Call for Concept Notes on Policy Responses to Conflict Economies in Borderlands

This is a call for proposals from the XCEPT Research Fund (XRF) to support the development of 4-8 research projects focused on policy and program interventions in conflict-affected border areas. The aim is to generate actionable insights that address challenges related to conflict economies and the interaction between legal and illegal economic activities, conflict, and governance in these regions. The call seeks to build on previous research related to borderland and cross-border conflict dynamics, aiming for a more focused analysis of policy responses that connect borderland conflict economies with local, national, and transnational conflict drivers. Proposals should clearly outline how the research will evaluate specific policy tools, mechanisms, or strategies (whether historical, current, or proposed) that respond to borderland and cross-border conflict issues, and provide key recommendations for improving policy and program design. This may include: 1. Policies or initiatives addressing the intersection of legal and illegal economic activities with conflict and governance in borderlands, including regulatory mechanisms, cross-border trade regulations, and taxation policies. 2. Stabilization and security policies that tackle conflict economies in border areas, such as cross-border security cooperation, border management, and peace operations led by regional organizations. 3. Governance or livelihood policies that address conflict economies, including anti-corruption initiatives, alternative livelihoods programs, and regional coordination efforts. Funding of up to £120,000 is available per award, depending on the research scope and methods used. Applications are invited from individuals and organizations. For more details about this opportunity, please visit: https://www.xcept-research.org/grants_post/call-for-concept-notes-policy-responses-to-address-conflict-economies-in-borderlands/ The submission deadline is Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 10:00 BST.