THE FIRST MAJOR ACADEMIC NETWORK ON THE STUDY OF VIOLENCE AND WAR

The Research Network on War and Violence was established to create an academic space that facilitates knowledge exchange, collaboration among researchers, and the dissemination of new perspectives on violence in armed conflicts. Through the sharing of recent publications, the organisation of thematic dossiers in research journals, the publication of collective books, and the hosting of workshops, seminars, and conferences, this network aims to become a leading forum for multidisciplinary analysis of violence in wartime and conflict settings.

The project originated from the publication of two key books in the study of violence in internal conflicts: Propaganda in European Civil Wars - Dimensions of Conflict, 1917–1949 and Patterns of Violence Behind the Lines in Europe's Civil War. These volumes brought together contributions from more than twenty researchers from different countries, highlighting the need for a stable platform for debate and scientific collaboration. The initiative was proposed by Francisco Leira, a researcher at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and a member of the Institute of Politics and Governance, with the aim of ensuring the continuity of this international cooperation and deepening the understanding of violence in wartime contexts.

The network brings together historians from Finland, Russia, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Serbia, and Greece, all affiliated with some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Its international scope allows for a comparative and global approach to violence, covering different historical periods and geographical contexts, enriching the analysis, and identifying both common patterns and specific characteristics of each conflict.

The research within this network is structured around four main thematic areas. The first focuses on war propaganda, a crucial field for understanding how official and unofficial discourses shape perceptions of war, mobilise populations, and justify violence. This includes the study of enemy construction, the use of language and war iconography, and the role of propaganda in maintaining and legitimising conflicts.

The second area examines violence on the battlefield and war culture, exploring the experiences of combatants, the brutalisation of conflicts, and the psychological and social adaptation to extreme violence. This includes the treatment of prisoners, the use of torture, and forms of extreme violence in day-to-day combat. Additionally, it analyses how war transforms individuals and how myths and narratives around soldiers and armed struggle are constructed.

The third area focuses on the logic of violence in the rear, analysing repressive strategies implemented by states and armed groups in occupied or controlled territories. This involves examining political repression, the persecution of opponents, deportations, crimes against civilians, and the role of institutions in managing violence. Particular attention is given to civil war and military occupation contexts, where the distinction between front-line violence and violence in the rear often becomes blurred.

The fourth and final research area addresses violence against women and violence perpetrated by women from a gender perspective. This challenges the traditional view of women as passive victims of conflict and explores their role as perpetrators of violence, whether as combatants, informants, prison guards, or collaborators in repressive regimes. Additionally, it examines specific forms of violence against women in wartime, including sexual violence as a weapon of war, political repression targeting women, and the construction of gender roles in post-war societies.

Through these four thematic areas, the network seeks to expand the understanding of violence in armed conflicts, offering new theoretical and methodological perspectives that contribute to historiographical debates and the development of a more nuanced and complex analysis of war and its consequences. The interdisciplinary and international nature of this initiative enables the study of violence from multiple perspectives, creating an academic space that fosters new research and innovative proposals.

To facilitate the dissemination of information and strengthen connections between researchers, the network provides an open mailing list for anyone interested in joining the project. This platform shares conference calls, recent publications, and academic activities related to the topic, aiming to enhance collaboration among specialists and further the understanding of violence in wartime from a global and interdisciplinary perspective.

A Multidisciplinary and International Approach

The International Research Network on Violence brings together some of the most distinguished historians, social scientists, and interdisciplinary scholars who have dedicated their careers to studying violence from multiple perspectives. The network includes experts in political violence, war crimes, repression, resistance, trauma, propaganda, and memory studies, providing a holistic and multifaceted analysis of the phenomenon.

By drawing on historians, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, and legal scholars, this initiative seeks to develop:

• Comparative frameworks for understanding violence across different contexts.

• Methodological innovations in violence research.

• Collaborative projects that bridge national and disciplinary divides.

• International conferences, workshops, and academic exchanges to foster scholarly dialogue.

• Public outreach and policy recommendations to apply historical insights to contemporary issues of violence and conflict resolution.

This network is built upon the conviction that violence must be studied not only as an isolated event but as part of broader political, social, and cultural processes. It emphasizes the importance of examining perpetrators, victims, and societies as a whole, understanding how violence is justified, executed, and remembered.

Objectives of the Network

• Facilitating Cross-Border Collaboration – The network acts as a hub for scholars worldwide, allowing for joint research projects, the sharing of archival materials, and the development of new academic partnerships.

• Encouraging Comparative Studies – By placing violence within global and historical perspectives, researchers can identify patterns, continuities, and ruptures across different civil wars and conflicts.

• Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Society – The network not only advances scholarly knowledge but also seeks to inform public debates, policy decisions, and educational initiatives on violence, memory, and reconciliation.

• Supporting Emerging Scholars – One of the network’s priorities is to mentor young researchers, providing funding opportunities, training workshops, and access to an extensive academic network.

• Publishing and Disseminating Research – Through collective volumes, journal articles, and digital platforms, the network will serve as a leading source of knowledge on the history and theory of violence.

Future Prospects: Expanding the Field of Violence Studies

As the International Research Network on Violence continues to grow, its members are already organizing:

• International Conferences and Symposia – To bring together specialists, facilitate debates, and promote innovative approaches.

• Joint Research Projects and Funding Proposals – Encouraging collaborative research applications for grants and fellowships to support large-scale studies.

• Publications and Open-Access Resources – Establishing a digital repository for violence studies, including oral histories, primary sources, and methodological guides.

• Outreach and Policy Engagement – Working with museums, institutions, and human rights organizations to apply historical knowledge to contemporary violence and reconciliation efforts.

By fostering global dialogue and cooperation, this network aspires to shape the next generation of violence research, ensuring that its findings remain relevant not only to academic discourse but also to the broader societal challenges of conflict, justice, and memory.

The study of violence is not just about the past—it is about understanding the present and shaping the future.