The Center for Empathy in International Affairs has developed a tool to map the psychological terrain of conflict, covering the identity, mindset, emotions and perceptions of the key parties: Identity, Mind, Emotions and Perceptions (IMEP) Analysis. This analysis will provide mediators and diplomats with a range of insights that will inform and potentially transform their efforts to mitigate and resolve conflict. the IMEP Analysis. 

An IMEP Analysis gives a mediator and partners a 360-degree map of the psychological terrain of the conflict. It generates insights that will enable them to identify, in specific terms, with regard to specific actors: drivers of conflict, obstacles to dialogue, opportunities for engagement, shared interests, scope for effective leverage or incentivization, and viable options for inclusive political approaches. 

PATH is conducting an IMEP analysis on al-Shabaab in Somalia. This analysis aims to provide mediators and diplomats with a range of insights that will inform and potentially transform their efforts to mitigate and resolve conflict, including in Somalia.

With funding from the Smith Richardson Foundation, PATH director Tricia Bacon is working on a book that examines the influence that foreign fighters have had over time in the insurgencies in Somalia and Afghanistan.

Much of the attention on foreign fighters looks at why they go to conflict zones or the threats they pose afterwards. But their role in conflicts is less well understood. They have to navigate complexities of the local insurgent organizations and population in order to garner influence. This work examines the factors that enable and constrain their influence.

PATH went to Hargeisa as an observer of the 2021 Somaliland elections, which provided an opportunity to observe the political and security situation in the self-proclaimed country.