About Us
The Corioli Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding the resilience of communities affected by violent conflict, particularly those in which the presence of formerly armed actors (FAAs), individuals coming out of the production of organized violence, poses both opportunities and challenges for (post-)conflict recovery. We recognize that enhancing social, psychological, economic and climate resilience, among many other factors, is fundamental to sustainable recovery and peacebuilding. Thus, we strive to provide these communities with the tools and support they need to grow, adapt, heal and move forward cohesively.
Mission
and Vision
Be the global vanguard of research on the reintegration of formerly armed actors and their communities
Operating in more than one dozen countries worldwide, researchers engage and include FAAs from cartels, transnational criminal organizations, militaries, guerrilla groups, violent extremist groups, militias, international legions, and returning foreign fighters, among others. Research and action design are fully participatory and holistic, engaging those living the everyday realities of reintegration (including families, communities, practitioners, and street-level bureaucrats) in the creation and implementation of initiatives. Monthly newsletters and original research briefs, along with an aggressive publishing calendar in both popular and academic outlets, ensure timeliness, relevance, and continuity of contributions to advancing knowledge on the science and practice of FAA reintegration.
Align provision with need, preparing contextualized emergent reintegration practices for the application
to (inter)national
donor streams
The work of the Corioli Institute addresses a key gap identified over more than a dozen years of on-the-ground experience: those organizations and associations best able to secure donor funding are not necessarily the best situated to deliver the intended impacts. In every context, there exist processes and approaches that are best suited to navigating the constellation of stakeholders, social, economic, and structural conditions. Often, however, these initiatives lack the technical capabilities to present their work, assess and evaluate their impact, and connect with donor streams and funding calls in a professionalized manner.
The Corioli Institute conducts the ethnographic fieldwork that agencies concerned with localized approaches desire, but can rarely do because of the temporal, budgetary, and mandate constraints within which they operate. In short: we find what works, and then support local initiatives and organizations in the professionalization processes required to obtain their own sustainable funding streams for scaling their efforts in situ. The “sandwich” theory of change engages stakeholders from donor agencies, government ministries, and local officials together with local project leaders in selection, scoping, and evaluation to best match provision with capabilities and need. The ultimate objective is a “zero waste” funding stream in which every dollar spent results in the intended outcome. Our outputs include organizational ethnographies, impact evaluations, and contributions to academic fields such as organizational studies, international development, and reintegration programming.
Rebuild trust and social cohesion among conflict-affected communities worldwide through climate security initiatives
The fundamental premise of the Corioli Institute is that policies and programs intending to facilitate the reintegration of formerly armed actors will be more likely to succeed when they, firstly, benefit the entire receiving community and, secondly, do not require that FAAs and conflict victims continue to re-perform these particular identities to obtain access to support.
Given the urgency of climate change and environmental degradation, the Institute prioritizes initiatives that promote social cohesion and inclusive leadership, decision-making, and conflict resolution through implementing sustainable environmental practices and food and human security. By co-creating a shared vision of a better future, our research has found that participants are better equipped to build a foundation of interpersonal trust that is the basis for all social life while simultaneously ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
VALUES
Principled Leadership
In all we do, we seek to be the example. From our internal practices to external collaborations, we engage in reflexive, principled leadership and seek continuous improvement as thought leaders and agents of change in the field.
Ethical Engagement
We go above and beyond Do No Harm/Do Some Good. Corioli researchers and practitioners are encouraged to engage critically with our partners and stakeholders. Nothing is sacred: to fulfill our mission and vision, we must often be willing to subject that which is taken for granted to renewed scrutiny. We believe that rigorous and culturally informed ethical reflection is critical to achieving these objectives.
Empathy
Everyone has a story, and that story is where we begin. Our experience has taught us that human behavior rarely defies explanation. We seek out that explanation and engage with the individuals, communities, and structures that contribute to all forms of human insecurity as equal partners in developing solutions, no matter their role in the damages of the past.
Intellectual Rigor
We cultivate high standards of excellence and thoroughness in our intellectual pursuits and the evidence-based evaluation of our work. We commit to a careful and systematic approach to our data collection, analysis, and research, ensuring that ideas, information, and solutions are critically examined, well-founded, and methodically robust.
Participatory
Engagement
Involving all locally relevant stakeholders, including marginalized groups, in the planning and decision-making processes underlying our projects is our most crucial priority. Through a collaborative and inclusive approach that values the input and perspectives of individuals, communities, and organizations targeted or affected by Corioli's initiatives, we aim to promote local ownership, open communication, and shared responsibility. We believe that involving diverse perspectives on the ground contributes to more comprehensive, effective and contextually appropriate project implementation processes.