled with local displacement, affect social cohesion during wartime.
This project aims to fill these gaps by offering a deeper understanding of how social cohesion evolves during conflict. It will contribute valuable insights to several of FBA's regional strategies, particularly those concerning Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and the MENA region. The findings will also inform FBA’s efforts to support democratic governance and reform in Ukraine, focusing on the role of trust in formal institutions and civil society organizations as key drivers of social cohesion.
Launched in 2025, the project will span 36 months and will adopt a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative data collection and analysis. Local researchers from diverse regions in Ukraine and Moldova will play a vital role in gathering insights. Additionally, datasets from sources such as the European Value Surveys and the UNDP database will further enrich the analysis. Dr. Abdalhadi M. Alijla, Senior Researcher at FBA, serves as the principal investigator for the project.
The research findings will be shared through academic presentations and publications, as well as a series of policy-focused reports aimed at both academic and non-academic audiences, including FBA and other key stakeholders.
The research team
Abdalhadi M. Alijla, Senior Researcher at FBA
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