Resources and Publications
We conduct research and provide policy recommendations on using technology to build peace and how to address emergent challenges to peace in the digital age.
Some of our research is aimed at expanding knowledge in the field of digital peacebuilding, conducted in partnership with academic institutions. Some of our research is focused on providing resources and policy recommendations to practitioners, based on our direct experience of implementing programs. We also publish more informal reflections on our work, methods and areas of research interest on our blog.
Toolkits and Guides
Country-Specific Analyses of Social Media and Conflict
- Like, Comment, Discriminate: Racist Discourse on Dutch Instagram, The Netherlands (2024)
- Snapshot reports on online and offline conflict trends in Sudan: August, September, November, December (2023)
- Digital MAPS Report, including country-level research reports on Iraq and Lebanon (2022)
- UCHAGUZI BILA BALAA: Social Media Listening Analysis Kenya (2022)
- Exploring Online Discourse in Kenya: in April, May and June (2022)
- Mapping of Legal Framework and Responses by Actors to Address Harmful Content Online in Kenya (2022)
- Analyzing Refugee-Host Community Narratives on Social Media in Lebanon (2019)
Program Evaluations and Research Reports
- External Evaluation for Peace Innovators Program (2022)
- Leveraging Technology for Peacebuilding in the ECOWAS Region (EN)(FR)(PT) (2022)
- The Commons Evaluation Report (2019)
- Innovative Peacebuilding in Syria — second report (2018)
- The Commons Evaluation Report (2017)
- Innovative Peacebuilding in Syria (EN)(AR) — first report (2016)
- Nigeria Special Report: Early Warning & Early Response in Plateau State (2014)
Publications and White Papers
- Addressing Digital Harms in Conflict: a Review of Best Practices (2025) Build Up
- Understanding to intervene: The codesign of text classifiers with peace practitioners (2024) Julie Hawke and Helena Puig Larrauri (Build Up) and Andrew Sutjahjo and Benjamin Cerigo (datavaluepeople), Data & Policy
- Digital inclusion in peacemaking: Practice, promise and perils (2024) Julie Hawke, Accord
- Mediating with and on technology (2024) Helena Puig Larrauri, Accord
- How to find evidence of divisive behavior on social media (2023) Build Up
- The Algorithmic Management of Polarization and Violence on Social Media (2023) Jonathan Stray, Ravi Iyer & Helena Puig Larrauri, Knight Institute
- Exploring Online Polarizing Content: LGBTQ+ Rights in Kenya (2023) Caleb Gichuhi, Build Up
- Sealing the cracks: An intersectional feminist perspective on digital peacebuilding (2023) Berghof Foundation, Plattform Zivile Konfliktbearbeitung / Platform Peaceful Conflict Transformation
- Societal Divides as a Taxable Negative Externality of Digital Platforms (2023) Ashoka Tech & Humanity initiative
- Understanding Digital Conflict Drivers, (2022) Helena Puig Larrauri and Maude Morrison in the book Fundamental Challenges to Global Peace and Security
- Maximising business contributions to sustainable development and positive peace: a human security approach (2022) LSE Ideas
- The role of technology in shifting the relationship between companies and communities in conflict settings (2020) Build Up
- Digital analysis: peacemaking potential and promise (2020) Accord
- Social networks: fuel to conflict and tool for transformation (2019) Peace in Progress, ICIP
- Social media and polarization (2020) à propos magazine
- ICTs & EU civilian peacebuilding: Reflections on good practices, opportunities and challenges (2016) WOSCAP
- New Technologies: The Future of Alternative Infrastructures for Peace (2015) Geneva Peacebuilding Platform
- Building on Open Data and Information Technologies: The Future of Resources, Narratives and Collective Intelligence for Development (2014) Global Development Network
- New Technology and the Prevention of Violence and Conflict (2013) International Peace Institute
- Technology for Peacebuilding (2013) Stability Journal
Press and Featured Work
- Forbes, 2023 Why Social Media Amplifies Extreme Views – And How To Stop It
- The New York Times, 2023 Few Are Addressing One of Social Media’s Greatest Perils
- Tech for Democracy Podcast, 2022 Online Harassment of Women in Politics (Caleb Gichuhi)
- The New Modality, 2020 How do we combat polarization online?
- Forbes, 2020 Engage With The Signal: Why We Need To Do More Than Shutting Hate Speech Down
- Buzzfeed, 2019 The Most Powerful Woman In The European LGBT Movement Is Quitting. This Is The Story Of Her Fight
- Foreign Policy, 2016 Where Rumors Can Kill
- Reuters, 2016 For refugees eyeing Europe, a website separates fact from fiction
- UN Security Council briefing, 2022 Remarks by Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo to the Security Council on Technology and Conflict
- Conciliation Resources, 2022 From polarisation to peacebuilding: The power of digital tools // #WeAreSwitzerland Digital Technologies in Conflict and Peacebuilding
- Podcast: Tech for Democracy, Women, politics, and social media in Kenya
- Oxfam IBIS, Youth Peace and Security
- Oxford Social Sciences, Case Study Policéntrico
- swisspeace, 2019 Information and communication technologies in peacebuilding
- Dropbox, 2018 Team Values Toolkit
- Podcast: Digital Tech for Peace, Episode 1: What is peace tech? How is it used by civil society?
