Background
The APSG is an innovative forum for policymakers and practitioners to discuss both practical and theoretical aspects of atrocity prevention on an unclassified, non-partisan, non-attributable basis. The APSG connects stakeholders inside and outside of U.S. government with atrocity prevention scholars and other experts, in order to share resources and knowledge on atrocity prevention and identify related challenges, good practices, lessons learned, and policy options. The APSG provides a monthly forum to keep stakeholders up to date with the latest atrocity prevention scholarship, deepen understanding of potential atrocity situations, and offer resources for decision-making. The APSG is led by Stimson non-resident fellow Jim Finkel and forms part of the Protecting Civilians and Human Security program at the Stimson Center.
Research Product
The APSG strives to strengthen the research base on atrocity prevention. We are seeking proposals for new research papers that provide in-depth, multi-disciplinary studies of at-risk countries. This research project should focus on one country situation at risk of mass violence or atrocity crimes and should integrate local analysis and recommendations.
The end research product should:
- Include a mix of multi-disciplinary quantitative and qualitative analyses, which considers the impact of a range of different drivers of conflict and atrocities (e.g. climate, online and digital technologies), and applies gender and intersectional lenses
- Articulate a clear theory of change, backed by research and evidence.
- Incorporate analysis and recommendations from local civil society and scholars.
- Use research findings to propose context-specific and policy-focused recommendations.
- Run between 40-60 pages (including an executive summary) and incorporate graphics and data where appropriate.
The paper will be published early 2024 on the Stimson website. The successful applicant will also be invited to present their findings at a future APSG meeting. Researchers who submitted proposals to earlier APSG call for papers are encouraged to apply again.
Target Audience
Our principal audience includes senior and working-level U.S. and like-minded government officials, international organization policymakers, NGOs, and atrocity prevention scholars. Papers should include robust policy recommendations or advise on approaches to complex atrocity prevention issues.
Applicants should be aware that the Stimson Center employs a rigorous review and collaborative editing process prior to publication of products on the Stimson website.
Proposal Requirements
Projects will need to adhere to the following indicative timeline:
| Timeline | |
| Contract/s issued to successful applicant/s | June 12, 2023 |
| Concept note and research plan due | July 12, 2023 |
| First draft due | December 1, 2023 |
| Final version due | March 1, 2024 |
Research proposals should be no more than five pages in length and address the following:
- Why has this country case study been selected? What qualitative or quantitative indicators point to a risk of mass violence or atrocity crimes?
- What are the key challenges and problem(s) that you intend to address?
- How do you plan to undertake this research? What travel may be required? Please outline your research methodology and approach.
- What local partners (e.g., civil society organizations, academics, independent experts) do you plan to engage to inform or support the facilitation of your research? Which of these partners do you have pre-existing relationships with?
- If the research will involve contact with local stakeholders or populations, what ethical procedures and safeguards will you employ to ensure a “Do No Harm” approach?
In addition, please include a copy of your CV, links to relevant publications, and contact details for three referees, along with a quote for work (with a breakdown of estimated hours/days and rates). Successful projects will be funded at a rate of no more than $15,000.
Successful candidates will be engaged as consultants by the Stimson Center.
Application Due Date
Applications will be received on a rolling basis until Wednesday, 31 May 2023. Proposals should be submitted to the APSG organizing team at the Stimson Center via email at [email protected].
