A groundbreaking investigation into the concept of identity-based mass violence

The edited volume, Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts: Uncovered, weaves together scholarship and policy pieces from the disciplines of atrocity prevention, peacebuilding, and urban violence reduction, with contributions from artists, journalists, activists, and others with lived experience.

Uniting Research with Lived Experience

This work is designed to reach your mind and your heart through the sharing of impactful stories supported by rigorous research. As a reader, you will have the opportunity to encounter unconventional pathways, to hear testimonies and accounts as evidence, to engage with evidence beyond specific silos, and to observe the strength of collaboration. We welcome all readers to take up insights in fields of practice adjacent to your own, and to consider how we all may further peace in communities and reduce violence.

What is IBMV?Stories of Transformations

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Growing a Community of Practice

The editors and contributors to this volume value and celebrate the time, effort, and heartache of those working to create more peaceful cities. We also acknowledge that the current status quo is not sufficient; this volume highlights examples and opportunities to inspire actors, both within and outside cities, to take tangible action toward understanding and addressing structural and acute identity-based mass violence.

Community Pathways

"In a troubled world, UNCOVERED offers a compelling analysis of violence along identity lines in cities and provides a critical understanding of where these come together with power and place to sustain violence. .. This book is an essential resource for anyone who is committed to seeing past stereotypes and understanding that efforts beyond black and white are urgently needed for building salety, belonging, and resilience in cities worldwide."

Oscar Escobar

Former Mayor, Palmira, Colombia

"Of course, this is a false divide, as this vibrant and compelling volume makes clear. The authors of this book highlight the links between structural, acute and mass violence in clear and elegant terms, describing how cities hold the potential for violence in both particular and also universal forms . . . This is a deeply important contribution to the peacebuilding literature, during a turbulent time for cities — and the world."

Melanie Greenberg exercitation ullamco

Managing Director, Programs, Humanity United

"UNCOVERED delivers a powerful wake-up call for everyone committed to violence reduction . . . If we're serious about building peace in the 21st century, decision-makers, practitioners, and citizens must start by confronting the quiet brutality embedded in our cities. For anyone working at the intersection of urban safety, human rights, and development, this volume is not just relevant—it’s indispensable."

Dr. Robert Muggah

Commissioner, Lancet Commission on Global Gun Violence and Health

"Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts: UNCOVERED is a timely and essential contribution to the fields of violence prevention and peacebuilding . . . Its focus on the intersections of identity, power, and place challenges conventional frameworks and points toward deeply contextual, community-driven strategies for prevention."

Vasu Gounden

Founder and Executive Director, ACCORD

"Marrying theory with practice, personal with policy, domestic with global, UNCOVERED offers innovative ideas and solutions through the lenses of identity, cities, and mass violence. Centering identity and lived experience makes this work relatable to all of us, as does the weaving in of art and storytelling. What a breath of fresh air!"

Alexandra Toma

Executive Director, Peace and Security Funders Group

"As someone who has spent decades working on violence reduction and community-led development, I find UNCOVERED to be a vital guide for those seeking to address violence not just as isolated incidents, but as symptoms of deeper structural issues. The volume’s emphasis on inclusive, grassroots solutions and city-based leadership makes it both practical and visionary."

Enrique Roig

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, US State Department

Featured Events & Media

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Event

Oxford Launch

Event

Oxford Launch

This panel discussion at the University of Oxford will spotlight the different voices behind the volume and how academia could engage with issues of identity-based mass violence.

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Event

London Launch

Event

London Launch

This event will examine how leadership at city, regional, and national levels can directly address the core drivers of identity-based violence in cities.

Mention

Voices of SDG16+

Mention

Voices of SDG16+

An overview video and accompanying work of the edited volume was a finalist for the Voices of SDG16+ Stories for Global Action campaign.

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Identity-Based Mass Violence in Urban Contexts: Uncovered

The edited volume’s commitment to an expansive, inclusive approach to understanding and addressing identity-based mass violence (IBMV) makes it a significant contribution that spans multiple disciplines and aspires to reduce violence and promote peace in urban settings worldwide.

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