Advancing Peace in a Changed World: COVID-19 Effects on Conflict and How to Respond

This research brief outlines five areas in which COVID-19 and government responses to it are impacting conflict dynamics: fraying social cohesion, deteriorating state-society relations, armed groups filling the void, proliferating dis/misinformation, and increasing scarcity and economic opportunities. Drawing on evidence and examples from Mercy Corps programs around the world, this brief describes these impacts, how our programs are adapting, and provides recommendations for policymakers and practitioners for building an effective response.