Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT)

The Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research program examines conflict-affected borderlands, how conflicts connect across borders, and the factors that shape violent and peaceful behavior to inform effective policy responses.
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Michael Shaw

Director of Research, Engagement and Innovation, United Kingdom Division

Michael has spent much of the past decade working in conflict-affected environments, mostly as an adviser for FCDO and USAID OTI programs in locations including Uruzgan and Syria. He also served as the civilian stabilization adviser…

Person - Specialist

Bridget Burke

Director, West and Central Africa and Haiti Regional Business Unit

Bridget Burke is a director with more than 13 years of experience in conflict, disaster, and post-conflict transitional settings. Bridget works part-time at Chemonics, and part-time as a practicing psychotherapist and consultant on staff care, leadership,…

Person - Specialist

Michele Piercey

Technical Director, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan & Yemen

Michele Piercey is an international development practitioner with 17 years of experience, 11 of which have been in the field. She has managed conflict mitigation projects across the world, as the leader of stabilization and political…

Person - Specialist

Rhett Gurian

Chief of Party, Lebanon Community Support Program

Rhett Gurian is currently the chief of party of the USAID Lebanon Community Support Program (CSP). He previously served as the senior vice president of Chemonics’ West and Central Africa and Haiti region and the chief…

Person - Specialist