Armed Conflict Definitions and Syrian Case Study

Definitions of Armed Conflict

• An armed conflict is defined as a contested incompatibility concerning government or territory, where armed force is used between two parties resulting in at least 25 battle-related deaths in a calendar year. At least one party must be the government of a state.
• A non-state conflict involves two organised armed groups, neither of which is a government, resulting in at least 25 battle-related deaths in a year.

Research in Conflict Areas: Syrian Case

• Research examines the Syrian conflict, encompassing diverse actors, contexts, and motivations.

Conflict Context in Syria

• The conflict started with social movements in 2011.
• This escalated into severe conflict, causing widespread human rights violations and deprivation.
• Various factors, including breakdowns in international and national mechanisms, resulted in large-scale losses and violence.

Methodology

• The research employs a mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, observations, focus groups and quantitative analysis.

• Employing a variety of data collection methods allows better understanding, analysis and broader insight from the perspective of multiple actors.

• The research uses a critical political economy framework to understand the conflict.

• The methodology used is gender and age sensitive.

• The research has assessed adolescent rights and analyzed gender inequalities and abuses.

• Key tools include discussions with adolescents and key informant interviews.

Challenges

• The research acknowledges challenges like security concerns, fear of retaliation, COVID-19, difficulties in transportation for adolescents, and subjective biases.
• Challenges with access, challenges with data collection procedures and analysis.

Analysis Strategies

• Data analysis includes, but is not limited to, comparative studies, analyses of policy options, and pressure on warring factions.

Results

• The research aims to inform policy decisions, improve understanding, and contribute to more effective solutions for the conflict in Syria.
• Dialogue and feedback are integral to the research process using social media platforms.

Objectives, Motivations, and Positions

• Objectives: Understanding conflict dynamics, power shifts, environmental impacts on people and institutions, identifying alternative solutions, and influencing policymakers are key.
• Motivations: Contributing to knowledge production, personal career advancement, ethical considerations, influencing policies, addressing severe violations are key motivators.
• Positions: Activist, academic researcher, research participant, observer are positions involved or observed by the team.

Case Study: Voices of Adolescents on Education and ICT

• This case study investigates the challenges and opportunities facing adolescent girls and boys in Syria's education and information/communication technology.
• It seeks to understand their needs and aspirations, particularly in the context of the conflict.
• This research helps to develop policies that support adolescents.

Explore the definitions of armed conflict, including state and non-state conflicts, along with an in-depth case study of the ongoing Syrian conflict. This quiz examines the origins, context, and consequences of the Syrian crisis, along with the research methodologies employed in conflict areas.