How do we work?
In the past few decades, sub-national conflicts have become increasingly frequent in the Middle East and elsewhere. With the rise of militias and local, peripheral governments, centralized states play a less significant role.
In this context, civil society has special importance. Community leaders, alternative media sources, and civil society actors are pivotal players in this new landscape. This understanding of the way conflicts are waged today frames IMPACT’s intervention. Our peacebuilding and dialogue program aims at tackling conflicts on the sub-national, and regional levels as well as the national. To best navigate the complex, sub-national realities of conflict, we focus on Track II and III diplomacy.
IMPACT’s interventions are based on the unique access to the ground provided by our field team and the local experts we work with. Our response is locally driven and community-oriented, aiming to help build lasting peace. These particular strengths focus our work on the Syrian conflict, particularly in the northeast.
We launch projects on issues that we have expertise in and can contribute to resolving. IMPACT Research avails of local knowledge at every level of intervention. This knowledge is augmented by thorough research and field visits to ensure each project is initiated with a full understanding of the situation and good relationships with local and regional stakeholders.
Peacebuilding and Governance publications
Syria in ISIS’s Strategy: Can ISIS be defeated without a Solution in Syria?
In this paper, Abdulla Ibrahim examines the symbolic and strategic importance of Syria to ISIS against a backdrop of a complex challenging context, mainly in North East Syria; with the aim to answer the question if ISIS can be defeated without a solution in all of Syria.
Wheat production value chain in Northeast Syria
Wheat production is crucial to maintain food security, generate rural income, and support the agricultural sector of Northeast Syria (NES). Despite this, the value chain is frequently inefficient, with many opportunities for improvement. This paper analyses the wheat supply chain in NES, with recommendations for reform.
Aftershocks: The legacy of ISIS in Syria
Violent extremism has not yet been eradicated in Northeast Syria. To prevent the ideology from regaining power, its root causes in the region must be understood. In this extensive research collection, IMPACT investigates the drivers of violent extremism in NES, providing recommendations to counter it.
Forced displacement in Syria: Challenges and avenues for civil society engagement
An analysis of the drivers and challenges of displacement movements in and from Syria, and the role of local civil society actors to mitigate them.
Challenges for peace in Syria without East Euphrates
Kheder Khaddour argues that the ongoing instability of Northeast Syria (NES) means that no political deal for Syria will resolve the overall conflict without including this region.
Institutional development in Northeast Syria: Lessons from Iraqi Kurdistan and Kosovo
After more than a decade of conflict, institutions in the autonomously governed region of Northeast Syria (NES) are beginning to develop. Some years previously, Iraqi Kurdistan and Kosovo were in comparable positions. This paper analyzes institutions in NES, Iraqi Kurdistan, and Kosovo, providing recommendations as the Autonomous Administration attempts to earn local and international legitimacy.
Education process in ethnically diverse regions in NES
Education in Northeast Syria (NES) is one of the most controversial political topics on the agenda. The Autonomous Administration (AA) asserts the right for students to be taught in their native language but the Government of Syria does not recognize non-Arabic accreditations, leading to difficulties for students later on.
The Making of the Kurdish Frontier: Power, Conflict, and Governance in the Iraqi-Syrian Borderlands
The Iraqi-Syrian borderlands remain a geopolitical hotbed even since ISIS’s collapse. In the past few years, Kurdish forces along these lines have become a powerful lobbying force, unwilling to take a back seat as the region’s future is decided. How did the Kurdish frontier on the Iraqi-Syrian borderlands come about and what’s next for one of the most restless regions in the Middle East?
The Educational Process in North and East Syria
The education system in Northeast Syria (NES) is rarely off the table in political talks. This paper provides an overview of NES’s educational process, political factors impeding the system, and practical recommendations to improve education delivery in the region.
Background on social and economic structures in Northeast Syria: Region Profile
Northeast Syria (NES) is home to dynamic social and economic structures that are distinct from other areas in Syria. This report provides background information on the region for stakeholders, focusing on social and economic structures, as well as governance bodies.
Introduction to Governance Development in North and East Syria (NES)
An investigation into the governance structures of the Autonomous Administration (AA). The paper focuses on the de facto government’s main policy areas: security, education, and its bureaucratic and administrative dossiers.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria: Framework and Resources
Background to the structure of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES/AA) and an overview of its resources.
Rojava’s Economic Viability
To ensure lasting legitimacy, Rojava must deliver on the economic front, argues Bilal Wahab. This paper assesses the economic situation in Northeast Syria, providing recommendations for development.
The Challenges of Applying the Experience of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to the Northeast of Syria
The area east of the Euphrates in Syria shares many historical ties with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. However, social, political, and economic differences show numerous problems in comparing the two regions.