Stefan Döring

Stefan Döring is a Researcher at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University. He maintains additional affiliations as a visiting scholar at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and with the Swedish Centre for Impacts of Climate Extremes (climes). His academic work focuses on the complex relationship between water resources, climate change, and conflict dynamics, with particular emphasis on communal violence patterns and water cooperation mechanisms in vulnerable regions.

Dr. Döring's research centers on the role of water in violent communal conflict, non-state water cooperation, natural resource sharing frameworks, and access to water during armed conflict. His methodological approach integrates geographical information systems (GIS) with peace and conflict studies to analyze spatial patterns of water-related disputes. He examines how drought conditions influence communal violence and how water diplomacy can serve as a mechanism for peacebuilding, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where water scarcity intersects with existing tensions.

His publication record reveals a strong progression in understanding the climate-conflict-water nexus, moving from foundational case studies to more sophisticated analyses of cooperation mechanisms. Recent works demonstrate increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting water-conflict research with mental health interventions, healthcare system resilience, and risk perception studies. This evolution reflects a growing recognition of the multifaceted nature of climate-water-conflict challenges.

As an educator, Dr. Döring serves as Co-Course Convener for Conflict Resolution B (Bachelor level) and Causes of War (Master level), and supervises Bachelor and Master thesis students. He previously served as Course Convener for Methods courses at the Master level, demonstrating his commitment to developing research skills in the next generation of scholars.

Dr. Döring is actively engaged with the Research School for International Water Cooperation (partnering with UNESCO's International Centre for Water Cooperation) and contributes to the Societies at Risk/ViEWS program, which focuses on forecasting societal risks. His collaborative approach connects peace and conflict research with practical applications for water governance in regions affected by climate change and resource scarcity.