Research and Data Sets

CIDCM specializes in applying state of the art research methods -- both qualitative and quantitative -- for addressing timely and central questions about key topics in international conflict and development. Many of the center’s projects feature extensive use of statistical modeling techniques in studies ranging from forecasting political instability to analyzing trends in international conflict to tracking patterns in global democratization. Other research at the center works to develop quantitative indicators for measuring various aspects of state characteristics. CIDCM researchers have applied qualitative approaches for examining strategies for conflict mitigation and management as well as assessing the operations of peace-building organizations.

Several large data collection projects reside at CIDCM, providing a broad foundation for much of the center’s research. The International Crisis Behavior project gathers data on all international crises since the end of World War I. The Minorities at Risk project monitors the status of politically-active communal groups around the world. The Polity project tracks regime characteristics for independent states from 1800 to the present.