About THE OOW database

The Out of War (OOW) database houses life history interviews from around the world with formerly armed actors (FAAs)—individuals who have engaged in violence as members of licit or illicit organized groups, including military veterans, former insurgents, and ex-gang members. While recognizing the significant differences between these populations, OOW documents the common transitional dynamics they experience, such as psychosocial and socioeconomic adjustment, identity/purpose redefinition, and various interrelated aspects of human security.

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The database also captures how FAAs and conflict-affected communities rebuild social bonds, reestablish trust, and create new livelihoods and forms of belonging together. By promoting awareness and empathy across violence-induced divisions, OOW seeks to advance the scientific understanding of life trajectories under and beyond arms, inform community-based reintegration efforts, and other peacebuilding programming.