Our Research

Stabilizing the Nation: A Research Framework

While southern secession marks a new era in the Sudanese conflict, many unresolved issues have the potential to re-ignite violence and propel the country back to war. Stabilizing South Sudan is a critical prerequisite if peace is to be sustained, if political, development and foreign policy aims are to be met, and if the country is to prosper.

The Sudd Institute’s Research Framework follows two tracks aimed to build a greater understanding of those internal and external dynamics that threaten South Sudan’s stability. The Institute’s research provides policy-level and practical recommendations for achieving and sustaining stability and peace.

Track I: Addressing Internal and External Insecurity

Peace remains elusive in South Sudan, as tribal clashes, banditry and failure of law enforcement remain rife in the country, tensions with the Republic of Sudan continue to ignite conflict in the border areas, and lingering regional security issues, such as the brutal activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army, continue to displace and impoverish South Sudanese citizens and impede social and economic development.

The Sudd Institute aims to help decision-makers better understand the causes and consequences of such violence and to offer recommendations for policy and practical change. This includes research and analysis on tribal conflicts; the “cattle culture”; youth and gender-based violence; disarmament and demobilization of internal militias and the professionalization of the security forces, police, and criminal justice systems; border issues; and LRA violence.

Track II: Building an Inclusive, Responsive and Transparent Government

Current feelings that tribalism and corruption dominate government practices in South Sudan might have left citizens distrustful of their leaders and institutions, disengaged from participation in their country’s future and resigned to rule of the gun trumping rule of law. Stabilizing South Sudan must involve building effective and accountable state institutions and developing effective strategies for transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance at all levels.

To contribute to developing government efficacy, accountability and transparency, the Sudd Institute offers critical analysis about key governance issues, including resource generation and allocation, relations between the national government and the states, and the constitution development process.