Do trauma interventions work?

Do trauma interventions work?

Author: Department of War Studies February 9, 2023 Duration: 24:42
Trauma interventions in fragile areas can help to break cycles of conflict, because we know that exposure to violence causes trauma, but that trauma can also cause violence. But these interventions are often delivered for only a narrow group of people deemed to be ‘worthy’ of them. In reality, the distinction between victim and perpetrator in conflict-affected populations isn’t quite so clear cut. In this episode of the ‘Breaking Cycles of Conflict’ mini-series, Dr Gina Vale interviews Dr Alison Brettle about her research into trauma interventions. Dr Brettle explains what programmes work best in fragile and conflict-affected areas and why the international donor and policy communities need to broaden their conceptualisation of who should be allowed to participate in interventions. This research is being undertaken as part of a UK aid funded project called XCEPT, which aims to understand the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour in conflict-affected populations – and to find solutions that support peace. Find out more about XCEPT at xcept-research.org

Drawn from the work of the School of Security Studies at King's College London, War Studies offers a direct line to one of the world's largest and most dedicated academic communities focused on security, defence, and international relations. This isn't about surface-level headlines; each episode digs into the intricate realities of conflict, diplomacy, and global power. You'll hear scholars and researchers unpack the underlying forces that shape world affairs, moving beyond theory to examine the tangible challenges faced by those navigating these complex spaces. The Department of War Studies produces this podcast to share its world-leading research, treating each conversation as an opportunity to question assumptions and deepen understanding. Tuning in means engaging with rigorous analysis that connects academic insight to the pressing security issues of our time. The consistent thread is a belief that examining the nature of war is essential for comprehending the broader landscape of human conflict and cooperation. Expect thoughtful, evidence-driven discussions that refuse to simplify the difficult questions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

War Studies
Podcast Episodes
The untold story of Chinese naval officers in D-Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:50
In this episode, Professor Andrew Lambert FKC, Laughton Professor of Naval History, Geoff Browell, Head of Heritage Collections, and Angus Hui, curator of the D-Day Hong Kong, explore the untold story of 24 Chinese naval…
Imaging Peace: Photographing everyday peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:40
In this episode, Dr Tiffany Fairey, Senior Research Fellow at the Department of War Studies, and Dr Pamina Firchow, Associate Professor at Brandeis University, join Professor Rachel Kerr, Professor of War and Society at…
From rebels to rulers: Who are Syria’s new leaders? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:38
In December 2024, the Assad regime in Syria was overthrown. Today, Ahmed al-Sharaa is acting as the interim president of Syria, at the head of a new transitional government. What will the future look like for Syria under…
How behavioural science can pave the way to peace in Colombia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:49
In 2016, the Colombian government signed a historic peace agreement with guerilla group the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, also known as FARC. The agreement brought an end to 52 years of war, but today, eight ye…
Eyes on the Indo-Pacific: Australia’s defence strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:17
What does the future of Australia's defence strategy look like in the face of rising geopolitical tensions? How are shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic influencing Australia’s approach to security? Wh…