CAP experts bring Pacific peacebuilding research to Parliament

How can Australia's international development program do more to prevent conflict before it starts? That was the focus of a recent parliamentary inquiry, where researchers from the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) shared evidence-based recommendations drawn from years of research across the Asia Pacific.

On 17 June, Associate Professor Anouk Ride from the Department of Pacific Affairs in the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs joined Dr Izabella Watts (University of Canberra) to present to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade's inquiry into the role of Australia's international development program in preventing conflict.

As the only Canberra-based peace and conflict academics invited to present at the hearing, their participation highlights CAP’s leading expertise in peacebuilding, governance and development across the region.

Drawing on her research, Associate Professor Ride emphasised the importance of understanding the local drivers of conflict and ensuring aid programs are designed in ways that reduce, rather than unintentionally increase, tensions. She called for stronger accountability and transparency throughout aid implementation and recommended that conflict analysis be embedded across the Australian Government through a process like the United Kingdom's Joint Analysis on Conflict and Stability framework.

Associate Professor Ride also highlighted the value of strengthening collaboration between government, researchers, diaspora communities and migrant groups to improve early warning systems and support conflict prevention, particularly in Australia's neighbouring countries.

"Preventing conflict requires more than responding to crises," Associate Professor Ride said. "It means understanding the local context, listening to communities and ensuring development programs strengthen social cohesion rather than exacerbate existing grievances."

Her written submission to the inquiry outlines 10 recommendations aimed at strengthening Australia's approach to conflict prevention through its international development program.

The hearing was attended by fellow ANU researchers and students from the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, providing an opportunity to engage directly with Members of Parliament, contribute to national policy discussions and demonstrate how academic research can inform practical solutions to regional challenges.

The parliamentary inquiry reflects the broader mission of the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific: producing research that informs public policy, strengthens partnerships across the region and contributes to more peaceful, resilient and inclusive communities.

Read Associate Professor Ride's submission to the inquiry: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/PreventingConflict/Submissions