cutting-edge research into peace, conflict,
and international security
In our time of rapid change, the risks of major violent conflict are rising. The need to prevent unnecessary human suffering calls for a deeper scholarly understanding of the causes, consequences, and dynamics of violence, and for an elaboration of new measures to foster international cooperation. These are the main goals of our interdisciplinary Center of Excellence, funded by Charles University.
Matouš Horčička’s new policy brief analyzes Iran's shifting geopolitical strategy following a turbulent 2024 marked by domestic instability and international setbacks. He highlights how Iran's weakened position opens a strategic window for Western diplomats to influence Tehran’s future direction and reduce its reliance on Russia and China. The brief explores potential diplomatic approaches to engage Iran and prevent further regional escalation.
This working paper written by Robin E. Möser and Michal Onderco examines how African civil society can strengthen its role in global nuclear disarmament debates. It identifies three main barriers: restrictive visa policies, exclusionary expert language, and lack of funding. The authors propose hosting events in accessible locations, simplifying technical jargon, and providing financial support to enhance inclusivity and amplify African voices in nuclear policy discussions.
The PRCP will play a key role in the project “Foreign Interference by External Powers in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical and Technological Changes” (INTERFER). Launching in January 2025, the project received the highest national evaluation score and is funded by the Jan Amos Comenius Operational Programme until 2028. PRCP will contribute its interdisciplinary expertise and international network to advance research on foreign interference, ensuring the project’s scientific and policy relevance.
This study, published in the Journal for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, explores growing nuclear anxieties in East Asia. Researchers Lauren Sukin and Woohyeok Seo investigate how citizens of U.S.-aligned countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and Indonesia view nuclear threats. The study finds a delicate balance between fears of abandonment (being left undefended) and entrapment (being pulled into nuclear conflict) shaping public opinion.
We are pleased to announce that the PRCP has joined the prestigious European research consortium under the Horizon Europe programme for the project entitled TWIN4DEM: Strengthening Democratic Resilience Through Digital Twins. Our team, alongside with the Centre for Digital Humanities Integration (C4DHI) is one of 11 partners from across Europe collaborating on this transdisciplinary initiative.