Current Research Projects
We conduct impact-driven research on violence, extremism, and human rights abuses, developing practical tools for justice, healing, and long-term peacebuilding.
Partnering with scholars and communities, our projects document atrocities, analyze political violence, and counter hate through compassionate, evidence-based solutions.
Sudan at War with Itself: Human Rights Violations During the Current Civil War
In collaboration with the GGS Department and the Sudan Human Rights Hub, this project documents and analyzes war crimes and human rights violations committed during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Its findings are instrumental in supporting justice efforts, guiding humanitarian aid, and combating misinformation.
Sudan at War: Fostering Long-term Peace through Social Cohesion
Despite the increasing emphasis on social cohesion as a key element of peace efforts, research on this concept in contexts of prolonged conflict and violence remains limited, with mixed findings. This forward-looking project, aims to explore social cohesion within Sudanese communities affected by armed conflict, focusing on how these communities understand, cultivate, and maintain positive social cohesion in times of war. The research is guided by three key questions: (1) How do Sudanese define social cohesion? (2) In what ways has war impacted social cohesion among Sudanese communities? (3) What behaviors, attitudes, and language reflect social cohesion in Sudan?
The Social Psychology of Right-wing Extremist Groups
Focused on groups like the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, this project examines how extremist ideologies translate into political violence, particularly through the lens of the January 6th Capitol attack. By exploring the emotional and ideological drivers behind such movements, this research aims to inform strategies for countering radicalization and preserving democratic institutions.
Polarization, Transformation and Compassion
This forward-looking project, in partnership with the CRDC, explores new models of peacemaking that replace hostility with compassion and empathy. Although still in its early stages, the project represents our commitment to transforming conflict through creative and human-centered solutions.
Ways to Get Involved
Research
The PiVoT Peace Lab invites undergrad and grad students to conduct research on peace, justice, and conflict—either through independent projects or by joining ongoing initiatives.
Students receive mentorship, collaborate on funding and publication efforts, and engage with a broad network of scholars and practitioners for interdisciplinary growth.
Events
Students are invited to take part in PiVoT Peace Lab events, including research discussion groups, film screenings with community dialogue, and expert panels or regional summits.
These events support our mission to understand polarization and promote strategies that turn division into dialogue and hostility into peacebuilding.
DeLTA Network
The DeLTA Network is a collaborative hub for academics working to address political polarization and restore trust in democracy.
It builds community through shared research, dialogue, and events that raise awareness and inspire collective action.
Peace Week
Each year, the Pivot Peace Lab takes part in Peace Week, contributing to discussions on rethinking peace amid global conflict, climate change, and emerging technologies.
During Peace Week 2025, the Lab hosted “Countering Violent Extremism,” a session exploring polarization and ideological violence in the U.S. Using case studies like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, participants examined the roots of extremism and discussed strategies to transform division into pro-social engagement and democratic renewal.