Project Summary

The research investigates the factors influencing radicalization and recruitment by armed groups among Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Since their displacement in 2017, the Rohingya have faced profound socio-economic struggles, legal insecurity, and persistent marginalization, which together elevate their risk of radicalization. Utilizing ethnographic research methods, qualitative interviews, and social network analysis, the study explores the interplay between socio-economic and psychological challenges and the influence of community networks and identity-based narratives in driving individuals toward extremist pathways. The primary objective of the research is to identify effective, practical interventions and formulate policy recommendations aimed at strengthening community resilience and reducing vulnerability to extremist recruitment. The findings will offer actionable, evidence-based insights to guide peacebuilding efforts, contributing to reducing radicalization risks and enhancing stability among refugee communities.

Pradipto Vaskar Rakshit Bio

Pradipto Vaskar Rakshit is a humanitarian professional and social researcher with over six years of experience addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. He has worked with leading national and international nonprofits, contributing to programs focused on humanitarian protection, emergency education, gender justice, social inclusion, and grassroots advocacy for marginalized communities. A 2025 Institute of Civically Engaged Research Fellow with the American Political Science Association (APSA), Pradipto’s academic and practical interests include data-driven humanitarian interventions, forced migration, social movements, and conflicts rooted in race and ethnicity. He holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in International Relations from the University of Dhaka, specializes in participatory research methodologies and qualitative analysis techniques, and remains committed to refugee protection and the defense of human rights in repressive contexts.

Dr. Nicola Williams Bio

Dr. Nicola Williams is a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University's Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. She is a researcher and peacebuilding practitioner with 16 years of experience in international development and international affairs working for INGOs, the UNDP, think tanks, and universities. She has over a decade of on-the-ground experience in South and Southeast Asia in peace negotiations, peacebuilding, violence reduction, governance transitions, and conflict analysis. Nicola has deep Myanmar expertise and experience across Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Currently, Nicola is working on multiple research papers and a book project, “How Civil Wars End: The Influence of Rebel Groups.” She is a published mixed-methods researcher and recipient of several awards and grants. Her research interests include war outcomes, rebel groups, peacemaking, and peacebuilding.