People

Dr Prabin Khadka

Lecturer
Department of Government
Dr Prabin Khadka
  • Email

  • Location

    5.414, Colchester Campus

  • Academic support hours

    Tuesdays Walk In: 12:00-13:30 pm (or by appointment)

Profile

Biography

I study how international interventions shape social cohesion and conflict dynamics. My research builds on two decades of practical experience in conflict-affected settings, focusing on how peacekeeping, counterinsurgency, and efforts to counter violent extremism intersect with economic and political dynamics. I am also currently investigating the nexus between climate change, conflict, and migration. Methodologically, I use experimental approaches especially RCTs, survey experiments, and lab-in-the-field behavioural games to assess attitudes and behaviour in fragile environments, particularly in the Horn and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Qualifications

  • PhD New York University,

  • MA School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, (2011)

Appointments

University of Essex

  • Lecturer, Department of Government, University of Essex (1/6/2020 - present)

Other academic

  • Lecturer, Department of Government (1/6/2020 - present)

Teaching and supervision

Current teaching responsibilities

  • Conflict Analysis (GV217)

  • International Security Studies (GV517)

Previous supervision

Mehmet Erdem Arslan
Mehmet Erdem Arslan
Thesis title: Information and Communication Technologies and the Dynamics of Civil Conflict
Degree subject: Government
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 29/9/2023

Publications

Journal articles (8)

Gelot, L. and Khadka, P., (2025). Social reintegration of former al-Shabaab militants: How formal channels help mitigate threat perceptions. Journal of Peace Research

Khadka, P., (2025). Why Protectors become Predators? Violence against Civilians by AMISOM Peacekeepers in Somalia. International Studies Quarterly. 69 (2)

Gelot, L. and Khadka, P., (2024). Traditional Authorities as both Curse and Cure: The Politics of Coping with Violent Extremism in Somalia. Conflict, Security and Development. 24 (1), 25-47

Khadka, P., Gilligan, M. and Samii, C., (2023). Intrinsic Social Incentives in State and Non-State Armed Groups. American Political Science Review. 117 (1), 22-41

Aarslew, L., Haas, N. and Khadka, P., (2023). Despite misinformation, low trust, and conflict in Somalia, high demand for vaccines and a negative endorsement effect of non-state authorities. Scientific Reports. 13 (1), 21689-

Haas, N. and Khadka, PB., (2020). If They Endorse It, I Can't Trust It: How Outgroup Leader Endorsements Undercut Public Support for Civil War Peace Settlements. American Journal of Political Science. 64 (4), 982-1000

Caruso, R., Khadka, P., Petrarca, I. and Ricciuti, R., (2017). The economic impact of peacekeeping. Evidence from South Sudan. Defence and Peace Economics. 28 (2), 250-270

Phayal, A., Khadka, PB. and Thyne, CL., (2015). What Makes an Ex-Combatant Happy? A Micro-Analysis of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration in South Sudan. International Studies Quarterly. 59 (4), 654-668

Book chapters (1)

Khadka, PB. and Phayal, A., (2022). The political economy of peacekeeping: unemployment, violence, and trust towards peacekeepers. Evidence from Somalia. In: Handbook on Peacekeeping and International Relations. Editors: Dorussen, H., . Edward Elgar Publishing. 327- 342. 9781839109928

Reports and Papers (2)

Khadka, P. and Gelot, L., (2023). Local Perceptions about Robust Protection of Civilians (PoC) in UNMISS and AMISOM

Khadka, P. and Gelot, L., (2023). Factors Influencing Community Receptivity of Former Fighters in Somalia

Grants and funding

2025

Protection of Civilians in Peacekeeping

University of Essex (QR Impact Fund)

2024

Can inclusive livelihoods programs promote social cohesion between host communities and returnee populations?

Innovations for Poverty Action

2023

How does Public Opinion Influence State and Non-State Political Elites' Attitudes toward Peace Settlements? Experimental Evidence from South Sudan

British Academy

2021

Can Democratic Agency Reduce the Appeal of Violent Extremism Among Internally Displaced Persons on? Evidence from a Field Experiment in Somali IDP Communities

Innovations for Poverty Action

Militant Courts or Police Posts? RCT Evidence on Women, Women Police, and Forum Shopping in Somalia - Resubmission

Innovations for Poverty Action

Contact

prabin.khadka@essex.ac.uk

Location:

5.414, Colchester Campus

Academic support hours:

Tuesdays Walk In: 12:00-13:30 pm (or by appointment)