The “Civilian Victimization and Conflict Escalation” project, funded by the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS), was led by a team of scholars from ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva. The primary focus of the project was to analyze the conditions and mechanisms through which armed violence against civilians contributes to the escalation from nonviolent to violent situations and civil wars.

As a member of the project team, I contributed in several ways. One of my key responsibilities involved the development of data collection methods and coding procedures. This entailed gathering and verifying information on the ethnic identity of civilian victims involved in violent campaigns across various countries in the Middle East. These data were then linked to patterns of both violent and nonviolent forms of contestation, wartime recruitment, and armed group fragmentation.

Furthermore, I played a role in visualizing the collected data and preparing figures and diagrams for publication. These visual representations were used in project meetings, workshops, and conferences to effectively present the findings. Additionally, I participated in the drafting and writing of various project reports, including mid-term and final reports.

The SNIS, which provided funding for the project, is dedicated to promoting academic research in the interdisciplinary field of international studies. The organization specifically focuses on phenomena that transcend traditional nation-state boundaries, recognizing the importance of studying global issues from a broader perspective.

Through the “Civilian Victimization and Conflict Escalation” project, we aimed to deepen our understanding of the dynamics of armed violence against civilians and its contribution to the escalation of conflicts. By exploring these factors and mechanisms, we aimed to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of international conflict studies.